Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$49,175

Est. from PA median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,396

Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

Similar entrepreneurship programs in Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $49,000—slightly above the national median for this degree—while estimated debt of $25,400 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52. That's a reasonable starting point, though the four-year earnings figure of $51,800 reveals minimal income growth in those crucial early career years. For a bachelor's degree from a private university, this stagnation warrants attention.

The estimated debt load aligns closely with both state and national norms for entrepreneurship programs, and the 0.52 ratio suggests graduates could theoretically pay off loans within about three years if they commit aggressively. However, peer programs at Temple and Drexel show similar earnings trajectories, and Saint Joseph's selective admissions profile (1256 average SAT) doesn't appear to translate into outsized financial outcomes compared to the broader Pennsylvania market.

The flat earnings curve between years one and four is the real concern here. Most bachelor's degrees show meaningful salary progression during that period, but this program's trajectory suggests entrepreneurship graduates may hit an early ceiling—whether they're launching ventures, working for startups, or taking small business roles. Before committing to Saint Joseph's specific program, request data on actual graduate outcomes and career paths, since these estimates can't tell you whether this particular program delivers the mentorship, networks, and practical experience that make entrepreneurship education worth the private-school price tag.

Where Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia Stands

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia	—	$51,795	—
Brown University	$67,900	$111,654	+64%
University of San Francisco	$43,146	$83,065	+93%
Drexel University	$50,030	$67,226	+34%
Temple University	$50,876	$65,982	+30%

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (21 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia	$51,340	$49,175*	$51,795	$25,396*	—
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia	$22,082	$50,876*	$65,982	$24,250*	0.48
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia	$60,663	$50,030*	$67,226	—*	—
Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh	$47,146	$48,319*	—	—*	—
Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaShippensburg	$13,544	$42,830*	—	$24,000*	0.56
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 Joseph's University - Philadelphia, approximately 18% 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 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.