UW ranks No. 4 in undergraduate entrepreneurship, No. 1 in the West

For the first time in two decades, the University of Washington (UW) has been ranked among the top five undergraduate entrepreneurship programs in the United States. According to the Princeton Review’s 2025 rankings, UW earned the No. 4 spot nationally and claimed the No. 1 position overall in the West region. The news marks a historic milestone for UW.

This achievement reflects the growing prominence and success of UW’s entrepreneurship programs. The recognition comes at a time when the demand for entrepreneurship education is surging, as more students aspire to launch startups or bring creative problem-solving skills into traditional roles.

The Princeton Review evaluates entrepreneurship programs based on various factors, including the number of startups launched by students and alumni, external funding received, faculty credentials, and the availability of entrepreneurial resources on campus. In recent years, UW has consistently expanded its offerings, including pitch competitions, incubator programs, and collaborative opportunities with Seattle’s renowned tech and innovation hubs.

The Arthur W. Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship, which drives many of these initiatives, offers a range of programs designed to prepare students for entrepreneurial success, such as the Dempsey Startup Competition, the Jones + Foster Accelerator program, and partnerships with local investors. These initiatives, combined with access to real-world experience through internships and connections with industry leaders, have helped to strengthen the university’s reputation.

Ellie Robbins, a sophomore studying marketing at UW and Marketing Director of the RSO Undergraduate Women in Business, credits UW’s comprehensive support systems as instrumental to her learning and growth.

“Having access to hands-on experiences and constant support has truly shaped my journey at UW,” Robbins said. “It’s not just about abstract concepts, ideas, or classroom lectures; it’s about applying what we learn in real-world settings.”

Although the program consistently performed well regionally, it had yet to crack the national top five, a testament to the ongoing efforts to expand industry ties and enhance the curriculum.The new ranking is both a reflection of past successes and a challenge to keep innovating.

With this national spotlight, UW will continue to attract aspiring entrepreneurs who seek to turn their visions into reality, further reinforcing the university’s status as a leading destination for innovation and entrepreneurship education.

Reach reporter Alexis Flowers at [email protected]. X: @lexi_flowerss

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