Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other.: The DTI for this program is 53.6%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $42356) to the average debt ($22700) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 53.6%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($42356) against the typical student debt ($22700), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $42356, and with an average student debt of $22700, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.54—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 12707 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other (CIP 52.0799) is a dynamic and practical business degree designed for programs that prepare students to start, manage, and grow small enterprises or entrepreneurial ventures. This CIP code represents emerging, hybrid, and non-traditional programs that combine core business knowledge with innovation, leadership, and operational skills necessary for small business success.
At its core, entrepreneurship is about identifying opportunities, taking calculated risks, and creating value. Programs under 52.0799 teach students how to develop business plans, manage finances, market products, and operate businesses efficiently. Graduates gain skills that allow them to launch their own ventures or contribute to small business growth in a strategic, hands-on way.
This degree category is especially relevant in today’s economy, where small businesses drive innovation, job creation, and community impact. Professionals who can combine creativity, business acumen, and operational expertise are highly sought after in startups, family-owned businesses, and entrepreneurial ventures.
What Is an Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other Degree?
A degree classified under CIP 52.0799 represents non-traditional or interdisciplinary programs that teach students to plan, launch, and manage small businesses or entrepreneurial initiatives. Schools use this code when programs integrate multiple business disciplines with a focus on entrepreneurial thinking and practical business management.
Depending on the institution, programs in this category may include coursework in:
- Entrepreneurship and business startup strategies
- Small business management and operations
- Business planning and feasibility analysis
- Marketing, sales, and customer engagement
- Financial management, budgeting, and accounting for small businesses
- Leadership, team building, and organizational behavior
- Business law, ethics, and regulatory compliance
- Innovation, creativity, and opportunity recognition
- Risk assessment and decision-making
The emphasis is on practical, applied skills that enable graduates to operate or launch successful ventures.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other is ideal for students who:
- Are interested in starting their own business or working in startups
- Enjoy leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making
- Prefer hands-on, applied learning experiences
- Want flexible career options in business or entrepreneurship
- Are creative, self-motivated, and willing to take calculated risks
This degree often appeals to individuals who value innovation, adaptability, and practical business skills.
What Will You Learn?
Students in 52.0799 programs develop skills to launch, manage, and grow small businesses effectively. Coursework emphasizes strategic thinking, financial literacy, marketing, and operational management.
You will learn how to identify market opportunities, create sustainable business models, manage resources efficiently, and lead teams in small or emerging enterprises.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most programs help students develop skills such as:
- Writing business plans and feasibility studies
- Managing finances and budgeting for small businesses
- Marketing and promoting products or services
- Leading teams and managing employees
- Problem-solving and decision-making under uncertainty
- Understanding business law, taxes, and compliance
- Analyzing market trends and competitive environments
- Building customer relationships and brand loyalty
These skills are critical for small business success and entrepreneurial ventures.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework may include subjects such as:
- Entrepreneurship and opportunity recognition
- Small business management
- Financial planning and accounting
- Marketing, sales, and customer relationship management
- Innovation and creative problem-solving
- Business law and ethical decision-making
- Risk management and business sustainability
- Leadership and organizational behavior
- Digital tools and e-commerce for small businesses
Programs often include experiential learning such as business plan competitions, internships, or incubator projects.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other degree prepares graduates for a variety of entrepreneurial and small business roles.
Common career paths include:
- Small Business Owner or Entrepreneur
- Startup Founder or Co-Founder
- Business Development Specialist
- Operations Manager in small businesses
- Marketing or Sales Coordinator for startups
- Business Consultant for small enterprises
- Franchise Manager or Operator
- Innovation or Product Manager in entrepreneurial ventures
This degree also provides a foundation for graduate studies in entrepreneurship, business administration, or management.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates commonly work in:
- Startups and entrepreneurial ventures
- Small and medium-sized businesses
- Family-owned businesses
- Business incubators and accelerators
- Consulting firms focused on small business development
- Nonprofit or social enterprise organizations
- Freelance or self-employed entrepreneurial ventures
These roles are ideal for individuals who value autonomy, creativity, and direct impact on organizational outcomes.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary widely depending on the success of the business, industry, and entrepreneurial initiative.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level roles in small businesses or startups: $40,000–$55,000 annually
- Mid-level managers or business development roles: $55,000–$75,000
- Successful business owners or founders: $75,000–$150,000+ (varies widely based on business performance)
Entrepreneurial income can be highly variable but offers unlimited potential for growth.
Is This Degree Hard?
The academic difficulty is moderate to high. Students must be comfortable with problem-solving, financial literacy, strategic thinking, and risk management. Programs often require self-motivation, creativity, and the ability to manage uncertainty.
Who Should Choose CIP 52.0799 Specifically?
This CIP code may be a strong match if you:
- Want to start or manage a small business
- Are creative, self-motivated, and innovative
- Enjoy leadership and problem-solving
- Prefer flexible career options with entrepreneurial potential
- May pursue additional business certifications or graduate education
How to Prepare in High School
Students interested in entrepreneurial studies should:
- Take business, economics, and mathematics courses
- Develop communication, leadership, and organizational skills
- Participate in entrepreneurship clubs, competitions, or volunteer projects
- Learn basic financial literacy and business planning
- Explore internships or part-time work in small businesses
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other represents a practical, hands-on pathway for students who want to create, manage, and grow small businesses—providing the skills, knowledge, and mindset to succeed in competitive, innovative, and dynamic business environments.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor