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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$49,099

67th percentile

60th percentile in Iowa

Median Debt

$27,000

12% above national median

Analysis

Buena Vista's entrepreneurship program starts strong but shows a troubling reversal: graduates earn nearly $50,000 their first year out—well above the national median of $45,265 and comparable to what Iowa State grads make. But by year four, earnings have dropped to $46,614, bucking the usual pattern where business degree holders gain ground as they establish their careers. This backward slide is unusual for an entrepreneurship program, where early business ventures typically gain traction over time rather than lose it.

The debt picture offers some consolation. At $27,000, graduates carry manageable loans that rank in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 that's quite favorable. This suggests students aren't overleveraging themselves to attend Buena Vista. The school's 43% Pell grant population also indicates it's accessible to students from various economic backgrounds.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it statistically shaky. The earnings decline could reflect a handful of students changing career paths rather than a systematic problem with the program. Given the small sample and the unclear earnings trajectory, parents should dig deeper—request alumni outcomes directly from the school and talk to recent graduates about their post-graduation experiences. The fundamentals aren't alarming, but the limited data makes this more of a question mark than a sure bet.

Where Buena Vista University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Buena Vista 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
Buena Vista University	$49,099	$46,614	-5%
Brown University	$67,900	$111,654	+64%
University of San Francisco	$43,146	$83,065	+93%
University of Washington-Seattle Campus	$65,177	$79,087	+21%
Baylor University	$59,052	$78,193	+32%

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (6 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Buena Vista UniversityStorm Lake	$40,190	$49,099	$46,614	$27,000	0.55
Iowa State UniversityAmes	$10,497	$46,374	—	$21,500	0.46
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 Buena Vista University, approximately 43% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.