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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$64,211

95th percentile

Median Debt

$23,962

1% below national median

Analysis

The University of Arizona's entrepreneurship program produces graduates earning $64,211 their first year—42% more than the typical entrepreneurship graduate nationwide and 38% more than Arizona's state median. Among the five Arizona schools offering this degree, only ASU posts comparable first-year numbers, making this one of the strongest entrepreneurship programs in the state despite the university's relatively accessible 86% admission rate.

The financial fundamentals here are remarkably solid. Debt sits right at the state median of $23,962, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 that ranks among the most manageable in business education. Graduates see continued momentum with 20% earnings growth by year four, reaching $76,811. That trajectory suggests the program's entrepreneurial training translates into real career advancement, whether graduates launch their own ventures or apply those skills in established companies.

For parents weighing this against other Arizona options, the math is straightforward: U of A entrepreneurship grads out-earn Grand Canyon grads by $26,000 annually while carrying similar debt. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes. If your child has genuine interest in starting or running businesses, this program delivers both the practical training and the earnings outcomes that justify the investment.

Where University of Arizona Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Arizona 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
University of Arizona	$64,211	$76,811	+20%
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%
Grand Canyon University	$38,454	$49,070	+28%

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (5 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of ArizonaTucson	$13,626	$64,211	$76,811	$23,962	0.37
Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe	$12,051	$46,628	—	$14,154	0.30
Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix	$17,450	$38,454	$49,070	$27,000	0.70
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 University of Arizona, approximately 26% 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 45 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.