Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at East Arkansas Community College

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 load approaching $19,000 for a certificate program that peers suggest leads to first-year earnings around $42,000 raises immediate questions about return on investment. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 means you'd owe nearly half your first year's salary—a significant burden for a sub-baccalaureate credential in a field where many successful entrepreneurs are self-taught or learn through experience rather than formal education.

The challenge with entrepreneurship credentials is that outcomes vary wildly based on individual execution rather than the degree itself. While comparable programs nationally suggest earnings in the low $40,000s, these figures likely capture graduates working in small business management roles rather than launching their own ventures. The reality is that successful business ownership could far exceed these estimates, while unsuccessful attempts could leave your child with credential debt but no corresponding income boost.

With 13 programs offering this credential in Arkansas but none reporting sufficient data for comparison, you're flying blind on what East Arkansas Community College's specific network and curriculum deliver. Before committing nearly $19,000 to a certificate, ask hard questions: What percentage of graduates actually start businesses versus taking management jobs? What kind of ongoing mentorship exists? Could your child gain equivalent skills through a lower-cost route like Small Business Development Center workshops or an apprenticeship with a local entrepreneur? The debt here isn't catastrophic, but for a credential in a field where formal education matters less than execution, it's worth exploring cheaper alternatives first.

Where East Arkansas 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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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
East Arkansas Community CollegeForrest City	$3,960	$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 East Arkansas Community College, approximately 27% 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.