Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Michigan-Dearborn

Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated

$45,265

Est. from national median (67 programs)

Est. Median DebtEstimated

$23,350

Est. from national median (29 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

A bachelor's in entrepreneurship from UM-Dearborn appears positioned near the middle of the pack nationally, with peer programs suggesting around $45,000 in first-year earnings—tracking close to the national median for this field. The estimated $23,350 in debt sits slightly below typical borrowing levels for similar programs nationwide, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 that suggests graduates could manage their loans without severe financial strain. This ratio is more favorable than many business-focused programs, though the absolute earnings figure reflects the reality that entrepreneurship degrees don't always translate to immediate high salaries the way accounting or finance might.

What makes this program's outlook harder to assess is that comparable Michigan programs show slightly lower earnings ($43,150 median statewide) than the national benchmark used here. Grand Valley State and Central Michigan—the only in-state programs with reported data—both clock in around $43,000, raising questions about whether UM-Dearborn graduates actually exceed that mark or simply follow Michigan's regional patterns. The university serves a substantial population of first-generation and working-class students (44% receive Pell grants), which could mean strong local employer connections but also more graduates staying in Michigan's moderately-priced labor market rather than pursuing opportunities in higher-cost, higher-wage cities.

The bottom line: this program likely offers manageable debt for moderate earnings, but the lack of actual data means you're making an educated guess rather than an informed decision. If your student is entrepreneurially minded with a solid business idea or family business to join, the practical skills could justify the investment regardless of salary data.

Where University of Michigan-Dearborn Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (15 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn	$14,944	$45,265*	—	$23,350*	—
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale	$14,628	$43,391*	—	$26,000*	0.60
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant	$14,190	$42,908*	$53,574	$27,000*	0.63
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 Michigan-Dearborn, approximately 44% 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.