The Best Undergraduate Business Programs

In a world that is more fast-paced and globally connected than ever before, a strong business foundation is crucial for students who aspire to enter this competitive industry. Top undergraduate business programs ensure that students not only earn a prestigious degree, but also internalize life lessons, cultivate a personal mission, and fully prepare for professional growth. 

Each year, the U.S. News & World Report ranks the nation’s Best Undergraduate Business Programs based on the judgments of deans and senior faculty members at peer institutions. In preparing for the best path to take in your own educational journey, these highly esteemed universities are important to consider.

 ● University of Pennsylvania: “Business makes things happen and affects every part of society. At Wharton, the world’s premier business school, you will gain knowledge and experience you need to become a leader in business and make a positive impact on today’s challenging economic and social issues. Wherever you want to go in life, a Wharton education will empower you every step of the way.”

○ Location: Philadelphia, PA

○ SAT/ACT Range: 1450–1560, 32-35

○ Acceptance Rate: 8%

○ General Highlights: Founded by Benjamin Franklin; Less academically competitive than schools like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford; Active socially, with "work hard, play hard" attitude; Flexible curriculum

● Massachusetts Institute of Technology: “The MIT Sloan undergraduate program provides an academic experience where students learn how to bring business perspectives to their technical and quantitative expertise. Our program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of management education grounded in the scientific method.”

○ Location: Cambridge, MA

○ SAT/ACT Range: 1510–1570, 34-36

○ Acceptance Rate: 7%

○ General Highlights: Top research university with renowned STEM programs; Humanities majors often have a STEM intersection and focus

● University of California, Berkeley: “At Haas, you will gain the knowledge and technical skills needed to navigate the challenging economic and societal issues of today as well as receive the essential experience required to make a sustained, positive impact. Business is the impetus that propels action and influences every aspect of society and culture. There are countless rewarding career paths including the well blazed trails of the traditional ABC’s and the ever evolving emprise of entrepreneurship. A Haas degree will allow you to explore every spectacular possibility of success and provide you with the tools, skills and connections necessary to impact change.”

○ Location: Berkeley, CA

○ SAT/ACT Range: 1330–1530 , 28-34

○ Acceptance Rate: 16%

○ General Highlights: Consistently ranks in top 2 public universities; First university in the UC System; Outstanding academics and athletics; Tech opportunities: located between Silicon Valley and San Francisco

● University of Michigan - Ann Arbor: “The Michigan Ross curriculum throws you right into the action, excitement, and risk inherent in business. After all, you don’t come to Michigan Ross to be a spectator. You come to be a leader. We believe the best way to learn is by doing. No other BBA program equals our opportunities to start, advise, invest in, and lead real-world businesses. We call this Ross Experiences in Action-Based Learning — REAL.”

○ Location: Ann Arbor, MI

○ SAT/ACT Range: 1340–1520, 31-34

○ Acceptance Rate: 23%

○ General Highlights: Top athletics programs; Top public university; World class business school facilities

● New York University: “Innovative classes. Unparalleled international immersion opportunities. A vibrant community. All in the business and cultural capital of the world. A business foundation grounded in the liberal arts. Faculty at the top of their fields. A focus on social impact. Flexibility to pursue passions and see the world.”

○ Location: New York, NY

○ SAT/ACT Range: 1350–1530 , 30-34

○ Acceptance Rate: 16%

○ General Highlights: Located in the heart of NYC; Excellence in the arts; Prepares students for the “real world” through immersion in urban settings around the world

● University of Texas at Austin: “Students are at the heart of what we do. Innovation is at the heart of what you do. The McCombs School of Business is a top-ranked business school welcoming the enterprising spirit of students everywhere. Whether you’re developing an app that will disrupt aerospace or you’re committed to activating community change - our curriculum complements the valuable skill sets you are bringing to our table.”

○ Location: Austin, TX

○ SAT/ACT Range: 1230–1480, 27-33

○ Acceptance Rate: 32% (42% in-state, 15% out of state)

○ General Highlights: Strong football program; Entrepreneurial-minded city; Notable study abroad program

● Cornell University: “Learn beyond your school with courses and projects in other business areas, and apply your knowledge to innovation in your chosen field. Get inside access to special industry events, guest speakers, travel, and extracurricular opportunities. Meet faculty, peers, and industry professionals who challenge your ideas and help you make them even more successful. Plug into a powerful global network of Cornell SC Johnson and Cornell University alumni where you’ll find collaborators, mentors, advisors, and friends.”

○ Location: Ithaca, NY

○ SAT/ACT Range: 1400–1560, 32-35

○ Acceptance Rate: 11%

○ General Highlights: Known for more “relaxed” academic standards compared to other Ivy League schools; Students apply directly to one of Cornell’s schools or colleges

● Carnegie Mellon University: “A Tepper business education prepares you for that future and for the uncertainties ahead. Here, we'll equip you with the experiences and business skills to drive solutions for the toughest challenges. At Tepper, you’ll pursue your bold goals in an intimate setting. In small classes, you’ll find the support and attention needed to forge your future.”

○ Location: Pittsburgh, PA

○ SAT/ACT Range: 1460–1560, 32-35

○ Acceptance Rate: 15%

○ General Highlights: Founder of the programming language Java received both an M.A. and Ph.D. from CMU; Top drama program

● University of Virginia: “The McIntire School of Commerce blends the expansive knowledge of a liberal arts education with the cutting-edge skills sought by today’s fiercely competitive global marketplace. Widely renowned for our longstanding undergraduate program, and pan-University minors in Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Real Estate, our programs are designed with an inventive, engaging curriculum that incorporates real-world business experiences of unparalleled quality.”

○ Location: Charlottesville, VA

○ SAT/ACT Range: 1340–1520, 30–34

○ Acceptance Rate: 24% (36% in-state, 19% out of state)

○ General Highlights: Founded by Thomas Jefferson; UNESCO World Heritage Site; Ranked as most beautiful college campus in America

● University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: “A degree in business is truly one of the most flexible and widely applicable courses of study you can pursue as an undergraduate. With a business degree from UNC Kenan-Flagler, you’ll master essential problem-solving, collaboration, teamwork and analytical skills that will prepare you for success in almost any field — from finance and consulting to commercial, government and non-profit.”

○ Location: Chapel Hill, NC

○ SAT/ACT Range: 1310–1500, 27-33

○ Acceptance Rate: 23% (41% in-state, 13% out of state)

○ General Highlights: Only public university to award degrees during the 18th century; Emphasis on leadership; Top basketball program

As a business student, you’ll want a degree from a top university on your resume. The colleges listed here are sure to offer you a valuable academic experience that prepares you for the business industry. However, did you notice that many elite private universities – like Harvard and Yale – are missing from this list? This is because these are liberal arts schools that consider business as a trade, not a liberal art. So, while students can often take some courses at these schools’ graduate business schools, they don’t offer a formal major in business. It's imperative to understand these contexts when making decisions related to your college applications. Especially if you aim to pursue a career in business, the undergraduate degree you earn matters. 

As someone who is interested in business, where should you apply, and with what major specifically? Your PathIvy counselors are a knowledgeable resource that can help in crafting the best strategy for you personally based on admissions data and your own personal profile. Get in touch today to choose the best path in achieving your dreams.

Written by Dr. Jessica White, PathIvy Team