Top Entrepreneurial Colleges - Undergraduate

The seventh annual ranking of the top entrepreneurial colleges for undergraduate programs, conducted by Entrepreneur Magazine and The Princeton Review, highlighted Babson College as the leader in entrepreneurial education for the year 2009. This ranking, based on a comprehensive survey of more than 2,300 undergraduate and graduate schools, placed Babson College firmly at the top, followed by the University of Houston and the University of Arizona, which claimed the second and third spots, respectively. This ranking serves as a clear indication of the prominence and reputation of Babson College’s entrepreneurship program, which has long been regarded as the gold standard for preparing students for careers in business creation and innovation.

Babson College, ranked first in the list, is renowned for its focus on entrepreneurship and its commitment to creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem for its students. Located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Babson has maintained its position as the number one school for entrepreneurship for many years, due in large part to its unique curriculum, faculty expertise, and entrepreneurial infrastructure. The college’s The Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship provides students with access to invaluable resources, including venture incubation services, business plan competitions, and networking opportunities with successful entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Babson’s approach is highly experiential, encouraging students to engage in real-world projects, internships, and even start their own businesses while still in school. This hands-on approach has proven to be a key factor in Babson’s consistent ranking at the top of entrepreneurship education.

The University of Houston, ranked second, has become a powerhouse for entrepreneurship education, thanks to its dynamic curriculum and close connections with the local business community. The university’s C.T. Bauer College of Business offers one of the most comprehensive entrepreneurship programs in the country, with courses covering everything from business strategy and venture financing to global business and family enterprise. Houston’s strong and diverse economy, with its emphasis on energy, healthcare, and technology, provides a fertile ground for entrepreneurial ventures, and students at the University of Houston benefit from numerous opportunities to engage with local startups and established businesses. The Bauer College’s emphasis on real-world applications and its close ties to the Houston business community has made it a key player in preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The University of Arizona, ranked third, is another institution that has garnered significant recognition for its entrepreneurship program. The university’s Eller College of Management offers a highly regarded undergraduate program that combines theory with practical business skills. With its strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, Eller has built a reputation for producing graduates who are well-equipped to launch startups or assume leadership roles in entrepreneurial ventures. Arizona’s program stands out for its entrepreneurial concentration, which includes courses in new venture creation, technology commercialization, and social entrepreneurship. The university also provides students with access to a network of successful entrepreneurs, angel investors, and venture capitalists, further enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem for students.

Other institutions ranked highly in the top ten include Baylor University, Temple University, Drexel University, University of Dayton, DePaul University, City University of New York – Baruch College, and University of Southern California. These schools each offer unique strengths in entrepreneurship, providing students with a range of opportunities for growth and development in the entrepreneurial space.

Baylor University, ranked fourth, offers an exceptional entrepreneurship program through its Hankamer School of Business. The school places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, encouraging students to start their own businesses, develop business plans, and engage with local entrepreneurs. Baylor’s Baylor Angel Network connects students with angel investors and provides a platform for students to pitch their business ideas, giving them a leg up in the competitive world of startups. The university also hosts an annual Baylor Business Plan Competition, one of the largest and most prestigious business plan competitions in the nation, which has attracted participants from around the world.

Temple University’s Fox School of Business, ranked fifth, has long been recognized for its excellent entrepreneurship program. The school’s entrepreneurship offerings are extensive, with opportunities for students to engage in interdisciplinary projects, internships, mentoring, and coaching. Temple’s Entrepreneurship Program is structured to foster a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial process, and students are encouraged to participate in various competitions, including the Temple New Venture Competition and the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards. Temple University is also home to the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute, which helps students and alumni develop and scale their entrepreneurial ventures.

Drexel University, ranked sixth, offers a highly regarded entrepreneurship program through its LeBow College of Business. The university’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurial leadership is evident in its interdisciplinary approach, where students have opportunities to engage with other disciplines such as engineering, design, and technology. Drexel’s proximity to Philadelphia’s thriving business and tech communities also provides students with numerous opportunities for internships and startup involvement. Drexel’s Close School of Entrepreneurship offers comprehensive programs for both undergraduate and graduate students, making it a strong contender for anyone interested in building a career in entrepreneurship.

University of Dayton, ranked seventh, is known for its strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation. The university’s Business Entrepreneurship Program offers a unique combination of courses in small business management, venture creation, and social entrepreneurship. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to create and manage their own ventures. Dayton’s location in Ohio, with its vibrant business community and access to various industries, provides students with a solid foundation for entrepreneurial success. The university also offers various competitions and mentoring programs that help students refine their entrepreneurial ideas and connect with industry leaders.

DePaul University, ranked eighth, is another school with a well-regarded entrepreneurship program. Located in Chicago, DePaul’s Driehaus College of Business is strategically positioned in one of the most dynamic business environments in the country. DePaul’s entrepreneurship program is characterized by its focus on practical learning, with opportunities for students to work on real-world business problems, engage in internships, and even start their own ventures. The university also offers a range of resources through its Entrepreneurship Center, which helps students and alumni launch new businesses and grow existing ventures.

City University of New York – Baruch College, ranked ninth, offers an exceptional entrepreneurship program through its Zicklin School of Business. The school’s program is known for its rigorous academic curriculum and its emphasis on real-world entrepreneurship experiences. Baruch’s proximity to New York City, one of the world’s largest and most diverse business hubs, provides students with unparalleled opportunities for internships, networking, and business development. The school also offers a variety of resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, including mentorship programs, venture competitions, and access to angel investors and venture capitalists.

Finally, University of Southern California (USC), ranked tenth, rounds out the top ten list. USC’s Marshall School of Business offers a world-class entrepreneurship program that benefits from the school’s location in Los Angeles, a global center for business, entertainment, and technology. The program focuses on the development of innovative ideas and helps students understand the complexities of starting and managing a business. USC’s ties to the Los Angeles entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as its strong network of alumni and investors, give students a significant advantage as they launch their ventures.

The rankings from Entrepreneur Magazine and The Princeton Review in 2009 underscore the growing importance of entrepreneurship education and highlight the institutions that are at the forefront of preparing students for entrepreneurial success. Whether through specialized courses, incubators, competitions, or mentorship programs, these top universities provide students with the tools and resources needed to succeed in the competitive world of entrepreneurship. As the global economy continues to evolve, the value of entrepreneurship education will only grow, and these top-ranked institutions will continue to be instrumental in shaping the next generation of business leaders.