How Much Does Small Business Management School Cost?

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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.

Find Small Business Management School Information #

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