The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine rank Belmont's program No. 7 on South Undergraduate list, No. 34 for undergraduate entrepreneurship studies nationally
The annual ranking project, now in its 20th year, names the top 50 undergraduate and top 50 graduate schools for entrepreneurship studies. In the 2026 rankings, Belmont earned the No. 34 spot on the Top Undergraduate list and was named No. 7 on the Best in the South Undergraduate list.
“At Belmont, entrepreneurship isn't confined to a single college or program,” Jack C. Massey College of Business Dean Randy Bradley said. "The Massey College of Business is pleased to serve as the epicenter of entrepreneurship on campus. We believe entrepreneurship is a living organism that must be unleashed and nurtured across our entire university. This approach has fostered an entrepreneurial mindset that encourages every program and unit to take ownership, allowing all students, faculty and staff to actively engage and thrive in their chosen fields.”
A dedicated resource for student entrepreneurs, the Thomas F. Cone Center for Entrepreneurship specifically works to empower students with the entrepreneurial mindset and equip them with the skills and competencies to build and deploy transformative ideas. Each year, the Cone Center hosts numerous events and provides a variety of resources geared toward student entrepreneurial success.
The latest example of Belmont’s innovative approach to hands-on learning came with the opening of Bruin Bodega in October. One of two student-run stores on campus, the specialty market serves as a retail hub for student and alumni consumer-packaged goods (CPG). Beginning in spring 2026, Bruin Bodega will also operate as a real-time learning lab for student entrepreneurs participating in a new CPG incubator program.
“For over two decades, the Cone Center has equipped students with the mindset and skills to turn bold ideas into real impact,” said Elizabeth Gortmaker, Cone Center executive director. “Being recognized again by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine as a top entrepreneurship program is a testament to our incredible student entrepreneurs and the dedicated work of our faculty and staff. For more than ten years, Belmont has been ranked among the nation’s best — because our students don’t just dream about change, they build it.”
At Belmont, creativity and innovation aren’t limited to business ventures but woven into every discipline — empowering students to think boldly, act purposefully and turn ideas into solutions that address the pressing needs of today and tomorrow.
“This recognition reflects our belief that entrepreneurship is a pathway to human flourishing," said Mark Schenkel, professor of entrepreneurship and department chair. "We equip students with an entrepreneurial mindset and competencies rooted in ethics, impact and experiential learning. The program’s ethos is grounded in the spirit of unleashing creative potential for economic and community good and preparing young leaders to have transformative impact.”
The Princeton Review chose the schools for its 2026 lists based on a summer 2025 survey of administrators at nearly 300 schools in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe offering entrepreneurship courses. The ranking methodology took into account more than 40 data points covering academics, faculty and student information, mentorship support and alumni entrepreneurship ventures.
“We recommend Belmont along with all the other outstanding institutions that made our lists for 2026 as ideal choices for students considering careers as entrepreneurs," said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review's editor in chief. “Their programs have robust experiential components. Their faculties are outstanding. Their students receive mentoring and networking support that will serve them well into their careers.”
Entrepreneur, The Princeton Review's reporting partner on this project since 2006, has a 15-page feature on the rankings in its November-December issue available on newsstands starting Nov. 18.
“Inside every successful entrepreneur is a willingness to challenge the status quo — and it’s inspiring to see colleges and universities nurturing that spirit of innovation,” said Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine. These programs create real-world opportunities for students to test ideas, build connections, and launch meaningful ventures. We’re excited to spotlight the schools that help turn bold visionaries into tomorrow’s changemakers.”
The Princeton Review is also known for its annual rankings in dozens of academic categories, including the 2026 Best Colleges: Region by Region, which Belmont landed on as a Best in the South college.
These recognitions serve as external validation of Belmont’s ongoing commitment to fostering the entrepreneurial mindset.
Learn more about the program in this story.