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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,265

Est. from national median (67 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,396

Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 lands squarely in manageable territory, but the underlying figures deserve closer scrutiny. Similar entrepreneurship programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $45,000—which actually trails the Missouri median for this field by about $3,400. That gap matters when you're competing for jobs in the same market as graduates from programs like Saint Louis University, where actual reported earnings top $57,000. The estimated $25,400 in debt aligns closely with what entrepreneurship students typically borrow, so repayment shouldn't create undue hardship, but the earnings ceiling appears lower than what peer Missouri programs deliver.

What complicates the picture is that entrepreneurship outcomes vary wildly based on individual paths—some graduates launch ventures that take years to generate income, while others pursue traditional business roles with steadier paychecks. The suppressed data here (too few graduates to report) might actually signal something important: either this program is quite small, or retention through to completion is an issue worth investigating. Without seeing how Lindenwood's actual graduates perform, you're working from national averages that may not reflect this specific school's network, curriculum strength, or placement support.

Before committing, compare Lindenwood's career services specifically for entrepreneurs against Missouri State or SLU. The baseline economics appear workable, but you need evidence this particular program can compete with stronger-performing alternatives in your own state.

Where Lindenwood University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Lindenwood UniversitySaint Charles	$21,100	$45,265*	—	$25,396*	—
Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis	$53,244	$57,411*	—	$25,000*	0.44
Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield	$9,024	$39,840*	—	$21,750*	0.55
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 Lindenwood 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.