UT Haslam Business School Rises in Rankings, Signaling Regional Talent Pipeline

Event summary

  • The University of Tennessee's Haslam College of Business undergraduate programs ranked No. 17 among U.S. public universities in Poets & Quants' 2026 ranking.
  • The college moved to No. 47 overall, a six-spot increase from the previous year.
  • Haslam placed second among SEC schools in the overall ranking.
  • The ranking methodology considers admission standards, career outcomes, and academic experience (based on alumni surveys).

The big picture

The rise in rankings for Haslam College of Business reflects a broader trend of public universities investing in business programs to attract talent and bolster regional economies. This ranking provides a valuable signal to prospective students and employers regarding the quality of the program and its ability to produce skilled graduates. The SEC's prominence in the rankings highlights the growing importance of this region as a hub for business education and talent development.

What we're watching

Ranking Volatility
Poets & Quants’ methodology relies on alumni surveys, introducing potential volatility in rankings based on survey response rates and sentiment.
SEC Competition
The close ranking within the SEC suggests intensifying competition for students and faculty among business schools in the conference, potentially driving increased investment in programs.
Career Outcomes
The ranking's weighting of career outcomes means Haslam’s placement is tied to the success of its alumni; tracking graduate employment and salary data will be crucial to sustaining the current position.

Related topics

Rankings