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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$55,864

85th percentile

60th percentile in Ohio

Median Debt

$25,813

7% above national median

Analysis

University of Dayton's entrepreneurship program graduates earn $55,864 in their first year—nearly $8,000 more than the typical Ohio graduate in this field and $10,000 above the national median. While this lands them at the 60th percentile statewide, it's the earnings trajectory that sets this program apart: graduates see incomes climb to $67,735 by year four, a 21% increase that suggests the entrepreneurial skills taught here translate to real career acceleration. The debt load of $25,813 remains manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 that should be repayable within reasonable timeframes.

What's particularly striking is how this program outperforms comparable Ohio options. The state's top entrepreneurship programs—including all three Miami University campuses and Kent State—see graduates earning around $47,000, a full $8,000 less than Dayton grads. This gap suggests that Dayton's connections to the local business community or its curriculum approach provides tangible advantages in the job market.

For parents weighing cost against outcomes, this represents solid value. Your child would graduate with below-average debt for this field while earning well above what most entrepreneurship majors make—both in Ohio and nationally. The moderate sample size means some year-to-year variation is possible, but the overall financial picture points to a program that delivers on its promise to prepare students for business success.

Where University of Dayton Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Dayton 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 Dayton	$55,864	$67,735	+21%
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%
Kent State University at Kent	$47,312	$54,490	+15%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (22 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of DaytonDayton	$47,600	$55,864	$67,735	$25,813	0.46
Miami University-HamiltonHamilton	$7,278	$47,731	—	$23,350	0.49
Miami University-MiddletownMiddletown	$7,278	$47,731	—	$23,350	0.49
Miami University-OxfordOxford	$17,809	$47,731	—	$23,350	0.49
Kent State University at KentKent	$12,846	$47,312	$54,490	$25,000	0.53
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 Dayton, 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 41 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.