Crunchbase: “There’s no degree requirement to be founder of a venture-backed startup. Nevertheless, attending a top-tier university definitely boosts the likelihood of success.

Those were once again the findings of our annual look at which U.S. colleges and universities graduate the highest number of funded startup founders, based on Crunchbase data.

As usual, four universities — Stanford, Harvard, MIT, and UC Berkeley — hung on to the top four slots. The remaining names on our list mostly include a mix of large state research universities, Ivy League institutions and private schools known for tech and business.

For a more detailed overview, we posted the full ranking below. It tracks the number of founders affiliated with each school whose startups raised seed through growth-stage funding this past year.”

To see the total rounds of funds raised from May 12, 2024 through May 12, 2025 by school, click here.

DON’T MISS: MOST DISRUPTIVE MBA STARTUPS OF 2024

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Mother and Daughter Earn MBAs At Minnesota Carlson

CBS News: “Monday morning, a mother and daughter did something pretty rare at the University of Minnesota: They got their degrees at the same time.

“To be here today, it was something I never thought I would be capable of being a part of,” said Samantha Soupir.

She always thought her parents would be there when she received her MBA degree at the U. But she never envisioned her mom Shelly would get the same degree, at the same time, at the same school.”

To continue reading, click here.

DON’T MISS: 2025 BEST & BRIGHTEST MBA: VIA RAO, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (CARLSON)

2025 BEST & BRIGHTEST MBA: EMILY OATES, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (CARLSON)

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Highlights of Columbia Business School’s Graduation

Columbia Business School: “More than 1,300 graduates reflected on a moment of pride, transformation, and possibility at two ceremonies honoring Columbia Business School’s MBA, EMBA, MS, and PhD programs.

Graduates represented more than 70 countries, spoke over 40 languages, and balanced the demands of school with full-time work, raising families, and launching businesses. Some welcomed children or got engaged. Each of their stories spoke to the spirit of ambition and perseverance that defines the CBS experience—one filled with boundless opportunities.

Whether pursuing breakthroughs in AI and energy, launching tools to empower underserved communities, or deepening our understanding through doctoral research, this year’s graduates have already left their mark. But, as Dean Costis Maglaras reminded them, commencement is only the beginning. In a world of rapid technological change, rising global challenges, and historic opportunity, the need for principled, entrepreneurial leaders has never been greater.”

To continue reading, click here.

DON’T MISS: MEET COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2025

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Chicago Booth Lands $14-Million Gift for Civil Scholars Program

University of Chicago: “The University of Chicago Booth School of Business has received $14 million in total gift commitments from University of Chicago trustee and alumnus John Edwardson and Fran Edwardson to support its Civic Scholars Program. In recognition of the Edwardsons’ commitment, the program will be renamed the Edwardson Civic Scholars Program, and its students will collectively be known as Edwardson Civic Scholars. Along with endowing the Civic Scholars Program, the Edwardsons’ gifts will provide matching funds to inspire other donors to provide scholarships for the program’s incoming students.

“John and Fran’s latest generous gift will enhance the Civic Scholars Program offerings for students and ensure that Booth remains at the forefront of developing social sector leaders committed to solving the most pressing challenges in our communities,” said Madhav Rajan, dean and George Pratt Shultz Professor of Accounting.

The Edwardson Civic Scholars Program offers full-tuition scholarships for Booth Evening MBA and Weekend MBA students who are committed to impact-driven public or nonprofit sector careers. In addition to receiving a scholarship, students in the Civic Scholars Program benefit from specialized programming, dedicated faculty advisors, and opportunities to engage with civic leaders. The program includes opportunities for students to participate in retreats and roundtable discussions that facilitate experiential and community-based learning, hone leadership skills, establish cross-sector connections and seed future collaboration.”

To read more, click here.

DON’T MISS: MEET CHICAGO BOOTH’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

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HEC Montréal Cancels MBA Program in English

Montreal Gazette: “For the first time in 25 years, the prestigious business school HEC Montréal will not be offering its master of business administration program in English this fall because of a lack of demand.

Kevin Johnson, director of MBA programs for HEC Montréal — officially known as the École des hautes études commerciales de Montréal — said interest from international students, who make up the bulk of the HEC MBA program’s English cohort, has plummeted over the past two years.

Demand for 2025-26 was “quasi-inexistent,” he said, so about a month ago, school administrators began informing the few applicants that the English cohort of the MBA would not be offered.

“It was not so much a decision as a state of affairs,” Johnson said. “Given the position of the Canadian government in the domain of international education, it was no longer possible to do it.”

To read more, click here.

DON’T MISS: 2024 BEST & BRIGHTEST EXECUTIVE MBA: MARIE-CLAUDE LEBLANC, MCGILL-HEC MONTRÉAL