The Kogod School of Business at American University has earned a major accolade in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Undergraduate Business Programs rankings, moving up 17 places to No. 77 nationally. Kogod ranks No. 29 in the nation among private universities. Kogod’s 17-spot jump represents the second-highest climb among ranked schools.  

Understanding the U.S. News & World Report Methodology 

The U.S. News & World Report undergraduate business rankings are based on surveys of deans and senior faculty members at accredited business schools across the country. Respondents rate the quality of programs on a scale of one to five, with schools earning the highest peer assessment scores placed at the top of the list.  

This methodology emphasizes academic reputation and peer recognition—two areas in which Kogod has seen increasing strength and visibility in recent years. 

“It is great to be recognized by U.S. News for the high-quality, innovative business education we provide at the Kogod School of Business,” said Kogod Dean David Marchick. “At Kogod, we’re infusing AI into every aspect of the undergraduate experience to ensure our students are ready to lead in a business landscape defined by AI. Coupled with our emphasis on helping students develop their entrepreneurial drive and opportunities for immersive, hands-on learning, we’re preparing graduates who can innovate, adapt, and make an immediate impact in any organization.” 

How the U.S. News & World Report Undergrad Business Program Ranking Reflects Kogod’s Ongoing Commitment to Innovation in Education 

The new ranking reflects Kogod’s dedication to delivering an exceptional undergraduate business education focused entirely on the student experience and student success.  

“We’ve completely reimagined our undergraduate curriculum so that students graduate work-ready on day one,” said Casey Evans, Kogod’s Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs & Student Services. “By aligning coursework with industry needs, focusing on career readiness and professionalism, and embedding hands-on learning throughout the undergraduate experience, we’re preparing Kogod graduates to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.” 

Kogod’s Undergraduate Majors & Program Highlights 

Kogod offers a diverse set of undergraduate majors designed to meet changing business demands: Business Analytics & AI; Accounting; Finance; Business Administration; Business, Language & Culture; and Business & Entertainment. Each major combines rigorous business fundamentals with immersive, hands-on learning to prepare students for immediate impact after graduation. 

A standout among these is Kogod’s Business & Entertainment (BAE) major. Launched in 2013, the Business & Entertainment program has rapidly grown into one of the top programs of its kind—landing on Billboard’s Top Music Business Schools list, recognizing its global standing among entertainment education programs.  

The BAE major offers unique hands-on opportunities that stand out among undergraduate business programs: trips to entertainment hubs like New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, and Austin (annually for SXSW); collaborations with film studios, record labels, talent agencies, and local artists; and live-performance event planning (like 2024’s Flo Milli concert and 2023’s Flo Rida concert). Since its first graduating class in 2015, the program has produced more than 200 graduates working at high levels throughout the entertainment industry.  

These types of hands-on learning opportunities define the Kogod undergraduate experience.  

The Future of Undergraduate Business Education at Kogod 

Kogod’s rise in the U.S. News & World Report undergraduate rankings underscores our relentless commitment to innovation, student success, and real-world impact. With a refreshed curriculum, nationally recognized programs, and an unwavering focus on AI, entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning, Kogod is equipping its graduates to shape the future of business.