Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University's entrepreneurial program lands squarely in the middle of Michigan's offerings—which matters since you'll likely pay in-state tuition here. At $43,391 in first-year earnings, graduates earn slightly more than the state median of $43,150 and actually outpace Central Michigan University's similar program. The $26,000 debt load is reasonable, translating to a 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests manageable monthly payments for most graduates.

The national comparison is less flattering—this program sits at the 44th percentile nationally—but that context matters less than you might think. Most entrepreneurship students succeed based on their own initiative rather than their program's prestige, and starting $2,000 below the national median isn't a career-killer when your debt is also below average. The relatively low debt (25th percentile nationally) gives graduates flexibility to take risks, which is precisely what entrepreneurship requires.

The significant caveat: fewer than 30 students provided this data, so these numbers could swing considerably with the next cohort. If your student is serious about starting a business, this program offers adequate preparation without crushing debt. Just remember that entrepreneurship outcomes depend far more on individual drive and market timing than on any bachelor's program—the degree mostly provides a safety net for traditional employment if the venture doesn't work out.