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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$46,878

70th percentile

60th percentile in Iowa

Median Debt

$26,000

38% above national median

Analysis

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.

Where University of Iowa Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Iowa 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 IowaIowa City	$10,964	$46,878	$60,850	$26,000	0.55
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 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 Iowa, approximately 18% 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.