Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Bradley's entrepreneurial studies bachelor's appears financially conservative based on peer programs, with estimated first-year earnings around $45,300 and debt near $25,400—yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56. Similar entrepreneurship programs nationwide typically produce median earnings of $45,265, suggesting Bradley's estimates align with the field's norms. The debt load, estimated from comparable programs at this private university, sits slightly above the national median for this degree ($24,125), though not dramatically so.
The challenge with entrepreneurship degrees is their wide variance in outcomes—graduates may launch businesses, join family enterprises, or pursue traditional employment, each path producing vastly different early earnings. The estimated $45,300 reflects what similar programs report, but individual results will depend heavily on whether your child succeeds as an entrepreneur or takes a corporate role initially. Business ownership typically means lower reported first-year wages but potential for higher future earnings. The moderate debt burden means your child won't be financially paralyzed if their first venture requires time to become profitable.
Given the small graduate cohort that triggered data suppression, treat this as a boutique program where personal attention and networking may matter more than statistics suggest. The 0.56 debt ratio provides breathing room for entrepreneurial risk-taking—just ensure your child has realistic expectations about startup timelines and early cash flow.
Where Bradley University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all entrepreneurial and small business operations bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,680 | $45,265* | — | $25,396* | — | |
| $51,716 | $45,869* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $45,265* | — | $24,125* | 0.53 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with entrepreneurial and small business operations graduates
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Operations Managers
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 Bradley University, approximately 29% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 67 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.