Should You Go Back to College for an Entrepreneurship Degree for 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Employment is not for everyone. Others take several years of full-time work before deciding instead to establish their own business. A recent report estimated that 95% of self-employed individuals would want to continue working for themselves for the foreseeable future, while 40% of traditionally employed professionals are now deliberating over self-employment (FreshBooks, 2021).

But do you need a degree to be an entrepreneur? For the most part, you do not really need to get a particular entrepreneurship degree to become an entrepreneur. The skills and knowledge you have to possess to effectively operate a business can be gained through real-life experiences. However, a college education such as a graduate certificate in human resources can help you develop essential soft skills for this new chapter in your life.

Our team of experts at Research.com penned this easy-to-use guide for budding entrepreneurship majors. The first thing you should do is know the difference between an entrepreneur degree and a business degree. We also provide some examples of entrepreneurship degrees and their relevant details, including how long to get a business degree.

Going Back to College for an Entrepreneurship Degree Table of Contents

• Being An Entrepreneur vs. Being a Business Owner
• Entrepreneur Degree vs. Business Degree
• 2025 Best Online Degrees in Entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneurship Career Paths, Job Outlook, and Salary
• Is an Entrepreneurship Degree a Smart Financial Investment?
• How Do You Choose the Right Entrepreneurship Degree Program?
• Are Affordable MBA Programs a Viable Option for Aspiring Entrepreneurs?
• Some Tips for Future Entrepreneurs
• Are Doctoral Programs Worthwhile for Entrepreneurial Growth?
• Could an Accelerated Online MBA Enhance Entrepreneurial Success?
• How Can Emerging Technologies Support Entrepreneurial Growth?
• Importance of Networking in Entrepreneurship
• Leveraging Affordable Learning Resources for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
• Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurs
• Is a Fast Track Business Degree the Right Choice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs?

Being An Entrepreneur vs. Being a Business Owner

Entrepreneurs are often business owners, but not all business owners are entrepreneurs. Unlike business owners who are mainly concerned with generating income, entrepreneurs are always up to creating groundbreaking projects. An entrepreneur would be someone who thinks of an innovative product line that resolves the unmet needs of consumers or taps into a niche market. An entrepreneur can create an entirely new business with limited planning and resources (Butler, 2022).

Since entrepreneurship usually involves significant investment and high risk, entrepreneurs also receive aid from external investors. Some small businesses even receive funding and grants from the U.S. federal government.

For instance, if your father bought a company and ran it for 50 years until his retirement, he would not be referred to as an entrepreneur. However, he would fit the bill as a business owner.

Entrepreneur Degree vs. Business Degree

Both entrepreneurship and business degrees provide students with the opportunity to learn the basics of business. To answer the question, “Do you need a degree to be an entrepreneur?" we delve into some major differences that are prevalent between the two.

As you compare an entrepreneur degree vs. business degree, you may also ask, “Is business a good major?" Conventional business degrees are likely to center on the skills students should acquire to thrive in managerial roles within the structure of an organization. Their topics usually comprise wide-ranging business concepts and theories encompassing management fundamentals, finance, economics, accounting, business leadership, and marketing. From 2019 to 2020, business was the most popular bachelor’s degree among graduates. It is also one of the most common degrees among hopeful entrepreneurs.

Now, what is a degree in entrepreneurship? Entrepreneurship degrees teach students what they need to be able to have and do to initiate a new venture (Pahwa, 2023). Students are immersed in the whole entrepreneurship life cycle, from concept creation to development and launching.

That said, degrees in business and entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship master programs, or even a logistics associate degree typically have a lot of overlap in terms of core courses and required coursework.

2025 Best Online Degrees in Entrepreneurship

Do entrepreneurs go to college? Yes, especially to those that are accredited. Can you get a degree in human resources along with entrepreneurship? Yes, if you take them as separate degrees unless the accredited institution offers double-degree options. So, why does accreditation matter? Accreditation is the backbone that many academic institutions aim for. By being accredited, a college or university proves that its program meets or exceeds industry-set standards. It’s also important to note that programs and schools do not permanently keep their accredited status. They must renew it regularly to ensure they maintain the highest possible standards.

Individuals asking, “Do you need a degree to be an entrepreneur?" do not have to stop working altogether yet to enroll as full-time students. This is because many institutions are now offering online entrepreneurship degrees, such as a logistics degree for example.

Considering that the average yearly tuition for business programs at public four-year institutions for the 2020-21 school year is $9,370 for resident students and $26,820 for nonresidents, and $36,870 for private nonprofit four-year college students, we factor in affordability, too, to gather options for the best degree for entrepreneurs.

1. Arizona State University BS in Business Entrepreneurship

Arizona State University offers an undergraduate business degree that helps students identify, assess, and devise entrepreneurial opportunities in existing organizations or through new ones. It focuses on leadership, product development, team-building, strategic planning and analysis, and analytical and managerial skills. Students enrolled in the program will soon reckon the answer to the question, “Do you need a degree to be an entrepreneur?" as they will regularly work with other students from across the school and understand all business domains.

1. Program Length: 3 to 4 years
2. Cost per year: $13,161 (in-state); $34,103 (out-of-state)
3. Required Credits to Graduate: 120
4. Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

2. Baylor University BS in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation

The Baylor University Hankamer School of Business offers the BS in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation program that teaches students to identify practical entrepreneurial career options, broaden their conceptual knowledge of the process of entrepreneurship, and understand the tools and techniques in venture management. After getting admitted to the program, students will talk to a business school advisor to create their schedule and course sequence for their degree. You may contact the university for information about the tuition and required credits to graduate.

1. Program Length: 4 years
2. Cost: $2,285 per credit
3. Required Credits to Graduate: no information available
4. Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)

3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign BS in Strategic Business Development and Entrepreneurship

The BS in Strategic Business Development and Entrepreneurship offering of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign equips students to become decision-makers, leaders, insightful thinkers, and innovators. These characteristics will be nurtured through rigorous program coursework that trains how to create and maintain new businesses. The university has been recognized as one of the best colleges with an entrepreneurship major. It is among the top 5 producers of business magnates owning privately held start-up companies valued at over $1 billion and a top producer of prominent entrepreneurs.

1. Program Length: Varies
2. Cost per credit: $2,944 (in-state); $5,939 (out-of-state)
3. Required Credits to Graduate: determined by academic advisor
4. Accreditation: AACSB International

Entrepreneurship Career Paths, Job Outlook, and Salary

Is an entrepreneurship degree worth it? An entrepreneurship degree is, without a doubt, an undertaking worthy of your money and time. To begin with, you will be given the expertise you will need to start and maintain a business. You can explore all related opportunities if you can. It is also a relatively generic pursuit in terms of industry; hence, you can shape your career into whatever you desire.

Those wishing to launch their own business also benefit from gaining experience from varied roles first before actually doing what they want to do. Others find it advantageous to build up some capital by being employed as well. If you are asking now, “What can I do with an entrepreneurship degree?" some common entrepreneurship career paths are in the recruitment, marketing, sales, and finance sectors. The national average salaries for these jobs range from $49,967 to $67,562 annually.

Meanwhile, the frontrunners for higher positions are business analysts, management consultants, and CEOs. These jobs have annual average salaries of $74,143 up to $114,906 (Indeed, 2023).

Common Entrepreneurship Career Paths

1. Recruiter. Recruiters are the people responsible for filling vacant roles in companies. They connect with potential employees and interview them to know whether they would qualify for any open position. They may work as part of a bigger organization or recruitment firm member. They can also serve as a coach for applicants searching for a job, assisting them in resume writing and attending interviews, for example.
2. Marketer. Marketers work with advertising agencies or companies to develop content promoting a brand or product. They perform multiple jobs, from design to writing. They are usually professionals who have a background in business and creative roles. They use several materials to ensure that their content reaches as many audiences as possible. Marketers are the ones experiencing the advertising aspect of managing a business.
3. Sales development representative. Sales development representatives are entry-level sales team members. They reach out to potential clients to offer them the company’s service or product. Many are also tasked to schedule meetings for higher-level sales team members.
4. Financial analyst. Financial analysts work with a plethora of companies to closely monitor their stock portfolios and financial investments. They analyze the expenses of a business to make sure that the company can sustain itself economically. They either work as a member of a bigger company or as part of a financial agency that provides services to different businesses. Financial analysts obtain in-depth insights into the cost of handling a business.
5. Business analyst. Business analysts address the problems of companies and offer solutions that are viable to their investors. They usually work exclusively with a company’s technical departments as they regularly use technological systems to study a business’ expenditures and recommend solutions. Business analysts utilize their combination of practical and financial skills to guarantee positive results of their methods.
6. Management consultant. Management consultants help businesses systematize their managerial roles. They often have a comprehensive background taking on leadership and managerial roles. They work with businesses that are finding it hard to come up with an organized set of management positions. Management consultants commonly work with businesses in a similar industry that they are experienced with, enabling them to give more relatable and significant insights.
7. CEO. CEOs oversee the whole function of an organization. Generally, the highest-level executive and other C-level ones report to them. They run a company by outlining goals and ways to achieve them. They also have many different roles as the position calls for a deeper knowledge of all sides of operating a business. CEOs of public-facing organizations always act as the company’s face and go to corporate events or talk to the press to answer questions.

Job Outlook

When it comes to employability, overall business and financial jobs are likely to increase by 7% from 2021 to 2031. This growth is poised to lead to additional 715,100 new occupations in the next ten years. Opportunities also surface from the need to replace employees who retire. An average of around 980,200 vacancies every year are predicted to arise from growth and replacement requirements.

Is an Entrepreneurship Degree a Smart Financial Investment?

Evaluating an entrepreneurship degree requires a careful analysis of upfront educational expenses against long-term financial gains and career flexibility. This assessment should incorporate factors such as potential income growth, access to investor networks, and opportunities for innovation that may offset initial costs. Prospective students are encouraged to compare these metrics against other advanced business programs, including online MBA cost, ensuring that the degree provides a measurable return on investment while aligning with personal career objectives and risk tolerance.

How Do You Choose the Right Entrepreneurship Degree Program?

When assessing an entrepreneurship degree program, consider factors that align with your long-term career objectives. Evaluate the curriculum for relevance to emerging industry standards and the inclusion of practical learning experiences, such as internships or incubator initiatives. Examine the institution’s faculty expertise, mentoring opportunities, and career support services. Additionally, assess program flexibility and delivery methods, ensuring that options like an accelerated bachelor's degree online accredited path meet your educational and time-to-degree expectations.

Some Tips for Future Entrepreneurs

Starting a business is not as easy as it may sound. Not all paths are created equal for all those who want to take a leap as giant as this. Interestingly, a recent study indicates that 70% of business owners have a bachelor’s or master’s degree (Guidant Financial, 2023). This highlights the importance of a college education, even a cheap online business degree, in getting a solid foundation of business knowledge and skills. So, in this case, the answer to “do you need a degree to be an entrepreneur," is yes.

Aside from completing a degree in entrepreneurship, though, plenty of other factors determine one’s success in the industry. Below are some tips to consider as an aspiring entrepreneur:

1. Know what motivates you. Know yourself and what makes you happy and fulfilled. Whatever your answer is to that question, make a business out of it.
2. Devise a business plan. Extensive research and meticulous planning result in continuing success. After knowing your motivation, you must transform it into a tangible concept. And that would be through devising a business plan.
3. Conduct due diligence. Due diligence refers to the painstaking process of assessing a prospective investment. This means knowing whether your product or service has already been created, whether it is valuable, and who your target customers would be. Many businesses fail because their services do not have customers or because they lose to their competitors. Due diligence deals with thorough research from all aspects. It can entail focus groups of potential investors and customers, consulting with other entrepreneurs about the plan, studying potential markets, and analyzing feedback.
4. Understand your potential customers. No matter how great your service or product is, it will not be marketable if it does not relate well with your target audience. Ingest information and experiences from other people and learn from them.
5. Secure financial support. Many businesses also fail due to cash flow problems, while some totally run out of cash. Depending on the business type you want to open, it is better to have strong funding before you operate it. Some entrepreneurs have their own funds to use, but others ask for assistance from investors to streamline the process.
6. Form a team. The right team can make or break your business. Of course, you also have to think about supporting other employees and their actual costs. Aside from salary, consider recruitment, training and equipment, and payroll taxes. Most employees also look at benefits packages.

Are Affordable MBA Programs a Viable Option for Aspiring Entrepreneurs?

In addition to specialized entrepreneurship degrees, many aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from a broader business education that reinforces strategic thinking and leadership skills. Affordable MBA programs offer an opportunity to immerse in comprehensive business disciplines while keeping costs manageable. These programs frequently emphasize real-world applications, including case studies, group projects, and networking with industry leaders, which can enrich an entrepreneur’s toolkit without the financial burden of traditional on-campus education. For those seeking cost-effective alternatives, exploring the cheapest MBA programs can provide valuable insights into program structure, expected outcomes, and long-term return on investment.

Are Doctoral Programs Worthwhile for Entrepreneurial Growth?

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) can empower entrepreneurs by blending rigorous academic research with strategic business practice. This advanced degree elevates analytical skills, fosters innovative problem-solving, and helps integrate academic insights directly into business operations. For entrepreneurs aiming to enhance their credibility and expand their high-level networks while keeping costs in check, exploring cheapest DBA programs may be a strategically sound choice.

Could an Accelerated Online MBA Enhance Entrepreneurial Success?

An accelerated online MBA program offers a complementary perspective to focused entrepreneurship studies. It delivers rigorous training in strategic management, financial analysis, and leadership practices that drive sustainable business growth. Integrating these competencies with specialized entrepreneurial skills can enhance decision-making and operational efficiency while providing access to diverse industry insights. For entrepreneurs seeking a pathway to broaden their business acumen quickly, programs such as the fastest MBA online are designed to meet evolving market demands and support scalability in competitive environments.

How Can Emerging Technologies Support Entrepreneurial Growth?

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing are reshaping the strategic landscape for entrepreneurs. These tools streamline business processes, enhance data-driven decision-making, and enable real-time responsiveness to market shifts. Entrepreneurs can leverage digital solutions to validate ideas, optimize operations, and increase overall efficiency. For instance, integrating automated systems and advanced analytics can reduce operational costs while uncovering new revenue streams. Additionally, embracing digital transformation prepares entrepreneurs to scale their ventures faster, similar to the pace achieved through an accelerated MBA program. This approach not only supports innovation but also complements traditional educational pathways by equipping business owners with relevant, future-ready skills.

Importance of Networking in Entrepreneurship

Networking is a cornerstone for entrepreneurial success, yet it's often underestimated by new entrepreneurs. Establishing a strong network allows entrepreneurs to access valuable resources, including mentorship, partnerships, and funding opportunities. Effective networking can provide insights into industry trends and help entrepreneurs identify gaps in the market, paving the way for innovation.

Networking can take many forms, from attending industry conferences and joining professional associations to engaging in online communities. Social platforms like LinkedIn, as well as specialized forums and meetups, offer vast opportunities for collaboration and learning. Founders who invest time in building meaningful relationships often find it easier to secure financial backing or advice during challenging periods.

Moreover, many entrepreneurship programs emphasize the value of networking by hosting events, career fairs, and alumni mentoring sessions. For prospective students considering an advanced degree in business, exploring options like affordable AACSB accredited online MBA programs with no GMAT can be beneficial. These programs often provide access to a robust network of faculty, classmates, and alumni who are deeply entrenched in various industries. Learn more about these programs at affordable AACSB accredited online MBA programs no GMAT.

To foster professional connections, entrepreneurs should also engage in local business hubs, incubators, and accelerator programs, which often connect startups with investors and mentors. Building a supportive and resourceful network ensures not only knowledge-sharing but also long-term sustainability in the competitive entrepreneurial landscape.

Leveraging Affordable Learning Resources for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

While formal education in entrepreneurship or business can provide valuable insights, not everyone has the means or desire to enroll in traditional programs. For those looking to gain essential skills without incurring significant debt, exploring cheap online courses can be a game-changing step. Affordable online learning platforms often offer access to high-quality courses that focus on key business competencies, such as financial planning, digital marketing, and product development, all of which are crucial for budding entrepreneurs.

These programs are ideal for individuals who prefer to learn at their own pace or balance education with other commitments like a full-time job or family. Additionally, many of these courses come with certification, which can bolster credibility when pitching to investors or launching a business venture.

By tapping into these cost-effective educational resources, aspiring entrepreneurs can acquire the necessary skills and expertise to navigate the complexities of the business world without breaking the bank. This approach allows for a more inclusive pathway to entrepreneurship, ensuring that financial barriers don't hinder career development or the pursuit of innovation.

Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship is an exciting path, but it comes with unique challenges that every entrepreneur should be prepared to face. While these challenges can vary depending on the industry or specific business venture, some are universal and should be carefully considered before starting a business.

• Securing Funding and Investment: One of the most significant hurdles entrepreneurs face is obtaining capital. Whether you're launching a startup or growing an existing business, access to funding is often crucial. Entrepreneurs must be skilled at pitching their ideas to investors, banks, or venture capitalists. A strong background in business management, such as that gained through an MBA in organizational leadership, can help entrepreneurs develop the skills needed to secure investment.
• Managing Cash Flow: Many entrepreneurs struggle with managing cash flow, especially during the early stages of their business. Proper budgeting and financial planning ensure expenses don't outpace revenue. Without the right tools and knowledge, it's easy for small businesses to face liquidity problems.
• Competition and Market Research: Entrepreneurs must navigate a competitive market. Understanding customer needs, analyzing competitors, and differentiating their product or service is critical for survival. Entrepreneurs must constantly innovate and adapt to remain relevant in a rapidly changing market environment.
• Work-Life Balance: Running a business can be time-consuming and stressful, leading to burnout. Entrepreneurs often find it difficult to balance their professional and personal lives. Establishing boundaries and maintaining time for rest and recreation is essential to sustaining long-term success.
• Building a Strong Team: A successful business depends on a strong team. Entrepreneurs must focus on recruiting and retaining top talent. Leadership and communication skills are essential for building an effective team to help drive the company toward its goals.

Is a Fast Track Business Degree the Right Choice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs?

For entrepreneurs seeking to rapidly enhance their business acumen, a focused, accelerated curriculum can provide actionable insights without the prolonged timeline of traditional programs. A fast-paced learning environment emphasizes real-world applications, bridging theoretical knowledge with immediate entrepreneurial challenges. This approach often features condensed coursework, interactive projects, and close industry collaboration, enabling students to swiftly implement strategies in competitive markets. For those looking to expedite their education while honing critical business skills, pursuing a fast track business degree may align with both career goals and market demands.

Is Going Back to College to Take an Entrepreneurship Program A Good Decision?

With the emergence of smartphones, AI, cloud computing, and data sharing, technology is making the process of starting and configuring any scheme a lot easier yet less risky. You can even turn to online generators to browse for entrepreneur business concepts or names.

Perhaps the right answer to “Do you need a degree to be an entrepreneur?" is an astounding “Yes!" Because even if you realize, along the way, that entrepreneurship may not be the perfect path for you, you can still use your newly gained skills in numerous industries. These could be in real estate, consulting, and research and development, among others. What’s more, there is so much more to learn from an entrepreneurship degree or even a master degree in human resources than just opening a business. It is also about gaining the mindset and behaviors that entrepreneurs need to prosper anywhere.

Whether starting your own business or joining an organization, an entrepreneurship program will help you grow individually and professionally.

Key Insights

• Increasing Preference for Self-Employment: A significant portion of the workforce is gravitating towards self-employment, with 95% of self-employed individuals preferring to continue this path and 40% of traditionally employed professionals considering it.
• Entrepreneur vs. Business Owner: While all entrepreneurs are business owners, not all business owners are entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs focus on creating innovative solutions and ventures, often involving high risk and investment, while business owners primarily manage existing businesses to generate income.
• Value of an Entrepreneurship Degree: Although not strictly necessary, an entrepreneurship degree provides valuable skills and knowledge for starting and managing a business. It covers the entire lifecycle of entrepreneurship, from ideation to launch.
• Overlap with Business Degrees: Entrepreneurship and business degrees share many core courses, including management, finance, and marketing. However, entrepreneurship degrees emphasize creating and sustaining new ventures.
• Diverse Career Paths: An entrepreneurship degree opens up various career paths, including recruitment, marketing, sales, financial analysis, business analysis, management consulting, and C-level executive roles.
• Job Growth and Salaries: Business and financial occupations are projected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031, adding 715,100 new jobs. Average salaries range from $49,967 to $114,906, depending on the role.
• Importance of Education: While real-world experience is crucial, 70% of business owners have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, highlighting the importance of formal education in entrepreneurship.

FAQ

1. Do I need a degree to be an entrepreneur?

No, a degree is not strictly necessary to become an entrepreneur. However, a formal education in entrepreneurship or business can provide valuable skills and knowledge that can significantly aid in starting and managing a successful business.

2. What is the difference between an entrepreneur and a business owner?

Entrepreneurs are often business owners who create innovative products or services, involving significant risk and investment. In contrast, business owners primarily focus on managing and maintaining existing businesses to generate income.

3. What are the common career paths for entrepreneurship graduates?

Common career paths for entrepreneurship graduates include recruiter, marketer, sales development representative, financial analyst, business analyst, management consultant, and CEO. These roles leverage the skills and knowledge gained from an entrepreneurship degree.

4. How long does it take to complete an entrepreneurship degree?

An undergraduate entrepreneurship degree typically takes three to four years to complete. Graduate programs, such as a master’s degree, usually take one to two years.

5. Are online entrepreneurship degrees available?

Yes, many accredited institutions offer online entrepreneurship degrees. These programs provide flexibility for individuals who may be working or have other commitments.

6. What are the costs associated with obtaining an entrepreneurship degree?

The cost of an entrepreneurship degree varies by institution and residency status. For example, Arizona State University’s program costs $13,161 per year for in-state students and $34,103 for out-of-state students. Scholarships and financial aid are available to help offset these costs.

7. What is the job outlook for entrepreneurship graduates?

The job outlook for business and financial occupations is positive, with a projected 7% growth from 2021 to 2031. This growth is expected to create approximately 715,100 new jobs over the next decade.

8. What skills do entrepreneurship programs typically teach?

Entrepreneurship programs typically teach skills in leadership, product development, team-building, strategic planning, financial analysis, and marketing. These programs also emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative thinking.

9. How can an entrepreneurship degree benefit someone who decides not to start their own business?

An entrepreneurship degree equips individuals with a versatile skill set that is valuable in various industries, such as consulting, management, marketing, and finance. These skills can be applied to roles within existing organizations, enhancing career prospects.

10. What are some tips for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Some tips for aspiring entrepreneurs include knowing your motivation, devising a detailed business plan, conducting thorough market research, understanding your potential customers, securing financial support, and building a strong team. These steps can help ensure the success and sustainability of a new business venture.

References:

1. Butler, R. (2022, November 8). Is Majoring in Entrepreneurship a Good Idea? Retrieved July 6, 2023, from Investopedia.
2. FreshBooks. (2021). 2021 Annual Self-Employment Report. Retrieved July 6, 2023, from FreshBooks.
3. Guidant Financial. (2023). 2023 small business trends. Guidant Financial.
4. Indeed. (2023, March 11). What Jobs Can You Pursue With an Entrepreneurship Degree? Retrieved July 6, 2023, from Indeed.
5. Pahwa, A. (2023, June 13). Is A Degree In Entrepreneurship Worth It? Retrieved July 6, 2023, from Feedough.