In Search of The Best Colleges for Business Majors

I've been trying to look for the best colleges for a business major, but most of the lists online include the same big names like Harvard, Stanford, etc. Are there any underdogs I should consider? Any insight into this would be appreciated!

While the big names like Harvard and Stanford are definitely well-known for their business programs, there are a number of other colleges that have fantastic business departments. Depending on what you're looking for, you may find a perfect fit at one of these 'underdog' schools.

One school to consider is Bentley University. Located in Massachusetts, Bentley is known for its strong focus on business education. In particular, their Corporate Finance and Accounting program typically ranks high and offers a hands-on approach to learning with exposure to case studies and internships.

Another great option might be the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Their Gies College of Business offers highly ranked programs in a range of specializations including accountancy, business administration, and finance. The university has a strong emphasis on technology and innovation, which can be great if you're looking to focus on business technology or entrepreneurship.

You could also take a look at Indiana University Bloomington's Kelley School of Business. They have both an undergraduate and a graduate program, and the undergraduate program is quite large, offering a wide breadth of concentrations. The curriculum combines business with liberal arts studies to give students a well-rounded education.

Lastly, don't forget about Babson College, a small business-focused college in Massachusetts. Babson's curriculum is centered around entrepreneurship, and the school also has a very high job placement rate for graduates.

But at the end of the day, the "best" college for business majors will heavily depend on the specific area of business you're most interested in.

Real-world experience, like internships and co-ops, will also be hugely beneficial, so keep an eye out for schools that have strong connections with local businesses or have integrated internship programs. Also, when evaluating business programs, consider factors like class size, faculty experience, alumni network, and the types of extracurricular opportunities available to students.

For example, if you're interested in entrepreneurship, you might benefit from schools that have strong startup incubator programs or contests for funding business ideas. Meanwhile, if you're interested in corporate finance, look for schools with strong connections to the finance industry and opportunities for internships at top companies.