Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business has once again secured the top spot in The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine’s rankings of top schools for graduate entrepreneurship programs. This marks the sixth consecutive year that Rice Business has been recognized for its outstanding programs in entrepreneurship studies. The Princeton Review’s 2025 list highlights the 50 undergraduate and 50 graduate schools in the U.S. that offer the best programs in entrepreneurship, based on a survey of over 300 institutions. This longstanding partnership between The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine has been reporting these rankings annually since 2006.
Dean Peter Rodriguez of Rice Business attributes the school’s success to its unique approach to entrepreneurship education. He emphasizes the importance of learning both inside and outside the classroom, leveraging strong industry and community connections in Houston and beyond. With small class sizes and tailored programs, Rice Business aims to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
One of the standout features of Rice Business is its MBA program with a specialization in entrepreneurship, a rarity among business schools in the country. The school offers a range of programs and accelerators that provide guidance and support for aspiring entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurial ecosystem at Rice includes a collaborative culture, a network of mentors, pathways to funding, and various pitch competitions, such as the renowned Rice Business Plan Competition, which is the largest and richest student startup competition globally.
The entrepreneurial ecosystem at Rice is further bolstered by the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie) and the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship. These entities offer academic courses, co-curricular programs, and regional initiatives that provide students with a comprehensive entrepreneurial education. Students have the opportunity to learn from leading professors and practitioners, participate in events, competitions, and accelerators, and network with investors and industry leaders.
Yael Hochberg, head of the Rice Entrepreneurship Initiative and Lilie, underscores the school’s commitment to fostering innovation and creativity among its students. Through a combination of coursework, competitions, and networking opportunities, students are encouraged to think outside the box and pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. The close ties to Houston’s vibrant business community also provide students with valuable mentorship opportunities and potential avenues for launching their ventures.
Brad Burke, executive director of Rice Alliance, highlights the significance of the school’s connections to Houston’s business ecosystem. These connections not only benefit students by offering access to investors and industry experts but also contribute to the broader entrepreneurial landscape in Houston. Rice Business serves as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting both its students and the local community.
For those interested in learning more about Rice Business and its entrepreneurship programs, a visit to their website provides a wealth of information on the school’s initiatives and resources. The continued success of Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business in the realm of entrepreneurship education solidifies its reputation as a top destination for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.
