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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,265

Est. from national median (67 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,350

Est. from national median (29 programs)

Analysis

A debt load of $23,350 for first-year earnings around $45,000 sounds manageable on paper—that's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, below the concerning 1.0 threshold. But here's what parents need to understand: both figures come from national benchmarks of similar entrepreneurship programs, not actual outcomes from University of Wyoming graduates. With only one school offering this bachelor's in Wyoming and no state-level comparison data available, you're essentially betting on what's typical nationally while hoping UW's program performs similarly.

The fundamentals suggest reasonable value. Peer programs across the country produce median earnings that would make the estimated debt serviceable—monthly payments would run roughly $240-260 on a standard ten-year plan, or about 6-7% of gross monthly income. For entrepreneurship specifically, where many graduates may start their own ventures or work in small business environments, that first-year number likely understates long-term earning potential for successful graduates, though it could also reflect the reality that many business launches take time to generate income.

The real question is whether your student has realistic entrepreneurial goals and fallback options. If they're planning to start a business immediately after graduation, that $45,000 estimate might be optimistic in year one. If they're planning to work in small business management or corporate roles first, the numbers become more reliable. Given the data limitations here, talk seriously with UW about actual graduate outcomes—where students work, what they earn, how many successfully launch businesses—before committing.

Where University of Wyoming Stands

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

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 WyomingLaramie	$6,938	$45,265*	—	$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
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle	$12,643	$65,177*	$79,087	—*	—
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
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 Wyoming, approximately 22% 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.