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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$32,129

12th percentile

25th percentile in Texas

Median Debt

$25,406

5% above national median

Analysis

Lamar University's entrepreneurship program graduates earn $32,129 in their first year—$13,000 below the Texas median and roughly $20,000 less than what graduates from the University of Houston or University of North Texas earn with the same degree. At the 25th percentile among Texas programs, this places Lamar in the bottom quarter of in-state options, where most students will be competing for admission and comparing financial aid packages.

The 18% earnings growth over four years offers some hope, bringing graduates to $37,736 by year four, but even this improved figure falls short of what peers at similar Texas public universities earn right out of the gate. The debt load of $25,406 isn't unusually high—it's actually close to the national median—but paired with below-average earnings, it creates a debt-to-income ratio of 0.79 that will require careful budgeting in those early career years.

For Texas families, the numbers tell a clear story: if your child is considering entrepreneurship programs within the state system, schools like UH or UNT deliver substantially better financial outcomes at comparable or lower costs. Lamar's 86% admission rate and strong access mission (44% Pell recipients) make it an important option for students who need a nearby, accessible path to a bachelor's degree, but families should plan for modest starting salaries and potentially explore whether entrepreneurship coursework combined with a different major might strengthen job prospects.

Where Lamar University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Lamar 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
Lamar University	$32,129	$37,736	+17%
Brown University	$67,900	$111,654	+64%
University of San Francisco	$43,146	$83,065	+93%
Baylor University	$59,052	$78,193	+32%
University of North Texas	$45,265	$55,824	+23%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (16 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Lamar UniversityBeaumont	$8,690	$32,129	$37,736	$25,406	0.79
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth	$57,220	$65,028	—	$25,292	0.39
Baylor UniversityWaco	$54,844	$59,052	$78,193	$19,375	0.33
University of HoustonHouston	$9,711	$52,752	—	$11,100	0.21
University of North TexasDenton	$11,164	$45,265	$55,824	$19,365	0.43
Dallas Baptist UniversityDallas	$38,140	$31,694	—	—	—
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 Lamar University, approximately 44% 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 31 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.