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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,265

Est. from national median (67 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,396

Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

Is a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 good or bad for an entrepreneurship degree? Based on comparable business programs nationally, a first-year salary around $45,000 with roughly $25,000 in debt puts Millikin's offering squarely in the middle of the pack. Illinois programs in this field typically produce similar outcomes—Loyola Chicago's graduates, for instance, earn about $45,900 their first year out. The debt load here isn't alarming, though it's worth noting that entrepreneurship carries unique income volatility that these starting salary figures don't capture.

The challenge with entrepreneurship programs is that median outcomes mask enormous variation. Some graduates launch successful ventures within months; others take traditional business jobs while building side projects. The estimated $45,000 starting point likely reflects those in corporate roles rather than founders living on ramen and investor capital. For a student planning to jump straight into startup life, these debt figures matter more—$25,000 isn't crushing, but it's also not nothing when you're bootstrapping.

The practical question: will your child take a salaried position first or try to build something immediately? If they're heading to a standard business analyst or operations role, this program's estimated outcomes align with what peer schools deliver. If they're dead-set on launching a company right away, the debt burden remains manageable compared to what many business programs require, but traditional ROI calculations don't really apply to entrepreneurial paths.

Where Millikin University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (15 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Millikin UniversityDecatur	$26,892	$45,265*	—	$25,396*	—
Loyola University ChicagoChicago	$51,716	$45,869*	—	—*	—
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 Millikin University, approximately 35% 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 national median of 67 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.