Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Baylor University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$59,052

91st percentile

80th percentile in Texas

Median Debt

$19,375

20% below national median

Analysis

Baylor's entrepreneurship program outperforms 91% of similar programs nationally and 80% within Texas—impressive positioning for a field where many graduates struggle to break $45,000 in their first year. While the $59,000 starting salary trails Texas Christian by about $6,000, it's substantially ahead of most in-state alternatives and represents excellent value given Baylor's $19,375 median debt, which is notably lower than the $24,000 national benchmark. The 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can reasonably pay off their loans in under a year if they prioritize it.

The 32% earnings growth to $78,000 by year four suggests Baylor graduates are either launching successful ventures or landing strong positions in growth-oriented companies. This trajectory matters in entrepreneurship, where early-career experimentation often precedes higher earnings. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these figures, though outcomes will naturally vary more in entrepreneurship than in traditional career paths.

For parents weighing the investment, Baylor delivers what entrepreneurship programs should: manageable debt paired with earnings that create real financial flexibility. The combination of strong network effects from a selective private university and practical business training appears to be working. If your student is genuinely entrepreneurial rather than just attracted to the major's flexibility, this program offers a solid foundation without the financial burden that could limit their ability to take calculated risks after graduation.

Where Baylor University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all entrepreneurial and small business operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Baylor University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Baylor University	$59,052	$78,193	+32%
Brown University	$67,900	$111,654	+64%
University of San Francisco	$43,146	$83,065	+93%
University of North Texas	$45,265	$55,824	+23%
Lamar University	$32,129	$37,736	+17%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (16 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Baylor UniversityWaco	$54,844	$59,052	$78,193	$19,375	0.33
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth	$57,220	$65,028	—	$25,292	0.39
University of HoustonHouston	$9,711	$52,752	—	$11,100	0.21
University of North TexasDenton	$11,164	$45,265	$55,824	$19,365	0.43
Lamar UniversityBeaumont	$8,690	$32,129	$37,736	$25,406	0.79
Dallas Baptist UniversityDallas	$38,140	$31,694	—	—	—
National Median	—	$45,265	—	$24,125	0.53

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with entrepreneurial and small business operations graduates

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Operations Managers

Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Baylor University, approximately 13% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 64 graduates with reported earnings and 64 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.