UGA's Terry College of Business Rankings

The Terry College of Business, located at the University of Georgia (UGA), stands as the oldest business school in the state, founded in 1912. As part of the oldest state-chartered university in the U.S., Terry College boasts a long tradition of excellence in business education. Throughout its history, the College has earned recognition for its high academic standards, rigorous programs, and diverse offerings. Comprising departments such as the J.M. Tull School of Accounting, Banking and Finance, Economics, Insurance, Legal Studies, Management, Management Information Systems (MIS), Marketing, and Real Estate, the Terry College provides students with a comprehensive business education that spans across all facets of the discipline.

In terms of accreditation, Terry College has achieved accreditation from AACSB International — The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — a mark of excellence held by only the top 5% of business schools worldwide. This accreditation assures students that they are receiving a business education that adheres to the highest academic standards and prepares them for success in competitive business environments. AACSB accreditation is particularly notable because it emphasizes continuous improvement, faculty qualifications, and the relevance of the curriculum to current business practices.

The rankings of Terry College further underscore its standing among the leading business schools, both nationally and internationally. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Full-Time MBA Rankings 2009, the Terry College’s full-time MBA program was ranked 92nd in the world and 45th in the United States, with an impressive 20th place among public business schools. These rankings demonstrate the College’s global reputation for delivering high-quality business education. Moreover, the Financial Times ranked the MBA program 80th in the world and 46th in the U.S., with the MBA program also ranking 22nd among public business schools in the U.S. It is worth noting that the program was rated the 3rd best in terms of “value for the money” among U.S. business schools, a recognition that highlights the return on investment offered by Terry’s MBA program, with its strong academic rigor, faculty quality, and valuable post-graduation career opportunities.

The undergraduate business programs at Terry College also boast impressive rankings. According to U.S. News & World Report in 2008, the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program was ranked 30th overall and 18th among public business schools in the United States. Furthermore, the College’s BBA in Insurance was ranked 2nd in the nation, and its Real Estate program was ranked 3rd. These rankings reflect the College’s strength in specific areas of business, offering students the opportunity to specialize in high-demand fields with a track record of success.

Additionally, Terry’s undergraduate program in Management Information Systems (MIS) is another standout, ranked 9th nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2008. This achievement is a testament to the College’s focus on emerging fields and the relevance of its curriculum in addressing contemporary business challenges. The graduate program in MIS was ranked 15th nationally, showing that Terry’s expertise in technology management and its integration into business operations extends well beyond the undergraduate level.

The Tull School of Accounting also enjoys a reputation for excellence, with both its undergraduate and master’s programs consistently ranked among the top 10 and 11 in the nation, respectively, by Public Accounting Report’s 2007 Survey of Accounting Professors. Furthermore, the Tull School’s PhD program in accounting ranked 21st, cementing its position as a leader in accounting education. The graduate program in Accounting is also highly regarded, ranked 22nd nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2008. These rankings are indicative of the Tull School's rigorous academic environment, experienced faculty, and extensive research contributions to the field of accounting.

In addition to rankings in traditional business education disciplines, Terry College has also received recognition in specialized fields such as entrepreneurship. Entrepreneur Magazine ranked Terry’s entrepreneurship program among the top 50 in 2003 and 2005, showcasing the College’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and the development of entrepreneurial skills. This recognition is particularly meaningful given the growing importance of entrepreneurship in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

Another critical metric for evaluating business schools is career outcomes, and Terry College has consistently excelled in this area as well. The Executive MBA program was ranked 22nd in the U.S. and 59th worldwide in the Times 2008 ranking, with a particularly strong showing in the "Career Progress" category, where it was ranked 3rd in the nation and 13th globally. This ranking highlights the success of Terry MBA graduates in advancing their careers, securing leadership roles, and achieving professional growth after completing the program.

The Economics Department at Terry College also holds an esteemed position. According to the 2001 edition of Applied Economics Letters, the department was ranked 2nd out of 69 Southern colleges and universities in terms of research productivity. This speaks to the College’s strong academic focus on not only teaching but also research and the contribution its faculty make to the broader academic community.

In terms of return on investment, Forbes Magazine ranked the Terry MBA 44th among the top U.S. business schools for ROI, and it was ranked 18th among public business schools. This ranking is a reflection of the strong salaries and career success that Terry MBA graduates enjoy post-graduation, in addition to the affordable tuition and cost of living that students encounter while studying at the University of Georgia.

The Terry College’s overall ranking is further reinforced by its consistent presence in various business school rankings across multiple categories. BusinessWeek has ranked Terry’s MBA program among the top 50 B-schools in 2004, demonstrating its continued commitment to providing students with high-quality education and preparing them for leadership positions in business. Furthermore, Terry’s undergraduate program in banking and finance is also highly regarded, ensuring that students have the opportunity to specialize in high-demand fields with substantial career prospects.

The recognition of Terry College in these rankings—ranging from MBA and undergraduate programs to specialty areas such as insurance, real estate, and MIS—demonstrates the College’s commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching, and preparing students for the demands of the modern business world. With a distinguished history, an AACSB accreditation, and a well-rounded portfolio of programs, Terry College remains a strong choice for students seeking a business education that combines academic rigor with practical career preparation.

In conclusion, the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia is one of the top business schools in the U.S., offering a diverse range of programs that are consistently ranked among the best in the nation and the world. Its emphasis on high academic standards, real-world applicability, and career success makes it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a business degree. The college’s strong focus on specific business disciplines such as accounting, entrepreneurship, insurance, real estate, and management information systems, as well as its impressive rankings in the MBA and undergraduate programs, further enhance its reputation as a leader in business education. Whether students are interested in pursuing an MBA, a specialized undergraduate degree, or a career in a rapidly growing field, Terry College provides the foundation and resources needed for long-term success in the competitive business world.