UNH Today

The University of New Hampshire's  Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics  is officially the highest ranked public business school in New England. 

Paul College ranked No. 60 in the nation with the release of Poets&Quants for Undergrads 2023 Best Undergraduate Business Schools, alongside No. 40 for academic experience and No. 48 in student career outcomes. 

“Paul College is a powerful force: a strong and resilient community of problem-solvers and compassionate global citizens, who are committed to student success both inside and out of the classroom,” said Dean Lucy Gilson. “Our outstanding faculty, determined students, and dedicated program staff are the reason we rank among the 60 best business schools in the nation.” 

This year Poets&Quants also released a cost analysis of participating business schools, where the University of New Hampshire proved its worth as a best value institution. When sorted by lowest total cost for in-state students (including tuition and additional fees), Paul ranked No. 30. When sorted by lowest tuition costs for out-of-state students, Paul came in at No. 21. 

Poets&Quants is the leading online publication for undergraduate business education. Its rankings are data-driven and considered the most comprehensive assessment of undergraduate business programs nationally. Its methodology assesses the three core values of an undergraduate business education: the quality of admitted students, how a school helps students grow and excel, and how the marketplace responds to the institution’s graduates. 

Paul College ranked higher than Wharton and Carnegie Mellon for academic experience, higher than many other public universities on career outcomes — University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, University of Delaware, University of Arizona and Michigan State University to name a few — and higher than UMass Amherst in all categories. 

“What sets Paul College apart from other schools is our unwavering commitment to the ultimate success and growth of our students. While some institutions may see a low acceptance rate as a point of pride, we hold true to our public mission,” said Lu Echazú, associate dean for undergraduate education. “Our greatest reward — and success — lies in the transformation that happens between when our students arrive and when they graduate.” 

Paul College is a national leader in experience-based education. From the first-year research and innovation experience (FIRE) — the college’s signature program for all first-year students — and the Business in Practice (BiP) program taught by industry professionals to capstone consulting projects with local businesses and student-run investment funds managing thousands of dollars, students at Paul College have numerous opportunities to gain valuable real-world experience that sets them apart as young professionals. 

Faculty and staff support enable students to succeed in securing high-quality internships, employment and acceptance to graduate school. Overall, the 2022 employment rate was 95% six months post-graduation. 

The college’s 21,000+ alumni network is instrumental in connecting its students with top firms such as Ernst & Young (EY), Fidelity investments, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Liberty Mutual, BAE Systems, ALKU, Four Seasons and Silicon Valley Bank, which contributed to an average reported starting salary of $60,629 and an average signing bonus of $4,517. 

Poets&Quants for Undergrads compiled the 2023 exclusive rankings based on a representative survey of more than 5,527 alumni and school-reported data. Recent grads across the 95 schools that met the requirements for the list were surveyed on aspects of faculty availability, extracurricular opportunities, and accessibility of the alumni network. This collective data does not exist anywhere else in the world. 

Poets&Quants for Undergrads founder and editor-in-chief John A. Byrne launched the one-of-a kind-rankings in 2016 to help students make the best possible choice for an undergraduate business education. Poets&Quants for Undergrads is the sister website to Poets&Quants, which concentrates on MBA programs.