Business programs at the undergraduate level in the U.S. are highly sought after by international students, ranging from undergraduate to master's and even doctoral programs. Some unique courses, such as corporate social responsibility, business law, sustainability, and ethics, allow students to combine these courses with their career goals in addition to regular professional courses such as marketing, finance, accounting, and entrepreneurship.

Business studies vary in focus and depth. Since these courses are practical and experiential, they not only provide knowledge but also the skills necessary to succeed in the working world as a future manager, marketer, financial analyst, entrepreneur, or other capacity. Therefore, business programs have always been popular. This article can help you understand the starting point of the different types of business programs offered in the United States.

what is a good business school?

Because there are many universities that offer business degrees, it becomes important to be able to evaluate the value of the education you receive there. Here are some key points to pay attention to when searching for a university.

1. Authoritative accreditation

Accreditation bodies set high standards for courses and ensure that schools are accredited by recognized institutions such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

2. Have an expert faculty in related fields

Faculty with experience in your desired field of study will make a big difference in the outcome of your degree. From practical insights and advice about your career, an experienced faculty will be well prepared for the workplace. So, if the professor has experience in the field you want to study, he or she may provide practical insights and advice for your career. In addition, the university professors are happy to approach students and are willing to provide guidance and support to students, which is also a key point you should consider.

3. Course settings

Regarding the study of courses, it should include experiential, case-study-based learning, and provide opportunities such as internships and projects. Gaining practical experience will help you develop skills and gain practical experience to prepare for your career.

There are countless universities in the United States that offer excellent business programs. It is crucial to understand the strengths of each university and find the school and program that best suits you.

Embark mentors evaluated the comprehensive strength of many business schools and compiled the following business schools worth applying to in the 2025 US undergraduate application season (but this list does not represent the ranking of universities).

top 10 business schools worth applying to in 2025

University of Pennsylvania

Penn's Wharton School is ranked first in US News and World Report for good reason - the school's long-standing reputation as the best allows students to access a wide global alumni network. All students will graduate with a bachelor's degree in economics and focus on the field of their choice. The flexible and rigorous curriculum allows students to take nine liberal arts and science courses while leaving five unrestricted courses. Wharton is notoriously picky, admitting only 524 students to the class of 2027.

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley's Haas School of Business ranks second in the US News and World Report rankings. The Haas School of Business offers four programs: the Speke Undergraduate Business Program, the Global Management Program, the Robinson Life Sciences and Business Entrepreneurship Program (LSBE), and the Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology Program. All four programs are highly interdisciplinary, encouraging students to delve into subjects beyond business. The Global Management program offers exciting project-based travel opportunities, while the LSBE program may appeal to students who want to combine their passion for life sciences with an entrepreneurial spirit.

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

The Ross School of Business is ranked #4 in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings. It’s almost certain that being associated with such a ranking will land you a job in the global workforce, but what makes the Ross School stand out is its emphasis on hands-on learning experiences. The Ross Experience in Action-Based Learning (REAL) encourages students to develop their own business ideas, consult with real-world businesses, and manage a student-run investment fund. With several on-campus initiatives and a reputation for excellence, the Ross School is perfect for students who are sure they want to pursue a career in business and will thrive in an ecosystem that allows them to compete with each other and connect with faculty and classmates along the way.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business is ranked #8 in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. Marshall’s undergraduate business program is considered one of the world’s leading business programs, and their core curriculum is closely tied to hands-on learning, allowing students to apply theory to practice in real time. The BS Business Artificial Intelligence (BUAI) is a joint business program offered with the USC Vertebi School of Engineering, which prepares students to become tech-savvy business leaders. Students interested in a career in accounting can study at the Leventhal School of Accountancy under Marshall, where students are exposed to a state-of-the-art international education due to its close ties to the accounting and business communities. USC’s unique curriculum allows students to see possibilities year after year as they build their careers.

New York University

NYU Stern Business School is ranked fifth among business programs by U.S. News & World Report. High school students interested in studying business can apply for the Bachelor of Business program, the Bachelor of Business and Political Economy program, or the Anand Khubani Bachelor of Business, Technology and Entrepreneurship program, all of which are Stern-accredited degrees.

The Bachelor of Business program is NYU’s flagship program, offering 12 business majors, 7 interdisciplinary programs, and 44 electives. Students who want a global experience can choose business courses at NYU London, where students will study on the London campus for the first year and then return to the main campus for the remaining three years.

Among them, NYU Stern School of Business' unique Anand Khubani Business, Technology and Entrepreneurship Program leverages New York University's excellence in data analysis, computer science and technology through strategic partnerships with the NYU Courant Department of Mathematics and the NYU Tandon School of Engineering to cultivate students' strong critical thinking and global awareness, providing students with a real understanding of today's global business environment.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Kenan-Flagler Business School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina offers one of the most comprehensive and widely applicable educational pathways for undergraduates. By obtaining a business degree from the UNC School of Business, students will have key skills in problem solving, collaboration, teamwork and analysis. The focus is on enabling students to master a wide range of interdisciplinary applications, and these abilities prepare students for thriving careers in a wide range of fields including finance, consulting, business, government and the non-profit world. UNC’s business programs are designed to ensure that students not only learn theoretical concepts, but also gain practical experience through internships, real-world projects, and opportunities to network with industry leaders. The business school’s study abroad program provides students with overseas learning opportunities and experiences that are essential in our real world.

Boston University

Questrom School of Business is the top-ranked undergraduate program in Boston University’s Bachelor of Business Administration, focusing on collaboratively solving business problems while interacting with managers and alumni. To provide cohesive learning, Boston University’s BSBA program maintains a balance between core courses and a variety of elective courses (100+) that allow students to develop capabilities. Throughout the four years, students are trained to understand the business world and gain in-depth knowledge in their field of study.

The University of Texas –Austin

The McCombs School of Business in Austin, Texas is a top-ranked institution that welcomes the entrepreneurial drive of students from all walks of life. Innovation is the hallmark of the McCombs School of Business, and the curriculum is designed to enhance students’ valuable skills, whether they are creating an app or driving community transformation. Here, you will be taught by world-class faculty and you can choose from the highest-ranked and most in-demand majors. McCombs' Business Administration program is ranked #5 by U.S. News & World Report.

Northeastern University

Northeastern's D'Amore-McKim School of Business offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, International Business, and a variety of general majors. A key differentiator for Northeastern is its co-op program, which allows students to gain valuable experience in a professional work environment for at least one semester while on campus, laying a solid foundation for their future careers.

Lehigh University

Lehigh Business School offers Bachelor of Science programs in Business and Economics, Computer Science and Business (CSB), Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE), and Integrated Business and Health (IBH), as well as a wide variety of major and minor programs for students to choose from.

Lehigh's core curriculum is designed to equip students with practical skills that are critical in the business world, emphasizing leadership skills, communication skills, and data analysis to drive business decisions. In partnership with the Lehigh@Nasdaq Center, Startup Academy is a summer internship program that provides students with opportunities to work in early- to mid-stage startups in San Francisco's innovation ecosystem. Students are assigned to an entrepreneurial project to hone their entrepreneurial skills while completing deliverables. In addition, students can complete an entrepreneurship course at the Lehigh@Nasdaq Center, where they can find mentors in their professional fields of interest.

Lehigh's Baker Institute is the center of entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation on campus. Programs like the "Incubator" allow students to explore new ideas to solve real-world problems through the process of design thinking. The university has many entrepreneurial programs that encourage students to propose their own ideas. If the project passes the review of the expert review panel, it will receive funding and guidance to continue to advance their ideas.

Are you interested in business? Do you want to apply to these universities? If you want to enter these business schools, it is crucial to enrich your academic background and improve your professional strength! So how do students with different academic backgrounds plan their own path to further study?

For students who are determined to apply for business at top universities, the Conrad Challenge is undoubtedly the most unique one among all business competitions! As the world's first innovative activity that combines the two major educational themes of "STEM+Business", it inspires students in the STEM field to pay attention to global issues and cultivate innovative thinking and international vision through unique entrepreneurial forms and opportunities. the Conrad Challenge allows STEM students to showcase their academic strength and business students to increase their interdisciplinary background, killing two birds with one stone! The famous summer school MIT RSI also lists participation in the event as one of the important criteria for admitting students. the Conrad Challenge entered China for the first time in 2020 and has been successfully held for three sessions, attracting more than 1,000 students from more than 150 schools and nearly 100 industry big-name judges to participate. Every year, about 45 teams are selected from around the world to advance to the global challenge. The field champion team selected by the Conrad China Station will receive the Conrad Global Challenge Pass. Learn about the most complete guide to the Conrad Challenge event.

Embark is an educational institution focusing on customized scientific research training for teenagers. The core team members are all master's and doctoral graduates from prestigious American universities. Through customized scientific research training, it has guided students to win nearly 1,000 awards in major global scientific research competitions (such as Regeneron ISEF, Regeneron STS and other national competitions), and successfully entered world-renowned universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Oxford, and Cambridge. If you are interested in scientific research, you can learn about the Embark Exploration Program, where you will conduct one-on-one academic projects with expert mentors from world-renowned universities. If you are interested in international STEM competitions, you will receive guidance from Embark's mentors with a strong academic background, who will lead you to achieve good results in international competitions and gain the opportunity to enter Ivy League schools. For more detailed information, please contact Embark.