Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Fond du Lac Tribal and 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

An estimated $18,788 in debt against first-year earnings around $41,685 suggests this certificate could be financially manageable for students aiming to start or support small businesses. Similar entrepreneurship programs nationally produce roughly these same outcomes, putting graduates at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45—under the threshold where loan payments typically become burdensome. For a short-term credential designed to launch business ventures rather than traditional employment, these figures point to a reasonable investment that shouldn't create crushing payment obligations.

The real question is whether this certificate delivers the practical skills and local connections that matter more than credentials alone in entrepreneurship. Business certificates work best when they're a stepping stone—either providing foundational knowledge before launching a venture, or filling specific skill gaps for someone already working in a family business or tribal enterprise. At Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, the community college setting likely emphasizes hands-on learning and regional business networks, though the estimated nature of these figures means you're essentially betting on peer program outcomes applying here.

For families considering this path, the modest debt load leaves room for the trial-and-error that entrepreneurship often requires. If your child has a specific business idea or wants to support community economic development, this certificate won't saddle them with debt that makes risk-taking impossible. Just recognize you're working from comparable program data, not proven outcomes from this specific certificate.

Where Fond du Lac Tribal and 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
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community CollegeCloquet	$5,999	$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 Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, approximately 19% 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.