Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at John Paul the Great Catholic University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$40,890

Est. from CA median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,396

Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

The estimated $25,396 debt load here sits above California's typical $21,656 for entrepreneurship bachelor's programs, while projected first-year earnings of $40,890 land right at the state median—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable at 0.62 but unremarkable. For a specialized Catholic university with a 79% admission rate, parents should recognize they're paying a premium (likely for smaller classes and faith integration) without evidence that it translates to stronger employment outcomes than larger state alternatives like Cal State San Bernardino.

The national picture adds perspective: similar programs across 322 schools typically produce $45,265 in first-year earnings—about $4,400 more than what comparable California programs suggest. Entrepreneurship is inherently variable—some graduates launch successful ventures while others take entry-level positions in small businesses—but the estimation here, drawn from only three CA programs, can't tell us whether John Paul the Great's approach (which emphasizes media and business integration) actually prepares students differently than conventional business programs.

The practical question is whether the Catholic university experience justifies higher debt for earnings that mirror what you'd see at less expensive public options. Without actual graduate outcomes from this specific program, you're betting on institutional fit and network rather than documented career results. If your student is drawn to the faith-based mission and small cohort environment, the debt is serviceable—but recognize this as a values-based choice rather than one supported by employment data.

Where John Paul the Great Catholic University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (11 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
John Paul the Great Catholic UniversityEscondido	$29,500	$40,890*	—	$25,396*	—
University of San FranciscoSan Francisco	$58,222	$43,146*	$83,065	$22,812*	0.53
Ashford UniversitySan Diego	$13,160	$40,890*	$34,015	$46,438*	1.14
California State University-San BernardinoSan Bernardino	$7,675	$37,818*	$33,842	$19,998*	0.53
National Median	—	$45,265*	—	$24,125*	0.53

* Estimated from similar programs

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 John Paul the Great Catholic University, approximately 38% 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 median of 3 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.