Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Saint Louis University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$57,411

88th percentile

60th percentile in Missouri

Median Debt

$25,000

4% above national median

Analysis

Saint Louis University's entrepreneurship program produces graduates earning $57,411 in their first year—about $27,000 more than the national median for this field and nearly $9,000 above Missouri's median. That 88th percentile national ranking is impressive, though it's worth noting this is based on fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes can swing these numbers significantly. The $25,000 median debt sits right in the middle of the pack, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 that should be manageable for most graduates.

The Missouri context adds nuance here. While this program outperforms the state median, its 60th percentile ranking among Missouri entrepreneurship programs isn't as dominant as its national standing. Compare it to Missouri State-Springfield's $39,840 median, and the SLU premium becomes clear—though you're also paying for a private university education at a more selective institution. The real question is whether the $17,000 earnings advantage justifies the difference in total cost of attendance.

For a student genuinely committed to entrepreneurship or small business management, these outcomes suggest solid job placement or startup opportunities right out of college. Just remember the small sample caveat: this could represent a handful of particularly successful graduates rather than a consistent pattern. If your child is exploring this path, the low debt burden at least provides flexibility to take entrepreneurial risks without crushing loan payments.

Where Saint Louis University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Saint Louis University 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)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis	$53,244	$57,411	—	$25,000	0.44
Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield	$9,024	$39,840	—	$21,750	0.55
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 Saint Louis University, approximately 15% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.