Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Hiram College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$47,731

Est. from OH median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,396

Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

Similar entrepreneurship programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $47,700, which would make the estimated $25,400 debt load for Hiram's bachelor's program manageable—roughly half the starting salary. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 puts this program in reasonable territory, assuming these peer-program figures hold true for Hiram graduates.

The challenge is uncertainty. While comparable Ohio programs place graduates near the state median, outcomes vary considerably even among schools with reported data. University of Dayton's entrepreneurship grads earn over $55,000 their first year, while several Miami University campuses and Kent State cluster right at that $47,700 mark. With Hiram's 93% admission rate and one-third of students on Pell grants, the question is whether this program prepares students to land on the higher end of that range or simply meet the middle.

The estimated debt is slightly above both state and national medians for this major, though not alarmingly so. For a family investing in a small liberal arts college experience, the financial proposition appears workable if—and this is critical—actual graduate outcomes align with state averages. Given the lack of program-specific data, you'd want direct answers from Hiram about job placement rates and typical employers before committing. The numbers suggest viability, but they're borrowed from other schools' track records, not Hiram's own.

Where Hiram College 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)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Hiram CollegeHiram	$26,265	$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 Hiram College, 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.

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.