Best Research Universities for Business Degrees 2025

Badge for BEST FOR BUSINESS RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

The best business research universities are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best business degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding business faculty.

Key Takeaways

  • Leading business programs have robust connections with global companies and offer students opportunities for internships, consulting projects, and networking with industry leaders. Schools like Stanford and Wharton provide students direct access to top executives and innovators in Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and beyond.
  • Many of the top research universities offer specialized centers for entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainable business practices, giving students access to world-class faculty research, real-world problem-solving projects, and opportunities to develop new business ventures.
  • Top business schools emphasize cutting-edge research in data analytics, financial modeling, and business intelligence, equipping students with the quantitative skills needed for today’s data-driven business environment.

Top 10 Research Universities Business Programs in 2025

  1. Columbia University
    +1
  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    +1
  3. University of Michigan
    +1
  4. New York University
    +3
  5. Cornell University
  6. University of Pennsylvania
    –5
  7. University of California, Los Angeles
    +2
  8. California Institute of Technology
    +9
  9. University of Texas at Austin
    +1
  10. University of Washington
    +6

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best research universities business programs saw a considerable amount of movement. California Institute of Technology gained the most ranking positions as the university expanded its Quantum Computing Research Center, providing students with access to cutting-edge quantum technology and research opportunities in computing and physics. The institute has also upgraded its interdisciplinary innovation programs, promoting collaboration across fields like bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and space exploration.

Additionally, CalTech has enhanced its student wellness programs, with expanded mental health services, wellness initiatives, and community-building activities that focus on maintaining a healthy balance between academic rigor and personal well-being. These improvements reflect CalTech’s commitment to research excellence, innovation, and holistic student support.

Featured Programs

Best Research Universities for Business Degrees

  1. #1

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $68,171
    Expenses: $20,542
    Starting Salary: $108,185
    Salary after 4 years: $135,737
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Columbia University known for?

    Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Columbia University Business Major Concentration:

    • Business Management

    Source

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA
    #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,156
    Expenses: $22,574
    Starting Salary: $143,748
    Salary after 4 years: $180,357
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Massachusetts Institute of Technology known for?

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    MIT Business Major Concentrations:

    • Management
    • Business Analytics
    • Finance

    Source

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $18,309
    Expenses: $17,554
    Starting Salary: $74,437
    Salary after 4 years: $88,498
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Michigan known for?

    University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Michigan Business Major Specializations:

    • Sales track
    • Women in Finance

    Source

    Compare school
  4. #4

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    65K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $60,438
    Expenses: $27,314
    Starting Salary: $73,559
    Salary after 4 years: $92,292
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New York University known for?

    New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    New York University Business Major Concentrations:

    • Accounting concentration
    • Actuarial Science concentration
    • Business and Political Economy
    • Business Economics concentration
    • Business Technology Management
    • Business, Technology, and Entrepreneurship
    • Computing and Data Science concentration
    • Economics
    • Economic Theory concentration
    • Entertainment, Media, and Technology specialization
    • Entrepreneurship concentration
    • Finance concentration
    • Global Business concentration
    • Hotel and Tourism Management
    • Management and Organizations concentration
    • Marketing concentration
    • Music Business
    • Operations concentration
    • Real Estate
    • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Sports Management
    • Statistics concentration
    • Sustainable Business concentration

    Source

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  6. #5

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    #1 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $66,014
    Expenses: $22,126
    Starting Salary: $94,709
    Salary after 4 years: $118,829
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cornell University known for?

    Cornell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Cornell University Business Major Concentrations:

    • Accounting
    • Agribusiness Management
    • Applied Economics and Management
    • Business Analytics
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Environmental, Energy, and Resource Economics
    • Finance
    • Food Industry Management
    • International Trade and Development
    • Marketing
    • Strategy

    Source

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $66,104
    Expenses: $22,924
    Starting Salary: $123,159
    Salary after 4 years: $154,524
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pennsylvania known for?

    University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Pennsylvania Business Major Concentrations:

    • Accounting
    • Behavioral Economics
    • Business Analytics
    • Business Economics and Public Policy
    • Business, Energy, Environment, and Sustainability
    • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
    • Finance
    • Health Care Management and Policy
    • Legal Studies and Business Ethics
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Marketing and Communication
    • Marketing and Operations Management
    • Operations, Information and Decisions
    • Real Estate
    • Retailing
    • Social Impact and Responsibility
    • Statistics
    • Individualized

    Source

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,747
    Expenses: $24,284
    Starting Salary: $68,972
    Salary after 4 years: $82,001
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Los Angeles known for?

    University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UCLA Business Majors:

    • BA in Business Economics

    Source

    Compare school
  9. #8

    California Institute of Technology

    Pasadena , CA
    #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Business degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $63,255
    Expenses: $23,631
    Starting Salary: $99,482
    Salary after 4 years: $124,817
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California Institute of Technology known for?

    California Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Caltech Business Majors:

    • BS in Economics
    • BS in Business, Economics, and Management

    Source

    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/29

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Texas at Austin

    Cost of Degree: $11,678
    Expenses: $19,894
    Starting Salary: $69,632
    Salary after 4 years: $82,785
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Texas at Austin known for?

    University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Texas at Austin Business Major Concentrations:

    • Accounting
    • Honors Program
    • Finance
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Science and Technology Management
    • Supply Chain Management

    Source

    Compare school
  12. #10

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #1 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    58K

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,643
    Expenses: $21,909
    Starting Salary: $65,580
    Salary after 4 years: $77,968
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Washington known for?

    University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Washington Business Major Concentrations:

    • Accounting
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Human Resources
    • Management
    • Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Operations & Supply Chain Management

    Source

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #15 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #18 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $65,997
    Expenses: $25,293
    Starting Salary: $87,409
    Salary after 4 years: $109,670
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northwestern University known for?

    Northwestern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Northwester University Business Majors:

    • Economics
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Leadership
    • Statistics

    Source

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #10 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $63,274
    Expenses: $19,868
    Starting Salary: $96,394
    Salary after 4 years: $120,942
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carnegie Mellon University known for?

    Carnegie Mellon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Carnegie Mellon University Business Major Concentrations:

    • Accounting
    • Business Analytics and Technologies
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Global Economics and Business
    • Marketing Management
    • Operations Management
    • Strategic Management

    Source

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Brown University

    Providence , RI
    #10 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $68,230
    Expenses: $19,418
    Starting Salary: $83,385
    Salary after 4 years: $104,621
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Brown University known for?

    Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Brown University Business Major Concentrations:

    • Business Economics
    • Entrepreneurship & Technology Management
    • Organizational Studies

    Source

    Compare school
  16. #14

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Virginia

    Cost of Degree: $22,323
    Expenses: $18,940
    Starting Salary: $74,814
    Salary after 4 years: $88,947
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Virginia known for?

    University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Virginia Business Major:

    • BS in Commerce

    Source

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Washington University in St. Louis

    Saint Louis , MO
    #19 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #20 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #23 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Washington University in St. Louis

    Cost of Degree: $62,982
    Expenses: $25,506
    Starting Salary: $82,262
    Salary after 4 years: $103,212
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Washington University in St. Louis known for?

    Washington University in St. Louis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Washington University of Saint Louis Business Major Concentrations:

    • Accounting
    • Economics and Strategy
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Management
    • Organization and Strategic Management
    • Marketing
    • Operations and Supply Chain Management

    Source

    Washington University in St. Louis’s Online Degrees

    BS in Integrated Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Humanities
    • Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  19. #16

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $8,989
    Expenses: $17,120
    Starting Salary: $64,826
    Salary after 4 years: $77,072
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of North Carolina Business Major Concentrations:

    • Consulting
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Investment Banking
    • Investment Management
    • Marketing Management & Sales
    • Multinational Finance
    • Operations Management
    • Real Estate

    Source

    Compare school
  20. #17

    University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame , IN
    #3 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #21 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #22 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #25 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Notre Dame

    Cost of Degree: $62,693
    Expenses: $20,578
    Starting Salary: $92,089
    Salary after 4 years: $115,541
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Notre Dame known for?

    University of Notre Dame’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Notre Dame Business Major Concentrations:

    • Accountancy
    • Business Analytics
    • Marketing
    • Finance
    • Management Consulting

    Source

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Ohio State University

    Columbus , OH
    #10 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #14 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #15 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    67K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Ohio State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,859
    Expenses: $18,372
    Starting Salary: $50,504
    Salary after 4 years: $60,045
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Ohio State University known for?

    Ohio State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Ohio State Univesity Business Major:

    BS in Business Administration Specializations:

    • Accounting
    • Business Management
    • Aviation Management
    • Economics
    • Finance
    • Human Resources
    • Information Systems
    • Insurance
    • International Business
    • Logistics Management
    • Marketing
    • Operations Management
    • Real Estate
    • Special Area

    Source

    Compare school
  22. #19

    George Washington University

    Washington , DC
    #23 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in DC 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in DC 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1410/32

    Career Outlook for Business degree at George Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $64,798
    Expenses: $19,325
    Starting Salary: $77,115
    Salary after 4 years: $96,754
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is George Washington University known for?

    George Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    George Washington Univesity Business Major:

    • BS in Accountancy
    • BS in Business
    • BS in Business Analytics
    • BS in Finance
    • BS in Information Systems
    • BS in Marketing
    • BS/MA 5 years
    • The 4+1 Program

    Source

    Compare school
  24. #20

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    #2 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,381
    Expenses: $16,220
    Starting Salary: $61,906
    Salary after 4 years: $73,599
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Florida known for?

    University of Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Florida Business Major Concentrations:

    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • General Studies
    • Information Systems
    • Management
    • Marketing

    Source

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Emory University

    Atlanta , GA
    #4 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #25 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/33

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Emory University

    Cost of Degree: $60,774
    Expenses: $22,848
    Starting Salary: $78,987
    Salary after 4 years: $99,102
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Emory University known for?

    Emory University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Emory University Business Major Concentrations:

    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • Information Systems and Operations Management
    • Marketing
    • Strategy and Management Consulting

    Source

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Fordham University

    Bronx , NY
    #2 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #8 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1400/31

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Fordham University

    Cost of Degree: $61,567
    Expenses: $27,583
    Starting Salary: $62,703
    Salary after 4 years: $78,671
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fordham University known for?

    Fordham University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Fordham University Business Major Concentrations:

    • Accounting
    • Business Economics
    • Consulting
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Information Systems
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Social Innovation
    • Digital Media and Technology
    • Global Finance and Business Economics
    • Global Marketing with Consumer Insights

    Source

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Boston College

    Chestnut Hill , MA
    #3 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #5 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #9 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1487/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Boston College

    Cost of Degree: $67,680
    Expenses: $21,925
    Starting Salary: $86,567
    Salary after 4 years: $108,613
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Boston College known for?

    Boston College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Boston College Business Major Concentrations:

    • Accounting
    • Actuarial Science
    • Finance, Investment, and Banking
    • Information Systems
    • International Business
    • Management and Human Resources
    • Marketing
    • Operations and Technology Management
    • Real Estate
    • Risk Management and Insurance
    • Supply Chain Management

    Source

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  28. #24

    Georgia Tech

    Atlanta , GA
    #13 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #25 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1460/33

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Georgia Tech

    Cost of Degree: $11,764
    Expenses: $16,760
    Starting Salary: $80,939
    Salary after 4 years: $96,228
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgia Tech known for?

    Georgia Tech’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Georgia Tech Business Major Concentrations:

    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • General Management
    • Information Technology Management
    • Leadership and Organizational Change
    • Marketing
    • Operations and Supply Chain Management
    • Strategy and Innovation

    Source

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Career Outlook for Students with Business Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business/Commerce

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $46,323
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $55,073
  • * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Chief Executives5.48%$206,680
Sales Managers5.87%$135,160
Managers, All Other5.75%$133,560
Industrial Production Managers2.87%$116,970
Administrative Services Managers6.23%$106,470

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Chief Executives$206,680
Sales Managers$135,160
Managers, All Other$133,560
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Go to all Research Universities for Business programs

A bachelor’s degree in business administration is an excellent starting point for a career in business management, finance, or entrepreneurship. As a business major, you’ll learn basic business theory as well as practical concepts related to sales, marketing, accounting and more. You’ll also have a chance to focus on specific aspects of business, including human resources, hospitality, real estate, entertainment and much more.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, the business degree is an extremely popular degree because of its versatility. As a business major, you’ll pursue your own concentration—whether your interest is in sales, promotions, international business, or any of the countless other options at your fingertips. The best schools for business administration are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of business administration concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

If you think a liberal arts college may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for a bachelor’s in business.

The Best Business Schools in Your State

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