UNH Today

The University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics announces the extension of its prestigious accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), reaffirming its status among the elite 6% of business schools worldwide.

First accredited by AACSB in 1994, Paul College has consistently demonstrated excellence in business education. This latest six-year extension underscores the college’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. AACSB accreditation is globally recognized as the gold standard in business education, a distinction shared by only two institutions in New Hampshire: UNH Paul College and Dartmouth College’s Tuck School.

"The rigorous peer review ensures that Paul College demonstrates vision, innovation and a commitment to teaching, research and engagement with industry partners" says Paul College Dean Lucy Gilson. "We are proud that the external peer reviewers commended us on several of our innovative programs that differentiate the Paul College experience for our students. It also recognized and commended the strides we have made to have greater impact on our local communities and the dedication of our faculty and staff to the students who come here to learn."

A few of Paul College’s strengths the AACSB peer review team highlighted include:

• Business in Practice (BiP) program: Enhances experiential learning opportunities for students, bridging academic theory with practical experience.
• Commitment to business analytics: Prepares students for successful careers by engaging with industry to solve real-world problems.
• Investment in faculty research: Focuses on societal impact, advancing knowledge and solutions for contemporary challenges.
• First-Year Research and Innovation Experience (FIRE): Equips first-year business students with the skills needed for a successful college journey and future career.

“AACSB congratulates each institution on achieving AACSB accreditation,” says Stephanie Bryant, executive vice president and global chief accreditation officer at AACSB. “The commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of each school’s dedication — not only to its students, alumni network and greater business community — but to society as a whole.”

UNH Paul College is dedicated to providing rigorous academic preparation combined with real-world experience and critical problem-solving skills. With impressive placement rates — 96% for undergraduates and 98% for graduates six months post-graduation — Paul College prepares its nearly 2,200 undergraduate and more than 400 graduate students for success in business administration, economics, accounting, hospitality management, business analytics, finance and more.