Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Median Earnings (1yr)

$45,767

52nd percentile

Median Debt

$25,666

6% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver	$10,780	$45,767	—	$25,666	0.56
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill	$67,680	$74,446	—	$19,000	0.26
Brown UniversityProvidence	$68,230	$67,900	$111,654	$18,000	0.27
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle	$12,643	$65,177	$79,087	—	—
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth	$57,220	$65,028	—	$25,292	0.39
University of ArizonaTucson	$13,626	$64,211	$76,811	$23,962	0.37
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 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.