Marketing at California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
61
Optimistic
60
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,484/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (54% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (204,300 openings/yr)
ROI 21.5x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #167 of 502 Marketing programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Marketing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $616K $601K $539K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.1x 21.5x 19.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.2x 8.0x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 60 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,920
Out-of-state: $75,440 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$25,920
7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,580
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,053
71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $37,484/yr fall 18% below the $45,450 national median for Marketing. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 21.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Marketing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $17,580 in median debt against $37,484 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #167 ranking among 502 Marketing programs places California State University-Fresno in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $37,484-to-$64,053 earnings arc over five years reflects a 71% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Fresno

California State University-Fresno has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 21,070 in Fresno, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Fresno →

Top Career Paths

Marketing managers $161,030/yr
Sales managers $138,060/yr
Advertising and promotions managers $126,960/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Marketing at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Fresno

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Marketing at California State University-Fresno?
At 60/100, California State University-Fresno's Marketing program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Marketing at California State University-Fresno?
The 54% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State University-Fresno a good choice for Marketing despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Fresno's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →