How Much Does Small Business Management School Cost?
Small Business Management School Prices
Students who pursue a degree in small business management are typically interested in starting and running their own business. Some schools have certificate and degree programs dedicated specifically to small business management/administration/entrepreneurship, while others offer majors in business administration and management with a small business/entrepreneurship track. Many institutions also offer small business management classes through their continuing education or extension schools.
Small Business Facts
A small business, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is a business with fewer than 500 employees. Such firms are the lifeblood of the U.S. economy, providing:
- 64 percent of new net private-sector jobs
- 49 percent of private-sector employment
- 46 percent of private-sector output (source: SBA fact sheet)
Small Business Management Education
Both NFIB and SBA have free online education resources for small business owners.
Certificate Program
Students who need instruction in a particular facet of small business management—say, business financing, human resources, or accounting—might consider taking individual courses at a local college or university. By taking a number of classes through a dedicated certificate or graduate diploma program, students can earn a recognized professional credential. Such programs start at around $4,000 - $5,000.
Associate's and Bachelor's Degree Programs
More advanced small business training can be obtained through an undergraduate degree program. A small business management/administration/entrepreneurship degree program typically provides instruction in areas that include:
- Business plan writing
- Business statistics
- Economics
- Marketing
- Business ethics and law
- Principles of management
The average cost of an associate's degree, according to a 2012 pricing report compiled by The College Board, is $6,000 - $6,500 (tuition and fees for 2 academic years; excludes room and board, books and supplies, and other costs). The same report puts the average cost of bachelor degree programs at around $35,000 - $115,000 (extrapolated cost of tuition and fees for 4 academic years).
Small Business Management Graduate Degree Programs
The small business management skills learned at the undergraduate level can be advanced through a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Often, an MBA is earned after a student gains several years of real world business experience.
While an MBA from a top business school like Harvard, Stanford, or the University of Chicago can easily cost upwards of $150,000, many respectable schools have MBA programs that cost $40,000 to $70,000. Online MBA programs sometimes cost even less.
Finally, don't forget that financial aid—whether offered from schools, the government, or private entities—can offset education costs. To find out how much a particular school costs, contact that institution's financial aid or admissions department.
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