Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's entrepreneurship certificate punches above its weight on earnings while keeping debt remarkably low. At $46,878 starting and $60,850 by year four, graduates earn more than the national median for this program and match the state median—decent performance from a school with an 85% admission rate. What really stands out is the debt load: at $26,000, these graduates borrow more than the national average but still maintain a manageable 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio. More importantly, that 30% earnings jump over four years suggests graduates are successfully launching ventures or moving into better roles.

The caveat here is that entrepreneurship certificate outcomes can vary wildly depending on individual hustle and business success. These numbers likely reflect graduates who either started viable businesses or used the credential to advance in existing companies. The relatively modest starting salary shouldn't alarm you—many entrepreneurship grads are reinvesting heavily in their businesses or working in startups before their ventures take off.

For a motivated student with a viable business idea or strong interest in small business management, this certificate offers solid ROI. The debt is manageable, the earnings trajectory is upward, and Iowa's business ecosystem provides reasonable support for new ventures. Just make sure your child has the self-direction to capitalize on what is ultimately a credential that rewards initiative more than the degree itself.