Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Duquesne University

A Bachelor's in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from Duquesne produces first-year earnings of $48,319—slightly above the national median but notably below the $49,174 typical for Pennsylvania programs. That matters because entrepreneurship programs in this state range from Temple's $50,876 down to Shippensburg's $42,830, and Duquesne lands in the middle of this pack despite its private university tuition structure. The debt figure here is estimated from comparable Duquesne programs at around $25,400, which creates a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio, but prospective students should verify actual costs since private schools can vary significantly in net price depending on aid packages.

The practical challenge is that entrepreneurship degrees depend heavily on what students do with them. Nearly half of graduates earn less than $48,000 in their first year, and launching a business often means accepting lower initial income for potential future upside. Similar programs across Pennsylvania suggest this credential provides a foundation for business ownership rather than immediate high earnings. The 40th percentile state ranking indicates that graduates from other PA schools are typically earning more in year one.

For families considering this program, request Duquesne's actual graduate debt figures and four-year graduation rates. If the real debt load is significantly higher than $25,000, or if your student plans to work for someone else rather than launch their own venture, a traditional business degree at a lower-cost institution might offer better value.