Est. Earnings (1yr)
$45,265
Est. from TX median (7 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,396
Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

A $25,000 debt load for a degree where first-year earnings hover around $45,000—the state median for Texas entrepreneurship programs—creates a manageable but unexceptional starting point. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 suggests you could theoretically pay off loans in about four years of focused repayment, which isn't alarming. However, the estimated figures here tell us more about what's typical for entrepreneurship bachelor's programs in Texas than what Saint Edward's specifically delivers for its graduates.

The field itself shows enormous variance in outcomes. Top programs in Texas like TCU ($65,000) and Baylor ($59,000) produce significantly higher early earnings, while the lower end sits around $32,000. Where Saint Edward's actually falls in this range remains unclear given the suppressed data. For a tuition-driven private school in Austin—one of the country's most expensive cities and most dynamic startup ecosystems—you'd hope the location advantage would push outcomes above the state median rather than simply matching it.

The practical question is whether this degree provides better career launching power than starting a business directly or pursuing lower-cost alternatives. If your child is genuinely entrepreneurial, some would argue the real education comes from trying and failing with actual ventures rather than accumulating five-figure debt studying business theory. The data limitations here make this more of a gut-check decision about the value of Saint Edward's network and curriculum than a clear financial calculation.

Where Saint Edward's University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (16 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Saint Edward's UniversityAustin$51,384$45,265*—$25,396*—
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth$57,220$65,028*—$25,292*0.39
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$59,052*$78,193$19,375*0.33
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$52,752*—$11,100*0.21
University of North TexasDenton$11,164$45,265*$55,824$19,365*0.43
Lamar UniversityBeaumont$8,690$32,129*$37,736$25,406*0.79
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 Saint Edward's University, approximately 39% 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 7 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.