Top of the Class

While there are many familiar names on the 2007 list, 12 new graduate and nine new undergraduate programs grace our latest ranking. Robert Franek of The Princeton Review attributes this to the increase in the number of schools that participated in this year's survey. In addition, reader feedback and the suggestions from the new advisory board members (several universities' program directors), were considered in evaluating and refining the survey. "We revisit all survey questions each year to ensure that we collect clear, concise and appropriate data," he says. "New questions allowed for more program-specific elements to come to the surface." As we received more specific information on unique programs, says Franek, the list changed from last year. "With a quick look, students will find smaller private [schools] and larger public [schools]--a great cross section of schools throughout the country. Each of the schools on these lists is exceptional. By detailing their uniqueness we better help students find the program best suited for them." The end result is essential information prospective students can actively use as they research entrepreneurial programs. "A more important service," Franek adds, "would be difficult to match."

Franek advises using this list as a jumping-off point for when you meet admissions counselors, deans of business schools or current students at your target schools. "When you visit that campus, you will be a savvier shopper able to ask some substantive and pointed questions."

Content Continues Below

Honorable Mentions
They may not have made the list, but these stellar schools are all standouts.

• Harvard: A renowned business center, close to 50 percent of Harvard Business School alumni become entrepreneurs.
• KennesawState University: Students learn about running the family business at the Cox Family Enterprise Center.
• Universityof Minnesota, Minneapolis: Students receive up to $15,000 to launch a business, donating profits back to the university.
• Saint LouisUniversity: One of the first 25 entrepreneurship centers in the country, it focuses on social entrepreneurship.
• Stanford: A focus on mentoring anchors this program. Noteworthy is the Asia-Pacific Student Entrepreneurship Society, a global network of entrepreneurial students.
• TexasChristian University: Boasts one of the largest Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization chapters, with more than 350 members.
• Universityof Illinois, Chicago: Home of the first chapter of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization
• Universityof Pennsylvania: Wharton lays claim to the Sol C. Snider Entrepreneurial Research Center, where researchers study economies in countries like China, South Africa and the U.S.
• WakeForest University: The well-known Elevator Competition requires students to pitch VCs in two minutes.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Entrepreneurs guide students in building their businesses within the Venture Mentoring Service.

Clickhere for even more details about the top 50 colleges that made our list, plus information on unranked schools offering entrepreneurial programs.

  Page   1   |   2