Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Thomas College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,265

Est. from national median (67 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,396

Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

Thomas College's entrepreneurship bachelor's faces a fundamental challenge: peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $45,000, while estimated debt of $25,400 represents more than half that figure. For a degree specifically designed to launch businesses—where early income is typically unpredictable and capital-intensive—starting your career with substantial loan payments creates real friction.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 looks manageable on paper compared to some fields, but it misses the entrepreneurial reality. Business founders often need cash reserves, reinvest profits into growth, and may go months without drawing a regular salary. Similar programs nationally produce median debt of $24,125, suggesting Thomas's financing picture is slightly above typical. With Maine offering only four entrepreneurship programs at this level, local options are limited, but the near-universal admission rate here means you're unlikely to be locked out of alternatives.

The practical question is whether your child plans to work a traditional job first or launch immediately after graduation. If they're heading straight into business ownership, $25,000 in fixed monthly obligations could force premature decisions or delay the venture entirely. If they're joining an existing small business as an employee, those $45,000 earnings estimates become more reliable—though still modest for a four-year degree.

Where Thomas College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Thomas CollegeWaterville	$30,896	$45,265*	—	$25,396*	—
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill	$67,680	$74,446*	—	$19,000*	0.26
Brown UniversityProvidence	$68,230	$67,900*	$111,654	$18,000*	0.27
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle	$12,643	$65,177*	$79,087	—*	—
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth	$57,220	$65,028*	—	$25,292*	0.39
University of ArizonaTucson	$13,626	$64,211*	$76,811	$23,962*	0.37
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 Thomas College, approximately 15% 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.