Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,265

Est. from national median (67 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,396

Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

A debt load of roughly $25,000 against first-year earnings around $45,000 creates a workable starting point for Minneapolis College of Art and Design's entrepreneurship program, though these figures come from peer programs nationally rather than actual MCAD graduates. The 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably below the 1.0 threshold that financial aid experts typically flag as concerning. Similar bachelor's programs across Minnesota produce earnings in this same range—University of St. Thomas graduates edge slightly higher at $48,600, while North Central comes in a bit lower at $42,300—suggesting the state's entrepreneurship market offers relatively consistent early outcomes regardless of institution.

What's harder to assess is how MCAD's creative focus shapes career trajectories. An entrepreneurship degree from an art and design college likely funnels graduates toward creative ventures, freelance work, or arts administration—paths where income often builds gradually and inconsistently compared to traditional business roles. The estimated earnings reflect typical entrepreneurship graduates, but MCAD's niche positioning means your child's actual outcomes could vary significantly based on whether they launch a design business, join a creative startup, or pivot to more conventional business careers.

The financial picture appears manageable on paper, but treat these estimates as rough guides rather than predictions. If your child is committed to building a creative business or working in arts entrepreneurship, MCAD's specialized environment could justify the investment. If they're exploring entrepreneurship more broadly, programs with actual reported data would give you clearer ground to stand on when making this decision.

Where Minneapolis College of Art and Design Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (10 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Minneapolis College of Art and DesignMinneapolis	$43,824	$45,265*	—	$25,396*	—
University of St ThomasSaint Paul	$52,284	$48,600*	$64,105	$21,500*	0.44
North Central UniversityMinneapolis	$29,460	$42,327*	—	—*	—
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 Minneapolis College of Art and Design, approximately 40% 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.