Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,265

Est. from national median (67 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,350

Est. from national median (29 programs)

Analysis

A 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests this program delivers reasonable value, though national data from peer programs shows this field's modest earnings ceiling. Similar entrepreneurship bachelor's programs nationally produce median first-year earnings around $45,000—manageable with estimated debt near $23,000, but hardly a windfall. In Tennessee specifically, comparable programs show first-year earnings closer to $43,000, meaning graduates should expect to start in the low-to-mid forties regardless of where they attend.

The real question is whether your student needs a four-year degree for entrepreneurial work at all. Many successful business owners skip or defer formal education, and those who do pursue degrees often find general business programs offer more flexibility. That said, if your child wants the credential and campus experience while building startup skills, the debt load here isn't crushing—it's roughly half the national median debt for bachelor's degrees overall. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga serves a solidly middle-class student body (32% Pell-eligible), so financial aid packages may help lower actual costs.

Plan for your graduate to either work a conventional job while building their business on the side, or to live extremely lean if they launch immediately. The estimated earnings reflect employees in small business roles, not entrepreneurial income, which is far more variable and often lower in early years.

Where The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga	$10,144	$45,265*	—	$23,350*	—
Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro	$9,506	$43,002*	$35,270	—*	—
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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, approximately 32% 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.