Best Research Universities for Business Degrees 2026

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 2026

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

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 Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #3 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online

    Tuition + fees

    $74K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $68,171
    Expenses: $20,542
    Starting Salary: $86,358
    Salary after 4 years: $108,351
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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 Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1550/35

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,156
    Expenses: $22,574
    Starting Salary: $120,390
    Salary after 4 years: $151,049
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $18,309
    Expenses: $17,554
    Starting Salary: $72,092
    Salary after 4 years: $85,710
    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 Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    64K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $60,438
    Expenses: $27,314
    Starting Salary: $71,780
    Salary after 4 years: $90,060
    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

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    #1 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2026 #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $72K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $66,014
    Expenses: $22,126
    Starting Salary: $89,595
    Salary after 4 years: $112,412
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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 Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #12 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/35

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $66,104
    Expenses: $22,924
    Starting Salary: $96,031
    Salary after 4 years: $120,488
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    49K

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

    Cost of Degree: $13,747
    Expenses: $24,284
    Starting Salary: $68,791
    Salary after 4 years: $81,786
    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 2026 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $68K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Business degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $63,255
    Expenses: $23,631
    Starting Salary: $131,508
    Salary after 4 years: $164,999
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    27%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    56K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1380/30

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Texas at Austin

    Cost of Degree: $11,678
    Expenses: $19,894
    Starting Salary: $63,443
    Salary after 4 years: $75,427
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #13 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #16 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $65,997
    Expenses: $25,293
    Starting Salary: $82,275
    Salary after 4 years: $103,227
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  13. #11

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #1 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #5 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    60K

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,643
    Expenses: $21,909
    Starting Salary: $64,538
    Salary after 4 years: $76,730
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
  14. #12

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #10 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #19 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $69K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $63,274
    Expenses: $19,868
    Starting Salary: $98,849
    Salary after 4 years: $124,022
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 #17 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #20 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $75K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $68,230
    Expenses: $19,418
    Starting Salary: $78,896
    Salary after 4 years: $98,989
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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 2026 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1475/33

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Virginia

    Cost of Degree: $22,323
    Expenses: $18,940
    Starting Salary: $74,916
    Salary after 4 years: $89,068
    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

    St. Louis , MO
    #19 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #20 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #23 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #1 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $70K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    18K

    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: $72,206
    Salary after 4 years: $90,595
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  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 2026 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #12 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    15%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    35K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1460/31

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

    Cost of Degree: $8,989
    Expenses: $17,120
    Starting Salary: $62,977
    Salary after 4 years: $74,873
    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 2026 #21 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #22 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #25 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $68K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1507/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Notre Dame

    Cost of Degree: $62,693
    Expenses: $20,578
    Starting Salary: $89,274
    Salary after 4 years: $112,009
    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

    George Washington University

    Washington , DC
    #23 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #2 Best Research Universities in DC 2026 #2 Best Grad Schools in DC 2026 #2 Best Private Colleges in DC 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $70K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for Business degree at George Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $64,798
    Expenses: $19,325
    Starting Salary: $76,305
    Salary after 4 years: $95,738
    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
  22. #19

    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 2026 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #13 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    65K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Ohio State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,859
    Expenses: $18,372
    Starting Salary: $52,094
    Salary after 4 years: $61,934
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
  24. #20

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    #1 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026 #2 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2026 #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2026 #3 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    24%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    62K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1400/31

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,381
    Expenses: $16,220
    Starting Salary: $60,928
    Salary after 4 years: $72,437
    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 2026 #25 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #1 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2026 #1 Best Colleges in Georgia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $68K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/33

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Emory University

    Cost of Degree: $60,774
    Expenses: $22,848
    Starting Salary: $74,100
    Salary after 4 years: $92,971
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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 2026 #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #6 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $68K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1400/31

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Fordham University

    Cost of Degree: $61,567
    Expenses: $27,583
    Starting Salary: $73,242
    Salary after 4 years: $91,894
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

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  27. #23

    Boston College

    Chestnut Hill , MA
    #3 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2026 #7 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #9 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $74K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Boston College

    Cost of Degree: $67,680
    Expenses: $21,925
    Starting Salary: $88,527
    Salary after 4 years: $111,072
    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

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Georgia Tech

    Atlanta , GA
    #13 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #25 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    58K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/32

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Georgia Tech

    Cost of Degree: $11,764
    Expenses: $16,760
    Starting Salary: $88,694
    Salary after 4 years: $105,448
    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

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Business/Commerce

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,704
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,337
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $46,323
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $55,073
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 10 years
  • Job Growth: 6.46%
  • Number of Jobs: 9,759,299
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

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 research-focused university amplifies a business education through rigorous faculty scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and infrastructure—such as research centers, labs, and corporate partnerships—that directly shape curriculum and experiential opportunities. This guide ranks research universities that pair strong academic departments with practical training, extensive elective concentrations, and institutional resources that matter most to employers and graduate programs.

Below we evaluate programs on research intensity, faculty expertise, breadth of concentrations, internship and co-op access, and support for entrepreneurship and global study. If you’re comparing program types, note that a strong business program can also exist at a liberal arts college—see our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for a bachelor’s in business. For context on the degree’s popularity, visit the National Center for Educational Statistics.

The Best Business Schools in Your State

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