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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$43,146

43rd percentile

60th percentile in California

Median Debt

$22,812

5% below national median

Analysis

USF's entrepreneurship program shows a dramatic earnings trajectory, but the first-year numbers tell a challenging story. Starting at $43,146—below the national median and only slightly above California's $40,890—graduates face a real income gap immediately after graduation. The debt load of $22,812 isn't catastrophic, but with a 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio, it's meaningful when you're barely clearing $40,000.

Here's what changes the equation: by year four, median earnings jump to $83,065, nearly doubling the initial figure. This 93% growth rate suggests graduates are either launching successful ventures or leveraging their entrepreneurial skills into higher-paying roles. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among California's 11 entrepreneurship programs, placing it in the better half despite that weak start.

The major caveat is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates in this dataset. That makes these numbers less reliable and means a few high earners could be skewing that impressive year-four figure upward. For your child, this matters: if they're comfortable with financial uncertainty in those early years and have support during that period, the long-term outlook appears strong. But if they need immediate income stability after graduation, this program's delayed payoff presents real risk, especially given we can't be certain the small sample reflects typical outcomes.

Where University of San Francisco Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of San Francisco 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 San Francisco	$43,146	$83,065	+93%
Brown University	$67,900	$111,654	+64%
University of Washington-Seattle Campus	$65,177	$79,087	+21%
Ashford University	$40,890	$34,015	-17%
California State University-San Bernardino	$37,818	$33,842	-11%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (11 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of San FranciscoSan Francisco	$58,222	$43,146	$83,065	$22,812	0.53
Ashford UniversitySan Diego	$13,160	$40,890	$34,015	$46,438	1.14
California State University-San BernardinoSan Bernardino	$7,675	$37,818	$33,842	$19,998	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 San Francisco, approximately 27% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.