Social Entrepreneurship
Total graduates
95
2025 · 7 schools
International share
12.6%
12 international students
Bachelor's degrees
88
9.1% international
Master's degrees
7
57.1% international
Overview
Social Entrepreneurship is a dynamic field that blends the innovative spirit of entrepreneurship with a mission to address social issues. This discipline focuses on developing sustainable solutions to pressing social, cultural, and environmental challenges through entrepreneurial approaches. Social entrepreneurs identify problems within their communities or society at large and create ventures that not only aim for financial profitability but also prioritize social impact.
The field encompasses a wide range of activities, including the creation of nonprofit organizations, for-profit social enterprises, and hybrid models that combine elements of both. Social entrepreneurs leverage business principles to drive social change, often using innovative methods to deliver goods and services to underserved populations, improve livelihoods, and foster community development.
Educational programs in Social Entrepreneurship typically cover topics such as social innovation, impact measurement, sustainable business practices, and ethical leadership. Students engage in case studies, develop business plans for social ventures, and may even participate in internships with existing social enterprises. They learn to analyze social problems critically and to devise effective strategies to create positive change.
With the growing recognition of the importance of social responsibility in the business world, Social Entrepreneurship is increasingly gaining traction. Graduates of this field often go on to lead organizations that have a meaningful impact, work in corporate social responsibility, or advocate for policy changes that align with social equity and justice. Overall, Social Entrepreneurship represents a powerful intersection of business acumen and social mission, aiming to create a more equitable and sustainable world.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2020 to 2025, graduates grew 252% and the international share went from 11.1% to 12.6%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 7 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #52 | Georgia | 16 | 0 | |
| #133 | Vermont | 25 | 3 | |
| #208 | Tennessee | 2 | 0 | |
| LAC #74 | RRollins College | Florida | 18 | 3 |
| — | LLoyola University Maryland | Maryland | 11 | 0 |
| — | SSt. Francis College | New York | 7 | 4 |
| — | JJohn Carroll University | Ohio | 2 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | 3,503,020 | $64.87 | $134,940 |
| Managers, All Other | 622,190 | $73.99 | $153,890 |
| Chief Executives | 204,350 | $129.63 | $269,630 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2020–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.