[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you interested in starting your own business? A bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship can prepare you for various opportunities in business and other fields, including starting new ventures or improving existing companies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore some of the best colleges for entrepreneurship bachelor’s programs with our list of top-ranked schools. Our guide covers what to expect from a bachelor’s in entrepreneurship, including typical program admission requirements, classes, and costs. We also describe job opportunities for entrepreneurship graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Colleges for Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship Programs[/hen-ui-heading]
#1 Best Colleges for Entrepreneurship Degrees
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL
4 year
Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State$38,650
Out-of-state$38,650
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State$13,500
Out-of-state$13,500
Retention Rate74%
Acceptance Rate80%
Students Enrolled3,520
Institution TypePrivate
Percent Online Enrollment42%
AccreditationYes
#2 Best Colleges for Entrepreneurship Degrees
Northwood University
Midland, MI
4 year
Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State$29,000
Out-of-state$29,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State$37,080
Out-of-state$37,080
Retention Rate85%
Acceptance Rate83%
Students Enrolled2,422
Institution TypePrivate
Percent Online Enrollment71%
AccreditationYes
#3 Best Colleges for Entrepreneurship Degrees
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX
4 year
Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State$6,228
Out-of-state$16,020
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State$6,471
Out-of-state$13,815
Retention Rate59%
Acceptance Rate84%
Students Enrolled16,914
Institution TypePublic
Percent Online Enrollment88%
AccreditationYes
#4 Best Colleges for Entrepreneurship Degrees
Columbia College
Columbia, MO
2 year
Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State$11,636
Out-of-state$11,636
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State$8,442
Out-of-state$8,826
Retention Rate65%
Acceptance Rate73%
Students Enrolled895
Institution TypePrivate
Percent Online Enrollment77%
AccreditationYes
#5 Best Colleges for Entrepreneurship Degrees
Franklin University
Columbus, OH
4 year
Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State$9,552
Out-of-state$9,552
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State$16,080
Out-of-state$16,080
Retention Rate100%
Acceptance RateN/A
Students Enrolled6,815
Institution TypePrivate
Percent Online Enrollment95%
AccreditationYes
[hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list has not been updated for 2024. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s in entrepreneurship is a business-focused degree that can help students learn to start or expand businesses or organizations, get funding, and create business plans. Entrepreneurship programs, typically offered through business colleges, focus on innovation, leadership, and fundamental business skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Entrepreneurship programs usually include core business classes and major entrepreneurship coursework. Enrollees also must meet general education requirements. Some schools offer online MBA in entrepreneurship programs for individuals interested in attending graduate school after completing their bachelor’s degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What’s the Difference Between Entrepreneurship and Business Administration Degrees?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/business-degrees/”]bachelor of business administration[/hen-ui-link] (BBA) degree covers general business theory and practices like management, accounting, marketing, and finance. Entrepreneurship is a more focused type of business degree that focuses on developing business ideas, innovation, creativity, and leadership.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There is significant overlap between these two types of programs. Both cover core business principles and can prepare graduates for various business-related jobs. Students who major in entrepreneurship often want to start businesses, but this is also true of business administration majors. Some business administration programs offer entrepreneurship as a concentration.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Should you get a top business degree instead?” href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/business-degrees/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect From a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s in entrepreneurship programs develop business and management skills while emphasizing innovation and collaboration. A full-time student can typically complete a bachelor’s in entrepreneurship program in four years. However, some online schools offer accelerated options that let learners graduate in less time. Most programs require about 120 credits.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of a bachelor’s in entrepreneurship varies by school, but public institutions where you can pay in-state tuition are typically more affordable than private schools. Popular courses for this program explore entrepreneurial management, [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-organizational-leadership/”]leading organizations[/hen-ui-link], business policy and strategy management, and sales for entrepreneurs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to coursework, bachelor’s in entrepreneurship programs may require students to complete entrepreneurship capstone projects or classes to graduate. A capstone occurs in the program’s final semester and allows learners to synthesize their entrepreneurship skills and classroom knowledge.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Accreditation for Online Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Institutional accreditation indicates that a college meets minimum quality standards related to academic programs, faculty qualifications, and student resources. [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/resources/accreditation/”]Accrediting bodies[/hen-ui-link] approved by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation provide their stamp of approval to colleges and universities. Attending an institutionally accredited school is important to qualify for federal financial aid.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best colleges for entrepreneurship may offer degrees with programmatic accreditation. Look for entrepreneurship programs accredited by the following programmatic accrediting agencies:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://acbsp.org/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacsb.edu/” target=”_blank”]Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://iacbe.org/” target=”_blank”]International Accreditation Council for Business Education[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can find accreditation information for their school and program at the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ed.gov/accreditation” target=”_blank”]U.S. Department of Education’s[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/directories” target=”_blank”]Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s[/hen-ui-link] databases.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Undergraduate Admissions Process[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission requirements for bachelor’s in entrepreneurship programs include a high school diploma or its equivalent and a minimum GPA that varies by school. Some colleges also require SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and essays. Most schools ask applicants to submit their materials online, which typically requires an application fee.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although not usually required for a bachelor’s program, you might increase your chances of acceptance if you can demonstrate previous business experience through a part-time job, internship, or volunteer position. Some schools may require admission interviews in person or on the phone.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Curriculum for Entrepreneurship Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The variety and type of courses available in entrepreneurship programs vary by school. Most programs require core, elective, and capstone credits. Below, we describe some popular courses you might encounter in an entrepreneurship program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Entrepreneurial Management: This core course covers the foundations of entrepreneurship, including [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-business-management/”]growth management[/hen-ui-link], strategic planning, and startup management.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Leading Organizations: Entrepreneurship majors learn about effective organizational leadership, including leadership development and research processes.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financing Entrepreneurship: This class explores various methods of funding entrepreneurial ventures. Students learn to create business plans and identify the best available options to become or remain financially solvent.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Technology and Innovation in Entrepreneurship: This elective course provides an introduction to [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/computer-information-systems/”]using technology[/hen-ui-link] that enhances the entrepreneurial process. Key topics include fostering innovation and using modern technological tools in entrepreneurial ventures.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Cost for an Online Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of earning an online degree in entrepreneurship varies significantly by school. Factors that affect the price of a degree include school prestige, public vs. private status, and residency. Generally, students can find more affordable options by choosing public schools where they qualify for in-state tuition rates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attending a public university as an out-of-state student can be quite expensive. However, many online public universities allow fully online students to pay the same tuition rate no matter where they live.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to tuition, students may incur other costs while earning their degrees, including housing, transportation, health insurance, and textbooks/supplies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financing options for online bachelor’s in entrepreneurship programs include federal financial aid, [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/resources/college-finances/veteran-scholarships/”]scholarships[/hen-ui-link], grants, and student loans.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Discover scholarships for women” href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships-women/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Choosing the Best College for an Entrepreneurship Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To find the best colleges for entrepreneurship, prospective students should consider the following key factors:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation: Any prospective school should hold institutional accreditation. The best entrepreneurship bachelor’s programs may also hold separate programmatic accreditation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Internship Opportunities: Many programs allow learners to get hands-on experience in the field while still in school. If this is important to you, prioritize programs that provide internship opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Even if you enroll in an online program, a school’s geographic location may be important. Some programs require you to visit campus to take tests, use the library, or meet with classmates.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cost/Financial Aid: Students should think about their budget to develop a sense of how much they can reasonably spend on an entrepreneurship degree. Apply for financial aid opportunities to help fund your education.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Does it matter where you get your MBA?” href=”/degrees/mba/mba-specializations/mba-specializations/does-it-matter-where-you-get-mba/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org”][/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Jobs for Graduates With Entrepreneurship Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Entrepreneurship graduates with bachelor’s degrees may qualify for various high-paying careers. No degree guarantees a specific career or job, but entrepreneurship graduates can pursue careers as executives, human resources managers, and sales managers. These roles all earn annual median salaries of more than $100,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The chart below highlights potential careers for graduates with bachelor’s degrees in entrepreneurship.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Potential Careers for Entrepreneurs[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Title[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Minimum Degree Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”]Top Executives[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm” target=”_blank”]$103,840[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Degree Required”]Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”]Human Resources Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$136,350[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Degree Required”]Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”]Sales Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/sales-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$135,160[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Degree Required”]Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”]Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$156,580[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Degree Required”]Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”]Financial Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$156,100[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Degree Required”]Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Organizations for Graduates With Entrepreneurship Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://hub.eonetwork.org/” target=”_blank”]Entrepreneurs’ Organization[/hen-ui-link]: This group connects entrepreneurs in 86 countries and provides business opportunities. Membership benefits include local and global executive education, networking events, and leadership training.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://tie.org/” target=”_blank”]TiE Global Network[/hen-ui-link]: Founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley, this organization encourages entrepreneurship through networking, mentorship, funding, and education. The group aims to launch the next generation of entrepreneurs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.sba.gov/” target=”_blank”]U.S. Small Business Administration[/hen-ui-link]: Started in 1953, SBA provides funding, education, and outreach to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the United States. SBA helps people start and expand their businesses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]FAQ About the Best Online Colleges for Entrepreneurship[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the best degree for entrepreneurs?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An entrepreneur typically needs at least a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship or general business to qualify for popular careers like top executive, sales manager, human resources manager, or financial manager. Students who want to learn new skills and advance their careers can [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/mba/mba-specializations/”]consider pursuing MBAs[/hen-ui-link] with a concentration in entrepreneurship.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to get a degree in entrepreneurship?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship or any other field typically takes four years to complete for full-time students. Some online schools may offer accelerated programs that take less time.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Will you need to get a business permit or a license after graduation?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It depends on your post-graduation goals. If you want to start your own company or open your own business, you may need a business permit or license. However, it depends on the type of business and the municipality where you plan to operate.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are the best colleges for studying entrepreneurship expensive?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The amount it costs to earn an entrepreneurship bachelor’s degree varies among schools based on factors like school type (public or private), prestige, and residency status (in-state or out-of-state). Entrepreneurship students can apply for financial aid to help offset the cost of expensive tuition.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Should you go to college if you want to start a business?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you want to start a business, an entrepreneurship degree can help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. Many of the most popular careers for entrepreneurs typically require a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”1441,342,1272″][/hen-ui-article-row]