Top Graduate Entrepreneurship Programs

The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine’s annual ranking of the top graduate entrepreneurship programs is a highly anticipated list that highlights the institutions best equipped to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs. In their fifth annual ranking, the University of Southern California (USC) claimed the top spot, followed by Babson College and the University of Arizona in second and third positions, respectively. These rankings, which are based on a combination of factors including academic offerings, career services, faculty, and success rates of alumni entrepreneurs, shed light on the schools that provide the most robust and innovative environments for graduate students interested in entrepreneurship.

USC’s top ranking is a testament to its comprehensive approach to fostering entrepreneurship. The university’s Marshall School of Business, in particular, has long been known for its commitment to entrepreneurial education. The school’s Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies is a hub for innovation, offering a wide range of programs designed to support student entrepreneurs, including mentoring, business plan competitions, and networking opportunities with successful entrepreneurs and investors. USC’s location in Los Angeles, a city with one of the world’s most vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems, provides students with direct access to a vast network of startups, venture capitalists, and industry professionals. USC also benefits from its close ties with Silicon Beach, Los Angeles’ burgeoning tech and startup scene, which gives students opportunities to intern, work with, or launch their own ventures within the city’s rapidly growing entrepreneurial community. This strong academic and industry synergy positions USC as the leading graduate school for entrepreneurship.

Following closely behind in second place is Babson College, a name that is synonymous with entrepreneurship education. Babson’s MBA program has consistently ranked among the top for entrepreneurship for several years, and its Graduate School of Business continues to lead the charge in preparing students for entrepreneurial careers. Babson’s focus on hands-on learning, its renowned faculty of experienced entrepreneurs, and its robust network of alumni entrepreneurs around the world are key factors in its high ranking. Babson’s Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship offers a plethora of resources, including mentoring, competitions, and access to venture capital. Additionally, Babson’s immersive approach allows students to work directly with real businesses and even launch their own ventures during their studies, giving them the practical experience necessary to succeed in the entrepreneurial world. The college’s emphasis on entrepreneurship as both an academic discipline and a practical field of action ensures that its graduates leave the program with the knowledge, skills, and networks to thrive as entrepreneurs.

The University of Arizona claims the third spot in the rankings, thanks to the excellent reputation of its McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship at the Eller College of Management. The center offers a unique program that integrates traditional business education with entrepreneurial thinking, equipping students with the tools needed to start, manage, and grow businesses. Arizona’s program emphasizes the development of critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, while also offering extensive resources such as venture capital competitions, business plan events, and access to industry leaders. The program is highly respected for its focus on technology entrepreneurship, and many of its graduates go on to found tech companies or work in the innovation sectors of large corporations. Arizona’s location in a state with a growing tech and business landscape further enhances the value of its program by giving students direct exposure to a wide range of industries and entrepreneurial opportunities.

In the fourth spot is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with its Kenan-Flagler Business School offering one of the country’s top entrepreneurship programs. UNC’s approach to entrepreneurship combines a rigorous academic curriculum with real-world experience, and the school’s location in the Research Triangle — an area known for its thriving tech industry — gives students access to a wide range of startups, investors, and established companies. The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Kenan-Flagler provides a variety of resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, including incubators, business plan competitions, and mentorship programs. With strong ties to local venture capital firms, as well as a network of successful alumni entrepreneurs, UNC offers students numerous opportunities to launch their own ventures or work with growing companies.

DePaul University, ranked fifth, has consistently been recognized for its dynamic and forward-thinking approach to entrepreneurship education. The university’s Driehaus College of Business provides a hands-on learning environment where students can participate in business incubators, work with local startups, and collaborate with faculty members who have extensive entrepreneurial experience. DePaul’s location in Chicago, one of the nation’s largest and most diverse cities, provides students with ample networking and internship opportunities, and the school is known for its emphasis on urban entrepreneurship. DePaul has also established a strong reputation in social entrepreneurship, helping students to develop ventures that not only achieve financial success but also have a positive social impact.

Ranked sixth, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is another school that has earned its place among the top graduate entrepreneurship programs in the country. UCLA’s Anderson School of Management is well-regarded for its innovative approach to entrepreneurship and its close connection to the thriving startup ecosystem in Southern California. UCLA offers a range of entrepreneurship-focused courses, including the Price Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, which connects students with industry leaders, venture capitalists, and successful entrepreneurs. UCLA’s location in Los Angeles, a city known for its entrepreneurial spirit, gives students a unique opportunity to build connections with startups in a variety of industries, from entertainment to technology.

Drexel University ranks seventh, with its LeBow College of Business offering an MBA program that combines business education with entrepreneurial thinking. The program is highly regarded for its focus on technology-driven entrepreneurship and its collaboration with various industry partners. Drexel also benefits from its location in Philadelphia, which offers access to a rich startup community and opportunities to work with early-stage ventures. The program’s emphasis on technology and innovation, combined with its strong ties to local businesses, makes Drexel a great choice for students looking to build careers in the startup world.

Chapman University, ranked eighth, offers a well-regarded graduate entrepreneurship program through its Argyros School of Business and Economics. The program is designed to help students develop the practical skills needed to launch and manage their own businesses, with a particular emphasis on creativity, innovation, and leadership. Students at Chapman have the opportunity to work directly with startups in Southern California, one of the most vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems in the world. Chapman’s proximity to the tech industry, as well as its strong ties to local venture capital firms, makes it an ideal location for students looking to enter the world of entrepreneurship.

The University of South Florida, ranked ninth, has established a strong reputation for its focus on business development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Muma College of Business provides students with access to cutting-edge research, business incubation, and entrepreneurial mentorship. The program’s emphasis on real-world application and its close ties to the startup community in Tampa and surrounding areas ensure that students are well-prepared for entrepreneurial success.

Rounding out the top ten is the University of Illinois at Chicago, whose College of Business Administration offers a robust program that encourages students to innovate and think creatively about business solutions. The program is recognized for its focus on entrepreneurial finance and business development, with extensive opportunities for hands-on experience through business plan competitions and internships. The university also benefits from its location in one of the nation’s largest cities, providing students with direct access to an active entrepreneurial community.

As we move further down the ranking, universities like Loyola Marymount University, Temple University, and the University of Washington continue to showcase their commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent. These schools offer unique programs that combine business education with practical experience, preparing students for the challenges of launching and growing a business. Whether through mentorship, business plan competitions, or access to venture capital, these schools provide a comprehensive entrepreneurial education that equips students with the skills they need to succeed in the competitive world of business.

The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine’s 2008 ranking of the top graduate entrepreneurship programs highlights the diverse range of institutions across the country that offer exceptional opportunities for students interested in launching their own ventures. From USC’s comprehensive resources and industry connections to Babson College’s emphasis on practical learning and Arizona’s focus on technology entrepreneurship, these schools represent the very best in entrepreneurship education. For students looking to build successful businesses, these programs offer the education, mentorship, and networks that will help them realize their entrepreneurial dreams.