Online Associate In Entrepreneurship

Get Ranking Seal

Entrepreneurs play a "vital role in the growth of the U.S. economy," according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Entrepreneurs develop innovative products and services, establish new businesses, and create jobs. These professionals earn above-average salaries; top executives report a median pay of over $104,000 annually.

An entrepreneurship associate degree trains undergraduates for exciting careers as entrepreneurs, business analysts, and project managers. Our ranking introduces the top associate in entrepreneurship programs for 2021. Prospective entrepreneurs can use the ranking to find the best fit for their interests, budget, and career goals.

Associates in Entrepreneurship Ask these Questions

Why Get a Degree in Entrepreneurship?

Earning an associate in entrepreneurship prepares graduates for careers in growing fields, including small business owner, management analyst, or operations research analyst. The business training of an entrepreneurship degree builds foundational skills for various roles. With an entrepreneurship associate degree, graduates start their own businesses, work in sales, or pursue careers as administrative assistants. Many programs offer transfer paths to complete a bachelor's degree after earning an associate.

Undergraduates who choose public community colleges pay much lower tuition rates than those at four-year colleges. An online learning format offers flexibility and affordability for future entrepreneurs.

How Much Does an Entrepreneurship Degree Cost?

An entrepreneurship degree can cost as little as $100 or as much as several hundred dollars per credit, depending on the school. In general, two-year colleges charge lower tuition rates than four-year colleges, and public colleges cost less than private or for-profit colleges.

The average annual cost of an in-state, two-year public college came to about $3,300 in 2018-19. Two-year, out-of-state public colleges cost on average nearly $8,000 per year. Following these trends, an associate in entrepreneurship could range from $6,600-$16,000.

Tuition rates vary depending on the student's state residency. For instance, Macomb Community College offers an associate in entrepreneurship and small business management. Macomb County residents pay $104 per credit, other Michigan residents pay $194 per credit, and out-of-state students pay $247 per credit.

How Much Do Entrepreneurship Majors Make?

Entrepreneurship degree-holders earn different salaries depending on their career path, job title, and industry. Many entrepreneurship majors graduate and join the more than 28 million small business owners in the U.S. A study from American Express OPEN found that entrepreneurs earn around $68,000 per year.

Entrepreneurs who found new businesses often take on titles such as CEO or other top executive roles. According to BLS data, these executives earn median annual salaries of more than $104,000.

Entrepreneurship degree-seekers can also become management analysts or operations research analysts. These roles pay median salaries of around $85,000 annually with much-faster-than-average projected job growth. However, both roles typically require a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions. After completing an entrepreneurship associate degree, graduates can transfer into a four-year bachelor's program.

Courses in Entrepreneurship

An entrepreneurship degree builds strong research, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Through business, marketing, finance, and management coursework, enrollees develop their analytical and creative talents. Most associate in entrepreneurship programs include general business courses covering core concepts. Majors then take specialized courses like project management, financing for entrepreneurs, small business entrepreneurship, and business plan development.

Throughout their program, students complete assignments that foster their business acumen. Group projects, real-world case studies, and business plan assignments prepare learners for careers in business and as business creators. This section introduces common courses during an entrepreneurship associate degree.

• Introduction to Business

  Entrepreneurship degree-seekers often complete introductory business courses covering topics including finance, marketing, business administration, and management. The course provides an overview of foundational business concepts such as operations management, organizational behavior, and accounting. The class prepares participants for specialized courses in entrepreneurship.

• Project Management

  Project management courses prepare enrollees to oversee the planning, development, and implementation stages of projects. Entrepreneurs often rely on their project management skills to establish and grow new businesses or evaluate potential business opportunities. Learners explore project planning techniques, management tools, and project management in different settings.

• Small Business Entrepreneurship

  Entrepreneurship majors learn how to research potential small business ideas, create a business plan, and establish a small business. The class emphasizes small business leadership, financial analysis, competitor analysis, and market research. Topics include funding for small businesses, managing expenses, and growing a small business.

Certifications and Licensure for Entrepreneurship

Whether starting a business or working for an established company, certifications and licenses help entrepreneurs advance. Small business owners need a license from their state to operate a business. Professional certifications, while voluntary, help entrepreneurs demonstrate their knowledge and skill. This section introduces licenses and certifications for entrepreneurs.

Scholarships for Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship majors qualify for many scholarship opportunities. Professional associations, private foundations, and businesses offer scholarships for students earning an associate in entrepreneurship. In addition to the following opportunities, degree-seekers can research scholarships for business majors. Students may qualify for additional financial aid based on their state, school, and career goals.

Online Associate in Entrepreneurship Programs