The University of Michigan’s undergraduate entrepreneurship programs are No. 1 in the nation, according to rankings that will be published in the December issue of The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine.
In the past five years, students enrolled in U-M’s Entrepreneurship minor or its predecessor program have launched 414 companies that collectively raised $18.3 million — 25 percent of those companies are still in business. (Nationally, between 30 percent and 50 percent of new businesses fail during the first two to five years.)
“This No. 1 ranking reflects the collaborative, broad, and diverse nature of entrepreneurship across the University of Michigan,” says Jonathan Fay, the Dixon and Carol Doll executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurship in the U-M College of Engineering. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in the interest of our students, and we’re incredibly proud that they’re taking what they learn and making an impact in the community.”
Today, nearly 5,000 students – 10 percent of the total undergraduate student body – are involved in entrepreneurship activities. The university hosts 15 centers and programs, more than 30 entrepreneurial student organizations, 68 classes, multiple pitch competitions, two accelerators, immersion treks to nearly a dozen entrepreneurial ecosystems around the country, and more.
In 2015, U-M launched a minor in Entrepreneurship open to students across campus. Nearly 500 students from more than 100 majors were enrolled in the 2017-2018 academic year.
“What sets the University of Michigan apart is our commitment to pushing the boundaries of education and delivering the action-based learning experiences that build an entrepreneurial mindset — regardless of the career path our students seek,” says Stewart Thornhill, executive director of the Zell Lurie Institute at the U-M Ross School of Business. “Every program we offer is meant to amplify success for entrepreneurs; from business plan competitions to working inside of a new venture to investing real dollars in our startups.”
The university’s graduate-level program is ranked eighth nationally, according to the publication.
U-M’s programs are coupled with project-based, experiential learning accessible to students in all 19 schools and colleges.
“Our campus culture is one of collaboration mixed with the relentless energy and optimism of our students and faculty across the entrepreneurial ecosystem – from creativity and the arts to cutting edge research and business savvy,” says Mark Clague, associate dean for academic and student affairs at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. “It’s what makes the University of Michigan an extraordinary place to live, learn, invent, and make a difference.”
The full rankings are available at https://www.entrepreneur.com/topcolleges.
