The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business reaccredited among top 6 percent of business schools worldwide

The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business at Clemson University has earned reaccreditation from AACSB, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the world’s longest-standing and most prestigious accrediting body for business schools.

“This reaccreditation reflects the incredible work of our faculty, staff, and students, as well as the strategic vision that guides us forward,” said Dean Wendy York. “Fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide hold this accreditation, so this achievement really shows how we are preparing students for lives of impact.”

As part of the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, the Clemson University School of Accountancy has also earned reaccreditation from AACSB, a distinction held by fewer than 200 accounting programs globally.

Achieving AACSB reaccreditation is a multi-year process that involves a rigorous review of the college’s mission, strategic direction, assurance of learning, and societal impact. The peer-reviewed evaluation focuses on continuous improvement, ensuring that accredited institutions maintain the highest standards of quality and relevance in business education.

A college in demand

Interest in the College has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting its reputation as a rising leader in business education. Highlights include:

• Applications have increased by 144 percent over the past five years.
• One in four applicants to Clemson now apply to the College.
• The first-year to sophomore retention rate is 94 percent.
• Business students have an 80 percent four-year graduation rate, well above the national average.
• Since 2018, enrollment has grown by 34 percent.

This growth reflects the College’s rising national reputation, fueled by strategic vision, academic innovation, philanthropic support and an focus on student success.

Initiatives such as the Office of Career and Global Engagement provide students with valuable access to professional development, career advising and global learning opportunities, all of which prepare them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Additionally, through the creation and development of unique Signature Programs, students can gain experience in specialized business areas like sales, brand communication and leadership. With the help and support of industry partners, the Signature Programs help students build their professional networks while also developing skillsets relevant to a modern business landscape. AACSB recently spotlighted the College’s Signature Programs as a national model in experiential business education.

Faculty excellence and research growth

Faculty at the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business are advancing research that is both rigorous and business-relevant. Over the past five years, business faculty have published 454 peer-reviewed journal articles and received more than 71,000 citations, including 74 publications in FT50 journals. This rise in scholarly productivity is supported by an expanded research infrastructure, interdisciplinary partnerships, and a growing number of endowed faculty positions, which have increased from 7 in 2019 to 25 in 2025.

Jennifer Siemens, associate dean of faculty excellence, said, “This accreditation highlights the strength and impact of our faculty’s scholarship and innovation. It reflects their collective commitment to advancing knowledge that not only shapes the future of business but also enriches the lives of our students and the communities we serve.”

Community and student impact

These examples represent just a few of the many ways the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business is advancing Clemson’s land-grant mission and driving positive impact across South Carolina and beyond.

The College has enhanced its connections with businesses and organizations, creating more opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and faculty to partner with local organizations. Through programs like the Business Mentorship Program, students have connected with industry professionals who offer career guidance, open doors to internships and help them build professional networks.

Through the Clemson Region SBDC, students have the opportunity to gain real-world consulting experience. In partnership with several programs, like the masters of marketing program, the SBDC helps small businesses across the Upstate benefit from working with graduate students to meet their marketing needs.

Faculty also lead outreach efforts through student organizations and annual service initiatives, such as the Department of Management’s Samaritan’s Feet trip, where students engage in values-driven leadership and global service.

Why this matters

AACSB reaccreditation affirms that the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business meets the highest global standards in business education. It also reflects the College’s strategic alignment with Clemson Elevate, particularly its focus on delivering the No. 1 student experience, growing impactful research and transforming lives.

As Clemson advances toward the future, the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business is proud to lead in preparing its business students who serve, lead and innovate.

About AACSB International

Established in 1916, AACSB International is the world’s largest business education association, connecting business schools, businesses and lifelong learners to create the next generation of great leaders. With members in over 100 countries and territories, AACSB elevates the quality and impact of business schools globally.

About the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business

The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business empowers students to evolve into innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders thriving in the dynamic global marketplace of ideas. Through immersive learning inside and outside the classroom, our students emerge as adept, market-ready leaders primed to influence the future.

Distinguished by a distinctive curriculum emphasizing applied business disciplines, the College is dedicated to nurturing outstanding talent via programs that boast global competitiveness and an entrepreneurial mindset.

To support the College and help shape the future of business education at Clemson, visit clemson.edu/giving/business.

About the Clemson University School of Accountancy

The School offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in accounting. Students who graduate from our program are prepared to begin careers in corporate accounting and auditing or pursue graduate study. Students who pursue our Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) program are prepared for careers in public and private accounting.