Michigan State University was named a top undergraduate entrepreneurship program by Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine, rising from number 21 to number 16 in the latest ranking. This marks the second year MSU has been recognized as an entrepreneurial hub and a leading institution for innovation.
MSU’s minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation launched in 2016 and is considered one of the fastest-growing minors in the university’s history, with nearly 600 students currently enrolled. The program welcomes undergraduates from all of MSU’s disciplines with nearly 4,550 students enrolled in entrepreneurship classes.
“When we launched the undergraduate minor in entrepreneurship and innovation, we wanted to foster a culture of entrepreneurship at MSU. Being recognized for a second year in a row confirms that we are well on our way,” said Ken Szymusiak, managing director of the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. “This recognition highlights the breadth of what we offer students at MSU – our undergraduate minor, student incubator, summer accelerator and venture capital fund demonstrate that we’re supported by all disciplines and the larger university community.”
Beyond the E&I minor and 50 entrepreneurship-related undergraduate courses, MSU’s student offerings include participation in national startup competitions like SXSW, mentoring opportunities with successful entrepreneurial alumni, student organizations and clubs, and facilities for students to innovate and experience the entrepreneurial mindset firsthand.
“The record-number of students enrolled in our academic entrepreneurship courses last year represented 129 unique majors across all colleges,” Szymusiak said. “This breadth is what sets MSU apart.”
In addition to appearing on The Princeton Review’s 14th annual ranking, Entrepreneur magazine featured the top-ranked programs in an exclusive feature.
“The colleges on our list have truly superb entrepreneurship programs,” said Robert Franek, The Princeton Review's editor-in-chief. “Their faculties are genuinely engaged in entrepreneurism. Their courses are rich with in-class and out-of-class experiential components, and the financial and networking support their students receive via donors and alumni is extraordinary.”
To compile the 2019 ranking, The Princeton Review surveyed more than 300 schools offering entrepreneurial studies across data points related to scholarships and grants, successful alumni entrepreneurs and faculty support.
