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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$55,039

83rd percentile

80th percentile in New York

Median Debt

$26,350

9% above national median

Analysis

Syracuse's entrepreneurial program produces unusually strong outcomes for what can be a hit-or-miss field. Starting at $55,039, graduates earn 22% more than the national median for this major and nearly 50% more than the typical New York program. Among the 17 New York schools offering this degree, Syracuse ranks in the 80th percentile—you're paying for a program that demonstrably outperforms most alternatives, even the state's other respected business schools.

The debt picture reinforces the value. At $26,350, graduates owe slightly more than the national median but carry a very manageable 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio. What matters more: earnings jump 25% by year four to $68,507, meaning that initial debt becomes increasingly affordable. This growth trajectory suggests the entrepreneurial network and Syracuse's business school credentials provide real labor market advantages beyond the first job.

For parents evaluating Syracuse's premium tuition, this program delivers returns that justify the investment. Your child graduates with debt roughly equivalent to a modest car loan but earns significantly more than peers from competing programs—and that earnings gap widens over time. The sample size is moderate rather than large, but the pattern is clear: this program opens doors that many entrepreneurship degrees don't.

Where Syracuse University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Syracuse University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Syracuse University	$55,039	$68,507	+24%
Brown University	$67,900	$111,654	+64%
University of San Francisco	$43,146	$83,065	+93%
University of Washington-Seattle Campus	$65,177	$79,087	+21%
Clarkson University	$37,753	$52,566	+39%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (17 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse	$63,061	$55,039	$68,507	$26,350	0.48
Clarkson UniversityPotsdam	$57,950	$37,753	$52,566	$27,000	0.72
Fashion Institute of TechnologyNew York	$6,170	$24,387	—	$19,500	0.80
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 Syracuse University, approximately 16% 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 54 graduates with reported earnings and 52 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.