University of Maryland Ranked Among Nations Top 25 For Entrepreneurship Programs

College Park, Md. October 15, 2007 The University of Marylands Robert H. Smith School of Business programs are rated among in the top in the nation for entrepreneurship, according to a ranking byEntrepreneur magazine and The Princeton Review. The ranking, which will be published in the November issue of Entrepreneur, rates Smiths undergraduate program No. 14 and its MBA program No. 18 in the nation. The recognition comes on the heels of a similar ranking by Fortune Small Business in that magazines September issue.

These ratings indicate the strength and broad scope of our entrepreneurship programs, as were one of only 12 schools that appear in both the undergraduate and graduate rankings, said Howard Frank, dean of the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Were committed to helping students develop into innovators through both academic courses and hands-on experiences. We prepare undergraduates and MBAs to approach the rapidly evolving business world with entrepreneurial vision, whether they are going out to start businesses or run them.

The fifth annual Top Entrepreneurial Colleges for 2007 a list of 50 schools: 25 undergraduate and 25 graduate were compiled from a survey of 900 schools and evaluated based on key criteria in the areas of academics and requirements, students and faculty, and outside-the-classroom support and experiences. This year, Entrepreneur and The Princeton Review added new questions to reflect more program-specific elements.

The Smith Schools Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship provides both MBA and undergraduate students will access to mentoring and weekly opportunities to pitch their business ideas for feedback from experienced entrepreneurs-in-residence. The center also invests up to $30,000 in viable businesses with an endowment fund created through donations from alumni Carly Fiorina, former Hewlett-Packard head, and Kevin Plank, founder and CEO of Under Armour athletic apparel company.

Smith undergraduate and MBA students can take entrepreneurship business courses and participate in clubs focused on entrepreneurship. Undergraduates can participate in the Entrepreneurship Fellows Program, which combines curriculum and additional learning experiences focused on entrepreneurship.

Smith students also have access to the universitys Start-Up Boot Camp, an intensive, one-day workshop and networking event that focuses on launching new ventures. And undergraduates can take part in the universitys Hinman Campus Entrepreneurship Opportunities (CEO) program, a living-learning program focused on venture creation, or the Hillman Entrepreneurs Program, which provides scholarships, entrepreneurship and leadership courses, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

More information about the ranking and complete listings of top programs can be found athttp://www.entrepreneur.com/topcolleges.

About the University of Marylands Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 14 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, executive MBA, executive MS, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations on three continents North America, Europe and Asia.