Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operationsat Kansas State University
Graduates earn $39,646/yr in their first year — about 12.0% below the national Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $651K; scenarios range from $576K to $667K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Kansas State University
While the financial outcomes for this program appear a bit below the national average for entrepreneurship, understand this often reflects the practical reality of starting and growing businesses, particularly within a regional economy like the Midwest. Many K-State graduates launch their own ventures, where initial personal income is frequently reinvested or modest as the business builds equity and a customer base. Your opportunities will likely center on the robust small business ecosystem in Kansas and surrounding states, from local Main Street enterprises to supporting regional agribusiness or manufacturing firms.
The high AI risk highlights the evolving landscape where operational and managerial tasks are increasingly augmented by technology. To thrive, you'll need to develop strong strategic thinking, adaptability, and the human-centric skills of leadership and networking that AI cannot replicate. Focus on gaining hands-on experience and building a strong local network to leverage K-State's deep regional connections effectively.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Kansas State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
How Kansas State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Kansas State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Kansas State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Kansas State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Kansas State University?
A score of 65/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations field.
Will AI replace Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $575,953 in decade earnings vs $667,382 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Kansas State University's Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations program stand out?
Ranked #8 of 67 programs nationally, Kansas State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.