The College of Business at Ohio University finished No. 79 on P&Q’s 2025 ranking of the Best Undergraduate Business Programs in the U.S. In our three methodological categories, it finished No. 93 in Admission Standards, No. 76 in Career Outcomes, and No. 53 in Academic Experience (based solely on our alumni survey).
The B-school’s acceptance rate for the fall 2024 incoming class was 87.1%, and the class also reported an average SAT score of 1175. Its six-year graduation rate is 78.5%.
In career data, 91% of Class of 2024 graduates and 72.8% of Class of 2023 grads completed at least one business-specific internship before graduation. Some 81.4% of 2024 grads found jobs within three months, compared to 89.7% of 2023 grads.
Average salary for the most recent graduates was $57,206.30, with 16% of them reporting an average signing bonus of $3,248.40. The top employers included Sherwin-Williams Company, Nationwide, Huntington National Bank, PNC Financial Services, Infoverity, DHL Supply Chain, Progressive Insurance, TQL (Total Quality Logistics), EY LLP, and Cintas Corporation.
Based in Athens in the southwestern portion of the state, Ohio University’s BBA degree features 10 majors: accounting, business analytics, business economics, business pre-law, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management and strategic leadership, management information systems, and marketing.
OU also offers a bachelor of science in business studies degree and a bachelor of sport management degree, both of which sit outside of the traditional BBA degree. Additionally, the college offers minors in business, business analytics, finance, marketing, and sport management. The college also offers 11 certificates, some of which are in some interesting and unique areas like esports, festivals and events management, and financial programming.
THE COPELAND CORE
OU’s College of Business ensures that students start their business education with a solid foundation. The Copeland Core, a first-year learning experience, consists of three entry-level business courses and a learning community course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of business while helping them navigate the transition to college.
Through this program, students explore potential majors, connect with student organizations, and gain insights into academic expectations and career preparation.
INTEGRATIVE BUSINESS CLUSTER
The Integrative Business Cluster (IBC) takes a hands-on approach to learning, bringing together professors from business communication, management, analytics and information systems, and marketing. Students work in teams to tackle real-world business challenges, applying knowledge from multiple disciplines to solve authentic problems.
This collaborative structure not only reinforces academic concepts but also develops leadership, teamwork, time management, and analytical thinking—essential skills for any business professional.
INTERNSHIPS AND GLOBAL CONSULTING
Ohio University weaves experiential learning throughout its business curriculum. Every BBA major includes at least one hands-on learning opportunity, whether through live client projects, consulting engagements, simulations, or executive presentations. Additionally, all BBA students are required to complete an internship, ensuring they graduate with real-world experience.
For students looking to expand their perspectives beyond the U.S., the Global Consulting Program (GCP) provides international learning opportunities. Students work in cross-cultural teams to solve business problems for companies abroad, gaining exposure to global markets and the complexities of international business.
INNOVATING FOR THE FUTURE
Recently, the Undergraduate Degree Experience Task Force introduced new updates to the Copeland Core, incorporating lessons on the ethical use of generative AI in business. The Center for Entrepreneurship also developed new exercises for first-year students, emphasizing the role of business in driving positive social impact.
the Center for Business Education and Development (CIBED) created an assessment tool that allows students to analyze UN Sustainability Goals through a business lens, applying these principles to companies across 13 countries as part of the Global Consulting Program.
ALUMNI SAY
“The Integrated Business Cluster was a very in-depth and meaningful part of my business education. It introduced me to real-world business concepts and ideas such as project management, delegation, emotional intelligence, technical skills, teamwork, and presentation skills to valued “stakeholders/shareholders”. This experience alone was worth the pursuit of a business education at Ohio University.”
“Our capstone project was a working in a group on a computer simulation. I think it was a great learning experience to hone our communication skills, practice delegating work, and experience professional time management. I found it particularly valuable to practice scheduling meetings across time zones.”
“I was very pleased with my experience of pursuing a business degree at Ohio University. The classes, faculty, fellow students, experiences, university halls, etc. were excellent. I enjoyed the balance of gaining technical, employer-demanded skills that helped me right away in the workplace with the theoretical/ethical side that made me a more well-rounded professional.”
“When I was in the OU business school everyone loved saying “bobcats love helping bobcats”. This couldn’t be more true! Since graduating all of my success can be traced back to another bobcat gave me advice or helped me in some way. We bobcats really do LOVE helping other bobcats!”
“I went to grad school at OSU and it was no where near as impactful as my experience at OU. Keep doing what you are doing. This school is unmatched in my opinion. Loved every moment there and made so many connections both with students and faculty that I continue to cherish to this day!”
