Overview of the Entrepreneurship Associate Degree
A typical Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Entrepreneurship is a two-year program designed to prepare students to start and grow their own businesses or transfer to a four-year business degree.
Students develop core business competencies and learn how to turn ideas into ventures using applied tools like design thinking, lean startup methods, and financial modeling. Many programs include hands-on learning through capstone projects, business plan development, and networking with local entrepreneurial ecosystems.
What You Study in an Entrepreneurship Program
The curriculum usually includes foundational courses in marketing, accounting, business law, public speaking, and economics. Specialized entrepreneurship courses may cover:
- small business management
- innovation
- sales
- e-commerce
- venture financing
Students learn how to create business models, conduct feasibility studies, pitch to investors, and analyze customer needs. Common course titles include Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Marketing, Small Business Accounting, and Business Plan Development. Programs like the Entrepreneurship AAS at NHCC feature real-world business creation projects.
Program Format and Delivery Options
Entrepreneurship associate degrees are offered at many community colleges and technical schools in flexible formats. Students can choose from in-person, hybrid, or fully online options.
Online programs such as the one from U.S. Career Institute allow for 100% self-paced study, while Miami Dade College offers live virtual courses through MDC LIVE.
These delivery formats cater to working adults, parents, and aspiring business owners seeking accessible and mobile-friendly education.
Typical Tuition and Cost Breakdown
Public community colleges typically charge between $3,000 and $7,500 for in-state students completing a 60-credit program. For example, Seminole State College lists in-state tuition at about $3,131.
Online programs like U.S. Career Institute charge $1,689 if paid in full or $8,191 across four semesters with fees. Additional costs may include books, technology, or shipping fees for hard copy materials.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions are generally open to students with a high school diploma or GED.
Most programs do not require previous business experience.
Some institutions, including Penn Highlands and Motlow State, offer credit for military training, life experience, or technical certifications. Placement tests in math and English may be required before enrollment.
Career Outcomes and Transfer Opportunities
Graduates of entrepreneurship associate programs can start new ventures, join startups, manage small businesses, or pursue roles in marketing and operations.
Some transfer to four-year programs in business, management, or innovation.
Others use the degree to enhance work in retail, food services, real estate, and the digital economy. For example, BMCC offers transfer pathways to CUNY colleges, and AACC maintains agreements with select universities.
Is an Entrepreneurship Degree Worth It?
Yes. Entrepreneurship associate degrees offer flexible and affordable preparation for launching a business or supporting innovation within organizations. Students gain skills in planning, finance, marketing, and digital tools that are essential in today’s economy.
For example, programs like Ivy Tech’s include access to funding competitions, local business incubators, and mentorship networks. Whether launching a startup or building a freelance career, this degree opens a variety of professional paths.
Top Schools
For aspiring entrepreneurs seeking hands-on business education, an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Entrepreneurship offers a direct path to launching and managing successful ventures. Whether you’re starting fresh, looking to expand an existing business, or exploring a new industry, these programs provide the practical tools, mentorship, and real-world experience you need to thrive.
From urban innovation hubs like New York City to community-driven programs in Indiana and Oregon, the following colleges offer diverse and flexible learning opportunities designed to turn ambition into action. Explore each school’s unique approach to cultivating entrepreneurial skills, building market-ready businesses, and supporting long-term career growth.
| College | Location | Program Highlights | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas College | Dallas, TX | A.A.S. in Entrepreneurship with stackable certificates; includes business, marketing, HR, and ethics. | Stackable credentials; flexible course sequence; strong focus on communication and computer skills. |
| BMCC (CUNY) | New York, NY | Fully online A.A.S. in Small Business/Entrepreneurship; includes tools like QuickBooks and LeanStack. | Access to NYC startup scene; CUNY Startups partnerships; strong transfer network. |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Batesville, IN | 60-credit A.A.S. with hands-on learning, MVP creation, and enterprise development. | Backed by RISE model; pitch competitions and strong startup ecosystem links. |
| North Hennepin Community College | Brooklyn Park, MN | 60-credit program with hybrid/in-person delivery; includes practical projects like business plans. | Eligible for North Star Promise (free tuition); strong transfer and support services. |
| Hudson Valley Community College | Troy, NY | A.A.S. focused on small business, finance, marketing, and legal skills; includes a final business plan. | Community internships; stackable microcredentials; sustainability and e-commerce focus. |
| Motlow State Community College | Tullahoma, TN | A.A.S. in Business with Entrepreneurship focus; credit for prior experience in mid-management roles. | Credit for work experience (up to 12 credits); digital agronomy pathway. |
| Penn Highlands Community College | Johnstown, PA | Technical and leadership training; credit for military or tech diplomas; 16-month fast-track. | Accelerated format; life experience credit; transfer options to 4-year colleges. |
| Columbia Gorge Community College | The Dalles, OR | 93-credit A.A.S. with advanced coursework in business and a capstone entrepreneurial project. | Capstone integrates real business launch; strong emphasis on management best practices. |
| Rowan College of South Jersey | Sewell, NJ | Practical A.A.S. for startups and small business growth; covers finance, strategy, and presentations. | Real-world business interaction; teamwork and critical thinking focus. |
| Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold, MD | Affordable (<$10K in-county); A.A.S. with stackable certificates and flexible delivery. | Mentorship, seed fund competitions, and support for licensed professionals shifting to entrepreneurship. |
Dallas College
https://www.dallascollege.edu/cd/gps/pages/gpsmap.aspx?gpsId=1806
Dallas, TX
Comprehensive Curriculum for Aspiring Business Owners
Dallas College offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Entrepreneurship that prepares students to launch or manage their own businesses. The curriculum blends core business knowledge with practical skills across entrepreneurship, accounting, human resources, and marketing. The program also emphasizes communication, ethics, and computer proficiency. Students can earn stackable credentials, including the Entrepreneurial Foundation Certificate and Entrepreneurial Management Certificate, along the way. To graduate, students must complete at least 25% of their coursework at Dallas College.
Career-Oriented and Flexible Pathway
Designed for immediate employment or career advancement, this program supports a range of entrepreneurial goals—from small business ownership to enhancing job performance. While the college does not list tuition directly on the program page, Dallas College is known for affordable in-district tuition and robust support services. The degree is structured as a two-year plan with a flexible course sequence, providing a solid launching point for students eager to take control of their career path through entrepreneurship.
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)
https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/academics/departments/business-management/sbe/
New York, NY
Purpose-Driven Business Development with Expert Support
BMCC’s A.A.S. in Small Business/Entrepreneurship is a two-year program available fully online, catering to a diverse student population including recent graduates and working professionals. The curriculum is rooted in purpose-first business development, teaching students to build sustainable ventures, reduce startup risk, and navigate early business challenges. Students gain real-world experience using tools like QuickBooks, Slack, LeanStack, and Excel while also benefiting from access to NYC’s vibrant startup scene through partnerships with CUNY Startups and other entrepreneurial hubs.
Career Readiness and Seamless Transfer Options
Students develop skills in team management, market analysis, and lean startup strategies, positioning them for roles in retail management, marketing, and sales—or to launch their own ventures. The program supports upward mobility with transfer agreements across CUNY and career services including mentoring, job placement, and experiential learning. Whether starting a business or continuing toward a four-year degree, BMCC helps students forge a confident path forward in the entrepreneurial world.
Ivy Tech Community College
https://www.ivytech.edu/programs/all-academic-programs/garatoni-school-of-entrepreneurship-innovation/entrepreneurship/
Batesville, IN
Innovative and Hands-On Entrepreneurial Education
Ivy Tech’s A.A.S. in Entrepreneurship is a 60-credit, five-semester program built around practical learning, real-world application, and ecosystem engagement. Students explore entrepreneurial mindset, lean marketing, enterprise development, MVP creation, and financial planning. With options ranging from short-term certificates to full associate degrees, the program offers multiple entry points for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tuition for the A.A.S. degree is approximately $10,703, with shorter certificate options available at lower costs.
Networking, Mentorship, and Business Launch Opportunities
Backed by the Garatoni-Smith Family Foundation and the RISE model, Ivy Tech connects students with Indiana’s startup ecosystem through pitch competitions, business showcases, and mentoring. Career pathways extend beyond launching a business to roles in program coordination, operations, and product management. Ivy Tech stands out for its affordability, flexible credentialing, and deep integration with local entrepreneurship networks.
North Hennepin Community College (NHCC)
https://www.nhcc.edu/academics/degree-pathways/business-and-information-systems/entrepreneurship-aas
Brooklyn Park, MN
Business Fundamentals and Practical Project Work
NHCC’s A.A.S. in Entrepreneurship prepares students to manage, buy, or launch a small business or franchise through hands-on projects like business models and plans. The 60-credit program can be completed in four semesters (full-time) and is available in hybrid and in-person formats. Tuition is $210.86 per credit, with online credits slightly higher at $220.48. Financial aid and scholarships, including Minnesota’s North Star Promise, may help eligible students attend for free.
Marketable Skills and Career Readiness
Graduates leave with a solid grasp of marketing, finance, consumer behavior, human resources, and legal principles. They also learn to use business software and develop analytical skills, positioning them to succeed as entrepreneurs or managers. NHCC emphasizes affordability, support services, and transferability, making it a practical choice for entrepreneurial-minded students in Minnesota.
Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC)
https://www.hvcc.edu/programs/all/business-liberalarts/entrepreneurship-aas.html
Troy, NY
Practical Tools for Immediate Business Success
HVCC’s A.A.S. in Entrepreneurship helps students build a strong foundation in small business management, entrepreneurial finance, marketing, and legal issues. The program is geared toward immediate entry into the business world, with support for those aiming to launch their own ventures. The curriculum includes real-world projects like a final business plan and offers stackable microcredentials for added flexibility.
Internship Experience and Growth Potential
HVCC integrates community-based internships, enabling students to gain experience and establish local connections. The program supports both aspiring business owners and current entrepreneurs looking to grow. With a strong focus on sustainability and online market opportunities, HVCC’s program is designed to help students thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.
Motlow State Community College
https://www.motlow.edu/academics/programs/business-technology/entrepreneurship.html
Tullahoma, TN
Versatile Learning with Prior Experience Credit
Motlow’s A.A.S. in Business with an Entrepreneurship concentration equips students to launch or expand a business. Designed for non-transfer seekers, the program blends finance, marketing, management, legal studies, and supply chain knowledge. Students with significant mid-management work experience can earn up to 12 credit hours, saving both time and money.
Career Flexibility and Technical Pathways
The curriculum supports career options in startups, finance, nonprofits, and digital fields such as social media management or app development. Motlow’s innovative pathways also include a Digital Agronomy concentration for those interested in ag-tech. Whether just starting out or advancing an existing venture, students graduate with a solid, commerce-savvy mindset and career-ready skills.
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (Penn Highlands)
https://www.pennhighlands.edu/academics/business-communication/entrepreneurship/
Johnstown, PA
Technical Skills Meet Entrepreneurial Ambition
Penn Highlands offers an A.A.S. in Entrepreneurship tailored to students with technical training or hands-on career experience. The program awards credit for military service, tech diplomas, and life experience, while also preparing newcomers with foundational skills in math, science, business, and communication. Courses focus on developing leadership and business management capabilities for both startups and established businesses.
Accelerated Degree and Transfer Opportunities
This degree can be completed in just 16 months through an online accelerated format, ideal for students with prior college credit or professional experience. Graduates may pursue careers or transfer to partner institutions like Saint Francis University and Seton Hill University. With its flexible structure and low-cost education, Penn Highlands supports students at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
Columbia Gorge Community College
https://www.cgcc.edu/entrepreneurship-business-management-AAS
The Dalles, OR
Program Overview
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Entrepreneurship/Business Management at Columbia Gorge Community College is a 93-credit program designed for students aiming to start their own business, expand a family business, or contribute meaningfully in management roles across industries. The curriculum builds upon a foundational one-year certificate, adding advanced coursework in entrepreneurship, general business, and general education subjects. In the second year, students gain deeper insight into business functions and best management practices, culminating in a capstone project that integrates classroom knowledge into a practical entrepreneurial venture or small business operation.
Curriculum and Career Outcomes
Students must meet general AAS degree requirements along with prerequisites such as entry-level math, writing, and keyboarding skills. Graduates emerge equipped to craft comprehensive business plans, develop strategic marketing and operational frameworks, and use business technologies effectively. They also gain strong communication and ethical decision-making skills for business settings. The program ultimately prepares students for entrepreneurship or business leadership roles, supported by a portfolio suitable for attracting investor interest.
Rowan College of South Jersey
https://www.rcsj.edu/Business/entrepreneurship
Sewell, NJ
Program Overview
Rowan College of South Jersey’s AAS in Entrepreneurship offers a robust framework for students pursuing startup ventures or aiming to scale small businesses. Emphasizing both theory and practical skills, the program encourages critical thinking, adaptability, and teamwork. Students interact with the local business community to gain real-world insights and learn from experienced professionals, creating a comprehensive entrepreneurial foundation.
Curriculum and Career Outcomes
Students learn to develop strategic business plans, deliver effective presentations, and master essential financial and accounting concepts. The curriculum supports both leadership and collaborative skills, ensuring students are prepared to analyze local businesses and make actionable recommendations. Graduates can pursue roles such as small business owners, consultants, or operations managers, and are equipped to transition smoothly into the workforce or further education.
Anne Arundel Community College
https://www.aacc.edu/programs-and-courses/credit-and-degree-seekers/entrepreneurship/
Arnold, MD
Program Overview
Anne Arundel Community College offers an affordable AAS in Entrepreneurship program—under $10,000 for in-county students—tailored for aspiring business owners and innovators. Courses are flexible, available in-person, online, and hybrid formats, and taught by seasoned entrepreneurs. Students benefit from mentorships, scholarships, and seed fund competitions, making this a supportive launchpad for new ventures or future academic pursuits.
Curriculum and Career Outcomes
This program prepares students to start or grow their own business through hands-on learning in accounting, sales, marketing, and entrepreneurial thinking. AACC also offers stackable credit certificates, including options for licensed professionals transitioning into business ownership. Graduates are equipped with the essential tools to launch a business, contribute to an existing organization, or transfer to a four-year institution through established articulation agreements.
How Long to Pay Off the Degree?
Pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Entrepreneurship is not just an investment in education—it’s an investment in your future earning power and independence. With average tuition for these programs hovering around $10,000, and entry-level salaries for entrepreneurship graduates typically ranging between $35,000 and $45,000, we’ll use a conservative starting salary of $40,000 for our estimate.
If you dedicated:
- 5% of your income ($2,000/year), you’d pay off the loan in 5 years.
- 10% of your income ($4,000/year), you’d pay it off in 2.5 years.
- 15% of your income ($6,000/year), you’d be debt-free in under 2 years.
- 20% of your income ($8,000/year), your education would be paid off in just 1.25 years.
These numbers show that even with modest contributions from your income, your entrepreneurial education can be paid off quickly—especially when compared to traditional four-year degrees. For students motivated to launch their own businesses, the potential for faster financial independence makes this path not only viable but smart.