21 Lesser-Known Schools That Quietly Produce Top Earners

7. Babson College – Wellesley, MA

Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, is a small school with a massive impact on the world of business and entrepreneurship. It’s often referred to as the best college in the country for entrepreneurship, but surprisingly few people outside that circle realize just how powerful its education is. From the first year, Babson students are required to start and run actual businesses, gaining real-world experience that goes far beyond case studies or simulations. The curriculum is deeply hands-on, and students pitch ideas to actual investors, compete in national startup competitions, and gain access to mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and alumni. But Babson's influence goes well beyond startup culture—its graduates are equipped with a founder’s mindset that makes them standouts in corporate leadership roles as well. They learn to solve problems creatively, manage risk intelligently, and think like business owners, whether they’re launching a company or rising through the ranks at Fortune 500 firms. Median mid-career salary: $135,000.