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Best Value General Sales Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Western Governors University stands out with earnings of $71,015 despite a moderate net price of $10,442, making it the top earner among General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations programs. This field connects directly to America's $5.6 trillion retail economy, where merchandising professionals drive product placement and sales strategies across major chains. The cost spectrum spans dramatically from CUNY Baruch's $2,978 net price to St Catherine University's $21,563, yet graduates consistently find strong employment in retail management, brand merchandising, and sales operations. Public universities dominate the value market, with schools like Weber State ($10,722) and University of Houston ($13,853) offering affordable pathways into a sector that employs over 15 million Americans. Ball State graduates earn $69,338 annually, demonstrating how regional programs can yield national-level salaries in sales and merchandising roles.
50
Programs
$2,978 – $42,581
Net Price Range
$47,814
Avg. Program Earnings
60.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,978 $41,837 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
2 $10,442 $71,015 $8,300 50.9%
3 $9,104 $57,318 $8,400 53.2%
4 $10,722 $51,722 $6,391 43.0%
5 $15,898 $69,338 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
6 $9,900 $38,289 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
7 $13,945 $51,750 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
8 $12,932 $46,087 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
9 $13,853 $49,358 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
10 $16,972 $55,964 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
11 $14,981 $47,846 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
12 $21,563 $65,053 $49,758 65.1% 92.5%
13 $17,139 $51,482 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
14 $16,928 $50,439 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
15 $17,764 $52,607 $15,150 47.7% 91.5%
16 $14,761 $41,342 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
17 $20,918 $52,198 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
18 $16,547 $39,729 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
19 $17,365 $39,523 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
20 $23,572 $50,856 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
21 $41,942 $84,653 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
22 $22,673 $45,435 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
23 $28,345 $56,415 $8,886 55.9%
24 $21,344 $42,435 $37,720 62.6% 88.6%
25 $29,694 $46,790 $57,016 70.8% 67.2%
26 $22,978 $36,134 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
27 $21,998 $33,077 $17,692 45.5%
28 $24,532 $36,717 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
29 $19,580 $28,212 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
30 $23,901 $33,993 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
31 $32,977 $46,790 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%
32 $20,095 $25,658 $12,968 80.0% 100.0%
33 $29,558 $37,568 $47,647 58.3% 82.8%
34 $42,581 $48,041 $61,992 80.3% 54.1%
35 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
36 $20,798 $22,194 56.7% 91.3%
37 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
38 $18,990 $8,522 37.5% 69.9%
39 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
40 $17,727 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
41 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
42 $21,423 $25,900 55.2% 96.0%
43 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
44 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
45 $20,924 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
46 $18,305 $14,436 33.3%
47 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
48 $9,104 $8,520 58.1%
49 $32,478 $40,408 54.9% 83.4%
50 $8,264 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Western Governors University worth the higher cost for sales programs?

Western Governors University graduates earn $71,015 annually, the highest among all programs listed, despite a net cost of $10,442. The competency-based learning model allows students to accelerate through coursework, potentially reducing time to degree. However, the graduation rate sits at 50.90%, requiring strong self-motivation and time management skills to succeed in this format.

How do public university costs compare to earnings potential in merchandising?

Public universities offer remarkable value with schools like CUNY Baruch costing just $2,978 while graduates earn $41,837 annually. Weber State provides another strong option at $10,722 net cost with graduates earning $51,722. Even higher-priced public options like University of Wisconsin-Madison ($16,928) deliver solid returns with $50,439 average earnings and an 89.30% graduation rate.

Does location affect earning potential for sales and merchandising graduates?

Geographic factors clearly influence outcomes, with New York-based CUNY Baruch graduates earning $41,837 despite the program's low cost. Utah schools show strong performance, as Western Governors ($71,015) and Weber State ($51,722) both exceed national averages. Southern schools like Kennesaw State produce graduates earning $55,964, reflecting the region's growing retail and distribution sectors.

Is debt load manageable for merchandising program graduates?

Most programs maintain reasonable debt levels, with CUNY Baruch graduates owing just $9,127 on average. Purdue graduates carry $19,451 in debt but earn $51,750 annually, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. American Public University shows concerning debt levels at $43,268, though graduates do earn $57,318, requiring careful financial planning for repayment.

What graduation rates should students expect in sales programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from Weber State's 43.00% to University of Wisconsin-Madison's impressive 89.30%. Purdue maintains strong completion at 83.10% while delivering $51,750 in graduate earnings. St Catherine University achieves 65.10% graduation rates but costs $21,563 net, making it the most expensive option on this list.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.