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Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Lamar University

Beaumont, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,129/yr (-28% vs median)

AI Risk High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (447,800 openings/yr)

ROI 14.4x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #53 of 67 Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$501K	$500K	$468K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.4x	14.4x	13.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.8x	6.8x	6.3x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	49	48	45

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$34,760

Out-of-state: $73,928 (6.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$45,716

-32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,160

9.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$46,884

46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $32,129/yr fall 28% below the $44,903 national median for Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 14.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,160 against $32,129/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #53 ranking among 67 Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations programs places Lamar University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 46% earnings increase from $32,129 to $46,884 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Lamar University

Lamar University has a 86% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 7,945 students in Beaumont, TX. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Lamar University →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

General and operations managers $102,950/yr

View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Lamar University?

At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Lamar University?

The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Lamar University a good choice for Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Lamar University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →