For students passionate about organization, innovation, or even resource management, studying the technical skills of business is a fascinating option. To help you out, this is Empowerly’s most recent list of top 10 schools for undergraduate business programs. Keep in mind that many top schools such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford don’t offer undergraduate business degrees. But, if you are interested in learning more about undergrad business degrees that are available, read on. Our research team has rounded up some of the best business schools for undergrad students that you can start researching today!
Benefits Of Undergraduate Business Programs
Undergraduate business programs provide students with a solid foundation in business principles and practices, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for a successful career in the business world. Many prestigious institutions, including Ivy League schools with business majors, offer undergraduate business programs that are highly regarded for their academic excellence and comprehensive curriculum. These programs attract students who are passionate about business and seek a rigorous education in the field.
While Harvard Business School is renowned for its prestigious MBA program, it does not offer an undergraduate business major. However, there are numerous other undergraduate business schools that provide excellent business education. These schools offer specialized undergraduate business programs designed to cultivate business acumen, leadership skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Students can choose from a variety of disciplines, such as finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and more, depending on their interests and career goals.
One of the main advantages of pursuing an undergraduate business degree is the vast array of opportunities it presents. Business majors gain exposure to various aspects of the corporate world, including finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. This broad-based education prepares students for a wide range of career paths, from working in multinational corporations to starting their own businesses. Additionally, undergraduate business programs often incorporate experiential learning components, such as internships, case studies, and real-world projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical settings.
The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin is an example of a well-regarded undergraduate business program. With a variety of undergraduate business majors available, such as accounting, finance, marketing, and management, McCombs provides students with a comprehensive business education. The school emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, innovation, and ethical decision-making, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the business world. Graduates from McCombs and other top undergraduate business schools often enjoy excellent job prospects and have a competitive edge in the job market.
Business Major vs. Business School?
High school students interested in pursuing undergraduate business majors may actually do so at many colleges in the US. Most of the time, that means that you enroll in general and business classes, while studying alongside peers from many different disciplines.
However, some universities dedicate entire schools to their business programs. In contrast to undergraduate business majors, these dedicated institutions are the best business schools for undergraduate students. They often have their own advisors, academic resources, and tutoring services to serve their students specific needs, as they may differ from other enrolled students.
Graduate vs. undergraduate programs
Another popular pathway some of the best schools with business programs, however, applies only to graduate students. These degrees—MBA, or Master’s in Business Administration—are only available older students. To follow this pathway, students may choose a supporting major (like Economics or even English) to build foundational skills for their Bachelor’s degree first. Other recommended undergraduate business majors might surprise you—in fact, there’s no required route, so long as you demonstrate your strengths and continue to grow. Then, they later apply to continuing post-grad programs to finish off.
This article, on the other hand, focuses on outlining the best business schools for undergrad students entering college for the very first time. Next, let’s dig into our own undergrad business school ranking!
1. University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School
The Wharton School of Business is the nation’s first school of business as well as the University of Pennsylvania’s most prestigious college. Though it is extremely competitive and expensive, a degree from Wharton will yield endless opportunities. All undergraduates receive a B.S. in Economics with a concentration in one of 20+ areas of study. Additionally, these concentrations cover nearly every business-related area of study. Furthermore, Wharton is highly ranked in an extensive list of programs including accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, insurance, international business, management, management information systems, marketing, operation management, quantitative analysis, and real estate.
2. University of California Berkeley – Haas School of Business
The Haas School of Business is one of the most competitive undergraduate business programs to enter. UC Berkeley itself is already very difficult to get into, but to get accepted to Haas, you have to apply during your sophomore year of college and beat out ~50% of other Haas applicants at UC Berkeley. Nonetheless, this process produces elite business students who obtain highly successful careers in business after graduation. Haas has top tier courses in international business, management, marketing, and real estate.
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Sloan School of Management
MIT is most famous for its technical programs, but its Sloan School of Management is just as notable. At Sloan you can choose to major or double major in management, business analytics, or finance. Not only that, each of these programs is very respected and extremely competitive.
4. New York University – Stern School of Business
NYU is perhaps most known for the Stern School of Business. Located right in Manhattan, the school sits in arguably the world’s most important city for business and finance. Furthermore, Stern offers a unique educational experience by coupling business courses with liberal arts and international immersion electives. Stern is rarely bested in finance, international business, and marketing opportunities.
5. Carnegie Mellon University – Tepper School of Business
Carnegie Mellon University is a highly technical school; this is reflected in Tepper’s analytic approach to business. Actually, CMU offers two business programs. So, students choose between a B.A. in business administration or a B.S. in computational finance. However, Tepper’s strong suits are management information systems, operation management, and quantitative analysis.
6. Cornell University
Cornell is the only Ivy League school, other than the University of Pennsylvania, to offer an undergraduate business program. Cornell’s business program divides into three schools: the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, the School of Hotel Administration, and the SC Johnson School of Business. Most business undergraduates attend Dyson. Dyson offers many unique concentrations such as food industry management and agribusiness management that are perfect if you don’t plan on going down a typical business path.
7. University of Michigan – Ross School of Business
The Ross School of Business at Ann Arbor offers a unique type of curriculum called “Merge.” This curriculum starts out students on a wide range of standard curricula and then allows students to focus on what they choose by requiring a senior capstone assignment. The Ross School of Business is the most elite school at the University of Michigan and has world class programs in management, marketing, and supply chain management.
8. University of Notre Dame – Mendoza College of Business
The Mendoza College of Business applies a holistic approach to business. The curriculum pairs strong business classes with liberal arts, science, and theology classes. The Mendoza School aims to create strong business leaders by developing well-rounded students.
9. Washington University in St. Louis – Olin Business School
The Olin Business School aims to produce business leaders by providing realistic experiences such as business competitions and conducting business case studies. Furthermore, Olin has a sizable study abroad program in which more than 60% of students participate.
10. The University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business
McCombs offers 10 majors to choose from including the #1 ranked accounting school on several lists. McCombs is also one of the largest undergraduate business schools, as they have nearly 5,000 undergraduate students.
But, How Do I Get In?
Getting into undergraduate business programs, including those offered by Ivy League schools with business majors, requires careful planning and a strategic approach. It’s important to note that while Harvard Business School is renowned for its prestigious MBA program, it does not offer an undergraduate business major. However, there are other excellent undergraduate business schools that provide comprehensive business education. Here are some steps to enhance your chances of admission:
- Research and Select Target Schools: Start by researching undergraduate business schools that align with your academic and career goals. Look for schools known for their strong business programs, such as Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania or the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. Ivy League institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth also offer excellent business programs. Understand their admission requirements, curriculum, and opportunities for internships or study abroad.
- Focus on Academics: Undergraduate business programs place a strong emphasis on academic performance. Take challenging courses in high school, especially in subjects like math, economics, and business-related courses. Maintain a competitive GPA and strive for high standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT. Strong academic credentials will demonstrate your ability to handle the rigor of a business program.
- Showcase Leadership and Extracurricular Involvement: Admissions committees value well-rounded candidates. Engage in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and initiative. Join business-related clubs, participate in entrepreneurship competitions, or hold leadership positions in student organizations. Highlight any internships or relevant work experience you may have had, as it showcases your practical understanding of the business world.
- Personal Statements and Recommendations: Craft compelling personal statements that highlight your passion for business and your unique experiences or perspectives. Tailor your essays to each school, showcasing your knowledge of their specific programs. Additionally, seek strong letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or employers who can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential for success in the business field.
Remember, admission to undergraduate business programs is competitive, so it’s essential to present yourself as a standout candidate. Take advantage of any opportunities for campus visits or virtual information sessions to learn more about the programs and demonstrate your interest. Finally, keep in mind that there are many excellent undergraduate business programs beyond Harvard Business School. Explore options such as McCombs School of Business, which offers a range of undergraduate majors and has a strong reputation for business education. With careful preparation and a focused approach, you can increase your chances of getting accepted into the undergraduate business program of your choice.
Now it’s time to perfect your application for business school. Whether you are still deciding between undergraduate business majors or separate undergraduate business programs, you’ll need time to craft the best possible application. Want a hand with that? We can help! It’s what we do.
