Discover ten underrated West Coast colleges offering unique opportunities and excellent education in this insightful blog post by Greenhaus College Consulting. Perfect for students seeking hidden gems with strong academic programs and vibrant campus life Read more to explore your options and find your ideal college match (Greenhaus College Consulting).
Attending a business-focused college can be your gateway to a successful career. However, creating a college list can be a daunting task amidst the sea of options. That’s why we’ve curated a list of top hidden gem colleges for business in the West. These institutions may not always be in the spotlight, but they offer outstanding programs, experienced faculty, and unique opportunities that can set you on the path to business success. Consider these hidden gems as you embark on your journey toward a thriving business career—they might just be the perfect fit for your aspirations and ambitions.
The University of San Francisco is widely known for having a huge variety of business programs. Situated in the heart of San Francisco, USF leverages its proximity to Silicon Valley, a global hub for technology and innovation. This location provides students with unique opportunities for internships, networking, and career advancement in various industries, including technology, finance, and entrepreneurship.
As a Jesuit institution, USF emphasizes ethical leadership, social responsibility, and service to the community. This tradition infuses the curriculum with a focus on developing business leaders who are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also committed to making a positive impact on society.
Their Business Analytics program is widely regarded as one of the best in the region since it teaches students how to combine algorithms, data, models, and management to grow any business.
Additionally, the University of San Francisco also has a program in Economics that’s great for anyone who wants to create and grow a business or pursue a career in this niche.
Moreover, some of the other options include Finance, International Business, Management, Marketing, and many others. There are a plethora of degrees to focus on, so you can easily find the right business degree to fit your needs.
The California Lutheran University is one of the hidden gems when it comes to business degrees. With that in mind, if you’re interested in business studies, the Business Administration major is by far one of the top options to consider. Cal Lutheran emphasizes a holistic approach to business education, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. This prepares students to address complex business challenges with a well-rounded perspective. With a focus on personalized education, Cal Lutheran maintains small class sizes.
This allows for closer interactions between students and faculty, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.
The business faculty at Cal Lutheran comprises experienced professionals and academics who bring real-world insights and expertise into the classroom. This enhances the relevance and applicability of the curriculum. : The university’s Career Services office actively assists students in securing internships. They offer resume workshops, interview preparation, and personalized career counseling to help students succeed in their internship pursuits.
You can focus on different areas of interest like marketing, management, global business, finance and entrepreneurship. Other relevant majors include Marketing Communication, but also Accounting and Economics.
Another exceptional option for those who want to attend business studies in northern California would be the San Jose University. The university has a proven track record when it comes to business studies, and its programs are second to none. Some of the top business programs include Advertising, but also their wide range of Business Administration offerings. These include Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and many others. They also have other programs like Economics. San Jose State is part of the Cal State System and offers a lower cost tuition for in-state residents.
The University of Nevada Reno is known for offering a multitude of majors designed to help combine your passions and skills as you pursue the career you want. There are lots of great options for those who want to pursue business degrees. Their Business bachelor’s degree is great if you want to learn the functional business areas, along with leadership and management capabilities. UNR offers unique programs tailored to the region’s economic landscape, such as the Gaming Management minor, which focuses on the commercial gaming industry, and the Cybersecurity certificate for graduate students (College Consensus). The College of Business emphasizes real-world experience through the Nevada Global Business program, which includes study abroad opportunities, and the Wolf Pack Shadow program, where students can shadow professionals at companies like Microsoft and MGM Resorts. Additionally, the Sontag Entrepreneurship
Their Economics program is another great option because it can give you a very good foundation for graduate study. You can focus on statistical analysis and economic studies, along with a variety of other fields. They also have International Business, Management, along with Marketing and other options. The U of Nevada, Reno is part of he Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program which is a regional tuition discount initiative managed by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). It allows students from participating states to attend out-of-state colleges and universities at a reduced tuition rate, which is capped at 150% of the institution’s resident tuition. Students must be residents of one of the 16 participating WICHE states and territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico,
Colorado State University is a major public land grant research university located in Fort Collins. It’s widely known for its amazing graduate programs, and it delivers outstanding business programs as well. Their Business Administration majors and minors are very good, and you can specialize in different niches. They have marketing, real estate, management, and innovation, but also international business, finance/financial planning, accounting and many others. They also provide an Economics major, but also an International Studies one as well, which can be great if you want to focus on creating a large business. There is also a Center for Marketing and Social Impact, Institute for Entrepreneurship, and Supply Chain Management Forum, providing students with opportunities for practical application of their knowledge. The Career Management Center supports students with career planning and job placements, while numerous partnerships and alumni networks provide ongoing support and opportunities (CSU Business).
Colorado State University’s College of Business is designed to prepare students not only for immediate career success but also for long-term professional development, with a strong emphasis on ethical leadership, sustainability, and global awareness. For more information, you can visit their official website.
The University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business offers a dynamic undergraduate business program with several defining features: It’s a great place if you want to prepare for a career in Accounting or Advertising. They also provide a major in Business Administration, which is great if you want to learn the ins and outs of marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, they have a major in Economics, as well as one in Global Studies. The diverse spectrum of majors you can access here, combined with the historical significance and great results offered by this university, recommend it as a top solution. . There is also a specific accounting major that can include concentrations in related fields (Lundquist College of Business).
For high-achieving students, the Business Honors Program offers smaller classes, specialized coursework, and unique opportunities, culminating in graduation with honors (Lundquist College of Business). The college offers minors in business administration, entrepreneurship, sports business, and sustainable business, as well as a certificate in global business. The Lundquist College is committed to career preparation through resources such as career advising, internships, and connections with industry professionals. The Mohr Career Services provides additional career support specifically for business students
Oregon State University’s College of Business offers a variety of distinctive features and programs designed to equip students with comprehensive business skills and hands-on experience. OSU’s College of Business provides more than 28 degrees and areas of focus, catering to a broad spectrum of interests. Notable specializations include Digital Marketing, Supply Chain and Logistics Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Hospitality Management, and Sports Business. This variety allows students to tailor their education to specific career goals, whether in traditional business roles or emerging sectors (College of Business)
OSU’s College of Business maintains strong ties with industry, involving more than 185 area and national businesses in advisory roles. These connections help shape the curriculum to meet current market needs and provide students with valuable networking opportunities. The college’s engagement with industry is evident in its high job placement rates and the numerous internships and job opportunities available to students
They deliver problem-solving, innovation, but also great accessibility with their programs as well. When it comes to business majors, there are also plenty of options to choose from. Their general Business major is widely sought after because it focuses on finance, analytics, marketing, supply chain, and other major topics. They also have a Business Fundamentals program, along with a dedicated Supply Chain and Logistics Management program. Overall, Oregon State University’s College of Business combines a wide array of specialized programs, strong industry connections, a commitment to diversity, flexible learning options, and comprehensive student support to prepare graduates for successful careers in the global business environment.
Portland’s University stands out with an exceptional range of programs designed to educate tomorrow’s professionals.
The business school provides a variety of undergraduate majors, including Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, and Economics. Each program is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed for their respective fields (University of Portland) (Business Degree Central).
Their Accounting, Business Analytics, and Economics programs are very good and well worth checking out if you want a business- focused degree. They also have other programs like Operations and Technology Management, but also Marketing, Supply Chain Analytics, The business programs emphasize interdisciplinary learning, allowing students from different majors to collaborate on projects. This approach fosters a broader understanding of business concepts and real-world applications (University of Portland).
Students benefit from connections with local and international business leaders through guest speakers, workshops, and internships. This hands-on experience is a key component of the learning process at the Pamplin School of Business. The university’s business programs have received notable rankings, such as being recognized for having some of the highest-paid accounting graduates, highlighting the effectiveness of its educational approach in preparing students for lucrative career. Overall, the University of Portland’s business programs offer a comprehensive education with a strong emphasis on practical experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global perspectives, making it a compelling choice for prospective business students.
You can find the Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. It’s a private Jesuit University founded in 1887. While it offers a multitude of programs, its business offerings are among some of the best in the region. That’s why it’s a great idea to consider the Gonzaga University as one of your options. When it comes to the different options, you have Accounting, but also Business Administration, which is one of the top business degrees you can get in this niche. Other good options at the Gonzaga University are the Communication Studies program, Economics, but also their dedicated Entrepreneurship program. Gonzaga offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with various concentrations, including Accounting, Business Analytics, Economics, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Law & Public Policy, Marketing, Management Information Systems, and Operations & Supply Chain Management. This breadth allows students to tailor their education to their career goals (Gonzaga University) The business school places a strong emphasis on practical experience. Students can engage in internships, participate in the New Venture Lab and Finance Lab, and gain hands-on experience through the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. This program, in particular, provides a three- year minor that includes lectures, internships, mentoring, and site visits, focusing on entrepreneurial and leadership.
The Jesuit educational ideals at Gonzaga emphasize ethical decision-making and a commitment to the common good. Programs like the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program integrate these values deeply into the curriculum, preparing students to be responsible leaders in their fields. These features collectively create a robust educational experience for business students at Gonzaga University, preparing them for successful careers in various fields while fostering a commitment to ethical leadership and global awareness.
DU’s undergraduate business programs are designed to be comprehensive and innovative, incorporating the latest trends and practices in the business world. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals, with options to combine business with other fields such as humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
At the University of Denver, you also have access to many business programs in different niches. They have an Accounting program, but also other amazing options like Business Analytics, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing and many other great programs as well. The Daniels College of Business at DU is well-regarded and accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This accreditation is a hallmark of quality and excellence in business education, ensuring that the programs meet rigorous academic standards.
DU places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, offering numerous opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through internships, consulting projects, study abroad programs, andservice learning. This hands-on approach helps students apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, enhancing their learning and employability.
The programs at DU encourage a global perspective, with options for studying abroad, international internships, and exposure to global business practices. The university’s location in Denver, a gateway to the world, further enhances its global connections.
The Daniels College of Business has a robust network of alumni and industry connections. This network provides students with valuable mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to potential employers through career fairs, networking events, and alumni-led panels.: DU’s business programs are grounded in principles of leadership, ethics, and social responsibility. The curriculum integrates these themes to prepare students to become ethical leaders who can make a positive impact in their communities and the business world.
While some go for the most popular colleges, these hidden gems also provide some amazing programs to take a closer look at. While many gravitate towards well-known institutions, exploring hidden gems can yield equally exceptional opportunities. It is crucial to evaluate the unique programs offered by these colleges, while also considering factors such as location, cost and student life. This comprehensive approach will empower you to make an informed decision that aligns perfectly with your aspirations for a successful career in business.