A Guide to the Best Business Schools in the US

By College Raptor StaffPublished on November 17, 2025

Key Takeaways:

  • Business degrees can refer to undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of studies, from Marketing to Finance.
  • Some of the best business schools in the US offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics, Business Administration, and Entrepreneurship.
  • If you’re a problem solver, want to own your own business, or want more career options, a degree in business might be for you.
How do you compare online business programs?

Source: Flickr user vuhung.

“Business” is a wide umbrella, referring to Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality Management, Human Resources, and other programs. Available majors and concentrations vary from school to school, so students should have a good idea of their goals as they apply for one of these programs. Below, we’ve listed some of the best business schools in the US and highlighted some reasons you might want to pursue a “business degree.”

What Is a Business Degree?

A “business degree” is a catch-all phrase for various types of programs, from Marketing to Economics. Some schools offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business, which focuses on a broad education beyond just business courses, while others have a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business with a heavier emphasis on technical and quantitative aspects of the field.

Graduate students can pursue a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and can choose from different concentrations depending on their interests and goals. Some graduate programs don’t require you to have a bachelor’s in business in order to apply.

Here are a few examples of study areas that fall under the general business umbrella:

Best Business Schools in US

The quality of a program depends on the school. These are just some of the best business schools throughout the United States. We selected them thanks to their world-renowned programs, alumni networks, job placement rates after graduation, unique opportunities, and high median starting salaries.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

  • Location: Philadelphia, PA
  • Popular Business Major: Financial Analytics

An Ivy League, the University of Pennsylvania is home to the Wharton School, the oldest collegiate business school in the world. All graduates receive a Bachelor of Science in Economics and can choose from more than 19 concentrations, such as Accounting, Business Analytics, Leading Across Differences, and Artificial Intelligence for Business. Students can also work with faculty to create their own specialization.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Harvard University doesn’t have an undergraduate business school, but many students pursue a degree in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics through the Department of Economics. For graduates and professional students, the Harvard Business School is one of the top programs in the country, which offers MBAs, certificates, doctoral programs, and more. It has a residential campus and a vast alumni network.

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Cornell University offers two bachelor’s related to business: a BS in Applied Economics and Management (AEM) through the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and the BS in Hotel Administration from the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration. AEM students have 10 concentrations to choose from, and Cornell’s website states that the class of 2024 saw a 95% placement rate for full-time employment.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY – BLOOMINGTON

Indiana University, Bloomington’s Kelley School of Business has nearly 2,500 students in its undergraduate Business/Commerce, General program. It offers majors in Accounting, Economic Consulting, Digital Technology Management, Information Systems, and more. The school also has workshops available, which are dedicated to research and experiential learning.

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

The D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University offers popular bachelor degrees in Business Administration and International Business, but students can also choose from various interdisciplinary majors, combining law, public health, criminal justice, and other fields of study with business. The cooperative education program allows students to alternate between study and work with one of Northeastern’s employer partners.

BABSON COLLEGE

Babson College only focuses on business. The school’s website posts some impressive stats: 85% of students participated in at least one internship while attending, 2024 graduates had an annual starting salary of $77,681, and 97.7% graduates are employed, volunteering, in the military, or continuing their education within 6 months of graduating. Available concentrations range from Real Estate to Marketing and International Business Environment to Historical & Political Studies.

EMORY UNIVERSITY

Many students attending Emory University are part of the Goizueta Business School. Undergraduate programs include Analytic Consulting, Entrepreneurship, and Real Estate, among others, and students can choose to concentrate in other areas such as Arts Management, Health Innovation, and Film and Media Management. Those pursuing a graduate degree can participate in a one-year or two-year program.

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

The University of Chicago doesn’t have an undergraduate business school or major, but Economics through the Kenneth Griffin Department of Economics is a popular choice. There are two specializations available: Business Economics and Data Science. MBA graduates attend the Booth School of Business and can choose from full-time, evening, weekend, and Sokolov Executive programs.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Columbia University also doesn’t have a business school for undergraduates, but Economics is one of its more popular fields of study with six available majors available: Economics, Financial Economics, and Joint with Math, Philosophy, Political Science, or Statistics. Students can participate in the Mendelson Center for Undergraduate Business Initiatives with the Columbia Business School to have access to the Special Program in Business Management.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – BERKELEY

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of California, Berkeley participate in the Haas School of Business Undergraduate Program. Economics is also a popular major. Those interested in either program have to apply to both the school and the individual program. The Haas School offers MBAs and states that graduates have a median starting salary of $166,000.

Should You Major in Business?

Just like there are a variety of majors and programs under the vast business umbrella, there are a variety of careers you can pursue with a degree in this field. It can help you develop practical and transferable skills, become a better leader, increase your salary potential, connect you with a wide network, and more.

You should consider majoring in business if you:

  • Enjoy being a leader and taking initiative
  • Are interested in opening your own business
  • Have strong communication skills
  • Are analytical
  • Want a flexible career path

Want to compare business-related majors and schools? College Match can help you find the best colleges and universities for your goals in education and your future career. Start today for free.

By College Raptor Staff
Applying to college can be challenging, and so we at College Raptor feel it's our duty to make that process as easy, smooth, and rewarding as possible. We work hard to clarify dense material, dispel myths, uncover information, and help you learn what you need to know!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.