Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Missouri State University-Springfield

Median Earnings (1yr)

$39,840

31st percentile

25th percentile in Missouri

Median Debt

$21,750

10% below national median

Analysis

Missouri State's entrepreneurial program graduates earn roughly $40,000 their first year out—not just below the national median, but trailing most other Missouri programs by a significant margin. At the 25th percentile statewide, this means three-quarters of similar programs in Missouri deliver better starting salaries. The gap is stark: the state median for this degree sits at $49,000, nearly $9,000 above what Missouri State graduates typically see.

The debt load here is moderate at $21,750, and the 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates can manage repayment. That's the silver lining. But when nearby Saint Louis University's entrepreneurship grads start at $57,000—over $17,000 more—parents should ask what accounts for the difference. Is it curriculum, network access, or simply student selection? With Missouri State's 91% admission rate, the program may be more accessible but appears less competitive in placement outcomes.

The real caution: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances could vary widely. Still, ranking in the bottom quartile among Missouri programs suggests this isn't just statistical noise. For a field where connections and practical experience matter enormously, graduates here seem to be starting their entrepreneurial careers from a lower financial baseline than peers across the state.

Where Missouri State University-Springfield Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Missouri State University-Springfield graduates compare to all 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)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield	$9,024	$39,840	—	$21,750	0.55
Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis	$53,244	$57,411	—	$25,000	0.44
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 Missouri State University-Springfield, approximately 21% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.