Top 10 Community Colleges That Offer Marketing Programs 2026

Starting your marketing education at a community college gives you both affordability and flexibility. Marketing programs at community colleges lead to associate degrees that cover core business and marketing skills. You can also transfer the associate degree to a bachelor’s degree program.

You’ll gain practical training in areas like promotion, digital tools, and consumer behavior, all at a fraction of the cost of a university. Keep reading to find out more about the best community colleges for marketing so you can launch your career or continue your studies.

Do Community Colleges Offer Marketing?

Yes, many community colleges provide affordable pathways into the field of marketing. At community colleges offering marketing, you’ll find associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs that build both business knowledge and practical marketing skills. Typical courses include: 

• advertising 
• sales
• consumer behavior 
• digital marketing 

These courses are often paired with general business and communications classes. You’ll be prepared for entry-level roles or a smooth transfer into a bachelor’s degree. 

What Types of Marketing Degrees Do Community Colleges Offer?

You’ll have several options at community colleges with marketing degrees. Many schools offer associate programs in business administration with a marketing emphasis, or dedicated associate degrees in marketing itself. Short-term certificates are also common, focusing on digital marketing, sales, or retail management for students who want quick, career-focused training. 

Some colleges even allow you to declare marketing as your major at the associate level, which gives you a direct pathway into the field while also keeping transfer opportunities open for a bachelor’s degree.

Top 10 Community Colleges That Offer Marketing Programs

These community colleges provide affordable marketing pathways with strong transfer options and hands-on learning. Each program builds practical business and marketing skills, preparing you for entry-level jobs or continued study at a four-year university.

1. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) in Asheville, NC, offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in business administration with a concentration in marketing and retailing. Courses cover marketing principles, retailing, merchandising, selling, advertising, and essential business technology. You’ll also gain a solid foundation in core business topics to round out your training.

Because the program is workforce-based, it’s made to help you step into entry-level marketing or retail positions quickly. Stackable courses create clear career pathways, and applied projects connect classroom concepts to real-world situations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit hour (in-state); $268 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study are available by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Valencia College

Valencia College in Orlando, FL, offers an Associate in Science (AS) in business administration with a marketing emphasis that teaches foundational business courses with specialized marketing training. You’ll study digital tools, promotion, and market research alongside business basics.

The program is also designed for transfer, aligning with Florida’s public university system so your credits move smoothly into a bachelor’s program. That makes it a cost-efficient starting point whether you want to step directly into entry-level marketing roles or continue toward advanced study.

• Estimated tuition cost: $103 per credit hour (in-state); $390 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study are available
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Cuyahoga Community College

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Cleveland, OH, offers a business management program with a marketing track that provides essential business courses with marketing-specific training. You’ll explore market research, promotion, digital marketing, and retailing while also strengthening general business and communication skills.

To help you apply what you learn, Tri-C emphasizes real-world projects and connects students to internships and employer networks across the Cleveland market. These opportunities give you the chance to build experience in marketing support roles while preparing for transfer to a four-year program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $130 per credit hour (in-county); $159 (in-state); $296 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study are all available.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Sinclair Community College 

Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH, offers an AAS in marketing that focuses on the skills employers look for most. You’ll study promotion, digital marketing, selling, and market analysis, along with communication and business fundamentals. Coursework is paired with labs and project-based learning so you can start building a professional portfolio while still in school.

Because the program is career-oriented, it prepares you for immediate entry into roles in retail, agency support, or in-house marketing departments. Flexible evening and weekday class options make it a practical choice for working students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $146 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study are financial aid options.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Madison Area Technical College

Madison Area Technical College in Madison, WI, offers a marketing program designed to help you step confidently into today’s job market. Courses cover advertising, digital marketing, consumer behavior, and campaign planning, balanced with core business and communication skills. You’ll also take on hands-on projects that help you create a portfolio showcasing your abilities.

The program is built to open multiple doors: you can pursue entry-level jobs in marketing, social media, or retail, or transfer to a bachelor’s program with support from faculty advisors. Madison’s career services team also connects students with employers in the region

• .Estimated tuition cost: $153 per credit hour (in-state); $229 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FAFSA-based grants, institutional scholarships, loans, and virtual/in-person advising are available through Madison College.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) in Green Bay, WI, offers marketing programs made to get you into the workforce quickly. You’ll take courses in marketing principles, digital tools, promotion, and customer engagement, with projects that mirror the needs of local industries. These applied experiences give you confidence for roles in retail, sales support, or small-business marketing.

The program also features stackable credentials, so you can earn certificates along the way to an associate degree. That flexibility means you can enter the job market sooner and continue building your education at your own pace.

• Estimated tuition cost: $171 per credit hour (resident); $247 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and other aid options are offered by NWTC.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College, with campuses across Indiana, offers a business administration program that incorporates key marketing coursework. You’ll study the principles of marketing, digital marketing basics, and business communications while gaining the core knowledge needed to succeed in business-related fields.

The program is flexible, with both online and campus options available, making it easier to balance school and work. Ivy Tech also stands out for its transfer agreements and direct-to-work pathways, which open opportunities whether you plan to continue into a bachelor’s program or step into the job market.

• Estimated tuition cost: $172 per credit hour (in-state); $331 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FAFSA-based grants, scholarships, fee remissions, and campus financial-aid offices help students find support.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Des Moines Area Community College

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Ankeny, IA, offers a business administration pathway with a marketing emphasis that includes consumer behavior, promotion, and digital tools with accounting and management coursework. This mix gives you versatility to work in both small-business and corporate settings.

Advisors work closely with you to build a degree plan that matches your goals, whether that means transferring to a four-year school or stepping into the workforce after graduation. Career services also connect students to internships and employer networks, helping you gain experience before you graduate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $201 per credit hour (in-state); $231 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FAFSA-based grants, scholarships, loans, and campus aid advising are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA, offers a marketing and marketing management program that balances applied skills with broader business training. You’ll study brand promotion, social media, sales, and market research while also taking business communications and project-based classes that prepare you for real-world settings.

Hands-on learning is a hallmark of Kirkwood’s program, with opportunities to create a portfolio that demonstrates your abilities. The college also maintains strong ties with local employers, giving you access to internships and career connections.

• Estimated tuition cost: $221 per credit hour (in-state); $296 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FAFSA-driven grants, scholarships, and loans are available options.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Foothill College

Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, CA, offers marketing and public relations programs that combine strategy, digital promotion, and communications with studio-style projects. You’ll work with industry tools and graduate with professional samples that highlight your skills to employers.

The program offers flexibility with both transfer pathways and certificates for faster workforce entry. Many instructors bring professional marketing backgrounds into the classroom, giving you insights that bridge theory with industry practice. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $280 per unit
• Financial aid: Foothill’s Financial Aid office provides FAFSA help, scholarships, fee remissions, and student support services.
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

How We Rank Schools

We rank marketing programs by the factors that matter most for students preparing to transfer or start a career. Accreditation, affordability, program reputation, and hands-on learning ensure you receive valuable preparation.

• Accreditation: Each college must be regionally accredited so your degree or certificate is widely recognized and transferable.
• Affordability: Tuition rates and financial aid options are reviewed to highlight programs that remain accessible for students.
• Program reputation: Faculty support, graduate outcomes, and employer partnerships help identify schools with strong track records.

Career Opportunities With an Associate Degree in Marketing

Earning an associate degree in marketing can open the door to several entry-level career paths. Graduates often find work in sales, retail management, advertising support, or digital marketing, where skills in promotion, consumer behavior, and communication are in high demand. Some students also move into roles supporting market research or small-business operations. 

While an associate degree can qualify you for immediate employment, many graduates choose to continue their studies by transferring into a bachelor’s program. This step can expand career opportunities in areas like brand management, market analysis, or strategic communications.

How Much Does a Marketing Degree at Community College Cost?

The cost of a marketing associate degree at a community college is usually much lower than at a four-year university. Most schools charge somewhere between $75 and $300 per credit for in-state students, compared to two or three times that at universities. 

On top of already low tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and work-study can help cover expenses. That makes community colleges one of the most budget-friendly ways to start building marketing skills while keeping your options open for transfer later.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Marketing Degree at Community College?

If you’re going for a certificate in marketing, you can usually finish in less than a year, especially if you’re studying full time. An associate degree typically takes about two years to complete, but that timeline can shift depending on your schedule. 

Transfer students who bring in credits might move through faster, while part-time learners often take a little longer. Community colleges are pretty flexible, so you can usually find a pace that works for your goals and lifestyle.

Why Choose a Community College Marketing Program?

Community colleges with good marketing programs give you practical and affordable ways to break into the field. These schools focus on building the core skills you need while keeping tuition low and transfer options open.

• You’ll pay significantly less for an associate degree compared to starting at a four-year university.
• Smaller class sizes give you more one-on-one support from instructors.
• Clear transfer pathways make it easier to continue into a bachelor’s program.
• Career-focused training builds skills in sales, digital marketing, and advertising.
• Internship opportunities provide practical experience to strengthen your resume.

You can find good community colleges for marketing all across the country, many of which have strong advising teams and local transfer agreements with nearby universities. These connections make it easier to plan your next steps and stay on track toward a bachelor’s degree if that’s your goal.

It’s also worth looking into community colleges with marketing programs near you, since local schools often have the lowest tuition and strong ties with area businesses. Those community connections can be a big advantage when it comes to landing internships, networking, or finding that first marketing job.

FAQs About Community Colleges That Offer Marketing Programs

If you’re thinking about studying marketing at a community college, you probably have a few questions. Below you’ll find answers about program length, costs, transfer options, and career opportunities to help you figure out if this path makes sense for you.

Is a Community College Marketing Degree Worth It?

Yes, an associate degree in marketing from a community college can absolutely be worth it. These programs teach you the fundamentals of promotion, sales, and digital tools so you’re prepared for entry-level jobs right after graduation. On top of that, the degree often transfers smoothly into a bachelor’s program, giving you both immediate career options and long-term flexibility.

Do Community Colleges Offer Online Marketing Programs?

Many community colleges now offer marketing programs in online or hybrid formats, giving you the freedom to study from home or fit classes around a busy schedule. You’ll cover the same material, like advertising, digital marketing, and consumer behavior, just delivered in a more flexible format. For working students, online pathways make it easier to balance education with other responsibilities.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an Associate Degree in Marketing?

On average, it takes about two years of full-time study to finish an associate degree in marketing. If you’re looking for a faster option, certificates in areas like digital marketing or sales often take less than a year. Part-time students may take longer, but community colleges are designed to accommodate different schedules so you can move at your own pace.

Are Community College Marketing Programs Transferable to Universities?

Yes, most community college marketing programs are built with transfer in mind. Many schools have articulation agreements with nearby universities, which means your credits can count directly toward a bachelor’s degree in marketing or business. This setup saves you time and money while making sure the work you put in at community college moves you closer to your long-term goals.

Is It Worth It To Go to College for Marketing?

Going to college for marketing is often worth it because it gives you structured training in areas like sales, advertising, digital tools, and consumer behavior. Those skills help you qualify for better entry-level jobs and prepare for career growth. While some people learn on the job, a degree can open doors to advancement opportunities that might otherwise be harder to reach.

Explore Marketing Degrees

Explore more associate degrees and transfer programs in business, marketing, and management on Learn.org. Compare affordable community college options and find the program that fits your career goals and budget.