Saunders College of Business Surges to #58 in latest U.S. News Ranking
Ranking represents a 19-spot leap from last year
Scott Hamilton/RIT
Saunders College of Business ranks No. 58 among the nation's Best Undergraduate Business Programs, by U.S. News. The ranking compliments RIT ranking No. 32 in the “Most Innovative” category and No. 5 in the nation for exposure to co-ops and internships for students.
In the U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges ranking, Saunders College of Business made a remarkable one-year leap of 19 spots from No. 77 to No. 58 among the nation's Best Undergraduate Business Programs.
This ranking reflects dramatically increased student demand and momentum at Saunders College. The college has seen extraordinary growth over the past four years with applications nearly doubling and new student enrollment up 42% since 2022. Growth from 2025 to 2026 is especially striking: applications up 23 percent, and registered students increasing by 12 percent.
“Our dramatic rise in national rankings is a direct reflection of the momentum built by our world-class faculty, ambitious students, dedicated alumni, and visionary namesake, Mr. Phil Saunders," said Jacqueline R. Mozrall, dean of Saunders College. "The integration of cutting-edge technology with innovative curricula and our newly expanded state-of-the-art facilities, uniquely supports the development of impactful business leaders - well-prepared to succeed in this dynamic, global environment."
A State-of-the-Art Hub for Innovation
RIT’s experiential-based programs have long set Saunders College apart, while the continued development of technology-infused curricula supported by facility transformations have elevated the student experience even further. The college recently completed an ambitious expansion and renovation of Max Lowenthal Hall, adding more than 35,000 square feet of contemporary academic and collaboration space.
Key enhancements motivate engagement across students, faculty, alumni and corporate partners, and include event spaces, dedicated team rooms, applied case analysis labs, and other specialized spaces in support of behavioral research, data analytics, financial modeling and entrepreneurship - all fueled by cutting-edge technologies. The expansion also features a dedicated wine room and customized areas supporting Hospitality and Service Innovation programs, where students gain hands-on experience in contemporary event and beverage management.
Experiential Learning: From Day-One and Beyond…
Saunders College's competitive edge begins on day one through Saunders' unique First-Year Experience: Biz 1+2. Unlike many traditional programs, where core business courses are delayed until sophomore or junior year, Saunders students engage in real-world business strategy, team-building, entrepreneurial thinking and project delivery starting in their very first semester. This dedication to applied learning, with students engaging in simulations and real-world projects, is woven throughout the entire business curricula. The curricula are also informed by active advisory boards, with industry leaders, ensuring Saunders programs and students are responding to dynamic business needs.
Saunders College students consistently demonstrate their business acumen on the world stage. In the prestigious Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge, they achieved multiple top finishes, including first place globally in 2025.
Experiential learning at Saunders is further amplified by its renowned cooperative education program at RIT—ranked No. 5 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Leveraging rich corporate partnerships, signature career fairs, and co-op placements, Saunders students build market-ready resumes before graduation.
“I chose Saunders College of Business at RIT because of its combination of business and technology, which I believe is essential for success in today’s business world. RIT’s co-op program was also a major factor in my decision. Graduating with meaningful work experience helps students stand out and opens doors that traditional programs might not.”
Learn more about student co-op successes and experiential learning at Saunders:
View all U.S. News & World Report rankings for Rochester Institute of Technology.
- - -
Saunders College of Business is one of nine colleges at Rochester Institute of Technology and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB). Recognized and ranked internationally, Saunders is home to over 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in programs across RIT Global Campuses in Rochester, New York, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo. Saunders College faculty are internationally recognized by their peers and publish in the world’s most respected, peer-reviewed journals and academic publications. Saunders opened a new state-of-the-art building expansion and renovation in 2024 and has over 25,000 alumni worldwide. Saunders College offers undergraduate (B.S.), Masters (M.S.), Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Executive MBA (EMBA), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs where students gain real-world business experiences through a tradition of applied learning, internships and capstone programs.
Visit our events page to view graduate information session opportunities and other events.
