SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business continues to establish its reputation as a leading institution for entrepreneurship education, recently ranking No. 5 among public schools and No. 16 overall in the 2025 MBA rankings for entrepreneurship released by US News and World Report.
In conjunction with this achievement, the Eccles School also ranked No. 5 among public schools and No. 8 overall for undergraduate entrepreneurship in the same report.
This recognition highlights the ongoing growth and impact of the Entrepreneurship & Strategy Department and the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, which collectively enhance the entrepreneurial offerings available to students across campus.
The university provides a plethora of unique opportunities for student entrepreneurs, including specialized courses, startup grants, scholarships, workshops, mentorship programs, and access to innovative facilities like the Lassonde Studios. This five-story complex features an innovation space on the first floor open to all students, accompanied by four floors of student housing designed to cultivate creativity and collaboration among aspiring entrepreneurs.
Bill Hesterly, chair of the Department of Entrepreneurship & Strategy at the Eccles School, emphasized the unique learning environment that students benefit from. He noted that students at the University of Utah can learn from seasoned entrepreneurs and acclaimed scholars while effectively applying their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
“The combination of leading scholars and experienced entrepreneurs creates an environment where students get the support they need inside and outside the classroom,” Hesterly stated.
The MBA program at the Eccles School immerses students into a vibrant entrepreneurship community enriched by innovative programming. One standout offering is the Master of Business Creation (MBC) program, which focuses on assisting founders in growing and scaling their companies.
Starting in 2023, the MBC program introduced an online option and further expanded in 2024 to enroll its first global cohort in Africa, exemplifying the school’s commitment to scaling its impact.
For undergraduates, the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute has been instrumental since the launch of its Lassonde+X program in 2019, which allows all undergraduate students to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. The Lassonde Founders program provides a unique residential community for incoming students who are already active entrepreneurs.
In addition to supporting current students, the Lassonde Institute launched an alumni program, Lassonde for Life, in 2022. This initiative offers lifelong support to all graduates of the University of Utah, regardless of their degree, and provides access to workshops, networking opportunities, and additional resources.
This wide array of programs empowers students with practical, hands-on experiences that can significantly enhance their capabilities to launch or grow a business.
The Eccles School also offers scholarships through the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, which helps manage various entrepreneurship programs. These financial opportunities create meaningful learning experiences for students, including many in the MBA program, by connecting them with entrepreneurs and professionals both on and off campus.
Scott Holley, the executive director of the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, highlighted the extensive support available to student entrepreneurs.
“The University of Utah offers unmatched support for student entrepreneurs who want to take what they are learning in class and apply it by starting a business, launching a product or service, joining a startup, or being a leader in our community,” Holley stated.
The Lassonde Institute provides grants, scholarships, networking opportunities, and encourages students from all majors to get involved, enabling them to launch innovative ideas and learn through practical experiences.
For those interested in exploring these entrepreneurship rankings further, the full MBA entrepreneurship rankings can be found on the US News website.
The David Eccles School of Business represents more than just a place to earn a degree; it offers a comprehensive educational journey that combines hands-on learning with real-world business practices. Founded in 1917, the school educates over 6,000 students annually and provides a variety of undergraduate majors, MBA programs, specialized master’s programs, and Ph.D. academic tracks, all designed to prepare students for their future careers.
For more information about entrepreneurial opportunities at the Eccles School and to learn more about how entrepreneurship is integrated into education, visit eccles.utah.edu/entrepreneur.
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