UNH Today

For the second year in a row the University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics is the top public business school in New England in the 2024 Poets&Quants Best Undergraduate Business Schools ranking.

UNH Paul ranked No. 63 nationally and among the top 50 universities in the country for academic experience (No. 43) and career outcomes (No. 46). It also is among 25 schools reporting employment rates of at least 95% with a 97% placement rate 90 days after graduation. Additionally, 85% of students landed a business-focused internship before graduation.

Compared with some of the nation’s best business schools, Paul College ranked higher than Purdue (Krannert), Syracuse (Whitman) and Michigan State (Broad) for academic experience, and higher that Miami University (Farmer), University of Arizona (Eller), and Seton Hall (Stillman) for career outcomes.

Unlike other rankings based solely on how business school leaders rate each other, the Poets&Quants rankings are considered the most comprehensive assessment of undergraduate business programs, based on three categories of data. These measure the undergrad B-school experience: the quality and diversity of students enrolling in the program; the ability of a B-school to nurture, challenge, and help students grow; and employment outcomes. Recent graduates are surveyed on aspects of faculty availability, extracurricular opportunities, and accessibility of the alumni network.

“We are so proud of this ranking as it truly reflects the excellence of our students, faculty and dedicated support staff,” said Dean Lucy Gilson. “When a ranking is driven by data as well as the experience of recently graduated alumni, it is clear that UNH Paul is an outstanding business school that delivers on the investment students and their families are making in higher education.”

As part of the alumni survey, the Class of 2021 was asked to rate various aspects of their experience on a scale of 1 to 10. Paul College got high average scores of 9 when alumni were asked if they would recommend their b-school to others and for faculty quality and accessibility. 70% of alumni also reported participating in a signature experiential learning program or project, and 80% of alumni reported getting a job offer in their preferred industry.

According to Kristy Bleizeffer of Poets&Quants, “All business schools ranked are at the leading edge of business education. They deliver a learning experience that transforms student’s sense of who they are and what they can do in the world.”

UNH Paul is a national leader in experience-based education. Its signature first-year program, FIRE, helps students build community and explore the college and university in a supportive team-based approach, and its Business and Practice program connects them with industry professionals in an interactive classroom learning environment. Paul has numerous opportunities for students to explore and apply their knowledge and skills, including 17 industry-focused student orgs and clubs, capstone corporate consulting projects, and student-run investment funds.

“What sets Paul apart from other business schools is our focus on educating stludents thoroughly so they can find their purpose and lead full and meaningful lives,” said Lu Echazú, associate dean for undergraduate education. “We think in terms of their entire academic career, one that includes those professional and social experiences that set them apart after graduation. The spirit of collaboration and responsible management principles runs through the college, where our faculty infuse the classroom experience with real-world projects, and alumni and industry partners are central to co-curricular and career readiness programs.”