Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Piedmont Technical College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$41,685

Est. from national median (8 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$18,788

Est. from national median (11 programs)

Analysis

A certificate in entrepreneurial studies from Piedmont Technical College carries an estimated $18,788 in debt—significantly higher than the $11,302 median for similar programs across South Carolina. That difference matters when peer programs in the state, like York Technical College, produce graduates earning around $31,868 in their first year. The national benchmark suggests first-year earnings closer to $41,685, but South Carolina's entrepreneurship certificate market appears to perform well below that, making the debt load here more concerning relative to what graduates in this state typically earn.

The 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, but it assumes the national earnings figure holds true—a significant assumption given that actual reported outcomes from comparable South Carolina programs sit about $10,000 lower. For students from lower-income families (nearly half here receive Pell grants), taking on above-average debt for below-average state earnings creates a tighter financial margin than the numbers initially suggest.

Before committing, compare this program's cost directly with York Technical and other in-state options. If Piedmont's curriculum or location offers distinct advantages, those might justify the extra debt, but the financial case alone doesn't make that argument. The gap between what you'd borrow and what similar programs deliver in South Carolina earnings should prompt serious cost negotiations or alternative program exploration.

Where Piedmont Technical College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations certificate's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (7 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Piedmont Technical CollegeGreenwood	$4,775	$41,685*	—	$18,788*	—
York Technical CollegeRock Hill	$5,512	$31,868*	—	$11,302*	0.35
National Median	—	$41,684*	—	$18,788*	0.45

* 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 Piedmont Technical College, approximately 48% 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 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.