Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Dakota Wesleyan University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,265

Est. from national median (67 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,396

Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

A $25,400 debt load for this bachelor's degree lands right at the national median for entrepreneurship programs, but the real question is whether Dakota Wesleyan can match the earning power of comparable schools. Based on national figures from similar programs, first-year earnings around $45,300 would produce a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about seven months of gross income. That's reasonable leverage for a four-year degree.

What complicates the picture is South Dakota's modest earnings floor for this field. The state median sits at $43,900, and even South Dakota State—the state's flagship with actual reported data—produces earnings at that level. Small business programs don't command premium salaries, and in a state with a lower cost of living but also constrained wage ceilings, entrepreneurship graduates typically start in the mid-$40s whether they attend a private liberal arts school or the public flagship. The value proposition hinges less on first-year salary differences and more on the entrepreneurial networks, mentorship, and hands-on business development opportunities a smaller program might uniquely provide.

For parents evaluating this investment: the debt burden appears reasonable based on peer programs nationally, but recognize you're betting on intangibles rather than a clear earnings advantage. If your child thrives in Dakota Wesleyan's entrepreneurial ecosystem and leverages those relationships, the investment makes sense. If they're simply collecting a business degree, comparable outcomes are likely available at lower cost.

Where Dakota Wesleyan University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in South Dakota

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Dakota (7 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Dakota Wesleyan UniversityMitchell	$32,890	$45,265*	—	$25,396*	—
South Dakota State UniversityBrookings	$9,299	$43,904*	$43,932	$26,031*	0.59
National Median	—	$45,265*	—	$24,125*	0.53

* 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 Dakota Wesleyan University, approximately 26% 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.