For the third consecutive year, the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, held the No. 25 place among public colleges in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Undergraduate Business Programs rankings. Nationally, Haslam climbed to No. 37, up three spots from last year’s ranking of No. 40.
A trio of Haslam’s departments also performed strongly in the 2026 rankings. Leading the way was the college’s supply chain management undergraduate program, which climbed to the No. 3 national spot as well as holding the No. 3 public spot for the fifth year in a row. Haslam’s accounting undergraduate program moved up three spots from 2025 to No. 15 among public institutions and jumped 12 spots nationally to No. 30. The economics undergraduate programs, which are housed in both Haslam and UT’s College of Arts and Sciences, placed at No. 45 among public schools, up three spots from 2025.
Exceptional Education Through Hands-on Learning
Haslam is dedicated to delivering an exceptional education with an emphasis in experiential learning. According to Lane Morris, associate dean of undergraduate studies and student affairs and John W. Fisher Professor of Innovative Learning, the latest U.S. News & World Report’s rankings affirm Haslam’s commitment to providing students a superior learning experience.
“The continuing, extraordinary growth of Haslam’s undergraduate enrollment shows that a high-quality education draws students,” Morris said. “We are proud of the supply chain management program, which is acknowledged as an academic and industry leader year after year, as well as the accounting and economics departments’ recognition in the rankings. When students enroll at Haslam, they know they are entering a rigorous and respected academic environment that will prepare them for success.”
Stephen L. Mangum, dean and Stokely Foundation Leadership Chair, praised Haslam’s faculty and the college’s Office of Undergraduate Programs for offering opportunities that empower students to make immediate impacts in industry upon graduation.
“Haslam’s students benefit from the caliber of the faculty and staff who support them, as well as an outstanding undergraduate programs office, which offer our students challenging and enriching pursuits inside and outside the classroom,” Mangum said. “These rankings reflect the quality of preparation our graduates take into the workforce.”
Haslam has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, with a total enrollment of more than 11,000 students in 2025. Construction is under way on a new business building across from the student union.
About U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges Rankings Methodology
The 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings include student retention, graduation rates and faculty research citations, with all outcome-based criteria accounting for more than half of the total rank. Other elements considered include peer assessments and graduate earnings, among others.
About the Haslam College of Business
The Haslam College of Business, founded in 1914, sets the standard in developing future business leaders whose work positively impacts the world. More than 11,000 undergraduate, graduate and executive education students are taught by 290 faculty with dedicated staff members facilitating their needs. Haslam programs consist of seven departments and nine undergraduate majors. Its eight centers, institutes and forums, as well as its myriad graduate and executive education programs, reach across the for profit, not-for-profit and governmental sectors of business, with a heavy emphasis on practical research. UT was founded in 1794 and was designated as Tennessee’s land-grant institution in 1879.
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Scott McNutt, senior business writer/publicist, rmcnutt4@utk.edu
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