Business remains one of the most popular and practical majors in the U.S. Undergraduate business programs offer a direct path into finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship — all with strong job prospects after graduation.
But with so many programs to choose from, it’s not just about rankings. The right business school should match your goals, support your growth, and set you up for long-term success.
If you’re aiming for a top business program, this list will help you explore what makes each one worth applying to — from outcomes to access to opportunity.
Best Business Schools for Undergraduates
This list is based on multiple data sources, including U.S. News & World Report, Poets & Quants, and individual college reporting.
We evaluated undergraduate business schools based on program strength, acceptance rates, average GPA and test scores, faculty reputation, experiential learning opportunities, and post-grad employment rates.
Every school listed here offers a rigorous education with direct connections to the professional world, and a proven track record of helping students launch successful careers.
1. University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School
Wharton is the first collegiate business school in the U.S. and remains one of the most prestigious.
You’ll earn a B.S. in Economics and choose from over 20 concentrations, including finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and operations.
Wharton ranks in the top 3 across nearly every business specialty, offering early access to world-class faculty, case competitions, and global consulting projects.
Students take courses across Penn’s four undergraduate schools and benefit from a powerful alumni network.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- SAT Range: 1500 to 1570
- ACT Range: 34 to 35
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Accepts Common App: Yes
- Net Price: $26,123/year
2. University of California, Berkeley – Haas School of Business
Haas offers one of the most selective and high-performing business programs in the country. You’ll apply to the program as a UC Berkeley sophomore, competing for a spot in the junior-entry cohort.
The curriculum includes leadership labs, global consulting projects, and an emphasis on ethical, sustainable business. Popular tracks include international business, finance, and real estate.
Haas also provides access to the Berkeley SkyDeck accelerator, where students explore entrepreneurship alongside Silicon Valley leaders.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- SAT Range: 1310 to 1530
- ACT Range: 30 to 35
- Application Fee: $70
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Early Decision/Early Action: Not available
- Net Price: $19,257/year
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Sloan School of Management
At MIT Sloan, you can major or double major in management, finance, or business analytics. Sloan blends technical expertise with real-world application.
You’ll participate in the January Independent Activities Period, where students complete high-impact courses, competitions, and startup challenges.
Sloan emphasizes entrepreneurship and is tightly integrated with MIT’s innovation ecosystem, including the Martin Trust Center and Sandbox.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 11 to 15%
- SAT Range: 1530 to 1580
- ACT Range: 35 to 36
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Required
- High School GPA: Considered
- Early Action: Yes
- Net Price: $20,232/year
4. New York University – Stern School of Business
Stern’s location in Manhattan gives students direct access to Wall Street, tech startups, and global firms.
The program allows you to combine business with liberal arts and select from co-concentrations like global business or computing and data science.
Stern emphasizes experiential learning through global immersion, consulting labs, and its Social Impact Core.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 6 to 12%
- SAT Range: 1470 to 1570
- ACT Range: 33 to 35
- Application Fee: $80
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Accepts Common App: Yes
- Net Price: $93,000/year
5. Carnegie Mellon University – Tepper School of Business
Tepper combines CMU’s strengths in analytics, STEM, and leadership. You can pursue a B.S. in Business Administration or B.S. in Computational Finance. Tepper’s mini-semester system offers 6.5-week intensive classes, giving flexibility to explore electives in tech, design, and entrepreneurship.
Students engage with real-world clients in business projects and global programs like Global Treks.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- SAT Range: 1490 to 1570
- ACT Range: 34 to 35
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Accepts Common App: Yes
- Net Price: $78,362/year
6. Cornell University – Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business offers undergraduates access to the Dyson School, which blends Ivy League business education with economics, sustainability, and management.
Dyson students choose from unique concentrations like food industry management, environmental economics, and international trade.
With a strong emphasis on global markets and agriculture, the program is ideal for students interested in less conventional business paths.
Students benefit from Cornell’s cross-college structure, which allows access to a broad range of electives.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- SAT Range: 1470 to 1570
- ACT Range: 33 to 35
- Application Fee: $80
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Considered
- Accepts Common App: Yes
- Net Price: $26,060/year
7. University of Michigan – Ross School of Business
Ross is one of the top undergraduate business programs at a public university. First-year students begin with foundational coursework, then apply for junior-level entry into the Ross BBA.
The curriculum includes the “MERGE” model — a structured path that builds general business fluency before students specialize.
Students complete a senior capstone and can add business minors or certificates in entrepreneurship or real estate. Ross offers excellent career placement, especially in consulting, tech, and operations.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- SAT Range: 1310 to 1530
- ACT Range: 30 to 35
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Accepts Common App: Yes
- Net Price: $26,123/year
8. University of Notre Dame – Mendoza College of Business
Mendoza’s program stands out for its liberal arts foundation and mission-driven business approach. You’ll study core business disciplines alongside courses in theology, ethics, and science.
The curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership and global responsibility — preparing graduates for impact in corporate, nonprofit, and startup settings.
Popular majors include finance, accountancy, and business analytics. Mendoza also offers direct-admit undergraduate entry, with a focus on academic rigor and service.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- SAT Range: 1450 to 1550
- ACT Range: 32 to 35
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Early Decision/Early Action: Not available
- Net Price: $28,474/year
9. Washington University in St. Louis – Olin Business School
Olin offers an immersive undergraduate business education with a strong international focus. Over 60% of students participate in global programs.
You’ll complete core coursework in finance, operations, and analytics, followed by hands-on projects and internships. Olin’s six research centers provide research assistantships and experiential learning.
Students also benefit from strong placement into investment banking, consulting, and corporate strategy roles.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- SAT Range: 1500 to 1570
- ACT Range: 33 to 35
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Considered
- Accepts Common App: Yes
- Net Price: $23,432/year
10. University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business
McCombs is one of the largest undergraduate business programs in the U.S., with over 4,500 students.
You’ll choose from 10 majors, including a nationally ranked accounting program. McCombs emphasizes flexibility, with over 100 electives and career coaching available from year one.
The program connects students with Fortune 500 companies through case competitions, career fairs, and industry-sponsored labs.
Students also benefit from Austin’s tech-forward job market and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 31%
- SAT Range: 1230 to 1500
- ACT Range: 26 to 33
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Considered
- Early Decision/Early Action: No
- Net Price: $17,434/year
11. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill – Kenan-Flagler Business School
Kenan-Flagler offers one of the strongest public undergraduate business programs in the U.S. Students apply for admission after their first year at UNC and enter the program as sophomores.
The curriculum focuses on leadership, analytics, and global business, with opportunities to specialize in finance, marketing, or real estate. Signature experiences include the Global Immersion Elective and STAR consulting projects.
Students also benefit from a strong alumni network, career support, and over 40 student business organizations.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 8 to 11%
- SAT Range: 1350 to 1530
- ACT Range: 30 to 34
- Application Fee: $85
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Considered
- Early Decision/Early Action: Yes
- Net Price: $26,054/year
12. Indiana University, Bloomington – Kelley School of Business
Kelley offers one of the most comprehensive undergraduate business programs in the Midwest.
All students begin with the Integrated Core, covering finance, strategy, and management across 11 areas. You can choose from 18 majors and tailor your coursework with business-focused STEM tracks.
Kelley also runs a globally ranked online MBA and offers early career programs starting in year one. Internships, case competitions, and leadership development are built into the curriculum.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- SAT Range: 1180 to 1400
- ACT Range: 27 to 32
- Application Fee: $65
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Accepts Common App: Yes
- Net Price: $16,234/year
13. University of Southern California – Marshall School of Business
Marshall is known for its elite undergraduate business education and strong industry access.
The curriculum blends core business foundations with concentrations in marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and data science.
Students can participate in global exchange programs, innovation labs, and internships with leading firms.
With its Los Angeles location, Marshall offers proximity to major players in tech, finance, and entertainment.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 7 to 10%
- SAT Range: 1450 to 1550
- ACT Range: 32 to 35
- Application Fee: $85
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Early Decision/Early Action: Yes
- Net Price: $36,808/year
14. Georgetown University – McDonough School of Business
Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business emphasizes global perspective, ethics, and policy in its undergraduate program.
Students can choose from concentrations in finance, marketing, international business, and more.
Located in Washington, D.C., the school offers unique access to global institutions, federal agencies, and multinational employers.
McDonough also offers joint degrees and team-based consulting projects through the First Year Seminar and Global Business Experience.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- SAT Range: 1410–1560
- ACT Range: 32–35
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Required
- High School GPA: Required
- Early Decision/Early Action: Yes
- Net Price: $35,566/year
15. University of Virginia – McIntire School of Commerce
UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce ranks among the top five undergrad business programs in the U.S. The two-year structure means you’ll apply in your second year and begin coursework in year three.
The program includes the Integrated Core, a team-based curriculum with real consulting projects. Areas of focus include finance, marketing, information technology, and global commerce.
McIntire also offers international study through its M.S. in Global Commerce, with campuses across three continents.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 19%
- SAT Range: 1400 to 1540
- ACT Range: 32 to 34
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Considered
- Early Decision/Early Action: Yes
- Net Price: $19,469/year
16. University of Florida – Warrington College of Business
Warrington offers a high-value undergraduate business degree, especially for in-state students. The curriculum includes foundational business coursework and optional specializations in finance, marketing, real estate, and management.
Experiential learning is a priority — you’ll participate in consulting projects, business simulations, and national case competitions. Warrington also connects students with over 600 companies for internships and full-time roles.
The school’s Heavener School of Business supports undergrads with personalized academic advising and leadership development.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- SAT Range: 1300 to 1490
- ACT Range: 28 to 33
- Application Fee: $30
- SAT/ACT: Required
- High School GPA: Required
- Early Decision/Early Action: No
- Net Price: $11,740/year
17. Boston College – Carroll School of Management
Carroll combines small class sizes with a rigorous business curriculum grounded in liberal arts. You’ll choose from 10 business concentrations, including finance, marketing, operations, and accounting.
Students participate in hands-on programs like the Investment Banking Boot Camp, TechTrek, and the Winston Center for Leadership.
Carroll emphasizes ethics and social responsibility alongside practical skills. The strong alumni network helps students land roles in consulting, banking, and management.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- SAT Range: 1430 to 1540
- ACT Range: 33 to 35
- Application Fee: $80
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Accepts Common App: Yes
- Net Price: $30,559/year
18. Emory University – Goizueta Business School
Goizueta’s BBA program begins in a student’s junior year after completing liberal arts requirements.
The program offers concentrations in finance, strategy, marketing, and analytics, along with minors in areas like arts management and entrepreneurship. With small class sizes and a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, you’ll receive close mentoring.
Goizueta also runs global immersion options and consulting projects with Fortune 500 companies. Located in Atlanta, students have access to a vibrant business ecosystem with top employers.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- SAT Range: 1430 to 1550
- ACT Range: 32 to 34
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Neither required nor recommended
- Accepts Common App: Yes
- Net Price: $26,680/year
19. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign – Gies College of Business
Gies focuses on action learning — students complete real consulting work with companies every semester through iConsult and the Illinois Business Consulting program.
You’ll choose from majors such as accountancy, supply chain, finance, and marketing, with heavy integration of data analytics.
Gies students regularly compete in national case competitions and have access to the Margolis Market Information Lab. The program also offers strong job placement through its Business Career Services office.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- SAT Range: 1320 to 1510
- ACT Range: 29 to 34
- Application Fee: $50
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Neither required nor recommended
- Accepts Common App: Yes
- Net Price: $14,544/year
20. Ohio State University – Fisher College of Business
Fisher prepares undergrads with a career-focused curriculum and a strong leadership development model.
Students complete a required core in accounting, finance, and operations before choosing from 12 business specializations.
Fisher’s Office of Career Management offers personalized coaching and connects students with more than 800 companies. Students also join business-focused student orgs and attend national case competitions.
The school’s location in Columbus provides internship access to a growing Fortune 500 presence.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- SAT Range: 1310 to 1480
- ACT Range: 29 to 32
- Application Fee: $60
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Accepts Common App: Yes
- Net Price: $19,582/year
21. University of Wisconsin, Madison – Wisconsin School of Business
Wisconsin’s BBA program offers 11 majors, including real estate, risk management, supply chain, and business analytics. Students begin with pre-business coursework and apply for admission into the business school after their first year.
The program emphasizes real-world learning through internships, “Wisconsin Connect” workshops, and the Ignite Career Accelerator. You’ll also have access to top-ranked Master’s tracks and business certificates.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- SAT Range: 1340 to 1510
- ACT Range: 26 to 32
- Application Fee: $60
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Early Decision/Early Action: Yes
- Net Price: $13,376/year
22. Pennsylvania State University – Smeal College of Business
Smeal offers nine undergraduate majors, including supply chain, finance, and risk management.
The program includes leadership immersion through Smeal Academy, peer mentoring, and the Nittany Lion Fund — a student-managed investment portfolio.
Students have access to 1:1 career coaching and global internships. Over 92% of graduates are employed within three months.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 55% (University Park campus)
- SAT Range: 1250 to 1450
- ACT Range: 28 to 33
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Accepts Common App: Yes
- Net Price: $26,123/year
23. University of Maryland, College Park – Robert H. Smith School of Business
Smith’s undergraduate program includes majors in operations management, marketing, business analytics, and information systems.
The school emphasizes data-driven decision-making and applied learning. Students work in team-based labs, including the Mayer Fund for portfolio management.
You’ll also participate in industry consulting through Smith Live and international study programs.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- SAT Range: 1360 to 1520
- ACT Range: 30 to 34
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Considered
- Early Decision/Early Action: Yes
- Net Price: $16,210/year
24. Texas A&M University – Mays Business School
Mays focuses on leadership, innovation, and ethics. You’ll choose from majors like accounting, finance, marketing, or supply chain, with the option to pursue certificates in areas like commercial banking or data analytics.
Mays offers a 16-month full-time MBA, but undergrads benefit most from its global business initiatives and access to over 40,000 alumni worldwide. The small cohort size (80 per MBA class) ensures a tight-knit undergraduate culture as well.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- SAT Range: 1150 to 1390
- ACT Range: 25 to 31
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Early Decision/Early Action: No
- Net Price: $20,375/year
25. Babson College – F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business
Babson is best known for entrepreneurship. All undergraduates earn a B.S. in Business Administration with a core focus on entrepreneurial leadership, finance, and global business.
The Babson Consulting Experience pairs students with real companies to solve real problems. The school also offers unique global experiences in locations like London, Chile, and the UAE.
Two-thirds of your degree is elective-based, with options in marketing, analytics, and family business.
Key details for business applicants:
- Acceptance Rate: 22%
- SAT Range: 1350 to 1510
- ACT Range: 30 to 33
- Application Fee: $75
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Accepts Common App: Yes
- Net Price: $28,400/year
Finding the Right Business School Starts Here
Choosing the best undergraduate business program goes beyond rankings. You need a school that fits your academic strengths, supports your goals, and opens real career doors.
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