Bauer Ranks in Top 25

For the first time, the C. T. Bauer College of Business is ranked among the nation’s Top 25 business schools for public programs on the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Graduate Schools list. 

The ranking recognizes the Bauer Professional MBA, the college’s flagship MBA program, as No. 25 among public institutions and No. 38 overall, a significant improvement from last year’s rankings. 

“This is a major milestone for the Bauer College,” Interim Dean Praveen Kumar said. “As a metropolitan business school, we have made strategic investments in our Professional MBA program in response to industry needs and students’ individual needs. This recognition by U.S. News & World Report affirms the excellence of our faculty and MBA curriculum, as well as the hard work and dedication of our Office of Graduate & Professional Programs.” 

Released this week, the rankings are determined by peer assessment as well as the preparedness of a school's incoming class. Students in the college’s Professional MBA program can customize the degree by choosing from more than 20 certificates and over 100 electives. 

“This program represents most of our MBA students at Bauer,” Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Programs Leiser Silva said. “The Professional MBA is a program where students can engage in hands-on projects and network with classmates and faculty while still employed and bring that experience and insight to the workplace right away.” 

The program structure emphasizes flexibility, with online, in-person and evening classes designed for busy professionals. The college’s dedicated on-site career center also provides students with transformative professional development and networking opportunities. 

“Our team is dedicated to empowering students by bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations. We help them expand their networks, gain real-world insights and build the confidence and skillsets needed to successfully launch — or pivot — their careers, whether it’s their first, second or third move,” said Kelly Collins, who is acting head of the Rockwell Career Center and leads the Bauer Graduate and Alumni Career Services team.