Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Temple University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$38,031

27th percentile

25th percentile in Pennsylvania

Est. Median Debt

$18,788

Est. from national median (11 programs)

Analysis

Temple's entrepreneurial certificate produces first-year earnings of $38,031—noticeably below both the state median of $44,833 and the national median of $41,684 for similar programs. That's a meaningful gap, roughly $6,800 less than what comparable Pennsylvania programs typically deliver, placing graduates near the bottom quarter of outcomes statewide.

The estimated debt picture offers some relief. At roughly $18,788 (based on national medians for similar Temple programs), the debt burden is manageable relative to those first-year earnings, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49. That's far better than many certificate programs and suggests graduates could realistically pay down this debt within a few years. However, it's worth noting that other Pennsylvania entrepreneurship programs carry higher median debt ($23,063), yet still produce significantly stronger earnings—University of Pittsburgh's program, for instance, sees graduates earning nearly $52,000.

The practical concern here is whether this certificate provides sufficient competitive advantage. Temple's below-market earnings suggest it may not be opening doors as effectively as peer programs, even with the lighter debt load. For a family investing in an entrepreneurial credential, that earnings gap compounds over time—it's not just a first-year shortfall but potentially years of catching up to peers from stronger programs.

Where Temple University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Temple University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia	$22,082	$38,031	—	$18,788*	—
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh	$21,524	$51,635	—	$23,063*	0.45
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 Temple University, approximately 30% 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.