Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2026: NYU Stern vs UPenn Wharton vs LSE

A Business/Finance degree often provides students with a wide understanding of various facets of business and money. However, in general, these programmes typically begin with foundational courses that address essential business topics such as accounting, economics, marketing, management, and business law. Courses in business and finance are intended to help you acquire the analytical and quantitative abilities required for financial decision-making. Many programs offer elective courses and concentration options to allow students to tailor their studies to their interests. Some programs may offer opportunities for internships, co-op placements, or experiential learning. These experiences can provide valuable real-world exposure and help you develop practical skills in a business or finance setting.

Economics degree focuses on the study of how societies allocate resources and make decisions about the production, distribution, and consumption of products and services. The course gives students a strong foundation in economic theory and analysis, while focusing on microeconomics and macroeconomics exclusively. Such programmes frequently provide specialization tracks or optional courses that allow you to adapt your studies to specific areas of interest. Economics degrees typically emphasize quantitative skills. You will study mathematics, statistics, and econometrics to develop proficiency in analyzing economic data and applying mathematical models to economic problems. You will explore the role of economic policy and the institutions that shape economic systems. Towards the end of your degree, you may be required to complete a senior thesis or capstone project. It allows you to demonstrate your understanding of economic concepts, research skills, and ability to present your findings.

BUSINESS / FINANCE AND ECONOMICS DEGREE IN THE USA

1. Finance Concentration, University of Pennsylvania

The Finance Concentration programme at the Univ. of Pennsylvania prepares students to work at a high level of expertise in all areas of finance, including asset management and financial markets, global investment banking, financial management of commercial and industrial enterprises, and financial institutions, financial aspects of venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, and global management consulting. Concentrating on finance also prepares students for jobs in law and government. 

Admission requirements:

Transcripts from Grade IX to XI and XII mid terms with predicted score. SAT/ACT is compulsory. It is suggested that the applicants have taken Math in High School. In addition to school grades & standardized tests (SAT, APs, etc.), the college also looks at the holistic profile of the students. 

2. Business Economics BA, Univ. of California (Los Angeles)

This programme provides a major for students who want to study economics with a business focus. It is not exactly the degree with a standard undergraduate business school curriculum, instead, it provides a more narrowly focused education driven by economics’ rigorous logic and integrative perspective. It is intended to prepare students for advanced studies in business, economics, and law. Students must take particular courses from the department and the John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management as part of the programme.

Admission requirements:

Transcripts from Grade IX to XI and XII mid terms with predicted score. SAT/ACT is not required. It is suggested that the applicants have taken Math in High School. In addition to school grades & standardized tests (IELTS, APs, etc.), the college also looks at the holistic profile of the students. 

Bonus Pro Tip 1 - Transcending Test-Blindness at UCLA through Transcript Rigor

With UCLA and the University of California system in general remaining strictly test-blind for 2026, the absence of SAT/ACT scores has caused a massive shift in how international transcripts are evaluated. Without a standardized testing floor, UCLA’s "Comprehensive Review" now places nearly all quantitative weight on Course Rigor and the "Weighted Uncapped GPA." For a student to be competitive in Business Economics, simply having high marks is insufficient; you must have exhausted the most rigorous curriculum available—such as IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL or AP Calculus BC. In your Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), you must also pivot from "what you did" to "how you utilized resources," explicitly detailing any independent research or advanced quantitative projects that prove your academic readiness in the absence of a 1500+ SAT score.

2. BS in Business & Political Economy, New York University – STERN

The Business and Political Economy (BPE) degree at NYU Stern combines liberal arts, business basics, social impact learning, and global experiences, while also allowing you to take elective courses and minors from throughout New York University. The two obligatory semesters of study away will provide you with a practical grasp of today’s global business environment and will fulfill the Global Experience requirement.

The BPE degree will equip you for a variety of international business professions at multinational corporations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other organizations. NYU Stern collaborates with academics, alumni, and top industry partners to provide programmes that will assist you in exploring careers, preparing for recruitment, and connecting with employers – you will have access to a wide choice of professional development programmes and opportunities.

Admission requirements:

Transcripts from Grade IX to XI and XII mid terms with predicted score. SAT/ACT is compulsory. It is suggested that the applicants have taken Math in High School. In addition to school grades & standardized tests (SAT, APs, etc.), the college also looks at the holistic profile of the students.

BUSINESS / FINANCE AND ECONOMICS DEGREE IN CANADA

1. Economics – Major (Arts), University of Toronto

Undergraduate training in Economics at University of Toronto is intended to familiarize students with the discipline of economic thinking, and to equip them for intelligent appraisal of contemporary economic problems. It is the most flexible program, and can be tailored to meet the academic needs of students with a variety of long-term goals. Students will be able to add the Focus in Data Analytics to the major. The focus ensures that students gain proficiency in applied empirical economics. It provides students with hands-on exposure to the tools empirical economists use to build and analyze datasets. 

Admission Requirements:

A minimum of 35 points in IBDP, with Math AA/AI at Higher Level or Math AA at Standard Level. English at SL or HL is required. CBSE students interested in programs that require Calculus for admission, such as business, engineering, and science programs, must present Class XII Standard Mathematics for admission consideration. Class XII Applied Mathematics (new and old syllabus) will not meet the Calculus requirement.

Bonus Pro Tip 2 - Executing the Rotman "Kira Talent" Video Strategy

The University of Toronto’s Rotman Commerce program has increased the weight of its Kira Talent supplemental application for 2026 to better assess "Executive Presence" in a test-optional environment. Beyond the written components, the timed video interview—typically consisting of two questions with 60 seconds of prep and 60 seconds of response—is a high-pressure filter. Success here requires mastering the SPEAR method (Statement, Personal Example, Explanation, Application, and Reflection). Crucially, the "Application" phase must explicitly connect your leadership experiences to Rotman’s specific collaborative culture. Admissions officers are looking for students who don't just "talk business," but who can articulate how their unique background will enrich the Rotman community under time constraints.

2. Finance, McGill University

As a Finance student, you will be exposed to practical aspects of finance management at McGill University. Integrating strong theoretical knowledge with a strong focus on the real world, a Finance degree will give you an in-depth knowledge of finance theory, financial institutions, investment analysis, risk management, and applied techniques. Finance students also have the opportunity to support the McGill International Portfolio Challenge by preparing a case based on a real situation to be used in the University’s flagship case competition. Finance is available both as a major and a minor at McGill. 

Admission Requirements:

The IB Diploma with grades of 5 or better on each Higher and Standard Level subject is the minimum expected, with a minimum of 38 total points. Math AA or Math AI is compulsory (HL or SL).

A-Levels – Minimum of three A-Levels in three different subjects, including A-Level Math and at least one A-Level in biology, chemistry, or physics. 

3. Financial & Business Economics, York University

With this course you will understand the financial sector and will build your skills in monetary economics, banking, finance and financial data analysis. You will also learn about the economic framework that underpins financial theory. Financial & Business Economics at York, will help you acquire an in-depth knowledge of the mathematical foundations of economic theories and of the statistical techniques used to analyze economic data. You will also develop the ability to apply the core methods and tools of economic analysis to understand complex problems. 

Admission Requirements:

IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level. Math AI or Math AA is compulsory.

Minimum of two Advanced-level (A2) passes and three GCSE or IGCSE Ordinary-level (O-level) passes. Minimum average of “C” is required on Advanced-level and Ordinary-level passes. A-Level Math is compulsory.

BUSINESS / FINANCE AND ECONOMICS DEGREE IN THE UK

1. Economics and Management (BA), University of Oxford

The Economics and Management degree looks at themes that are important in today’s environment. This programme at Oxford University focuses on how the economy and organizations work, as well as how resources are allocated and coordinated to fulfill the organization’s goals.

Economics and management are perfect intellectual partners, each uniquely suited to complement and cross-pollinate the other. Management is concerned with the efficient use and coordination of materials and labor within an organization in order to achieve its goals. This programme is taught as an academic subject within the Social Sciences Division of the University.

Admission Requirements:

A Levels – A*AA including Mathematics at grade A or above. 

IB – 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL.

Applicants are required to have Mathematics to A-level (A* or A grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), Higher Level in the IB (score 6 or 7) or another equivalent.

2. Finance (BSc), London School of Economics (LSE)

The BSc Finance degree at LSE is a rigorous quantitative programme that will provide you with a solid financial foundation and the essential quantitative skills, as well as educate you on the reasoning behind certain finance strategies and financial decision-making. You will learn to think analytically and critically about significant financial issues from a range of perspectives. LSE will help you learn to apply the analytical skills you have learned in finance and financial economics to a variety of real-world challenges.

Admission Requirements:

A Levels – A*AA, with an A* in Mathematics. 

IB – 38 points overall. 766 in higher level subjects, including 7 in Mathematics AA/AI.

3. Business Account BSc (with Industry Exp.), University of Manchester

The BSc in Business & Accounting combines academic study, integrated professional work placements, and progress towards the ICAEW Chartered Accountancy qualification, the ACA. The course aims to provide students with a strong foundation in both business and accounting, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in finance, accounting, or related fields. 

Admission Requirements:

A Levels – Typical offer is given to the applicants with a score of AAA-AAB. 

IB – At least 36 points overall, with a 666 in HL subjects.

It is suggested to have Math at least at GCSE Level, or Math AA/AI at SL.

Bonus Pro Tip 3 - Strategic Engagement with the New 2026 UCAS Framework for UK Universities

For the 2026 entry cycle, the traditional personal statement has been replaced by three structured questions, a shift that LSE is using to ruthlessly filter for academic engagement. While many applicants treat these as general prompts, LSE explicitly expects at least 80% of the content to be focused on academic discussion rather than extracurricular activities. To stand out, students must use the second question—focused on preparation—to go beyond a simple list of readings. Instead of merely naming a book, you must reflect on a specific economic theory or financial concept, demonstrating the analytical maturity to challenge or extend that idea. This "academic first" approach is now the primary metric for UK Universities initial screening process.

Students can choose a variety of fields from Business, Finance, and Economics as a major. The above mentioned are some of the top courses and institutes in the USA, Canada, and UK. If you are interested in one of these courses, it is better to start devoting time in subjects like Mathematics and Economics during your high school, and get some practical experience as much as possible. Your dream university to study Business, Finance, or Economics isn’t that far then.

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