The Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics at the University of Delaware finished No. 52 on Poets&Quants’ 2025 ranking of the Best Undergraduate Business Programs in the U.S. In our three methodological categories, it finished No. 46 in Admission Standards, No. 67 in Career Outcomes, and No. 58 in Academic Experience (based solely on our alumni survey).
The B-school’s acceptance rate for the fall 2024 incoming class was 55.9%, and the class also reported an average SAT score of 1277. Its six-year graduation rate is 85.9%.
In career data, 91% of Class of 2024 graduates and 93% of Class of 2023 grads completed at least one business-specific internship before graduation. Some 83.6% of 2024 grads found jobs within three months, compared to 73.9% of 2023 grads.
Average salary for the most recent graduates was $70,300, with 41% of them reporting an average signing bonus of $8,573. The top employers included JPMorgan Chase, KPMG, EY, Deloitte, Bank of America, PwC, Hyatt, Citi, Goldman Sachs, and RSM.
Lerner offers a strong undergraduate business program with real-world experience, either from internships, field experiences, research with faculty or study abroad. It sits in close proximity to internships and industries in New York, Philadelphia and D.C.
LERNER BUSINESS
Lerner College provides a flexible and experiential learning experience, admitting students directly into business majors as freshmen, with an optional Business Undeclared track that allows students until sophomore year to select a major. Around 16% of graduates double major, thanks to the program’s adaptability.
From day one, students take BUAD 110: Introduction to Business, which helps them explore business disciplines and tailor their academic paths to fit professional and personal goals. The school’s UDREAM program provides academic coaching and peer mentoring to help first- and second-year students develop the mindset and skills for success.
Lerner students benefit from high-quality facilities, such as the Geltzeiler Trading Center for hands-on financial market learning; JPMorgan Chase Innovation Center for cutting-edge business analytics; Vita Nova restaurant and Marriott Courtyard Newark, where hospitality students gain real-world experience; and Horn Venture Development Center, which fosters entrepreneurship and new business development
Lerner also offers a five-week winter session, allowing students to study abroad at a lower cost, take additional coursework, or gain professional experience through internships without extending their time to graduation.
CURRICULUM
Lerner has expanded its curriculum with a new FinTech major and minor, responding to the increasing demand for financial technology expertise. The school has also introduced dedicated transfer student courses, easing the transition for students joining Lerner from other institutions.
Lerner’s strong alumni network plays a significant role in student success, with graduates engaging in mentorship programs, career panels, and industry advisory boards. Through the Lerner Executive Mentoring Program, students are paired with mentors from their sophomore year through senior year, providing them with long-term career guidance.
Lerner College offers a diverse selection of majors, allowing students to tailor their education to their career aspirations. Business students can pursue degrees in Accounting, Business Analytics, Economics (B.A. & B.S.), Economics Education, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Financial Planning & Wealth Management, and FinTech. For those interested in global business and operations, options include Global Enterprise Management, International Business Studies, Management, Marketing, Management Information Systems, and Operations Management. The school also provides specialized programs in Hospitality and Event Experience Management, Hospitality Industry Management, and Sport Management, equipping students with industry-specific skills and hands-on learning opportunities.
The college also offers a wide range of minors to help students specialize in emerging fields such as Integrated Design, Gastronomy & Cuisines, Professional Selling and Sales Management, Trust Management, and Social Entrepreneurship.
The mission of the Lerner College is to deliver an inspirational education and pioneering scholarship, building an inclusive community that beneficially transforms business and society.
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
In their freshman year, all students take the Business 110 introductory course, which will set the foundation for earning their bachelor’s degree and tailoring their major to fit their professional and personal goals. They work with their advisors and Lerner Career Services on their resume and LinkedIn profile; and sometimes participate in speed-networking events with employers. Each class section is assigned a Lerner Peer Mentor, to allow students to connect with upperclassmen. Their semester work culminates in the BUAD 110 Pitch Competition.
UD Lerner alumni are actively involved in the student experience. Students have the opportunity to connect with members of the Lerner Advisory and Alumni Boards and NYC Dean’s Council for resume and interview support from industry experts. Lerner Career Services offers Lerner Career Expert Panels where alumni from various fields talk about their career development. Lerner’s Careers on Wall Street program provides students interested in finance careers with training, mentoring and access to employment opportunities. Through the Lerner Executive Mentoring Program, students are paired with a mentor from their sophomore year through their senior year.
The Lerner College is proud to be a part of UD’s study abroad tradition. Lerner understands the importance of international learning and wants students to expand their global perspective by participating in various study abroad programs.
Lerner embraces its diverse community and offers programs through its Lerner Diversity Council and Women’s Leadership Initiative that create opportunities for equity and inclusion throughout all aspects of life at Lerner. Students are also encouraged to share their knowledge, connect with their peers and participate in one Lerner College’s many business fraternities and student organizations.
ALUMNI SAY
“My program including a summer internship followed by a capstone class where we presented real-life issues/solutions to professionals in the industry. It was great to apply the things I learned in my internship to the capstone class.”
“The simulations have me a good idea of how essential a team-based working model is in a business industry. These simulations and team based projects improved my skills of working many other industries that require team-based work.”
“I got to study abroad in Australia for 5 weeks while taking 2 business courses. This was so important for my growth in business as we had to present our ideas to a leading data company in Australia. It helped me develop professionally and allowed me to be more comfortable presenting to a group.”
“I am a big outlier for this survey. I graduated with an economics and chemistry double major and I am working as a chemist. However, the quality of my business education at the University of Delaware was stellar and enjoyable. I recently passed the CPA exam as well, which was definitely made easier due to my college education.”
“Trust Management Minor is one of the best programs of any kind of any business school, is one-of-a-kind, is uniquely suited to DE, and is overall an exceptional program that made my degree worth it beyond measure.”
