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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,265

Est. from TX median (7 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$22,386

Est. from TX median (4 programs)

Analysis

Texas Southmost College's entrepreneurship bachelor's program sits at the median for both estimated earnings and debt when compared to similar programs statewide. Based on comparable programs in Texas, graduates can expect around $45,000 in first-year earnings against roughly $22,400 in debt—a manageable 0.49 ratio that suggests the degree could pay for itself within the first few years of work. That puts this program in the middle tier of Texas entrepreneurship programs, well above Lamar's estimated $32,000 but trailing the state's private universities and flagship publics by $7,000 to $20,000.

The challenge is that entrepreneurship outcomes are notoriously difficult to capture in wage data, since successful business owners don't always show up in employment records the way traditional employees do. The figures here reflect what's typical for entrepreneurship graduates who enter the workforce, not those who launch their own ventures. For a student planning to work for an established company, these numbers provide reasonable guidance. For someone serious about starting their own business, earnings potential depends far more on the venture itself than the credential.

The real value proposition here comes down to cost and location. With estimated debt below both state and national medians, and Brownsville's lower cost of living, this program offers an affordable entry point into business education. Parents should recognize they're working with limited visibility—these estimates tell you what's typical for Texas entrepreneurship programs, not what this specific cohort achieves.

Where Texas Southmost College 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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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Texas Southmost CollegeBrownsville	$3,148	$45,265*	—	$22,386*	—
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 Texas Southmost College, approximately 31% 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.