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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$39,646

31st percentile

60th percentile in Kansas

Median Debt

$21,287

12% below national median

Analysis

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.

Where Kansas State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Kansas State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Kansas State UniversityManhattan	$10,942	$39,646	—	$21,287	0.54
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill	$67,680	$74,446	—	$19,000	0.26
Brown UniversityProvidence	$68,230	$67,900	$111,654	$18,000	0.27
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle	$12,643	$65,177	$79,087	—	—
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth	$57,220	$65,028	—	$25,292	0.39
University of ArizonaTucson	$13,626	$64,211	$76,811	$23,962	0.37
National Median	—	$45,265	—	$24,125	0.53

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 Kansas State University, 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.

Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.