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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$45,265

50th percentile

60th percentile in Texas

Median Debt

$19,365

20% below national median

Analysis

UNT's entrepreneurship program hits right at the national median for first-year earnings, but its real advantage comes from two factors: relatively modest debt and solid upward trajectory. At $19,365 in median debt—well below both the state and national averages—students graduate with meaningful financial flexibility. That 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, giving entrepreneurs crucial breathing room if they're launching ventures or need time to find the right opportunity.

The 60th percentile ranking among Texas programs matters here. While UNT can't compete with TCU's $65,000 starting salaries, it outperforms the state median and costs significantly less than private alternatives. The 23% earnings growth to $55,824 by year four suggests graduates are finding traction, whether in small business ownership, family enterprises, or corporate roles. For a program serving a substantial share of Pell-eligible students at an accessible public university, these outcomes represent solid middle-class employment.

The key consideration: entrepreneurship programs don't always translate directly to entrepreneurial careers, and many graduates end up in traditional business roles. For families comfortable with that flexibility and drawn to UNT's reasonable cost structure, this program delivers decent value without the financial strain that could actually prevent someone from taking entrepreneurial risks down the road.

Where University of North Texas Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of North Texas 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 North Texas	$45,265	$55,824	+23%
Brown University	$67,900	$111,654	+64%
University of San Francisco	$43,146	$83,065	+93%
Baylor University	$59,052	$78,193	+32%
Lamar University	$32,129	$37,736	+17%

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
University of North TexasDenton	$11,164	$45,265	$55,824	$19,365	0.43
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
Lamar UniversityBeaumont	$8,690	$32,129	$37,736	$25,406	0.79
Dallas Baptist UniversityDallas	$38,140	$31,694	—	—	—
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 North Texas, approximately 36% 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 91 graduates with reported earnings and 86 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.