Top 10 Best U.S. 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, books, housing, and the average price of the overhead expenses subtracting scholarships/grants. 

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

1. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison takes the crown as the top University across the U.S. 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, over 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 excellent programs, the University also has one of the lowest average net costs for students across the top 10 of $17,234 per year, which factors in fees, books, supplies, and living expenses and subtracts grants/scholarships. Therefore, such a low cost for students and an average annual income of $73,247 in the first year after graduating make 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, which scored 62.46 out of 100. The University of Pennsylvania, commonly called Penn, is a private Ivy League research university 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 career and life success. 

The University offers three marketing courses: 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 a meager admission rate of 9%, resulting in only 10,507 students currently enrolled. The average cost per year is $25,046, and marketing students earn an average of $112,878 in their first year of graduating and $106,756 in their second year. 

3. University of Southern California

In third place is the University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, which scored 61.37 out of 100. The University of Southern California, commonly called USC, is a private research university in Los Angeles, California. 

Founded in 1880, USC has a long and prestigious academic excellence and innovation history. 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 solid 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. For example, with four marketing courses available, its Master of Science in Marketing Program is ranked 6th in the nation by TFE Times. 

Marketing students from the University of Southern California earn the highest median salary, an impressive $113,473, in their first year after graduating. While it only has an admission rate of 16%, completion rates are a special 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

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

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

Established in 1851, the University has a long 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 earn around $87,310 after graduating in their first year and $87,311 in their second year. While there are only 4,217 students at Saint Joseph's, it has an 80% admission rate and an 81% completion rate. However, 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 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 over 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 method is 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, costing $18,919 annually; marketing students earn 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 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 and 200 graduate degree programs. With four marketing courses, 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 earn 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 vital engineering, science, and business programs 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 offers two marketing courses, those pursuing careers after graduating earn an impressive $104,767 in their first year. However, while admission rates are 74%, completion rates are lower at 67%, resulting in only 1639 students currently enrolled in undergraduate programs, the weakest of the top 10. In addition, it sets 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, with 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 vital 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 and campaign management. It 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 annually, graduates earn around $108,764 annually 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 in East Lansing, Michigan. Established in 1855, MSU is known for its vital academic programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and the sciences and 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. While 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

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College is placed tenth in the index, with a score of 54.79 out of 100. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, also known as Baruch College, is a public college in New York City. Founded in 1919, Baruch College is known for its vital 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- the cheapest in the top 10. However, despite fees being low, the average housing cost is around $19,317 per year. Additionally, with two marketing courses, students earn around $55,817 per year after their first year of graduating. 

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