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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$47,731

Est. from OH median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,396

Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable programs across Ohio, Franklin's entrepreneurial degree appears positioned right in the middle of the state's outcomes, with estimated first-year earnings around $47,700—matching the state median but falling well short of what University of Dayton graduates reportedly earn. The estimated debt of $25,400 translates to a manageable 0.53 ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first year's salary, which is reasonable by national standards.

What's harder to assess here is whether Franklin's program offers distinct advantages that would justify choosing it over competitors in Ohio's crowded market of 22 entrepreneurship programs. The one-third of students receiving Pell grants suggests the school serves working-class families, and for them, the modest debt load matters. However, similar programs in the state show the same debt-to-earnings picture, and some—particularly Dayton—demonstrate meaningfully higher earnings potential, at least based on their reported outcomes.

The practical question is whether this program delivers the networks, mentorship, and practical business skills that entrepreneurship students need beyond what's captured in early salary data. Since first-year earnings for entrepreneurs may not reflect long-term success, and because these figures are estimates from peer programs rather than Franklin's actual graduate outcomes, you're betting on a program without a clear statistical edge. If your child is choosing Franklin for location, flexibility, or specific faculty connections, the financial fundamentals look solid—just recognize you're making that choice without definitive data on what this particular program delivers.

Where Franklin University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (22 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Franklin UniversityColumbus	$9,577	$47,731*	—	$25,396*	—
University of DaytonDayton	$47,600	$55,864*	$67,735	$25,813*	0.46
Miami University-HamiltonHamilton	$7,278	$47,731*	—	$23,350*	0.49
Miami University-MiddletownMiddletown	$7,278	$47,731*	—	$23,350*	0.49
Miami University-OxfordOxford	$17,809	$47,731*	—	$23,350*	0.49
Kent State University at KentKent	$12,846	$47,312*	$54,490	$25,000*	0.53
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 Franklin University, approximately 33% 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 median of 5 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.