Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Xavier University

The estimated $25,396 in debt here sits right at the national median for entrepreneurship programs, but the earnings picture based on comparable Ohio programs—around $47,731—places Xavier in the middle of the pack statewide. That's slightly above the national benchmark of $45,265, though notably behind University of Dayton's $55,864 for similar graduates. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 suggests borrowers would dedicate roughly half their first-year income to debt, which is manageable but not exceptional for a bachelor's degree.

What complicates the value calculation is Xavier's selectivity and cost structure. With an 88% admission rate and relatively few Pell-eligible students (14%), this is a private institution drawing students who could likely access similar outcomes at less selective (and potentially less expensive) state schools nearby. Entrepreneurship programs typically emphasize networking and experiential learning over pure credential value, which might justify the premium—but only if Xavier delivers substantially stronger alumni connections or startup resources than Ohio public universities offering the same major.

For families borrowing the full estimated amount, the question becomes whether Xavier's specific entrepreneurship ecosystem—mentorship, accelerator programs, local business partnerships—justifies paying private tuition when peer programs across Ohio appear to produce similar early earnings. Without actual outcome data for Xavier's program specifically, you're betting on institutional resources rather than proven graduate results.