RMI, Real Estate lead the way in newest national rankings

By: Melanie Yeager

SHARE:

Firmly establishing its top-tier academic status – including a No. 2 ranking for undergraduate studies in risk management and insurance and a No. 6 showing for undergraduate real estate – the Florida State University College of Business continues to excel in national standings released today by U.S. News & World Report.

FSU maintained its No. 31 place among all undergraduate business programs at public schools on U.S. News’ 2026 Best Colleges Rankings list, and it improved its overall standing two places to No. 51.

“We are thrilled to see our stellar standings in multiple business disciplines,” said Michael D. Hartline, the college’s dean. “We expect to reach even greater heights as we enter a new era of learning this spring in our new facility, Legacy Hall. Designed to foster innovation and collaboration, our new building embodies the excellence our undergraduate programs offer.”

Among those undergraduate programs leading the college’s high marks:

• The Dr. William T. Hold/The Alliance’s Program in Risk Management and Insurance rose two spots to No. 2 among all public and private RMI programs.
• The Real Estate Program maintained its Top 10 status, securing the No. 6 post, No. 9 overall, among the nation’s public undergraduate real estate programs. 
• The Dr. Persis E. Rockwood School of Marketing achieved the No. 18 place, No. 41 overall, among public marketing programs nationwide.
• The Accounting Program edged up five places in a competitive field nationwide, landing at No. 20 among public schools, No. 50 overall.

Charles Nyce, the Dr. William T. Hold Professor of Risk Management and Insurance, said the RMI program’s remarkable staying power – in the Top 5 now for eight years running – is in large part due to the accomplishments of its faculty and students, and the RMI program’s tremendous industry and donor support.

Not only are our students benefiting from industry leaders sharing insights in their classes, but they also take advantage of every opportunity to engage with them through corporate tours and professional conferences,” said Nyce, who also chairs the college’s Department of Risk Management/Insurance, Real Estate and Legal Studies and serves as the interim director of the college’s Risk Management and Insurance Center.

Hartline said the lifelong success of FSU business students remains the college’s primary goal.

“We continue to improve their education by hiring accomplished scholars to our faculty and offering more student services, including career opportunities,” Hartline said.

Just last week the college’s Business Career Expo connected a record 3,300-plus students with 80 employers, which Hartline called “a great turnout with even greater potential.”

“We know a first handshake at Expo can lead to a rewarding career applying all the valuable knowledge attained in the classroom,” he said.

— Melanie Yeager