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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$40,142

32nd percentile

Median Debt

$26,000

8% above national median

Analysis

The University of North Dakota's entrepreneurship program starts graduates at $40,142—below the national median for this degree—but manages respectable debt at $26,000. The 35% earnings jump to $54,055 by year four is encouraging, suggesting graduates gain traction as they build businesses or climb into management roles. That said, rankings tell a complex story: while this program sits in the 60th percentile among North Dakota's three entrepreneurship programs, it lands in just the 32nd percentile nationally, meaning most comparable programs elsewhere produce higher-earning graduates.

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means these numbers could shift significantly with different cohorts. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 is manageable but not exceptional, and starting $5,000 below the national median matters when you're trying to launch a venture or pay down loans. For North Dakota residents who plan to start businesses in-state, the local context and network might justify the investment. But families comparing this to entrepreneurship programs nationally should recognize they're not getting top-tier outcomes, even if the debt burden stays relatively controlled. If your student is serious about entrepreneurship, explore whether programs with stronger early earnings—or lower debt—might offer a better foundation for the inherently risky path of business ownership.

Where University of North Dakota Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of North Dakota graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
University of North Dakota	$40,142	$54,055	+35%
Brown University	$67,900	$111,654	+64%
University of San Francisco	$43,146	$83,065	+93%
University of Washington-Seattle Campus	$65,177	$79,087	+21%
Baylor University	$59,052	$78,193	+32%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of North DakotaGrand Forks	$10,951	$40,142	$54,055	$26,000	0.65
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill	$67,680	$74,446	—	$19,000	0.26
Brown UniversityProvidence	$68,230	$67,900	$111,654	$18,000	0.27
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle	$12,643	$65,177	$79,087	—	—
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth	$57,220	$65,028	—	$25,292	0.39
University of ArizonaTucson	$13,626	$64,211	$76,811	$23,962	0.37
National Median	—	$45,265	—	$24,125	0.53

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 North Dakota, approximately 16% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.