The University of Mary Washington (UMW) College of Business secured the No. 84 spot in Poets&Quants‘ 2025 ranking of the Best Undergraduate Business Programs in the U.S. In our three methodological categories, UMW ranked 88th in Admission Standards, 95th in Career Outcomes, and 34th in Academic Experience which is based on our alumni survey.
The school’s acceptance rate for the fall 2024 incoming class was 80%, with an average SAT score of 1258 and a six-year graduation rate of 66%.
In terms of internships, 53% of the Class of 2024 completed at least one business-specific internship before graduation, down from 61% for the Class of 2023. Meanwhile, 91.67% of the Class of 2023 graduates secured employment within three months of graduation, compared to 70.42% for the Class of 2024. The average starting salary for 2024 graduates was $50,673, with 2.0% reporting an average signing bonus of $7,500.
Top employers hiring UMW business graduates include GEICO and the University of Mary Washington.
A RESEARCH-DRIVEN, MENTORSHIP-FOCUSED
What sets the UMW College of Business apart is its emphasis on faculty-led research, close student-faculty mentorship, and a strong alumni network. Unlike many institutions with a similar undergraduate-focused model, UMW provides students with the opportunity to collaborate with accomplished faculty members who are active researchers in their fields. This dynamic environment allows students to pursue research projects, present their findings, and contribute to scholarly discussions, all while gaining hands-on experience that can translate to a variety of career paths.
UMW’s faculty are recognized leaders in their respective fields, frequently publishing in top-tier business journals and contributing to industry discussions. This research-driven approach enhances the classroom experience by introducing students to contemporary business challenges, case studies, and evolving market trends. Through one-on-one mentorship and faculty-led initiatives, students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful research projects, develop analytical skills, and gain exposure to high-level business concepts.
UMW also boasts a strong and engaged alumni network that actively supports current students through mentorship, networking opportunities, and classroom engagement. Many alumni return to campus for guest lectures, career panels, and professional development events, creating a valuable pipeline between UMW graduates and emerging business professionals.
INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM
Over the past three years, UMW has expanded its business curriculum to reflect evolving industry demands and provide students with specialized, in-demand skills. The new Management & Entrepreneurship major was introduced to help students develop leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, preparing them to launch their own businesses or drive innovation within existing organizations.
Recognizing the growing importance of financial literacy and investment knowledge, the Finance major was also added, equipping students with a deep understanding of financial markets, corporate finance, and investment strategies.
The school introduced a Marketing Analytics minor designed to give students a competitive edge in data-driven decision-making. This program provides the tools to analyze consumer trends, develop insights from big data, and refine marketing strategies based on real-world metrics.
UMW offers a diverse selection of undergraduate business majors tailored to prepare students for a variety of careers. Students can pursue Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, International Business, Management and Entrepreneurship, and Marketing. Each program is designed to combine foundational business knowledge with specialized skills, ensuring graduates are equipped to meet the challenges of today’s business world.
Beyond the traditional classroom experience, UMW emphasizes experiential learning opportunities that help students apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Through programs like StartUpUMW, students learn how to build, launch, and operate their own businesses. The school also integrates internships, service-learning projects, and hands-on coursework, ensuring that students graduate with both academic expertise and practical experience.
ALUMNI SAY
“As a part of an experiential learning course, I and 5 other business students assisted a local environmental organization with their business plan. As a part of a capstone project, I interviewed local small businesses in the downtown area and surveyed employees. The school is situated in such a small, intimate community that having course work that was intertwined with and interacted with the local community was very important to me.”
“In my project management class with Dr. Burrow, I had the opportunity to facilitate a community event as my large class project. It involved every aspect of project management from planning to execution of the event itself. The information I learned in the classroom and then directly applied to the project helped me master topics in project management. Despite working in the communications field now, I frequently use methodology from that class, and many others, in my job.”
“I loved my experience with UMW’s business program. The professors were very kind and helpful, and they genuinely cared about their students and wanted to help them to be the best they could be.”
“UMW gave me the skills and experiences necessary to allow me to succeed in my postgrad career. The faculty is exceptional!”
