Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Fashion Institute of Technology

Median Earnings (1yr)

$24,387

5th percentile

10th percentile in New York

Median Debt

$19,500

19% below national median

Analysis

Starting at roughly half the national median for this degree—$24,387 versus $45,265—is concerning enough, but FIT's entrepreneurship program ranks in just the 10th percentile among New York programs and the 5th percentile nationally. To put that in perspective: Syracuse graduates in this field earn more than double what FIT graduates report earning one year out. Even the New York state median ($37,753) sits 55% higher than FIT's figure. The debt load of $19,500 isn't catastrophic in absolute terms, but when your first-year earnings barely exceed $24,000, that 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio means nearly a full year's salary goes toward loans.

The small sample size—under 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift with more data, but they're the only concrete evidence available right now. For a program at a fashion-focused institution in expensive New York City, these earnings suggest graduates may struggle to gain traction, even in the entrepreneurial and small business landscape of the city. The 32% Pell grant population indicates many students here need strong early-career earnings to justify their investment.

If your child is determined to study entrepreneurship, this data suggests looking elsewhere in New York state. Even the state median program would deliver 55% higher earnings, and top performers like Syracuse more than double this outcome.

Where Fashion Institute of Technology Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Fashion Institute of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (17 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Fashion Institute of TechnologyNew York	$6,170	$24,387	—	$19,500	0.80
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse	$63,061	$55,039	$68,507	$26,350	0.48
Clarkson UniversityPotsdam	$57,950	$37,753	$52,566	$27,000	0.72
National Median	—	$45,265	—	$24,125	0.53

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 Fashion Institute of Technology, approximately 32% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.