Top U.S. universities for business majors?

As I start planning my college applications, I want to focus on schools with strong business programs in the United States. What are some of the top universities I should look into for a business degree?

There are several universities in the United States that are renowned for their business programs. These typically offer a broad array of concentrations, distinguished faculty, and strong job placement rates, and arguably provide some of the best environments for cultivating business acumen:

1. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School): Wharton is one of the top business schools in the world and offers a robust undergraduate business program. It's known for its rich alumni network, strong connections with Wall Street, and wide array of elective options in the curriculum.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan School of Management): Sloan offers a Bachelor of Science in Management Science degree. The program emphasizes quantitative reasoning and encourages students to utilize their skills in real-world scenarios, like internships or entrepreneurship ventures.

3. University of California Berkeley (Haas School of Business): The Haas Undergraduate Business Administration program is recognized for its rigorous curriculum that emphasizes leadership and innovation.

4. University of Texas at Austin (McCombs School of Business): McCombs is known for its approach to experiential learning, with options to participate in internships and study abroad programs.

5. University of Michigan (Ross School of Business): Here, students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration where they are introduced to core business fundamentals and given plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning via case studies, projects, and internships.

6. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler Business School): At Kenan-Flagler, students start by studying general college subjects and can apply for the business major during their sophomore year. It offers numerous global programs and a hands-on business immersion called GLOBE.

7. University of Virginia (McIntire School of Commerce): The McIntire School offers a unique integrated core curriculum where students study all business topics concurrently, mirroring how various sectors of a business interact.

This list is by no means exhaustive, and there are smaller schools and liberal arts colleges that have great business programs as well. While deciding on a school, it's essential to consider the specific concentration you're interested in (finance, entrepreneurship, international business, etc.), curriculum style, and the opportunities for hands-on learning. You should also consider the culture and location of the college, and how well it fits with your personal and career goals.