Ranking of business schools in entrepreneurship: the benchmarks that matter

But one question frequently arises: is there a single ranking of business schools in entrepreneurship? In reality, there is no single benchmark, but rather several complementary approaches. Some rankings measure business creation among graduates, others focus on incubators, impact entrepreneurship or the resources available to students.

This overview presents the rankings that are recognised in France and internationally.

Business schools offer management programmes that integrate business creation, innovation and student project development. Within a business school, the incubator, mentoring schemes and corporate partnerships play a structuring role. In France, many institutions develop management pathways designed to train profiles capable of launching ventures, beyond the logic of a single league table.

Why entrepreneurship is difficult to rank

Ranking entrepreneurship is not the same as ranking academic reputation. Entrepreneurial momentum develops over time, often after graduation, and depends on multiple factors:

• a business school’s capacity to generate concrete projects
• the presence of a structured incubator within the institution
• access to mentors, professional networks and investors
• the place given to entrepreneurship within programmes
• the international environment and innovation ecosystem

Each ranking therefore relies on specific criteria linked to the quality of the structures and support systems offered by business schools.

Le Parisien Étudiant: a benchmark focused on business creators

Among French rankings that include an entrepreneurship indicator, Le Parisien Étudiant adopts an approach based on observable outcomes. Its objective is to assess a school’s ability to train graduates capable of launching and developing entrepreneurial projects.

This indicator takes into account:

• the number of companies incubated or created by graduates over the past three years
• the proportion of graduates from entrepreneurial pathways

In its 2023 edition, Le Parisien Étudiant ranked SKEMA fifth among post-preparatory business schools and second on the criterion measuring the number of business creators among its graduates over three years. This thematic ranking helps illustrate institutional performance in business creation.

Such rankings connect academic training with tangible career outcomes after business school.

Alumni example: from idea to scale-up

In a profile published by Le Parisien, Grégoire Ambroselli, co-founder of Choco and a graduate of SKEMA’s Master in Management (Grande École), explained how the school helped structure his project:

“The school helps frame your ideas, provides an initial network, which is invaluable. Above all, it places you in the right mindset by surrounding you with people who share the same entrepreneurial ambition.”

This type of trajectory highlights the importance of networks, support systems and entrepreneurial ecosystems within business schools.

Les Echos/ChangeNOW: impact entrepreneurship as a new benchmark

Entrepreneurship is no longer limited to technology start-ups. A growing proportion of student projects are aligned with ecological and social transition. Les Echos/ChangeNOW focuses on a specific criterion: the existence of an incubator dedicated to positive-impact projects.

This approach assesses:

• the presence of a support structure oriented towards sustainable development
• the capacity to support responsible initiatives
• the contribution of business schools and universities to environmental and societal challenges

Les Echos/ChangeNOW therefore highlights institutions structuring entrepreneurship in line with contemporary global transitions.

Poets & Quants: an international standard for entrepreneurial MBAs

Internationally, Poets & Quants publishes a recognised ranking of MBA programmes specialising in entrepreneurship. Its relevance lies in the precision of its criteria, centred on what matters for aspiring entrepreneurs: moving from idea to project, and from project to growth.

Indicators include:

• the proportion of students who launched a company during or shortly after the MBA
• the weight of elective courses dedicated to start-up creation
• student engagement in entrepreneurial clubs
• available resources: mentoring, funding and support
• the proportion of graduates joining start-ups after completion

Even when French schools are less represented, this methodology offers a useful reference point for understanding international standards in management education.

Financial Times: start-up hubs rather than schools

In a different vein, the Financial Times adopts another approach with its Europe’s Leading Start-up Hubs ranking. Here, the objective is not to rank business schools, but to identify the most effective incubators and accelerators across Europe.

Its aims include:

• identifying the most efficient structures
• strengthening transparency within the entrepreneurial ecosystem
• guiding entrepreneurs towards recognised programmes
• highlighting key actors of European innovation

This benchmark underlines that business creation also depends on environment: networks, partnerships, territory, access to funding and corporate links.

Entrepreneurship rankings: post-secondary entry or post-preparatory pathways

Some rankings distinguish between institutions accessible after secondary school and those recruiting after preparatory classes. Post-secondary business schools often emphasise early exposure to entrepreneurship, while post-preparatory institutions rely on more specialised master-level structures.

For students applying after the baccalaureate, some schools are accessible via Parcoursup or dedicated entrance examinations. Several business schools recruit through the SESAME entrance examination, frequently cited in searches relating to post-secondary institutions.

Conversely, students from preparatory classes enter post-preparatory schools through other competitive examinations. They then access specialised master’s programmes, with reinforced structures and faculty engaged in innovation-driven teaching.

In these rankings, a school’s position may vary according to the criteria retained.

How to choose a business school for entrepreneurship

Rather than seeking a single definitive ranking, it is preferable to read these benchmarks as complementary frameworks.

Before selecting among entrepreneurship programmes, prospective students may consider:

• Do graduates genuinely create companies?
• Is there a structured and accessible incubator?
• Does the school support impact-driven projects?
• What resources are available: mentoring, alumni networks, funding, faculty expertise?
• Are there specialised master’s programmes in entrepreneurship?
• Is the ecosystem international and connected to innovation hubs?

An entrepreneurial project rarely develops in isolation. It depends on structure, networks and long-term support.

Benchmarks rather than verdicts

Entrepreneurship rankings are multiplying, reflecting a transformation in student expectations. They should not be read as definitive judgements, but as reference points to understand what each business school truly offers: incubators, concrete structures, alumni trajectories and the capacity to turn an idea into a company.

The quality of a business school is also measured through international accreditations, which serve as markers of academic excellence. Some institutions hold AACSB accreditation, recognised worldwide in management education.

Increasingly, schools also develop professional pathways through work-study formats and apprenticeship schemes, strengthening links with companies and supporting future entrepreneurs.

In a volatile economic environment, business creation has become a core competence. Business schools capable of structuring this momentum play a growing role in shaping the careers of new generations, regardless of their position in a general ranking.

FAQ – Ranking of business schools in entrepreneurship

What is the best ranking for entrepreneurship?

There is no single ranking. Different benchmarks focus on company creation, incubators, impact entrepreneurship or student resources.

How should you choose a business school for entrepreneurship?

It is advisable to examine alumni outcomes, incubator structures, mentoring access, funding opportunities and integration within an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Are entrepreneurship-focused business schools accessible through Parcoursup?

Some post-secondary institutions are accessible via Parcoursup, while others recruit through entrance examinations such as SESAME.

Which entrance examination is required after secondary school?

The SESAME examination is among the most recognised for entry into post-secondary business schools.

Are post-secondary and post-preparatory rankings comparable?

Not always. The pathways and support structures differ, and some rankings distinguish between these entry routes.

Why do incubators matter in rankings?

An incubator provides structured support, mentoring and access to networks, which are decisive factors in business creation.