Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Metropolitan State's entrepreneurship program produces graduates earning nearly $46,000 right out of school—essentially matching the national median while carrying slightly above-average debt at about $26,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 means students owe roughly half their first year's salary, which falls comfortably within manageable territory. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data.
What's harder to assess here is Metro State's unique position: it's the only school in our dataset offering this bachelor's in Colorado, so the "60th percentile" state ranking is essentially meaningless. You're really evaluating this program against national standards, where it lands squarely in the middle of the pack. For a school with a 99% acceptance rate serving a substantial population of Pell Grant students, these mid-range outcomes suggest the program does what it promises without exceptional standout performance.
The practical calculus is straightforward: if your student is interested in entrepreneurship and wants to stay in Denver, this program offers reasonable outcomes at a manageable debt load. The earnings aren't spectacular, but they're competitive with similar programs nationwide. Just remember that entrepreneurship programs often see wide variance in outcomes since success depends heavily on individual ventures—some graduates launch thriving businesses while others take traditional jobs. Given the data limitations, consider connecting with recent alumni to understand what paths they've actually taken.
Where Metropolitan State University of Denver Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all entrepreneurial and small business operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates compare to all programs nationally
Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 52th percentile of all entrepreneurial and small business operations bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | $45,767 | — | $25,666 | 0.56 |
| National Median | $45,265 | — | $24,125 | 0.53 |
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 Metropolitan State University of Denver, approximately 35% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.