Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Median Earnings (1yr)

$65,177

95th percentile

Est. Median Debt

$23,350

Est. from national median (29 programs)

Analysis

Starting salaries of $65,177 place University of Washington's entrepreneurship program at the 95th percentile nationally—well above the typical $45,265 for this degree. While estimated debt of $23,350 can't be confirmed from UW's actual graduates (the sample size was too small to publish), similar bachelor's programs nationally suggest borrowing around this level, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 that looks manageable on paper.

The catch is context. With only three schools in Washington offering this bachelor's degree, that impressive national ranking translates to just 60th percentile within the state. UW's outcomes match Washington's state median exactly, suggesting entrepreneurship programs here simply perform better than the national average—not that UW offers exceptional value among local alternatives. The 21% earnings growth to $79,087 by year four is solid but unremarkable for a business degree from a flagship university.

For parents, the question is whether you're paying for UW's brand and network in entrepreneurship, or whether a less expensive path might deliver similar outcomes. The debt load appears reasonable based on peer programs, but you're essentially betting on UW's ecosystem—its Seattle location, startup connections, and alumni network—to justify the investment over alternatives that might cost less upfront.

Where University of Washington-Seattle Campus Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Washington-Seattle Campus 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 Washington-Seattle Campus	$65,177	$79,087	+21%
Brown University	$67,900	$111,654	+64%
University of San Francisco	$43,146	$83,065	+93%
Baylor University	$59,052	$78,193	+32%
University of Arizona	$64,211	$76,811	+20%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle	$12,643	$65,177	$79,087	$23,350*	—
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill	$67,680	$74,446	—	$19,000*	0.26
Brown UniversityProvidence	$68,230	$67,900	$111,654	$18,000*	0.27
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth	$57,220	$65,028	—	$25,292*	0.39
University of ArizonaTucson	$13,626	$64,211	$76,811	$23,962*	0.37
Brigham Young UniversityProvo	$6,496	$64,061	$58,082	—*	—
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 Washington-Seattle Campus, approximately 15% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 11 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.