Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Arizona State's entrepreneurship program stands out for one compelling reason: graduates carry nearly 40% less debt than the typical business-focused program nationally, while earning right at the national median. That $14,154 debt load ranks in the 95th percentile—meaning only 5% of similar programs nationwide leave students with less debt. Among Arizona's five entrepreneurship programs, ASU lands in the middle for earnings but far ahead on affordability.

The first-year salary of $46,628 won't impress anyone, and it's worth noting the top-earning entrepreneurship grads in Arizona (from U of A) make 38% more right out of the gate. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than four months of gross earnings—a fundamentally different position than peers at most schools who face debt loads equivalent to six months of income or more.

For families concerned about financial risk, this program minimizes downside while maintaining reasonable upside. The moderate sample size suggests stable data, and ASU's 90% admission rate means access isn't a barrier. If your child is set on studying entrepreneurship in Arizona and you want to avoid crushing debt, this delivers solid value—even if it won't produce the highest earners.