Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Utah Valley University's entrepreneurship bachelor's performs remarkably well nationally but lands in the middle of the pack locally. Graduates earn $60,448 in their first year—significantly above the national median of $45,265 for this degree and ranking in the 93rd percentile nationwide. However, Utah's entrepreneurship programs are particularly strong, and UVU trails the state median of $62,254 and sits well behind BYU's $64,061.
The estimated debt burden of $23,350—derived from comparable programs at similar institutions—creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, which is manageable by most standards. This suggests graduates could theoretically pay off their loans within six months of gross earnings, assuming full dedication to debt repayment. That's a solid financial foundation for starting a business or gaining experience in small business management, though the debt estimate carries uncertainty since actual graduate data wasn't available.
For parents, the key question is whether their child needs Utah Valley's specific program advantages or could pursue entrepreneurship through other paths. The earnings are strong enough nationally that this degree appears viable, but in a state where entrepreneurship education is competitive, the middle-tier performance matters. If your child is committed to formal business training and UVU is the affordable option, the numbers work. If they're comparing among Utah schools or considering bootstrapping their business education differently, dig into what makes each program's network and curriculum distinct.
Where Utah Valley University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all entrepreneurial and small business operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Utah Valley University graduates compare to all 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,270 | $60,448 | — | $23,350* | — | |
| $6,496 | $64,061 | $58,082 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $45,265 | — | $24,125* | 0.53 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with entrepreneurial and small business operations graduates
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Operations Managers
Explore Related Programs
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations in Utah
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- All Programs covering the principles and practices of managing organizations, finances, and markets. Includes accounting, finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and specialized fields like supply chain and real estate. programs nationwide
- All programs at Utah Valley University
- College programs in Utah
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 Valley University, approximately 23% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 13 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.