#United States #Houston #Princeton Review #Entrepreneur #Entrepreneurship Studies

Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Announce the Best Schools for Entrepreneurship in 2026

In an exciting reveal, The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur have announced the winners of the 20th annual rankings for undergraduate and graduate schools specializing in entrepreneurship studies for 2026. Compiled from extensive survey data, these rankings showcase schools excelling in curricular innovation and student success in launching businesses.

Top Schools Overview

The standout institutions this year for undergraduate studies include the University of Houston, which has claimed the top spot, while Rice University takes the lead for graduate programs. Both institutions have not only demonstrated outstanding educational offerings but have also achieved the remarkable status of being ranked number one for seven consecutive years.

The comprehensive ranking process involved collecting data from nearly 300 institutions across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, gathering insights through over 40 metrics. These metrics included academic offerings, faculty qualifications, mentorship access, and alumni entrepreneurial ventures, ensuring that the evaluated schools possess robust entrepreneurship programs.

Highlights from the Rankings

For the undergraduate category, the Top 10 Schools for Entrepreneurship include:
1. University of Houston (TX)
2. The University of Texas at Austin
3. Babson College (MA)
4. University of Michigan—Ann Arbor
5. University of Washington
6. Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
7. University of Maryland—College Park
8. Michigan State University
9. Iowa State University
10. Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico)

The graduate schools making the top list are:
1. Rice University (TX)
2. University of California—Los Angeles
3. The University of Texas at Austin
4. University of Washington
5. University of Michigan—Ann Arbor
6. Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
7. University of Virginia
8. Babson College (MA)
9. Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands)
10. University of Utah

Beyond the raw rankings, the Princeton Review also provided a regional breakdown which identified the top performing schools in various areas such as the South, West, and international categories. Notably, Tecnológico de Monterrey was recognized as the leading undergraduate institution in the international category, while Erasmus University Rotterdam stood out at the graduate level.

Key Achievements of Ranked Institutions

The University of Houston, leading the undergraduate list, has seen its alumni launch over 1,000 startups in the past five years, signifying the school's impactful program and strong entrepreneurial spirit among graduates. Additionally, Rice University's prestigious Graduate Business Plan Competition is recognized as the largest and most lucrative student competition globally, with former participants raising over $6.9 billion for their ventures.

Meanwhile, at Tecnológico de Monterrey, graduates of their entrepreneurship institute have launched nearly 1,100 startups in the last decade, emphasizing the effectiveness of their curriculum in fostering entrepreneurial success.

Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review, noted that these institutions offer exceptional educational experiences, investing heavily in mentorship and real-world applications of business concepts—an essential element for nurturing future entrepreneurs. Jason Feifer, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of fostering innovation and equipping students with the necessary tools to lead and inspire change in the economic landscape.

Conclusion

The announcement of the top schools for entrepreneurship studies not only highlights individual institutions but also reflects the growing importance of entrepreneurship education in today’s economy. These rankings serve as a resource for prospective students aspiring to turn their innovative ideas into successful ventures. For a full list of the rankings and to learn more about programs available, visit The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur.com.

By encouraging students to pursue entrepreneurship, the noted schools contribute significantly to building a resilient economy equipped with capable, innovative entrepreneurs ready to take on tomorrow's challenges.