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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,265

Est. from national median (67 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,350

Est. from national median (29 programs)

Analysis

The University of Utah's entrepreneurship program faces a stark challenge: peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $45,000, while similar programs across Utah report a median of $62,000—a $17,000 gap that warrants careful consideration. Top programs in the state like BYU and Utah Valley are placing their entrepreneurship graduates into jobs earning $60,000 to $64,000 right out of college, suggesting the Wasatch Front market supports stronger outcomes than what U of U's estimated trajectory indicates.

With an estimated debt load of $23,350, the 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper. But the real question is whether this program can match Utah's stronger performance or if it tracks closer to the national average. Given the University of Utah's solid 1231 average SAT and relatively selective profile, there's reason to expect it might outperform the national baseline—but without actual reported data, that remains speculative.

The practical takeaway: if your child is serious about entrepreneurship, directly compare what U of U offers against Utah Valley and BYU's programs. Ask about placement rates, startup support resources, and where recent graduates actually land. The $17,000 difference between state and national medians isn't trivial—it compounds significantly over a career, and understanding which trajectory this program follows should be non-negotiable before committing.

Where University of Utah Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Utah

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (6 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of UtahSalt Lake City	$9,315	$45,265*	—	$23,350*	—
Brigham Young UniversityProvo	$6,496	$64,061*	$58,082	—*	—
Utah Valley UniversityOrem	$6,270	$60,448*	—	—*	—
National Median	—	$45,265*	—	$24,125*	0.53

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Utah, 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 67 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.