Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Arkansas

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,265

Est. from national median (67 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,350

Est. from national median (29 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 suggests a manageable financial picture, though it's worth noting that both figures here come from national peer programs rather than University of Arkansas graduates specifically. With estimated first-year earnings around $45,000 and debt near $23,000, entrepreneurship majors at this level typically face about half a year's salary in loans—a reasonable starting point compared to many bachelor's programs. However, the only Arkansas program with reported data shows substantially lower earnings at $38,105, which raises questions about whether national benchmarks translate well to the state's entrepreneurship landscape.

The challenge with entrepreneurship degrees is that outcomes vary wildly based on individual venture success rather than following predictable employment paths. Someone launching a successful business could vastly outperform these estimates, while those joining existing small businesses or taking traditional jobs might earn closer to (or below) that $38,000 Arkansas figure. The estimated $45,000 reflects what's typical nationally, but Arkansas's smaller market and business ecosystem could mean different realities for graduates staying in-state.

Given the uncertainty in both the estimates and the field itself, this program works best for students with concrete business plans or family enterprises to join. Without those advantages, the value proposition becomes murkier—you're looking at moderate debt for a credential whose payoff depends heavily on entrepreneurial execution rather than employer demand.

Where University of Arkansas Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (5 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of ArkansasFayetteville	$9,748	$45,265*	—	$23,350*	—
University of Central ArkansasConway	$10,118	$38,105*	—	—*	—
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 University of Arkansas, approximately 17% 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.