Est. Earnings (1yr)
$49,175
Est. from PA median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,396
Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable programs in Pennsylvania, Waynesburg's entrepreneurship degree suggests first-year earnings around $49,175 against an estimated $25,400 in debt—a reasonable 0.52 ratio that roughly matches state norms. Pennsylvania's entrepreneurship programs cluster tightly in the mid-to-high $40,000s, with even Temple and Drexel graduates starting just above $50,000. This isn't a field where prestige translates into dramatically higher starting salaries, which puts Waynesburg on more equal footing with larger competitors.

The challenge is that these estimates come from just four peer programs statewide, making it difficult to predict outcomes with confidence for this specific school. Entrepreneurship degrees inherently produce variable results—some graduates launch businesses that take years to generate income, while others enter traditional corporate roles. The debt load appears manageable compared to typical starting salaries in the field, but without actual graduate data from Waynesburg, you're essentially betting that their outcomes mirror the state pattern.

If your child is serious about business ownership rather than employment, traditional salary metrics may understate this program's value. But if they're planning to work for someone else initially, comparable Pennsylvania programs offer similar estimated outcomes, sometimes at lower net costs. Request placement data and alumni outcomes directly from Waynesburg before committing—the estimates suggest reasonable value, but you need school-specific evidence to justify choosing this program over verified alternatives.

Where Waynesburg University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (21 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Waynesburg UniversityWaynesburg$29,460$49,175*—$25,396*—
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia$22,082$50,876*$65,982$24,250*0.48
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia$60,663$50,030*$67,226—*—
Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh$47,146$48,319*——*—
Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaShippensburg$13,544$42,830*—$24,000*0.56
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 Waynesburg University, approximately 31% 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 median of 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.