Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$41,685

Est. from national median (8 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$18,788

Est. from national median (11 programs)

Analysis

A $41,685 starting salary paired with nearly $19,000 in debt produces a manageable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio—better than many undergraduate certificates. However, these figures come from national peer programs rather than UW-Oshkosh's specific outcomes, which remain unpublished due to small graduate numbers. The estimated earnings align almost exactly with national medians for entrepreneurship certificates, suggesting this program performs at the middle of the pack rather than standing out competitively.

What's worth noting is that entrepreneurship certificates generally produce modest first-year earnings regardless of where you earn them. The estimated debt load sits slightly below Wisconsin's state median for these programs ($21,092), which provides some assurance about costs. But entrepreneurial ventures often take time to generate income, and that $41,685 figure likely reflects graduates in traditional employment rather than those launching their own businesses—meaning actual returns could vary significantly based on how your child uses this credential.

The bottom line: this certificate appears affordable relative to likely earnings, but you're relying entirely on peer program data to make that assessment. If your child plans to run a business immediately after completing this certificate, traditional salary figures may not capture the full picture of what they'll actually earn. Request information from UW-Oshkosh about where recent graduates have landed—employment, further education, or business ownership—to supplement what these estimates can't tell you.

Where University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations certificate's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (14 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh	$8,212	$41,685*	—	$18,788*	—
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee	$10,020	$42,545*	—	$23,397*	0.55
National Median	—	$41,684*	—	$18,788*	0.45

* 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 Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 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.

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 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.