Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at American Baptist College
Bachelor's Degree
abcnash.eduAnalysis
A bachelor's in entrepreneurship isn't cheap anywhere, but a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 sits in manageable territory—provided the numbers hold. Drawing from national medians of similar programs, graduates might expect around $45,265 in first-year earnings against roughly $25,400 in debt. That's a lighter debt load than many bachelor's degrees carry, though the earnings aren't particularly strong for a four-year credential. For context, Middle Tennessee State's entrepreneurship program—the only Tennessee school with published data—reports $43,002, suggesting the national estimate may be slightly optimistic for the state market.
The real question is whether entrepreneurship training translates differently at a small institution serving predominantly lower-income students (68% receive Pell grants) compared to larger universities. Skills in business operations can lead to stable middle-management roles, but students banking on launching their own ventures face income volatility that salary data can't capture. The estimated figures here suggest a typical outcome—not a guaranteed floor or a likely ceiling for American Baptist specifically.
For parents weighing this investment: the debt picture appears workable if your student plans to work in traditional small business management rather than immediately striking out as a founder. But given the thin data and the program's small scale, talk seriously with the school about job placement specifics and whether graduates actually enter entrepreneurial roles or pivot to conventional business jobs where this degree might compete awkwardly with standard business administration credentials.
Where American Baptist College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all entrepreneurial and small business operations bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,474 | $45,265* | — | $25,396* | — | |
| $9,506 | $43,002* | $35,270 | —* | — | |
| 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
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 American Baptist College, approximately 68% 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.