W.A. Franke College of Business Rankings

The W. A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a prominent business school that has earned recognition for its academic excellence, innovative programs, and commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in the business world. Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, the college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate business programs, with a particular emphasis on providing high-quality education in fields such as accounting, marketing, finance, economics, and hospitality management. The W. A. Franke College of Business has garnered a reputation for its rigorous curriculum, student-focused approach, and strategic partnerships, making it one of the top business schools in the United States.

One of the most notable programs offered by the W. A. Franke College of Business is its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. The college offers this program in two accelerated, full-time formats, catering to different student backgrounds. The first option is a 10-month MBA program, designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree in business, while the second option is an 18-month MBA program for students who come from non-business undergraduate disciplines. Both formats are designed to provide students with the comprehensive skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s fast-paced, competitive business world. The accelerated nature of these programs allows students to quickly gain the expertise needed for management roles, making the W. A. Franke MBA program an appealing choice for both recent graduates and professionals looking to enhance their business acumen.

Accreditation is a key factor in evaluating the quality of a business school, and the W. A. Franke College of Business is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. This accreditation is a mark of distinction, as only a small percentage of business schools worldwide are accredited by the AACSB. The AACSB accreditation is a globally recognized standard of excellence, and it ensures that the college’s programs meet the highest academic and professional standards. For students, this means that they can be confident in the quality of education they will receive, knowing that the programs are held to rigorous standards that are respected by employers and academic institutions alike.

In addition to its MBA program, the W. A. Franke College of Business also houses the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM), which is another area of distinction for the college. The HRM program has been particularly successful, earning recognition for its quality in various global rankings. In fact, the School of HRM was ranked 11th out of the world’s top 100 hospitality and tourism programs in the 2009 Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research. This ranking highlights the college’s commitment to offering specialized education in the hospitality industry, a critical sector in both global and local economies. Students in the HRM program benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that combines business principles with practical knowledge of hospitality management, preparing them for leadership roles in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other service-oriented organizations.

The W. A. Franke College of Business is not only recognized for its academic excellence but also for its focus on student success. The college places a strong emphasis on career preparation, and students are provided with numerous opportunities to develop their professional skills. The Princeton Review recognized the MBA program at the W. A. Franke College of Business in its 2008 edition, ranking it among the top 10 in several key categories. In particular, the college was ranked 4th for Best Professors, 9th for Best Campus Facilities, and 10th for Greatest Opportunity for Minority Students. These rankings reflect the college’s commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive academically and professionally. The high ranking for Best Professors is particularly notable, as it highlights the quality and expertise of the faculty at the W. A. Franke College of Business. The faculty is composed of accomplished scholars and professionals who bring real-world experience and academic rigor to the classroom.

Another important area of strength for the W. A. Franke College of Business is its marketing program, which has earned high praise from students and industry professionals alike. According to Entrepreneur magazine, NAU is among 15 graduate schools nationwide that students rated most highly for their marketing preparation. This recognition underscores the college’s ability to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in the competitive field of marketing. The college’s marketing program focuses on both the theoretical and practical aspects of marketing, giving students a well-rounded education that prepares them for leadership roles in a variety of industries, from retail and advertising to digital marketing and brand management.

The W. A. Franke College of Business is also recognized for its innovative use of technology in business education. It has earned gold ratings for the buildings that house its engineering and business programs, reflecting its investment in state-of-the-art facilities that support both learning and research. These modern facilities provide students with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital business landscape. Whether through access to the latest software, simulation tools, or collaborative spaces, the college ensures that its students have the resources they need to thrive in their academic and professional pursuits.

Furthermore, the college’s commitment to academic assessment is another important aspect of its continued success. During the 2008-2009 academic year, the University Assessment Committee (UAC) and the Office of Academic Assessment (OAA) recognized the college’s efforts in assessing the quality of its degree programs. The W. A. Franke College of Business received the Seal of Assessment Achievement for its strong track record in evaluating its Accounting, Marketing, Economics, and Finance degree programs. This recognition emphasizes the college’s dedication to continuous improvement and its commitment to ensuring that its programs are both effective and relevant to the needs of the business world.

In terms of rankings, the W. A. Franke College of Business continues to maintain a strong position nationally and internationally. The MBA program was listed in The Princeton Review’s 2010 edition of The Best 301 Business Schools as one of the most outstanding business programs in the nation. Additionally, NAU’s School of HRM’s global standing, the college’s recognition for its marketing program, and its inclusion in other prestigious rankings are all indicators of the college’s growing reputation and influence within the world of business education.

For prospective students looking for a business school that offers a comprehensive, high-quality education in a supportive and innovative environment, the W. A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University stands out as an excellent choice. The college’s AACSB accreditation, strong academic rankings, emphasis on career preparation, and cutting-edge facilities make it a compelling option for anyone seeking to pursue an MBA or undergraduate business degree. Whether students are interested in accounting, marketing, finance, or hospitality management, the W. A. Franke College of Business provides the tools, resources, and experiences necessary to launch a successful career in the competitive world of business.