For consecutive years, the University of Notre Dame has ranked within the top 50 graduate schools for entrepreneurship, as recognized by The Princeton Review in its annual “Top 50 Undergraduate and Top 50 Graduate Schools for Entrepreneurship Studies” ranking. The ESTEEM Graduate Program at the University is a key contributor to this accolade. Furthermore, the University’s comprehensive entrepreneurial profile also includes programming and course work offering from the Mendoza College of Business and the Keough School of Global Affairs. The University secured the 18th position in this year’s ranking.

The Princeton Review rankings are based on data from the publication’s annual survey of more than 300 colleges and universities that offer entrepreneurship studies and programs. The survey focuses on a wide variety of input variables about a particular school’s academic course offerings and degree opportunities focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship – as well as applied and experiential learning programs – in an attempt to fully understand and evaluate the school’s overall commitment to providing their students with a high-quality education in this discipline.

David Murphy, assistant provost and executive director of the ESTEEM Graduate Program expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are immensely proud to be acknowledged by The Princeton Review as one of the top graduate programs for entrepreneurship. This recognition is a testament to the relentless effort and commitment of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni and the broader network that forms our dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem at the University of Notre Dame. The ESTEEM Graduate Program distinguishes itself by attracting students with robust technical backgrounds in areas like STEM, social sciences, and design. These students bring a unique blend of curiosity, passion, and discipline, aiming to drive meaningful change and innovation in the world. Their ambition is not just to succeed in business, but to solve real-world problems that truly matter."

Since 2009, the ESTEEM graduate program's emphasis has been on the action of entrepreneurship, not just the study of it. ESTEEM is the University’s principal academic program at the graduate school level focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship. It demonstrates its focus on the discipline of entrepreneurship on many levels, including hands-on student engagement; the percentage of faculty, students, and alumni currently involved in entrepreneurial ventures; successful alumni ventures; mentorship; scholarship and grants; student involvement outside the classroom; and corporate-sponsored entrepreneurship/innovation programs.

Over the last year, the students enrolled in the ESTEEM graduate program have left an indelible mark on the program, fostering a transformative environment that resonates with the essence of entrepreneurship. The incoming class, in particular, is a testament to the program’s commitment to cultivating innovation and enterprise. “Here at ESTEEM, the entrepreneurial ecosystem is preparing me to launch my startup, not only through the skills they're teaching me, which are important, but also through the network available here,” said Dylan Walsh, a current ESTEEM student. “ It feels like I'm empowered to give it my all and have the maximum chance of succeeding because of Notre Dame and ESTEEM.”

For more information on this year’s honorees, visit The Princeton Review website here.

Originally published by Grace Morrison and Olivia Poole at ideacenter.nd.edu on November 29, 2023.