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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,265

Est. from national median (67 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,350

Est. from national median (29 programs)

Analysis

Utah's entrepreneurial programs tell two different stories, and Utah State appears to fall on the challenging side. While the state's top programs—BYU and Utah Valley—report first-year earnings above $60,000, comparable national programs suggest Utah State graduates might start around $45,000, roughly $17,000 below the state median. That's a significant gap in a field where earnings often depend heavily on local networks and the program's connections to the business community.

The estimated $23,350 in debt isn't catastrophic by itself—it translates to a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio based on peer programs. But when other Utah schools are producing substantially higher starting salaries in the same field, that debt becomes harder to justify. Entrepreneurship programs vary wildly in quality depending on mentorship, incubator resources, and alumni networks, and the data suggests Utah State may not be competing effectively with its in-state rivals here.

If your child is committed to entrepreneurship education at Utah State specifically—perhaps for location or cost reasons beyond this data—it could still work out. But given the substantial earnings gap compared to other Utah options, you'd want strong evidence that this particular program offers something those higher-earning alternatives don't. Otherwise, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere in the state.

Where Utah State University 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)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Utah State UniversityLogan	$9,228	$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 Utah State University, approximately 26% 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.