The University of Tulsa Recognized as a Premier School for Entrepreneurs in 2026 Rankings

In a recent announcement from The University of Tulsa, the institution has garnered recognition as one of the leading schools for entrepreneurship studies in North America and Europe. According to the esteemed Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine, they have ranked the university's entrepreneurship program highly, a testament to its excellence and the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem it supports.

This annual ranking project, which is entering its 20th year, evaluates and lists the top 50 undergraduate and graduate schools for entrepreneurship based on data collected from a survey of nearly 300 institutions offering entrepreneurship programs. In the rankings for 2026, The University of Tulsa's Collins College of Business is positioned at number 42 for undergraduate studies, making it the only recognized program in the state of Oklahoma.

Furthermore, when considering regional distinctions, the university's entrepreneurship program claims the sixth spot on the Southwest undergraduate list and is also ranked sixth among universities with fewer than 10,000 students. This dual recognition highlights UTulsa's commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent and innovation.

The Princeton Review's selection process involved careful consideration of over 40 data points, encompassing various aspects such as academic quality, faculty credentials, mentorship opportunities, financial backing, and the entrepreneurial successes of alumni. With a surge in enrollments in entrepreneurship courses by over 400% in recent years, UTulsa has clearly established itself as a beacon of entrepreneurial education.

In 2024, the university's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship earned the title of Outstanding Emerging Entrepreneurship Center from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers.

UTulsa also promotes a competitive spirit among its students through annual events, most notably the Hurricane Pitch Competition, which provides funding opportunities of up to $25,000. This competition attracts multidisciplinary teams eager to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas and receive mentorship.

The impact of UTulsa's entrepreneurial efforts is being felt not only locally but also nationally. Student-led startups have been advancing in various national competitions such as SXSW and the Regnier Venture Creation Challenge, successfully securing significant funding; collectively, these teams have raised over $885,000 since 2023. Additionally, Hurricane Ventures has invested more than $900,000 in promising early-stage startups associated with the university, which have collectively raised an impressive $53 million in venture capital funding.

Chris Wright, the Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, highlighted the university's commitment to entrepreneurship in the context of the city of Tulsa. In 2023, Tulsa was designated as a new EDA Tech Hub, reinforcing its status as a burgeoning center for entrepreneurial activities. "Tulsa has become a destination city for entrepreneurs. Our student and alumni founders are making a significant impact by developing innovative technologies and solutions that address contemporary challenges," stated Wright.

From pioneering technologies for health diagnostics to creating sustainable energy solutions, students and graduates of The University of Tulsa are indeed reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape.

As the university continues to foster this spirit of innovation, the future looks bright for aspiring entrepreneurs at UTulsa, driving economic growth and transforming communities with their ambitious ventures.