Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Kansas State University

Kansas State's entrepreneurship program costs less in debt than most similar programs nationwide, but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. At $21,287 in debt versus $39,646 in first-year earnings, graduates face a manageable 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio—better than the typical 2:1 rule of thumb suggests you need. However, those earnings trail the national median for entrepreneurship programs by about $5,600, landing in just the 31st percentile nationally.

Within Kansas, the picture looks more balanced. This program sits at the 60th percentile for earnings among the state's eight entrepreneurship programs, essentially matching the state median. For families planning to stay in the region, that positioning matters more than national comparisons. The lower-than-average debt load provides some buffer if the graduate's business venture takes time to generate income—a real possibility in entrepreneurship where earnings can be volatile in early years.

The small sample size is the critical caveat here. With fewer than 30 graduates measured, a handful of exceptionally successful or struggling entrepreneurs could skew these figures significantly. If your child is risk-tolerant and has a specific business idea, the modest debt makes this a reasonable foundation. But don't choose this expecting the financial security of more established career paths—entrepreneurship programs typically serve students who prioritize independence over predictable earnings.