Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,996/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (447,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #67 of 67 Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations programs

Program Analysis

Pursuing entrepreneurship is often a winding, challenging path, and the outcomes here reflect that reality. This program focuses on small business operations, which, while vital for local economies, frequently yields more modest immediate returns compared to corporate tracks, particularly in the initial years after graduation. Graduates are often building businesses from the ground up, working for smaller local employers, or managing family ventures in Charlotte’s competitive market, where initial salaries and growth trajectories differ significantly from high-growth sectors. The relatively open admission and broad focus mean you'll be among peers exploring diverse ventures, but perhaps not consistently those with high scalability. Even if you transition into management roles outside of your own business, many operational positions face increasing automation risk, requiring careful long-term career planning. If this path truly calls to you, prioritize internships and practical experience, cultivate a strong professional network while in school, and consider complementing this degree with specific, in-demand technical or marketing skills to enhance your marketability and mitigate risk.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $492K $492K $462K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 3.0x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$161,632
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$115,604
28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,125
9.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,190
46% growth from Year 1

About Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

With 75% of applicants admitted, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,126 students in Charlotte, NC. Pell Grant recipients make up 52% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
General and operations managers $102,950/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Other Schools

Other Majors at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?
The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte a good choice for Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →