Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Baylor University

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.