The University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business has recently been recognized as one of the top MBA programs for entrepreneurship in the world. In Poets & Quants’ 2025 World’s Best MBA Programs for Entrepreneurship, Darden secured the impressive No. 10 spot, marking a significant jump of nine spots from the previous year. This achievement is a testament to the school’s commitment to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and providing a world-class education in entrepreneurship.
One of the key factors contributing to Darden’s success in entrepreneurship education is its robust support system for students interested in starting their own businesses. The school’s Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Technology is a significant resource for students, offering a wealth of opportunities to learn, network, and grow as entrepreneurs. The faculty at Darden are also highly regarded for their expertise in entrepreneurship, with many of them playing a pivotal role in shaping the discipline within business academia.
In addition to its recognition in the Poets & Quants ranking, Darden also holds the No. 8 spot on a list of top MBA programs for entrepreneurship compiled by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine. This dual recognition underscores the school’s reputation as a leading institution for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The success of Darden’s entrepreneurship program can be attributed to its focused curriculum, which includes a wide range of courses related to entrepreneurship. In fact, Darden offers a total of 83 courses in entrepreneurship, providing students with ample opportunities to explore their interests and develop their skills in this area. Over the past five years, Darden graduates have started an impressive 274 companies, further solidifying the school’s reputation as a hub for entrepreneurial talent.
Poets & Quants compiled its rankings by evaluating data from participating business schools in 16 categories, with a focus on factors such as the percentage of elective courses in entrepreneurship, the involvement of faculty in teaching entrepreneurship courses, and the engagement of students in entrepreneurship electives. Darden excelled in several of these categories, ranking highly in areas such as the percentage of elective courses focused on entrepreneurship and the percentage of students taking entrepreneurship electives.
Overall, Darden’s rise in the rankings is a testament to the school’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among its students. With a strong support system, world-class faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum, Darden continues to be a top choice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the business world.
