Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Florida State University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$48,625

65th percentile

80th percentile in Florida

Median Debt

$17,100

29% below national median

Analysis

Florida State's entrepreneurship program stands out sharply from its Florida competitors, with graduates earning $48,625—nearly $13,000 more than the state median and ranking in the 80th percentile among Florida programs. That's a meaningful edge when you consider most entrepreneurship graduates in the state make around $36,000, and even prestigious Rollins College produces lower earnings. The program also beats the national median by roughly $3,000, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally.

The debt picture is where this gets particularly interesting: at $17,100, it's about $5,000 below Florida's typical burden for this degree and well under the national median of $24,125. That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35—meaning graduates owe just over one-third of their first-year salary. For context, you're looking at roughly $190 in monthly loan payments on a salary that provides considerably more breathing room than what most entrepreneurship grads face.

For parents weighing FSU's selective admissions process (just 25% acceptance rate), this program delivers tangible returns that justify the effort. The combination of relatively low debt and above-average earnings positions graduates to either service their loans comfortably while building a business or pursue traditional employment with financial flexibility. It's a clearer value proposition than you'll find at most Florida schools offering this degree.

Where Florida State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Florida State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (12 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Florida State UniversityTallahassee	$5,656	$48,625	—	$17,100	0.35
Rollins CollegeWinter Park	$58,300	$37,950	—	—	—
The University of TampaTampa	$33,424	$34,038	—	$27,000	0.79
University of South FloridaTampa	$6,410	$33,249	$32,893	—	—
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 Florida State University, approximately 24% 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 53 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.