Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Bennington College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 suggests this program could work financially—based on comparable entrepreneurship bachelor's programs nationally, graduates typically earn around $45,000 in their first year while carrying roughly $25,400 in debt. That's manageable by most standards: you'd be looking at monthly loan payments around $280 on a standard repayment plan, which shouldn't overwhelm a mid-$40s salary. The catch? Vermont's limited higher education landscape makes this estimate particularly uncertain. With only three schools offering this program statewide and the University of Vermont's graduates earning just $32,400, the national median might not translate locally.

Here's the practical concern for an entrepreneurship degree at a selective liberal arts college: you're betting on your child's ability to create their own opportunities rather than slot into established career paths. Bennington's approach emphasizes self-directed learning, which could be ideal preparation for starting a business—or could mean your graduate needs more runway (and possibly family support) before seeing returns. The estimated $25,400 debt isn't crushing, but it doesn't leave much room for the lean startup years that often define early entrepreneurship. If your child plans to work for someone else initially, Vermont's lower salary floor becomes more relevant than national figures. The smart move is treating this degree as part of a larger plan—understanding what specific venture or industry your child is targeting and whether Bennington's network and location support that path.