Top 10 Best Business Schools for Undergraduates in 2025

Looking to pursue a career in business? Here are the top 10 best business schools undergrad in 2025, offering top-tier programs known for their academic excellence, strong alumni networks, and valuable career opportunities. 

Choosing the right business school is more than just about obtaining a degree. A strong undergraduate business program offers high return on investment (ROI), ample networking opportunities, and connections with leading companies through internships. Investing in the best business schools undergrad can provide access to high-paying jobs and prestigious career paths, setting you up for long-term success.

Moreover, top-tier schools offer valuable specialisations and experiential learning opportunities, like internships, case studies, and consulting projects. These programs are designed to equip you with practical skills and leadership abilities that will help you excel in the business world.

When selecting the best business schools undergrad, consider several key ranking criteria, including academic reputation, ROI, faculty quality, and alumni success. 

Criteria for ranking the best undergraduate business schools

In this ranking of the best business schools undergrad 2025, we considered a variety of important factors sourced from the QS World University Rankings.

QS World University Rankings assesses universities based on six key indicators:

• Academic Reputation (40%): Global survey of academics identifying leading institutions in their field. This indicates the overall quality and respectability of the business program.
• Employer Reputation (10%): Survey of graduate employers identifying institutions producing the best graduates in their sector. Employer reputation reflects how highly employers regard the graduates from each school.
• Faculty/Student Ratio (20%): This indicator measures teaching quality and support, ensuring students get the attention they need from experienced faculty members.
• Research Citations per Faculty (20%): Measures research impact and quality. A high citation per faculty ratio signals strong, impactful research contributions from the faculty members, which reflects the academic strength of the institution.
• International Faculty Ratio (5%): Reflects the international diversity among staff members, showcasing a globally-minded academic environment.
• International Student Ratio (5%): Indicates international diversity among students. A diverse student body fosters a global perspective in business education.

How to get into a top business school 

If you're aiming to get accepted into one of the best business schools undergrad, here are some tips to help you stand out:

SAT/ACT & GPA Expectations

Most top business schools have high SAT/ACT score requirements and expect a competitive GPA. Aim for scores in the top percentile to strengthen your application.

Strong Extracurriculars (Business Clubs, Internships)

Top business schools look for candidates who have demonstrated leadership, dedication, and passion for business. Participation in business-related extracurricular activities, such as business clubs, student government, or internships, will enhance your application.

Personal Statement & Interview Tips

A well-crafted personal statement is crucial for demonstrating your passion for business and your career goals. Be sure to highlight your strengths, ambitions, and why you’re interested in the program. During the interview, articulate your vision, demonstrate your leadership skills, and convey your enthusiasm for the business world.

Top 10 Best Business Schools for Undergraduates

According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for Business & Management Studies, the following institutions are recognised as the best business schools undergrad education:

Harvard University 

Location- Cambridge, USA

QS Global Rank- 01

Website: https://www.hbs.edu/

Top recruiters: McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, Google

Harvard University, established in 1636, is the oldest institution in the United States and one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it spans a 209-acre campus housing 10 degree-granting schools, the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, and numerous museums. With the largest academic library system globally, Harvard boasts 18 million volumes and over 400 million manuscript items.

Harvard has 21,000 students, and the university's reputation attracts top-tier students, with 60% benefiting from financial aid. It offers a dynamic campus life with over 400 student societies and opportunities for extracurricular engagement. Harvard’s alumni include eight U.S. presidents, 62 living billionaires, 359 Rhodes Scholars, and 242 Marshall Scholars. Graduates have earned prestigious accolades, including Pulitzer Prizes, Nobel Prizes, and Academy Awards. Consistently ranked as one of the top universities globally, Harvard maintains a legacy of Consistently ranked as one of the top universities globally, Harvard maintains a legacy of best business schools undergrad.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Location- Cambridge, USA

QS Global Rank- 02

Website: https://mitsloan.mit.edu/

Top recruiters: Amazon, Boston Consulting Group, SpaceX

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), founded in 1861, embodies the motto “Mind and Hand,” reflecting its commitment to advancing knowledge in science, technology, and other fields to improve the world. With over 1,000 faculty members and more than 11,000 students, MIT is a global leader in education and innovation. MIT is renowned for its cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, climate change, cancer, HIV, and poverty alleviation, alongside its historical contributions to radar technology and the concept of the expanding universe. 

Beyond academics, approximately 20% of MIT undergraduates participate in sports, with 33 varsity teams, and the arts culture thrives through 12 museums, 60 performance groups, and faculty members who include Pulitzer Prize winners. Located on 168 acres along the Charles River, MIT fosters a strong connection to industry, having helped alumni launch over 30,000 companies, generating $1.9 trillion in revenue annually.

Stanford University

Location- Stanford, United States

QS Global Rank- 03

Website: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/

Top recruiters: McKinsey & Company, Amazon, Bain & Company

Stanford University, founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford, is dedicated to benefiting society through research and education. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area on 8,180 acres, Stanford offers a diverse and vibrant community for over 7,000 undergraduate and 9,000 graduate students. It is home to 18 interdisciplinary research institutes and seven schools, including the Graduate School of Business, School of Engineering, and School of Medicine.

Stanford’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and societal impact is reflected in its prestigious status, with 20 Nobel laureates among its community. The campus, affectionately known as "The Farm," offers state-of-the-art recreational facilities, wellness programs, and 36 varsity sports teams. Additionally, Stanford has a rich arts tradition, with a vibrant arts district and two world-class museums.

INSEAD

Location- Fontainebleau, France

QS Global Rank- 04

Website: https://www.insead.edu/

Top recruiters: L’Oréal, McKinsey, Unilever

INSEAD is one of the largest and most prestigious graduate business schools globally, offering a truly international educational experience. With campuses in France, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and San Francisco, INSEAD’s global reach extends through its partnerships with leading institutions worldwide. 

The school’s diverse faculty of 165 renowned professors from 41 countries inspires over 1,300 students in its degree and PhD programs, while more than 11,000 executives participate in INSEAD’s executive education each year.

University of Cambridge

Location- Cambridge, United Kingdom

QS Global Rank- 05

Website: https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/

Top recruiters: McKinsey & Company, PwC, Barclays

The University of Cambridge, one of the oldest universities in the world, is renowned for its outstanding academic achievements and intellectual rigor. With a history dating back to 1209, Cambridge is known for its world-class research and academic excellence. The University comprises 31 independent colleges, each with its own property and staff, fostering a unique environment for students to interact with scholars across disciplines. Cambridge's reputation is backed by external reviews from the Quality Assurance Agency and other educational bodies.

The University’s resources, including libraries, museums, and collections, enhance the learning experience, with students benefiting from personalized teaching through the Colleges and opportunities to engage with experts. Cambridge is also a hub for innovation, with science parks at Trinity and St John’s Colleges supporting start-ups.

University of Oxford

Location- Oxford, United Kingdom

QS Global Rank- 06

Website: https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/

Top recruiters: Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, Accenture

The University of Oxford, founded as early as the 11th century, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Located in the historic city of Oxford, it comprises 44 colleges and halls, and boasts the largest library system in the UK. Oxford has 22,000 students, with around half being undergraduates and 40% international students, contributing to the city's youthful atmosphere, where a quarter of residents are students.

The university excels in the sciences and is ranked number one in the world for medicine. Oxford’s alumni network is vast, including over 250,000 individuals, with notable figures like 26 Nobel laureates, 120 Olympic medalists, and political leaders such as Bill Clinton and Indira Gandhi. The university consistently ranks among the top three globally.

London Business School

Location- London, United Kingdom

QS Global Rank- 07

Website: https://www.london.edu/

Top recruiters: Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Citigroup

London Business School (LBS) is one of the world’s top business schools, located near Regent’s Park in London, close to the financial district. It offers MSc, MBA, and EMBA programs in areas such as finance, marketing, strategy, and entrepreneurship. LBS is known for its global community, with over 90% of its graduate students coming from outside the UK, representing more than 110 nationalities.

Graduates of the Master’s in Management program have impressive employability, with 94% accepting job offers within three months of graduation. The average starting salary is $60,688 (£47,054), with graduates often entering consulting, financial services, and technology sectors.

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Location- Singapore

QS Global Rank- 08 

Website: https://bschool.nus.edu.sg/

Top recruiters: DBS Bank, J.P. Morgan, Deloitte

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a leading global university and Singapore's flagship institution, renowned for its comprehensive education and research with a focus on Asian perspectives. NUS offers a broad-based curriculum across 17 faculties and schools, supported by multidisciplinary courses and cross-faculty enrichment programs.

With over 38,000 students from 100 countries, NUS fosters a diverse community that enriches its academic environment with a wide range of cultural and social perspectives. The university is committed to providing an innovative and supportive atmosphere that encourages creative enterprise and empowers students to tackle global challenges. 

University of Pennsylvania

Location- Philadelphia, United States

QS Global Rank- 09

Website: https://www.wharton.upenn.edu/

Top recruiters: McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, Morgan Stanley

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn), founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, is a prestigious Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia. Franklin’s vision for higher education emphasised not only the arts and humanities but also practical skills for the public good, a philosophy that continues to shape Penn's inclusive and innovative approach today.

With a student body of 21,599, equally split between undergraduate and graduate students, Penn is known for its interdisciplinary learning, offering double degree programs, unique majors, and academic flexibility, known as best business schools undergrad. The university's acceptance rate for the class of 2021 was 9.3%, with 46% of students from diverse backgrounds. Notably, women comprise 54% of the student population. Penn graduates have some of the highest employment rates, with many going on to become Fortune 500 CEOs.

Bocconi University

Location- Milan, Italy

QS Global Rank- 10

Website: https://www.unibocconi.it/en

Top recruiters: Deloitte, PwC, The Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

Founded in 1902, Bocconi University is a renowned institution known for its pluralism, independence, and entrepreneurial spirit. It plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of Italy and Europe through scientific innovation, research, and training the business leaders of tomorrow. Its motto, "Knowledge That Matters," reflects this commitment.

Located in downtown Milan, a global hub of commerce, fashion, design, and music, Bocconi offers an ideal environment for a well-rounded academic experience. The university excels in the social sciences, particularly in Management, Economics, Finance, Legal Studies, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Political Science.