50 Best Finance Schools

The Princeton Review’s 2008 rankings for the best business schools in the finance specialty offer a snapshot of the institutions that excelled in preparing students for careers in finance. Among them, Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business was recognized as the top business school for finance. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Fuqua has built a reputation as a leading institution in business education, with an exceptional finance program that is well-regarded both nationally and internationally. Fuqua’s comprehensive approach to finance emphasizes not only the analytical and quantitative skills necessary for success in the field but also strategic thinking, leadership, and ethical decision-making. The school's curriculum is designed to equip students with the competencies needed to tackle complex financial challenges and to excel in a rapidly changing global financial environment. The Fuqua School of Business is known for its collaborative culture, where students and faculty work closely together in a learning environment that fosters teamwork and shared problem-solving. With an average GMAT score of 690, Fuqua attracts a diverse group of high-achieving students who contribute to a rich and stimulating academic environment.

Duke's reputation for academic excellence in finance can be attributed to a variety of factors. The school’s faculty includes some of the leading minds in finance and related disciplines, whose research has had a significant impact on the industry. These professors bring real-world experience and cutting-edge knowledge to the classroom, creating an educational experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice. Additionally, the school’s strong connections with the financial industry enable students to engage in internships and projects that provide valuable hands-on experience. Fuqua’s proximity to major financial hubs, combined with its robust alumni network, further supports students in finding rewarding careers in finance.

In the second position of the Princeton Review’s ranking was Wilfrid Laurier University, located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. This university’s business school has established a strong reputation for its finance program, which is highly regarded in the Canadian academic landscape. With an average GMAT score of 600, Laurier has consistently demonstrated its ability to attract talented students who are interested in building careers in finance and related fields. The school offers a rigorous finance curriculum that incorporates both foundational financial theory and contemporary topics such as risk management, investment analysis, and corporate finance. Laurier's finance program emphasizes the practical application of knowledge, preparing students for the real challenges of the financial world. The university’s location in the heart of Canada’s technology and business sector provides students with unique opportunities to engage with industries and to network with professionals who are leaders in their fields.

Alliant International University, based in San Diego, California, also earned a spot in the Princeton Review's 2008 ranking for finance, though the average GMAT score for this school was not reported. Alliant International University is known for its diverse and inclusive approach to business education, offering programs that aim to foster an understanding of global financial practices and cultural perspectives. Its finance program provides a blend of traditional and modern approaches, with an emphasis on preparing students to understand and adapt to the complexities of international financial markets. While Alliant may not have the same level of recognition as some of the larger, more established business schools, its finance program still stands out for students seeking a solid, well-rounded education in business and finance.

American University’s Kogod School of Business, located in Washington, DC, was ranked fourth for finance in 2008. With an average GMAT score of 560, the school has been known for its commitment to combining academic rigor with practical application. Kogod’s finance program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of financial principles and strategies while also equipping them with the skills necessary to apply this knowledge in real-world situations. The school benefits from its location in the nation’s capital, which provides students with unique access to influential financial institutions, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This strategic location supports internships and collaborative projects that enhance students’ practical experience and networking opportunities. The finance program at Kogod emphasizes areas such as investment analysis, risk management, and corporate finance, ensuring that graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles in a variety of financial sectors.

Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business, located in Boone, North Carolina, rounded out the top five for the finance specialty in 2008. With an average GMAT score of 540, Appalachian State has distinguished itself as a school that excels in preparing students for finance careers through a combination of academic instruction and experiential learning. The finance program at Walker College of Business focuses on the core aspects of financial management, investment analysis, and financial markets, providing students with a strong foundation that prepares them for both entry-level and more advanced positions in finance. The school places a significant emphasis on cultivating critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making skills that are essential for success in the finance industry. The smaller class sizes at Appalachian State allow for more personalized attention and opportunities for students to build strong relationships with faculty and peers. This close-knit environment fosters a collaborative learning culture that benefits students as they pursue their professional ambitions.

Best Business Schools Rankings - Finance:

1.Duke University
The Fuqua School of Business
Location:Durham, NC
Avg. GMAT Score:690

2.Wilfrid Laurier University (Canada)
Location:Waterloo, On
Avg. GMAT Score:600

3.Alliant International University
Location:San Diego, CA
Avg. GMAT Score:Not Reported

4.American University
Kogod School of Business
Location:Washington, DC
Avg. GMAT Score:560

5.Appalachian State University
Walker College of Business
Location:Boone, NC
Avg. GMAT Score:540

6.Arizona State University
W. P. Carey School of Business
Location:Tempe, AZ
Avg. GMAT Score:675

7.Auburn University College of Business
Location:Auburn University, AL
Avg. GMAT Score:645

8.Ball State University
Miller College of Business
Location:Muncie, IN
Avg. GMAT Score:532

9.Barry University
Location:Miami Shores, FL
Avg. GMAT Score:469

10.Boston College
The Carroll School of Management
Location:Chestnut Hill, MA
Avg. GMAT Score:651

11.Boston University School of Management
Location:Boston, MA
Avg. GMAT Score:668

12.Bowling Green State University
College of Business Administration
Location:Bowling Green, OH
Avg. GMAT Score:550

13.Bradley University
Foster College of Business Administration
Location:Peoria, IL
Avg. GMAT Score:Not Reported

14.Brandeis University
Brandeis International Business School
Location:Waltham, MA
Avg. GMAT Score:600

15.Brigham Young University
Marriott School of Management
Location:Provo, UT
Avg. GMAT Score:661

16.Brock University
Location:St. Catharines, ON
Avg. GMAT Score:600

17.Bryant University
Bryant University Graduate Schol of Business
Location:Smithfield, RI
Avg. GMAT Score:579

18.Butler University
College of Business Administration
Location:Indianapolis, IN
Avg. GMAT Score:540

19.California Polytechnic State University
Orfalea College of Business
Location:San Luis Obispo, CA
Avg. GMAT Score:615

20.California State Polytechnic University Pomona
College of Business Administration
Location:Pomona, CA
Avg. GMAT Score:540

21.California State University - Sacramento
College of Business Administration
Location:Sacramento, CA
Avg. GMAT Score:575

22.California State University, Chico
College of Business
Location:Chico, CA
Avg. GMAT Score:518

23.California State University, East Bay
College of Business and Economics
Location:Hayward, CA
Avg. GMAT Score:539

24.California State University, Fresno
Craig School of Business
Location:Fresno, CA
Avg. GMAT Score:580

25.California State University, Fullerton
Steven G. Mihaylo College of Business & Economics
Location:Fullerton, CA
Avg. GMAT Score:539

26.California State University, Long Beach
College of Business Administration
Location:Long Beach, CA
Avg. GMAT Score:555

27.California State University, Los Angeles
College of Business and Economics
Location:Los Angeles, CA
Avg. GMAT Score:560

28.California State University, San Bernardino
College of Business & Public Administration
Location:San Bernardino, CA
Avg. GMAT Score:527

29.Capella University School of Business
Location:Minneapolis, MN
Avg. GMAT Score:Not Reported

30.Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business
Location:Pittsburgh, PA
Avg. GMAT Score:696

31.Case Western Reserve Uni
Weatherhead School of Management
Location:Cleveland, OH
Avg. GMAT Score:611

32.Central Michigan Uni
College of Business Administration
Location:Mount Pleasant, MI
Avg. GMAT Score:530

33.China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)
China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)
Location:Shanghai,china
Avg. GMAT Score:665

34.City Uni of New YorkBaruch
College Zicklin School of Business
Location:New York, NY
Avg. GMAT Score:579

35.The Drucker School at Claremont Graduate Univ. 'Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School
Location:Claremont, CA
Avg. GMAT Score:635

36.Clark Atlanta Uni
School of Business Administration
Location:Atlanta, GA
Avg. GMAT Score:430

37.Clemson Uni
College of Business and Behavioral Science
Location:Clemson, SC
Avg. GMAT Score:595

38.Cleveland State Uni
James J. Nance College of Business Administration
Location:Cleveland, OH
Avg. GMAT Score:500

39.Dartmouth College
Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
Location:Hanover, NH
Avg. GMAT Score:713

40.Drake Uni
College of Business and Public Administration
Location:Des Moines, IA
Avg. GMAT Score:Not Reported

41.Drexel Uni
Bennett S. LeBow College of Business
Location:Philadelphia, PA
Avg. GMAT Score:610

42.Duquesne Uni

John F. Donahue Graduate School of Business
Location:Pittsburgh, PA
Avg. GMAT Score:520

43.East Carolina Uni
College of Business
Location:Greenville, NC
Avg. GMAT Score:500

44.East Tennessee State Univ
College of Business and Technology
Location:Johnson City, TN
Avg. GMAT Score:535

45.Eastern Illinois Univ
Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences
Location:Charleston, IL
Avg. GMAT Score:510

46.Eastern Kentucky Univ
Location:Richmond, KY
Avg. GMAT Score:504

47.Eastern Michigan Univ
College of Business
Location:Ypsilanti, MI
Avg. GMAT Score:451

48.Marylhurst Univ
Location:Marylhurst, OR
Avg. GMAT Score:Not Reported

49.The Univ of Iowa
Henry B. Tippie School of Management
Location:Iowa City, IA
Avg. GMAT Score:652

50.Univ of Rochester
William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration
Location:Rochester, NY
Avg. GMAT Score:673

Source: Princeton Review 2008