Est. Earnings (1yr)
$41,685
Est. from national median (8 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$18,788
Est. from national median (11 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 looks manageable on paper, but here's the challenge: both figures come from national medians of similar entrepreneurship certificates, not from Bunker Hill's actual outcomes. For a credential designed to launch businesses or enhance small business management skills, that estimated $41,685 first-year salary may reflect traditional employment rather than entrepreneurial ventures—which often take longer to generate comparable income and wouldn't show up in wage data anyway.

The real question is what you're buying with this certificate. Entrepreneurship education can provide valuable frameworks and connections, but similar programs nationally produce widely varying results, and we don't know where Bunker Hill's graduates land in that distribution. With 38% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are making this investment with limited financial cushion. An $18,788 debt burden isn't catastrophic, but it becomes harder to manage if the certificate doesn't directly translate to employment or if a business venture takes time to become profitable.

Before committing, dig into what Bunker Hill's program actually delivers: Who teaches it? What's the placement rate into jobs versus self-employment? Do graduates stay in the Boston area where business costs are high? The estimated numbers suggest modest risk, but without knowing this specific program's track record, you're essentially betting that Bunker Hill matches the national middle-of-the-pack rather than falling below it.

Where Bunker Hill Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Bunker Hill Community CollegeBoston$5,520$41,685*$18,788*
University of GeorgiaAthens$11,180$64,900*$19,500*0.30
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh$21,524$51,635*$23,063*0.45
University of IowaIowa City$10,964$46,878*$60,850$26,000*0.55
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee$10,020$42,545*$23,397*0.55
Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach$3,106$40,824*$10,740*0.26
National Median$41,684*$18,788*0.45
* 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 Bunker Hill Community College, approximately 38% 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 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.