Small Business Entrepreneurship
62–63 Credit Associate DegreeProgram Description
The Small Business Entrepreneurship Associate Degree program is designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs develop the skills, knowledge and abilities needed to become more successful and help potential small business owners and entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality. The program covers basic business skills such as accounting, managing and marketing while focusing on those skills needed to build and grow a small business.
Found in These Career Fields:
Approximate Program Cost
$11,053
Tuition & Fees:
$10,606
Books & Supplies: $447
Books & Supplies: $447
Starting Salary
$26,676-$42,484
Average,
based on the NTC Graduate Outcomes Report
Financial Aid
Available
Total financial aid offered may not exceed the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA).
Available
100% Online
A Closer Look
Detailed Program Information
Take a deeper dive into the details of this program. This section offers information to help you evaluate whether the program fits your goals, interests, and timeline. Use it as a tool to guide your decision-making process.
Availability
Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.
* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.
Outcomes
Graduates will be able to…
Careers
Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:
Courses
The Small Business Entrepreneurship Associate Degree is a 62–63 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.
Credit for Prior Learning Available
* College 101 (10-890-165) is not part of the program credit requirements but is a College Requirement for graduation that must be passed with a “C” or better.
View All Detailed Course Information
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This program integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) to equip students with the tools and mindset needed to launch and grow successful ventures. This integration focuses on three key strategies that enhance learning, reflect industry trends and build entrepreneurial competencies.
First, AI is embedded to drive active, hands-on business development. Students use AI tools to generate ideas, explore market opportunities and refine business concepts. This experiential approach fosters creativity and problem-solving while allowing students to test and iterate on their ideas in meaningful ways.
Second, AI integration is grounded in real-world entrepreneurial practice. Students engage with technologies that are actively shaping how small businesses operate — from streamlining workflows to enhancing customer engagement. This ensures learners are not only aware of current trends but are prepared to apply them in their own ventures.
Third, AI use is intentionally connected to core business competencies. Students develop the ability to gather insights, make informed decisions and accomplish tasks efficiently with limited resources. By leveraging AI to increase productivity, they can focus on strategic priorities such as growth, innovation and customer value.
This approach provides students with relevant, practical experience that aligns with the realities of today’s business landscape. In alignment with NTC’s mission, the program supports learners in building confidence, developing marketable skills and turning ideas into action.
Learn more about Our Commitment to AI Integration
Pathways
Pathways at NTC are designed to help you progress toward your career and education goals, one step at a time. Many programs are structured to build upon each other, allowing you to earn valuable credentials along the way.
If you begin with one of the following programs, you will earn credit towards this Small Business Entrepreneurship Associate Degree:
The Business Operations Technical Diploma will provide you with 52% (32 of 62 credits) of the total credits in this Small Business Entrepreneurship Associate Degree
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), 11520 West 119th Street, Overland Park, KS 66213.
Please see program outcomes data below. Full student learning outcomes, graduation, retention, and course completion rates are available upon request.
Number of Graduates
| Academic Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020–2021 | 16 |
| 2021–2022 | 13 |
| 2022–2023 | 12 |
| 2023–2024 | 15 |
| 2024–2025 | 11 |
Retention Rate (% Retained Next Academic Year)
| Cohort | Retention Rate |
|---|---|
| 2019 Cohort | 43.48% |
| 2020 Cohort | 50.00% |
| 2021 Cohort | 61.40% |
| 2022 Cohort | 44.44% |
| 2023 Cohort | 27.78% |
Three-Year Graduate Rate (% Graduated Within Three Academic Years)
| Cohort | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|
| 2019 Cohort | 23.91% |
| 2020 Cohort | 17.74% |
| 2021 Cohort | 21.05% |
| 2022 Cohort | N/A |
| 2023 Cohort | N/A |
Transfer Information
You can continue your education to earn a four-year degree in a variety of ways.
Program Transfer
The following transfer guides, executed in partnership with post-secondary institutions, are based on agreements that allow you to continue your program at another college.
Purdue Global
General Transfer
All associate degrees transfer to a variety of programs at other partner colleges to give you the opportunity to continue your education in other areas of study.
View all transfer guides
Cost of Attendance
2026–2027 Estimated Academic Year Budgeted Cost of Attendance
The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is a budget that includes categories of expenses that a student may incur while attending NTC. The COA does not reflect actual charges. It is an average based on the estimated living costs typical of our region. In determining the cost of attendance, Northcentral Technical College takes into consideration the budget established by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Financial Aid Budget Work Group. This budget is used to determine financial need for all students who apply for financial aid. A student’s cost of attendance is composed of all educational expenses that can be included for financial aid purposes that a student may accrue while pursuing their education for the year (or semester, if enrolled less than a year). A student’s financial aid cannot exceed their cost of attendance. Schools are required to provide a fuller picture of what it may cost students to pursue their degree, not just what they will owe in tuition/fees and books/supplies. The costs displayed below are estimates based on a 16-week semester or term enrollment. Expenses such as food and housing, personal or transportation may be less based on the weeks you are enrolled.
- Full Time: 12 or more credits
- 3/4 Time: 9 to 11 credits
- 1/2 Time: 6 to 8 credits
- Less Than 1/2 Time: 1 to 5 credits
| Expense Category | Full Time | 3/4 Time | 1/2 Time | Less Than 1/2 Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees* | $2,620 | $1,965 | $1,310 | $655 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $732 | $549 | $366 | $183 |
| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $5,455 | $5,455 | $5,455 | $0 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $1,542 | $1,542 | $1,542 | $0 |
| Transportation | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 |
| Federal Loan Fees | $43 | $43 | $43 | Not applicable |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $12,342 | $11,504 | $10,666 | $2,788 |
| Expense Category | Full Time | 3/4 Time | 1/2 Time | Less Than 1/2 Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees* | $2,620 | $1,965 | $1,310 | $655 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $732 | $549 | $366 | $183 |
| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $1,612 | $1,612 | $1,612 | $0 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $1,542 | $1,542 | $1,542 | $0 |
| Transportation | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 |
| Federal Loan Fees | $43 | $43 | $43 | Not applicable |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $8,499 | $7,661 | $6,823 | $2,788 |
* Tuition listed is based on approved rates for the 2026–2027 academic year. Rates are approved each March by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board. Your tuition cost is based on your enrollment level. These will appear on your bill and account.
For more information regarding billed tuition and fees, visit our Tuition & Fees page.
Students awarded Federal Direct Loan(s) also have an average of the mandatory loan fees automatically added to their COA.
Students with disability-related expenses may contact the Financial Aid Office to have their additional expenses considered. Disability-related expenses include but are not limited to: personal assistance, equipment, and supplies. The Financial Aid Office may potentially include disability expenses in the COA that are not provided by other assisting agencies.
NTC also offers a Net Price Calculator to help estimate costs.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about how the financial aid process works. Please feel free to reach out for more information.
-
NTC Financial Aid Office
- 715.803.1647
- financialaid@ntc.edu
Admissions Process
Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.
Fill out our application
The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. There is no fee to apply.
Apply NowWhat’s Next?
We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be emailed to you.