Definition
The Leeds School of Business is committed to rigorous business education and innovative business research.
Leeds School of Business: An Overview
Leeds School of Business offers both undergraduate and graduate courses and awards Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Ph.D. degrees. It is the eighth oldest business school in the United States.
The school's vision is to be "an internationally recognized leader in a vibrant business community creating economic and social prosperity around the globe."
The business school regularly ranks among the top 100 b-schools in the U.S. It was ranked 79th by U.S. News & World Report in its list of 2025 Best Business Schools and 42nd in its ranking of best part-time MBA programs.
According to its website, the Leeds School of Business has:
- 4527 undergraduate students
- 416 graduate students
- 46 doctoral students
- Over 275 full-time faculty and staff members
Key Takeaways
- Leeds School of Business ranks well as a business school offering undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- A part of the University of Colorado, its public status keeps its tuition fees a tad lower than those of many private business schools.
- The school’s MBA program is known for placing graduates in finance, accounting, marketing, and sales fields.
Leeds School of Business Details
Founded in 1906 as the University of Colorado’s College of Commerce, the school received its current name in October 2001 after a $35 million donation by the family of businessman and philanthropist Michael Leeds.
As part of this donation, the Leeds family mandated that all students at the Leeds School of Business receive meaningful training in social responsibility, business ethics, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability. An undergraduate student can earn a certificate in socially responsible enterprise, while executive education students can study corporate social responsibility theory.
The school also embraces global commerce, with programs that include internships abroad.
Important
The Leeds School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Of all the business degree-granting schools in the world, just 6% have earned AACSB accreditation.
Today, the Leeds School offers undergraduate degrees in accounting, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. MBA programs include a full-time option as well as an evening MBA program designed for students already actively working. Classes on tax preparation are conducted jointly with the university's College of Law.
Master's degree programs are offered in real estate, business analytics, and supply chain management.
In Fall 2025, the school plans to launch two new master's programs in supply chain analytics and marketing analytics.
Leeds School of Business by the Numbers
Due to the Leeds School's status as part of a public university system, tuition is somewhat lower than at many private business colleges. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the two-year MBA graduate program costs are estimated at $63,089 for full-time in-state students and $76,385 for out-of-state students.
According to U.S. News & World Report, 47.9% of full-time Leeds graduates had jobs at graduation. Furthermore, 67.2% of full-time graduates were employed three months after graduation.
Prospects
Historically, the Leeds School of Business MBA program has been an effective conduit for professionals seeking a career in accounting and other financial services disciplines, which in recent years have represented about 30% of the job placements of MBA graduates. Sales and marketing is another significant industry area, representing about 25% of job placements.
Alumni say they particularly prized the school's supportive community and an education that encouraged a global perspective. It has a worldwide reputation and its MS degrees "are recognized globally for their academic excellence and industry relevance.”
The school's proximity to the Colorado tech startup scene is a bonus, not to mention its spectacular Rocky Mountains location.
