Syracuse University’s Whitman School rises to No. 11 in entrepreneurship rankings
The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University has climbed to No. 11 in the nation for undergraduate entrepreneurship, according to The Princeton Review’s 2027 rankings. The school also holds the No. 2 spot in the Northeast, reflecting a growing culture of innovation in Central New York.
Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management has reached its highest-ever position on The Princeton Review’s list of Top 50 Undergraduate Schools for Entrepreneurship Studies, ranking No. 11 for 2027, according to Syracuse University News. The Whitman School also secured the No. 2 spot in the Northeast, a jump that shows the school’s commitment to entrepreneurship and the broader innovation ecosystem in Central New York.
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The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine compile the annual rankings based on a survey of more than 300 schools and an analysis of over 40 data points, including academics, faculty, experiential learning, mentorship, and alumni ventures. Whitman’s rise by two spots from the previous year is attributed to its expanding curriculum, new faculty, and a range of hands-on opportunities for students.
By The Numbers
- No. 11: Whitman’s national rank for undergraduate entrepreneurship, per The Princeton Review’s 2027 list (Syracuse University News).
- No. 2: Whitman’s rank in the Northeast for undergraduate entrepreneurship, according to The Princeton Review (Syracuse University News).
- No. 4: Whitman’s global rank for entrepreneurship research productivity, per the 2026 TCU Global University Entrepreneurship Research Productivity Rankings (Syracuse University News).
- Four: New tenured or tenure-track faculty members added to the Department of Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises in two years (Syracuse University News).
- No. 22: Whitman’s national rank for graduate entrepreneurship, per The Princeton Review’s 2027 list (Syracuse University News).
- No. 3: Whitman’s Northeast rank for graduate entrepreneurship, according to The Princeton Review (Syracuse University News).
- More than 300: Schools surveyed for The Princeton Review’s entrepreneurship rankings (Syracuse University News).
- Over 40: Data points analyzed in the rankings methodology (Syracuse University News).
What’s driving the rise in entrepreneurship at Whitman?
According to Syracuse University News, the Whitman School’s momentum is fueled by a combination of new faculty hires, innovative courses, and experiential learning opportunities. The Department of Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises (EEE) has added four new tenured or tenure-track faculty members in the past two years, strengthening its academic foundation and expanding its course offerings.
Students at Whitman benefit from programs like the D’Aniello Entrepreneurial Internship Program, which connects them with real companies for consulting projects, and the Couri Hatchery, a business incubator that supports student startups. The school’s curriculum now includes courses such as Entrepreneurial Wellbeing: Principles for Resilience, and new offerings are planned in entrepreneurship through acquisition and engineering entrepreneurship.
Whitman’s focus on experiential learning is reflected in its support for pitch and case competitions, as well as its growing graduate student cohort. The graduate entrepreneurship program is now ranked No. 22 nationally and No. 3 in the Northeast, according to The Princeton Review’s 2027 list.
What does this mean for Central New York?
Whitman’s national recognition is more than a point of pride for Syracuse University, it signals a broader trend of innovation and entrepreneurship in Central New York. The school’s programs attract students from across the country and internationally, bringing new ideas and energy to the city’s business scene. Many Whitman graduates remain in Syracuse or nearby towns like DeWitt, Salina, and Geddes, contributing to the local economy and launching ventures that create jobs and opportunities.
The school’s emphasis on practical experience and mentorship helps prepare students to spot opportunities and build sustainable businesses, whether they stay in Central New York or take their skills elsewhere. The presence of a nationally ranked entrepreneurship program in Syracuse also enhances the city’s reputation as a destination for talent and investment, complementing other local strengths such as the growing tech sector and the ongoing I-81 business loop project, which CNY Signal has previously covered.
How does Whitman compare to other schools?
Whitman’s No. 11 national ranking places it among the top undergraduate entrepreneurship programs in the country, and its No. 2 spot in the Northeast highlights its leadership in Central New York. The school’s global reputation is further supported by its No. 4 ranking for entrepreneurship research productivity, according to the 2026 TCU Global University Entrepreneurship Research Productivity Rankings.
The Princeton Review’s methodology considers a broad range of factors, from faculty credentials to alumni outcomes. Whitman’s consistent improvement in these rankings over the years reflects its sustained investment in entrepreneurship education and its ability to adapt to changing student and industry needs.
What’s next for entrepreneurship at Syracuse University?
Whitman continues to expand its entrepreneurship programming, with recent innovations such as the Orange Business Angel Network, the ’Cuse Student Venture Accelerator, and the Center for the Creator Economy. These initiatives provide students with more ways to turn ideas into businesses and connect with mentors and investors.
The school’s leadership, including interim dean Alex McKelvie and interim chair John M. Torrens, credits the faculty, staff, and students for building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. As Whitman welcomes its largest graduate student cohort yet, the school is set to maintain its upward trajectory in national and regional rankings.
Where to check for updates
For the latest information on entrepreneurship rankings and programs at Syracuse University, visit the Whitman School of Management website and Syracuse University News.
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Sources
- Syracuse University News, Whitman Climbs 2 Spots in Princeton Review’s Undergrad Entrepreneurship Rankings
