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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$64,900

95th percentile

60th percentile in Georgia

Median Debt

$19,500

4% above national median

Analysis

UGA's entrepreneurial certificate dramatically outperforms the national field, with first-year earnings of $64,900 crushing the national median of $41,684 by 56%. That $23,000 advantage places graduates in the 95th percentile nationally—nearly reaching the ceiling for this type of credential. The 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio translates to manageable repayment: graduates could theoretically pay off their full debt in under four months of earnings, assuming aggressive saving.

The Georgia perspective reveals interesting dynamics. This program matches the state median exactly for both earnings and debt, landing in the 60th percentile statewide. While that might sound less impressive than the national ranking, it actually reflects the strength of Georgia's entrepreneurial ecosystem overall—the state's programs collectively outperform the nation. With only 24 schools offering this credential in Georgia (versus 470 nationally), students benefit from UGA's flagship status without necessarily paying a premium in debt.

For parents, this represents low-risk skills development. The moderate debt load combined with strong immediate earnings suggests graduates gain practical business capabilities that employers value. Whether your child is testing entrepreneurial waters or supplementing another major, they're unlikely to face financial stress from this credential. The one caveat: the 60th percentile state ranking means other Georgia programs might deliver similar outcomes, so compare options if your student has multiple in-state acceptances.

Where University of Georgia Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Georgia graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of GeorgiaAthens	$11,180	$64,900	—	$19,500	0.30
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh	$21,524	$51,635	—	$23,063	0.45
University of IowaIowa City	$10,964	$46,878	$60,850	$26,000	0.55
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee	$10,020	$42,545	—	$23,397	0.55
Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach	$3,106	$40,824	—	$10,740	0.26
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia	$22,082	$38,031	—	—	—
National Median	—	$41,684	—	$18,788	0.45

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 Georgia, 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.

Sample Size: Based on 87 graduates with reported earnings and 66 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.