Choosing the right undergraduate business school can be a game-changer for your future career. This article ranks the top U.S. undergraduate business programs by what their graduates earn, then adds Road2College Insights data on admissions, cost, and aid to help you find the best fit at the right price.
Earnings and Affordability at Undergraduate Business Schools
When comparing undergraduate business programs, two questions matter most: what graduates go on to earn and what the degree will cost. At every school in our top 25, business graduates’ median earnings top $110,000 four years after graduation, but costs before aid range from about $33,000 to $103,000 a year.
High earnings often reflect more than coursework. Programs whose graduates earn the most typically combine rigorous academics with strong recruiting ties, active alum networks, and internship opportunities that give students a head start in the job market.
Cost matters just as much. Across our top 40, the gap in earnings is far smaller than the gap in price: business graduates at No. 1 Penn earn about 64% more than those at No. 40 TCU, while the most expensive school on our list costs more than four times as much as the least expensive.
Financial aid can close much of that gap. Most private schools on our list award average need-based grants of more than $43,000, and several give merit aid to a majority of students without financial need. Weigh expected earnings against your cost after aid, not the sticker price.
How We Ranked the Schools
Our ranking starts with results: what each school’s business graduates earn four years after college, from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. We then added Road2College Insights data on cost, merit aid, and net price to show which programs deliver the strongest payoff for what families pay.
Because the earnings data tracks business graduates specifically, it reflects the business program itself, not the university as a whole.
A few details:
- Schools needed at least 100 business graduates in the earnings data.
- MIT’s program is too small for a four-year figure, so we used its five-year earnings.
- Cornell’s figure includes its Dyson School, which federal data classifies under agricultural business, and its hotel school.
Earnings favor graduates who go into finance and consulting or work in high-cost cities. That’s why some well-known programs, including several large public universities, rank lower than you might expect.
Our merit aid and value lists, explained in their own sections, draw from the same top 40. The Insights figures for admissions, cost, and aid cover each university as a whole.
This ranking covers undergraduate business programs only. MBA rankings measure different programs and produce a different list.
Top 25 Undergraduate Business Schools by Graduate Earnings
Penn’s Wharton School tops our ranking: its business graduates earn a median of $167,167 four years after graduating. Carnegie Mellon, WashU, UC Berkeley, and MIT round out the top five, and business graduates at every school in our top 25 have median earnings above $110,000.
1. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School)
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania consistently ranks as one of the top business schools in the country. Known for its rigorous curriculum, Wharton offers students a deep dive into every aspect of business, from finance to entrepreneurship. The program also boasts a strong alum network and connections to the business world.
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $167,167
2. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper School of Business)
The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University blends business with technology and analytics, offering a rigorous, innovative curriculum. Tepper is known for its focus on data-driven decision-making and leadership in the tech industry.
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Business Analytics, Finance, Operations Management, Marketing
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $160,783
3. Washington University in St. Louis (Olin Business School)
Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis starts students on business courses in their first year. At least 40% of each student’s coursework is outside business, which leaves room to pair a business major with a second major or minor elsewhere at WashU. Students declare their business major as sophomores.
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Economics and Strategy
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $157,556
4. University of California, Berkeley (Haas School of Business)
The Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley is renowned for its focus on leadership, innovation, and social impact. The program encourages students to think beyond the bottom line and consider the broader implications of business decisions. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, near Silicon Valley, Haas offers unique opportunities for students interested in tech and entrepreneurship.
- Location: Berkeley, CA
- Type: Public
- Top Business Majors: Business Administration (Haas offers a single undergraduate major)
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $144,599
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan School of Management)
MIT’s Sloan School of Management is another top contender for business students. While MIT is famous for its tech programs, Sloan offers a business education that’s just as rigorous, with a strong emphasis on analytical thinking and innovation. The school’s Cambridge location also provides students access to a vibrant startup scene.
- Location: Cambridge, MA
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Management, Business Analytics, Finance
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $142,355 (five years after graduation)
6. University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)
The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan offers a hands-on approach to business education with its action-based learning curriculum. Students engage in real-world projects and internships, which help them build practical skills alongside their academic studies. Ross also strongly emphasizes leadership development.
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Type: Public
- Top Business Majors: Business Administration (Ross has no official majors; students focus through electives such as finance and marketing)
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $141,463
7. University of Virginia (McIntire School of Commerce)
The McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia is known for its integrated curriculum, which emphasizes the real-world application of business concepts. McIntire students complete a rigorous two-year pre-commerce curriculum before entering the business school in their junior year.
- Location: Charlottesville, VA
- Type: Public
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Marketing, Management, Accounting
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $140,613
8. Georgetown University (McDonough School of Business)
Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business offers a global business education emphasizing leadership and ethics. The school’s location in Washington, D.C. provides unique opportunities for students interested in the intersection of business and public policy.
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Finance, International Business, Management, Marketing
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $139,347
9. Emory University (Goizueta Business School)
Goizueta Business School at Emory University offers a highly personalized business education with small class sizes and a focus on leadership and ethics. The school’s strong ties to Atlanta’s business community provide students with excellent internship and job opportunities.
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Marketing, Strategy and Management Consulting, Accounting
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $136,731
10. Wake Forest University (School of Business)
Wake Forest’s School of Business offers a highly personalized business education that emphasizes leadership and character development. The program offers small class sizes and a close-knit community, making it an excellent choice for students who value individualized attention.
- Location: Winston-Salem, NC
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Business and Enterprise Management, Accountancy, Marketing
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $134,274
11. Boston College (Carroll School of Management)
The Carroll School of Management at Boston College offers a business education grounded in liberal arts, emphasizing ethical leadership and social responsibility. The school’s Jesuit tradition fosters a commitment to service and community engagement.
- Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Management
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $131,422
12. New York University (Stern School of Business)
NYU’s Stern School of Business offers students a front-row seat to the business world in one of the most dynamic cities on the planet. Stern is known for its strong finance program and its emphasis on global business. The school’s New York City location offers endless opportunities for internships and networking.
- Location: New York, NY
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Marketing, Accounting, International Business
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $130,024
13. Cornell University (SC Johnson College of Business)
Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business provides a flexible and diverse business education with strong connections to the university’s other schools and colleges. Undergraduates enroll in either the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Nolan School of Hotel Administration. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning.
- Location: Ithaca, NY
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Applied Economics and Management (concentrations include finance and business analytics), Hotel Administration
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $128,449
14. University of Notre Dame (Mendoza College of Business)
The Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame offers a values-based approach to business education, integrating ethics and social responsibility into the curriculum. The program is known for its strong alum network and commitment to developing principled leaders.
- Location: Notre Dame, IN
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Accountancy, Marketing, Management Consulting
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $128,251
15. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler Business School)
Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC Chapel Hill is known for its collaborative culture and emphasis on leadership development. The school offers a comprehensive business education with a focus on global business and experiential learning.
- Location: Chapel Hill, NC
- Type: Public
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Marketing, Consulting, Real Estate
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $122,211
16. Villanova University (Villanova School of Business)
The Villanova School of Business admits students directly as freshmen and pairs its business curriculum with the liberal arts core of this Augustinian Catholic university. Its location just outside Philadelphia gives students access to internships in the city’s finance and corporate sectors.
- Location: Villanova, PA
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Accountancy, Marketing, Management Information Systems
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $120,730
17. Lehigh University (College of Business)
Lehigh’s College of Business stands out for programs that combine business with other disciplines, including Integrated Business and Engineering and Computer Science and Business. Its Bethlehem campus is within driving distance of both New York City and Philadelphia.
- Location: Bethlehem, PA
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Supply Chain Management
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $118,012
18. Santa Clara University (Leavey School of Business)
Santa Clara’s Leavey School of Business sits in the heart of Silicon Valley, giving students close access to the region’s technology companies for internships and jobs. The Jesuit university emphasizes ethics and social responsibility alongside business fundamentals.
- Location: Santa Clara, CA
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Management Information Systems
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $117,840
19. Southern Methodist University (Cox School of Business)
The Cox School of Business at SMU offers a personalized business education with a strong focus on leadership and entrepreneurship. The program provides students with numerous opportunities for experiential learning, including internships, study abroad, and consulting projects.
- Location: Dallas, TX
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Real Estate
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $117,253
20. University of Southern California (Marshall School of Business)
USC’s Marshall School of Business offers a dynamic business education with a strong focus on global business and entrepreneurship. The program is well integrated with the vibrant business community in Los Angeles, giving students ample internship and networking opportunities.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Business Administration, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Marketing
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $112,728
21. Northeastern University (D’Amore-McKim School of Business)
Northeastern’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business centers on the university’s signature co-op program, which lets students alternate semesters of classes with full-time professional work. Students can complete multiple co-ops before graduating, building work experience and employer connections in Boston and beyond.
- Location: Boston, MA
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Business Administration, with concentrations including Finance, Accounting, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $112,451
22. University of Texas at Austin (McCombs School of Business)
The McCombs School of Business at UT Austin is a leading public business school, offering a wide range of business majors and a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. The school benefits from its location in Austin, a hub for technology and startups.
- Location: Austin, TX
- Type: Public
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Management Information Systems
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $112,200
23. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Orfalea College of Business)
Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business follows the university’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy, with client projects, case work, and internships built into the curriculum. Business administration majors choose a concentration, and a three-year accelerated pathway lets some students finish sooner.
- Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
- Type: Public
- Top Business Majors: Business Administration, with concentrations including Accounting, Financial Management, Information Systems, and Marketing Management
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $111,998
24. Fordham University (Gabelli School of Business)
Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business operates on two New York City campuses: Rose Hill in the Bronx and Lincoln Center in Manhattan. Students choose their major in sophomore year, and the city location puts Wall Street and Manhattan’s corporate employers within reach for internships.
- Location: New York, NY
- Type: Private
- Top Business Majors: Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Information Systems
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $111,427
25. William & Mary (Raymond A. Mason School of Business)
William & Mary’s Mason School of Business starts newly admitted business majors together as a cohort in a block of foundational courses. Students then build an individual program of study around one of four majors, and many combine business with a major or minor outside the business school.
- Location: Williamsburg, VA
- Type: Public
- Top Business Majors: Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing
- Business Grads’ Median Earnings: $111,366
Top 40 Undergrad Business Schools by Graduate Earnings
The table below extends our ranking to 40 schools and adds admissions data from Road2College Insights. College-wide admit rates range from under 5% at MIT and Penn to 88% at Wentworth Institute of Technology, and high-earning business programs exist at every level of selectivity.
Top 40 Undergrad Business Schools by Graduate Earnings
| Earnings Rank | Name | Type | Business Grads’ Median Earnings | Admit Rate (%) | SAT Avg | ACT Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pennsylvania | Private | $167,167 | 4.92 | 1550 | 35 |
| 2 | Carnegie Mellon University | Private | $160,783 | 11.07 | 1540 | 34 |
| 3 | Washington University in St. Louis | Private | $157,556 | 11.92 | 1520 | 34 |
| 4 | University of California, Berkeley | Public | $144,599 | 11.45 | ||
| 5 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Private | $142,355 | 4.56 | 1540 | 35 |
| 6 | University of Michigan | Public | $141,463 | 16.42 | 1470 | 33 |
| 7 | University of Virginia | Public | $140,613 | 15.65 | 1445 | 33 |
| 8 | Georgetown University | Private | $139,347 | 13.49 | 1490 | 33 |
| 9 | Emory University | Private | $136,731 | 10.30 | 1504 | 34 |
| 10 | Wake Forest University | Private | $134,274 | 20.76 | 1460 | 33 |
| 11 | Boston College | Private | $131,422 | 14.22 | 1490 | 34 |
| 12 | New York University | Private | $130,024 | 9.06 | 1500 | 34 |
| 13 | Cornell University | Private | $128,449 | 8.38 | 1540 | 34 |
| 14 | University of Notre Dame | Private | $128,251 | 9,38 | 1510 | 34 |
| 15 | The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Public | $122,211 | 16.72 | 1453 | 31 |
| 16 | Villanova University | Private | $120,730 | 28.14 | 1450 | 33 |
| 17 | Lehigh University | Private | $118,012 | 28.96 | 1427 | 32 |
| 18 | Santa Clara University | Private | $117,840 | 47.88 | ||
| 19 | Southern Methodist University | Private | $117,253 | 47.64 | 1410 | 32 |
| 20 | University of Southern California | Private | $112,728 | 9.81 | 1500 | 32 |
| 21 | Northeastern University | Private | $112,451 | 5.62 | 1490 | 34 |
| 22 | The University of Texas at Austin | Public | $112,200 | 22.2 | ||
| 23 | Cal Poly San Luis Obispo | Public | $111,998 | 29.96 | ||
| 24 | Fordham University | Private | $111,427 | 59.31 | 1401 | 31 |
| 25 | William & Mary | Private | $111,366 | 36.96 | 1401 | 31 |
| 26 | Brigham Young University | Private | $110,354 | 68.62 | 1360 | 30 |
| 27 | Tulane University | Private | $109,133 | 14.46 | 1405 | 33 |
| 28 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Private | $108,400 | 50.68 | ||
| 29 | Babson College | Private | $107,520 | 16.16 | 1460 | 32 |
| 30 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | Private | $107,309 | 87.83 | 1213 | 26 |
| 31 | George Washington University | Private | $106,901 | 47.13 | ||
| 32 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Public | $106,634 | 36.59 | 1440 | 32 |
| 33 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Public | $106,155 | 13.34 | 1448 | 32 |
| 34 | Boston University | Private | $105,897 | 12.83 | 1465 | 33 |
| 35 | Indiana University Bloomington | Public | $105,583 | 75.89 | 1299 | 30 |
| 36 | Bentley University | Private | $104,750 | 47.29 | 1297 | 31 |
| 37 | Syracuse University | Private | $103,335 | 48.79 | 1352 | 30 |
| 38 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Public | $102,555 | 40.81 | ||
| 39 | University of Richmond | Private | $102,532 | 22.24 | 1457 | 33 |
| 40 | Texas Christian University | Private | $101,779 | 48.09 | 1216 | 29 |
Sources: Earnings from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, median earnings four years after graduation (MIT’s figure is five years after graduation). Admissions data from Road2College Insights, 2025-26 data (most recent available); admit rates and test scores are for the university overall. Blank cells indicate data the school did not report.
Top Business Schools by Merit Aid
Merit aid can cut the cost of a business degree for families who don’t qualify for need-based aid. Penn, MIT, Cornell, and Georgetown don’t offer academic merit scholarships to incoming students, but 10 schools in our top 40 give merit aid to at least 40% of first-year students without financial need.
- Wentworth Institute of Technology: 99% of freshmen without financial need received merit aid, averaging $24,468. Cost of attendance is $70,756.
- Stevens Institute of Technology (School of Business): 96% received merit aid, averaging $26,284. Cost of attendance is $91,644.
- Bentley University: 68% received merit aid, averaging $21,545. Cost of attendance is $91,140.
- Fordham University (Gabelli School of Business): 67% received merit aid, and the $31,964 average award is the largest on this list. Cost of attendance is $101,213.
- Texas Christian University (Neeley School of Business): 65% received merit aid, averaging $24,703. Cost of attendance is $89,742.
- Indiana University Bloomington (Kelley School of Business): 61% received merit aid, averaging $5,668. Out-of-state cost of attendance is $60,669.
- Syracuse University (Whitman School of Management): 56% received merit aid, averaging $26,259. Cost of attendance is $95,609.
- George Washington University (School of Business): 52% received merit aid, averaging $25,357. Cost of attendance is $98,165.
- Southern Methodist University (Cox School of Business): 45% received merit aid, averaging $30,239. Cost of attendance is $96,272.
- Tulane University (Freeman School of Business): 43% received merit aid, averaging $19,636. Cost of attendance is $98,710.
These figures are university-wide rather than specific to the business school, and at public universities they combine in-state and out-of-state students.
Financial aid availability is a key factor when choosing a business school, but it’s important to consider how schools calculate financial need. Some use the more detailed CSS Profile, while others rely on the FAFSA to determine aid eligibility. Review each institution’s financial aid policies to see which best aligns with your needs.
Top Undergrad Business Schools by Cost of Attendance
Most private schools in our top 40 cost between about $87,000 and $103,000 a year before aid. Public universities cost in-state students about $31,000 to $55,000, but out-of-state students face costs of roughly $55,000 to $91,000, which can erase much of the public-school discount.
Top Undergrad Business Schools by Cost of Attendance
| Name | Earnings Rank | Type | COA (in-state for public schools) | Out-of-State COA (for public schools) | Avg Need-Based Award | Avg Merit Aid Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | 20 | Private | $103,162 | N/A | $90,648 | $21,399 |
| Washington University in St. Louis | 3 | Private | $102,260 | N/A | $81,871 | $36,250 |
| Fordham University | 24 | Private | $101,213 | N/A | $50,819 | $31,964 |
| New York University | 12 | Private | $100,998 | N/A | $72,963 | $38,420 |
| Cornell University | 13 | Private | $99,734 | N/A | $68,147 | $0 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 1 | Private | $99,082 | N/A | $73,689 | $0 |
| Wake Forest University | 10 | Private | $98,730 | N/A | $72,851 | $22,826 |
| Tulane University | 27 | Private | $98,710 | N/A | $70,044 | $19,636 |
| Boston University | 34 | Private | $89,930 | N/A | $70,629 | $42,227 |
| Northeastern University | 21 | Private | $98,322 | N/A | $67,011 | $14,119 |
| George Washington University | 31 | Private | $98,165 | N/A | $64,025 | $25,357 |
| Emory University | 9 | Private | $97,948 | N/A | $68,253 | $24,314 |
| Villanova University | 16 | Private | $96,686 | N/A | $58,054 | $38,439 |
| Georgetown University | 8 | Private | $96,492 | N/A | $62,505 | $0 |
| Southern Methodist University | 19 | Private | $96,272 | N/A | $62,505 | $28,157 |
| Boston College | 11 | Private | $95,978 | N/A | $62,865 | $20,795 |
| Syracuse University | 37 | Private | $95,609 | N/A | $53,673 | $26,259 |
| Santa Clara University | 18 | Private | $93,630 | N/A | $54,874 | $15,939 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 2 | Private | $93,614 | N/A | $62,154 | $6,287 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 5 | Private | $92,760 | N/A | $74,969 | $0 |
| Lehigh University | 17 | Private | $92,320 | N/A | $63,778 | $21,666 |
| University of Richmond | 39 | Private | $92,320 | N/A | $66,713 | $44,777 |
| University of Notre Dame | 14 | Private | $91,986 | N/A | $67,264 | $16,616 |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | 28 | Private | $91,644 | N/A | $43,854 | $26,284 |
| Bentley University | 36 | Private | $91,140 | N/A | $50,822 | $21,545 |
| Texas Christian University | 40 | Private | $89,742 | N/A | $53,669 | $24,703 |
| Babson College | 29 | Private | $86,966 | N/A | $52,979 | $30,022 |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology | 30 | Private | $70,756 | N/A | $43,515 | $24,468 |
| Brigham Young University | 26 | Private | $23,408 | N/A | $10,450 | $3,756 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 4 | Public | $54,674 | $91,308 | $37,119 | $13,175 |
| William & Mary | 25 | Public | $48,638 | $75,562 | $33,452 | $7,696 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 32 | Public | $42,310 | $65,722 | $26,429 | $6,027 |
| University of Virginia | 7 | Public | $40,468 | $80,328 | $38,880 | $7,270 |
| Cal Poly San Luis Obispo | 23 | Public | $40,304 | $63,228 | $21,181 | $3,160 |
| The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 15 | Public | $39,882 | $58,540 | $19,064 | $8,400 |
| University of Michigan | 6 | Public | $38,548 | $84,164 | $38,078 | $4,587 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | 22 | Public | $32,508 | $64,204 | $20,765 | |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 33 | Public | $30,928 | $55,314 | $19,981 | $5,332 |
| Indiana University Bloomington | 35 | Public | $30,922 | $60,669 | $17,195 | $5,668 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | 38 | Public | $30,624 | $62,649 | $36,138 | $9,836 |
Source: Road2College Insights, 2025-26 data (most recent available). Penn, Cornell, Georgetown, and MIT don’t offer academic merit scholarships. Blank cells indicate data not reported.
Top Business Schools by Value
Value means strong graduate earnings at a price your family can manage. Five schools in our top 40 have an average net price under $15,000 a year. Net price is what students receiving grants or scholarships pay on average after that aid; at public universities, it reflects in-state students.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler Business School): No. 15 in our ranking, with business graduates earning a median of $122,211 and an average net price of $11,655 for in-state students. The out-of-state cost of attendance is $58,540.
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Scheller College of Business): No. 33, with business graduates earning a median of $106,155 and an average net price of $12,116 for in-state students. Out-of-state cost of attendance is $55,314.
- University of Michigan (Ross School of Business): No. 6, with business graduates earning a median of $141,463 and an average net price of $13,138 for in-state students. Its $84,164 out-of-state cost of attendance is second only to Berkeley’s among public universities in our top 40.
- University of California, Berkeley (Haas School of Business): No. 4, with business graduates earning a median of $144,599 and an average net price of $13,481 for in-state students. Its $91,308 out-of-state cost of attendance is the highest of any public university in our top 40.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Gies College of Business): No. 32, with business graduates earning a median of $106,634 and an average net price of $14,355 for in-state students. Out-of-state cost of attendance is $65,722.
Just behind them, Brigham Young University (No. 26), whose business graduates earn a median of $110,354, has an average net price of $15,564 and the lowest cost of attendance of any school in our top 40: $23,408 a year before aid.
For out-of-state families, the math changes. Compare each school’s out-of-state cost of attendance in the table above, and check merit aid odds before assuming a public university will cost less than a private one.
How to Choose the Right Business School for You
The right business school fits your career interests, budget, and learning style. Our earnings ranking is a starting point, but program structure, admission route, campus culture, and your cost after aid matter just as much when you compare your options.
- Evaluate Your Career Goals: Determine which fields of business interest you most — whether it’s finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or another area — and look for schools with strong programs in those disciplines. Earnings vary by major as well as by school, so check outcomes for the specific field you plan to study.
- Consider Location: Think about where you want to study. Do you want a major city with access to internships and networking opportunities, or would you prefer a more suburban or rural setting?
- Assess the School’s Network: Research the strength of the school’s alum network and corporate connections. Schools with robust networks can open doors for internships, mentorship, and job placements.
- Compare Financial Aid Options: Look closely at the types of financial aid offered. Some schools are more generous with grants and scholarships than others, so be sure you understand the full cost of attendance.
- Review Graduate Outcomes: Look up what business graduates earn at each school you’re considering. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard reports median earnings by major for each college, and many business schools publish employment reports with job placement rates and starting salaries.
- Visit the Campus: If possible, visit the schools you’re interested in. Attend information sessions, talk to current students, and get a feel for the campus culture.
Get a Free College Comparison Report
Narrowing down your college list? Our free College Comparison Report puts your schools side by side, showing cost of attendance, estimated cost after merit aid, admissions stats, and graduation rates. It also shows the merit awards families actually received, drawn from offers shared on our Compare College Offers tool.
FAQ on Business Schools and Choosing the Right Fit
What is the most important factor when choosing a business school?
The most important factor in choosing a business school depends on your priorities, but academics, graduate earnings, and financial aid should top your list. Find a school that excels in the area you’re most passionate about and one that offers financial aid packages that fit your budget.
Are public business schools as good as private ones?
Yes, they can be. Business graduates of UC Berkeley (Haas) and the University of Michigan (Ross), No. 4 and No. 6 in our ranking, out-earn graduates of all but a handful of private schools on our list, and in-state students pay far less to attend.
What is the ROI of an undergraduate business degree?
The ROI of a bachelor’s degree in business can be very high. Business graduates at every school in our top 25 have median earnings above $110,000 four years after graduation, according to federal data. Compare those outcomes against what you’ll pay after aid to judge whether a program is worth the cost.
Should I choose a business school based on rankings?
College rankings can be helpful, but they shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision. Consider other factors like program fit, financial aid availability, campus culture, and the strength of the school’s alum network.
Why aren’t Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia on this list?
Their business schools are graduate-only and don’t offer an undergraduate business degree. Several other top MBA programs, including Chicago Booth, Northwestern Kellogg, and Dartmouth Tuck, are also graduate-focused. That’s why rankings of the best MBA programs and the best undergraduate business programs look so different.
_______
Use R2C Insights to help find merit aid and schools that fit the criteria most important to your student. You’ll not only save precious time, but your student will avoid the heartache of applying to schools they aren’t likely to get into or can’t afford to attend.
👉 Looking for expert help on the road to college? See our Preferred Partner List!
Other Articles You Might Like:
Top US Art Schools by Value and Academics
Top US Engineering Schools by Academics, Aid, and Value
Colleges That Change Lives: The List of 45, Comparisons, and How to Choose
JOIN ONE OF OUR FACEBOOK GROUPS & CONNECT WITH OTHER PARENTS:
