Top 10 Best US Universities for a Marketing Career Revealed

Rankings are based on several factors measured annually including admission rates, completion rates, median graduation earnings, the average cost of tuition, average costs of books, average cost of housing and average total cost of the above expenses subtracting scholarships/grants. 

As the field of marketing continues to evolve and become increasingly competitive, the importance of obtaining a quality education in the discipline cannot be overstated. With so many universities offering marketing programs in the United States, it can be challenging to determine which institutions are the best suited for a career in marketing. Listed below are the top 10 universities for a marketing career in the United States. 

1. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison takes the crown as the top university across the US for a career in marketing, scoring 62.62 out of 100 in the study. A world-renowned public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, UW-Madison is the flagship institution of the University of Wisconsin System.

With over 45,000 students and more than 200 undergraduate majors and 250 graduate degree programs, UW-Madison offers a diverse and enriching educational experience. Specific to its marketing offerings, it has six courses available exploring several elements including Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research, Brand Management & Strategy and Marketing in a Digital Age. With an admission rate of 57%, and a completion rate of 88%, there are currently 31,651 undergraduate students studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Coupled with its great programs, the university also has one of the lowest average net costs for students across the top 10 of $17,234 per year; a figure that factors in fees, books, supplies, living expenses, subtracts grants / scholarships. Therefore, with such a low cost for students and an average annual income of $73,247 in the first year after graduating makes it the top university for a marketing career across the U.S.

2. University of Pennsylvania

Placing second is The University of Pennsylvania, based in Philadelphia, it achieved a score of 62.46 out of 100. The University of Pennsylvania, commonly referred to as Penn, is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1740, Penn is one of the oldest universities in the United States and has a reputation for academic excellence, intellectual rigor, and innovation.

The university offers over 400 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 12 schools, including the world-renowned Wharton School of Business. With a diverse student body, outstanding faculty, and a vibrant campus culture, Penn provides students with a challenging and rewarding educational experience that prepares them for success in their careers and in life.

The university offers four courses pertaining to Marketing: Marketing Concentration MKTG, Marketing and Communication Dual Concentration MKCM, and Marketing and Operations Management Joint Concentration MAOM. 

While it has an impressive completion rate of 96%, it also has an extremely low admission rate of 9% resulting in only 10,507 students currently enrolled. The average cost per year is $25,046, and marketing students are earning an average $112,878 in their first year of graduating and $106,756 in their second year. 

3. University of Southern California

In third place is University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, it achieved a score of 61.37 out of 100. The University of Southern California, commonly referred to as USC, is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California.

Founded in 1880, USC has a long and prestigious history of academic excellence and innovation. The university offers over 400 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 23 schools, including the highly regarded Marshall School of Business and the School of Cinematic Arts. With a diverse and talented student body, renowned faculty, and a strong commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, USC provides students with a dynamic and rewarding educational experience that prepares them for success in their chosen fields. With four marketing courses available, its Master of Science in Marketing Program is ranked 6th in the nation by TFE Times. 

Marketing students from University of Southern California are earning the highest median salary, at an impressive $113,473 in their first year after graduating. Whilst it only has an admission rate of 16%, completion rates are an impressive 92%, this program provides tools, concepts, frameworks, critical thinking skills and practical hands-on projects in areas of interest that include entertainment, sports entertainment, luxury and lifestyle, technology, healthcare and marketing start-ups. 

4. Saint Joseph's University

Taking fourth place is Saint Joseph's University, with a score of 59.14 out of 100. 

Saint Joseph's University is a private Catholic Jesuit university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Established in 1851, the university has a long history of academic excellence and a commitment to social justice and community engagement. With a focus on providing a comprehensive education that emphasizes intellectual rigor, ethical leadership, and a global perspective, Saint Joseph's University offers over 50 undergraduate majors, 30 graduate programs, and a wide range of professional and continuing education opportunities.

With six marketing courses available, marketing students are earning around $87,310 after graduating in their first year, and $87,311 in their second year. Whilst there are only 4,217 students at Saint Joseph’s, it has an 80% admission rate and an 81% completion rate. Out of the top 10 it does cost the most for students, at $910 per year.

5. Texas A & M University-College Station

Texas A & M University-College Station scrapes the top five, with a score of 58.97 out of 100. Texas A&M University-College Station is a public research university located in College Station, Texas.

Founded in 1876, Texas A&M is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the United States, with over 70,000 students enrolled in more than 1,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This university offers the most marketing courses from the top 10, with seven available to choose from; its most popular course being MSc in Marketing at Texas A&M University, a 10.5-month program, on-campus on a full-time basis. It also has the most undergraduate students out of the top 10 universities, with a staggering 54,942. It is the second cheapest for students with a cost of $18,919 per year, marketing students are earning around $70,264 in their first year after graduating.  

6. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the sixth best course for marketing, with a score of 58.43 out of 100, just missing the top five. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Founded in 1851, the university is the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota system and offers over 150 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as 200 graduate degree programs. With four marketing courses on offer, it offers a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, with courses exploring business writing, international marketing and internet marketing. There are currently 30,907 undergraduate students enrolled at this University, aided by an admission rate is 70%, with a positive 84% completion rate. Students are earning a median of $76,032 in their first year of graduating.

7. Kettering University

Kettering University places seventh in the index, scoring 57.46 out of 100.  Kettering University is a private research university located in Flint, Michigan.

Founded in 1919, Kettering University is known for its strong programs in engineering, science, and business, and its focus on experiential learning and practical, hands-on experience. With a student body of around 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Kettering University provides students with a personalized educational experience and a close-knit campus community. While this University only has two marketing courses on offers, those who are pursuing careers after graduating are earning an impressive $104,767 in their first year. While admission rates are 74%, completion rates are lower at 67%, resulting in only 1639 students currently enrolled in undergraduate programs, the lowest of the top 10. It is setting students back $33,472 per year in expenses such as fees, books, supplies and living expenses. 

8. Vanderbilt University

In eighth place is Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, which has a score of 57.03 out of 100. Vanderbilt University is a private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Established in 1873, Vanderbilt is known for its strong academic programs in the arts and sciences, engineering, education, and business, as well as its commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.

With a student body of around 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Vanderbilt provides students with a challenging and transformative educational experience and a supportive campus community. Vanderbilt University only offers one marketing course, known as the Digital Marketing Boot Camp. This 18-week program teaches skills in marketing strategies, campaign management, and explores elements including search engine optimization (SEO), paid and organic social media, marketing analytics, audience building, and display and pay-per-click advertising. With an average net cost of $19,970 per year, graduates are earning around $108,764 per year after their first year of graduating. 

9. Michigan State University

Michigan State University takes ninth place. Michigan State University (MSU) is a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. Established in 1855, MSU is known for its strong academic programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and the sciences, as well as its commitment to sustainability and social justice.

With a student body of around 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students, MSU provides students with a dynamic and engaging educational experience and a vibrant campus community. With a score of 55.38 out of 100, there are currently 38,413 undergraduate students enrolled. With three marketing courses available, students can study a major in marketing with programs including Entrepreneurship, Strategic Marketing Planning and Launch, Sales Management and Product Innovation and Management. Whilst an average net cost is around $19,058 per year, it has a 76% admission rate and an 81% competition rate. 

10. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Placing tenth in the index is CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, with a score of 54.79 out of 100.  CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, also known as Baruch College, is a public college located in New York City. Founded in 1919, Baruch College is known for its strong academic programs in business, public policy and the social sciences. With a student body of around 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Baruch College provides students with a high-quality education and a vibrant campus community in the heart of Manhattan.

Based in New York, this college only has an average net cost of $2,264 per year- being the cheapest in the top 10. However, despite fees being low, the average housing cost is around $19,317 per year. With two marketing courses on offer, students are earning around $55,817 per year after their first year of graduating. 

The top 10 universities for a marketing career in the US all provide a comprehensive education and a solid foundation for a successful career in the field. Despite differing in elements such as reputation, program offerings, average gradate salaries and alumni outcomes, they all have one thing in common: a commitment to preparing students for the ever-evolving marketing industry. Coupled with drive and motivated of their own, graduates from these 10 universities can expect to have a competitive edge in the job market and be well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the marketing industry.

Story credit: bookyourdata.com