Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Pitzer College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$40,890

Est. from CA median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,396

Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

Pitzer's highly selective environment doesn't translate into standout earnings projections for this entrepreneurship degree. Based on comparable programs in California, first-year earnings around $41,000 fall short of the $45,000 national median for entrepreneurial studies bachelor's degrees—surprising given the school's 17% admission rate and competitive positioning. With estimated debt at $25,000, graduates would be dedicating about 62% of their first year's salary to their educational investment, a ratio that exceeds what most financial advisors recommend.

The challenge here is context: entrepreneurship programs often attract students planning to launch their own ventures, where early earnings figures may not capture eventual success. However, peer programs across California show a tight range—from about $38,000 to $43,000—suggesting the field itself faces earning limitations in those crucial first years when loan payments loom largest. Even the top-performing California program in this field barely cracks $43,000.

For parents funding a Pitzer education specifically for entrepreneurial studies, this presents a tension. You're investing private-college tuition for outcomes that currently track with less selective state schools. If your child has the entrepreneurial drive and network access that Pitzer provides, those advantages might materialize beyond year one. But if the bachelor's degree itself is the primary credential being purchased, these estimated figures suggest the premium may be difficult to justify on pure financial terms.

Where Pitzer College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in California

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Pitzer CollegeClaremont	$62,692	$40,890*	—	$25,396*	—
University of San FranciscoSan Francisco	$58,222	$43,146*	$83,065	$22,812*	0.53
Ashford UniversitySan Diego	$13,160	$40,890*	$34,015	$46,438*	1.14
California State University-San BernardinoSan Bernardino	$7,675	$37,818*	$33,842	$19,998*	0.53
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 Pitzer College, approximately 10% 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 median of 3 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.