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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$48,600

65th percentile

60th percentile in Minnesota

Median Debt

$21,500

11% below national median

Analysis

University of St. Thomas graduates in this entrepreneurship program start at $48,600—already ahead of both the state median ($45,464) and national median ($45,265)—then see their earnings jump 32% to $64,105 within four years. That kind of trajectory is exactly what you want from a business program, suggesting graduates are building valuable skills and networks that compound over time. Among Minnesota's entrepreneurship programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, outperforming most state alternatives despite the state's relatively strong business education landscape.

The $21,500 debt load sits right at Minnesota's median for this field, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44—well within manageable territory. This is roughly half the first-year salary, meaning a focused graduate could realistically pay it off within a few years while still investing in their business ventures or career development. The university's 85% admission rate and strong support for first-generation students (though only 20% receive Pell grants) suggests accessibility without sacrificing outcomes.

For parents wondering whether paying for a specialized entrepreneurship degree is worth it versus general business, the earnings growth here provides a clear answer. Graduates aren't just treading water—they're building momentum. This program delivers both immediate employability and longer-term career acceleration, making it a solid investment for students serious about business ownership or corporate innovation roles.

Where University of St Thomas Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of St Thomas 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 St Thomas	$48,600	$64,105	+32%
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%
Baylor University	$59,052	$78,193	+32%

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (10 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of St ThomasSaint Paul	$52,284	$48,600	$64,105	$21,500	0.44
North Central UniversityMinneapolis	$29,460	$42,327	—	—	—
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 St Thomas, approximately 20% 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 43 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.