7 Shocking Reasons Why Zicklin School Of Business Is Dominating NYC’s Business Scene In 2025
The Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College (CUNY) is currently experiencing a massive surge in recognition and strategic growth, cementing its status as a powerhouse in New York City’s hyper-competitive business education landscape. As of late 2025, the school is not just resting on its reputation as a premier public institution; it is actively reshaping its programs and global standing, driven by new leadership and a forward-thinking strategic plan.
This article breaks down the most recent and critical updates from the Zicklin School of Business, revealing why prospective students, industry professionals, and corporate recruiters are paying closer attention than ever before. From its surprisingly high 2025 rankings to its focus on cutting-edge specializations, the following points detail the school's current dominance and future trajectory.
Zicklin School of Business: Essential Profile and Biography
The Zicklin School of Business is one of the ten constituent colleges of The City University of New York (CUNY) and is the largest collegiate school of business in the United States. It is named after alumnus Larry Zicklin (BBA, ’57).
- Parent Institution: Baruch College, CUNY
- Location: New York City (Manhattan)
- Designation: Premier public business school in the NYC region
- Current Dean: Willem Kooyker Dean Bruce W. Weber, PhD
- Key Departments: Stan Ross Department of Accountancy, Paul H. Chook Department of Information Systems, Bert W. Wasserman Department of Economics and Finance, Department of Marketing & International Business
- Enrollment: Over 11,000 students (undergraduate and postgraduate)
- Notable Alumni: Larry Zicklin (BBA, ’57), Willem Kooyker (BBA, ’71), Lara Abrash (MBA, ’94) (Deloitte US Chair), Michael Roth (BBA, ’67), Paulette Garafalo (BBA ’78, MBA ’80)
- Recent Strategic Focus: Implementation of the 2024-29 Strategic Plan
The 2025 Ranking Shockwave: Public Program Dominance
The Zicklin School’s performance in the latest global and national rankings has been nothing short of exceptional, particularly in the public institution category. These recent rankings highlight the immense value and quality offered by its programs, especially the MBA.
1. Zicklin’s MBA is Ranked Top 10 Public Program Nationwide
In a major win for the school, Zicklin's MBA program was recently ranked #9 among all U.S. public institutions by LinkedIn in its 2025 list of Top MBA programs. This ranking is especially significant as it reflects the program's perceived value and career outcomes within the professional network that recruiters frequently use. Among all U.S. MBA programs, Zicklin’s offering stands out for its career mobility and return on investment.
2. Consistently Ranked #1 Public Business School in the Region
The school maintains its undisputed position as the top public business school in the New York metropolitan area. The 2023-24 "Best Business Schools" ranking by U.S. News & World Report listed Zicklin as #49 nationally, solidifying its status as the #1 public business school in the region. This consistently high ranking underscores the quality of the faculty, curriculum, and resources available to students.
3. Global Recognition for Executive Education
The school’s reach extends beyond the national stage. Zicklin’s Executive MBA program was ranked #131-140 in the Executive MBA Rankings - Global 2025. This global recognition confirms the program's quality and its appeal to mid-career professionals seeking to advance their leadership skills on an international scale.
New Strategic Direction and Program Expansion (2024-2029)
Under the leadership of Willem Kooyker Dean Bruce W. Weber, Zicklin is not standing still. The school is actively pursuing a comprehensive 2024-29 Strategic Plan designed to increase program diversity, enhance faculty research, and deepen its connection to the global business community.
4. Focus on Faculty Diversity and International Business Growth
A key initiative within the strategic plan is the active effort to increase the diversity of the business school faculty. Simultaneously, the school is seeing significant growth in specialized areas, with the International Business major welcoming a large new cohort in Spring 2025. This focus on international business reflects the global nature of the New York City economy and Zicklin's commitment to preparing students for worldwide careers.
5. Innovative Program Offerings for Career Pivoters
Zicklin continues to offer flexible and innovative programs to cater to a diverse student body. Beyond the highly-rated Full-Time MBA and flexible Evening MBA Program, the school offers a specialized twelve-week Business Certificate Program. This certificate is designed for undergraduate or post-graduate students from all majors who are interested in a rapid, intensive immersion into business fundamentals and related fields, providing a crucial entry point for career pivoters.
The Undeniable NYC Advantage and Alumni Power
Being located in the heart of Manhattan is a massive competitive edge, but Zicklin leverages this advantage through its deep-rooted alumni network and commitment to public service.
6. Unmatched Access to the NYC Financial Hub
The school's location in New York City provides students with unparalleled access to major financial institutions, corporations, and startups. This geographical proximity translates directly into internship and job opportunities. The curriculum is often shaped by the demands of the NYC market, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready for roles in finance, accounting, marketing, and information systems.
7. A Powerful and Engaged Alumni Network
Zicklin's alumni network is both extensive and highly engaged. This network includes industry titans like Lara Abrash (MBA, '94), the Chair of Deloitte US. The commitment of the alumni base is continuously demonstrated through philanthropic efforts and mentorship. For example, a Zicklin alumna, Karina Chiqui (BBA, ’22), recently ran the 2025 NYC Marathon to raise over $4,000 for future Baruch students, a testament to the community's dedication to its successors.
The legacy of the school’s namesakes, Larry Zicklin and Willem Kooyker, remains a central part of the school's identity, with both leaders actively participating in discussions about essential business issues alongside Dean Weber. This continuous engagement ensures that the school’s strategic direction remains aligned with the needs of the modern business world.
The Future of Business Education at Zicklin
The Zicklin School of Business is clearly on an upward trajectory. The combination of top-tier rankings in 2025, a robust 2024-29 Strategic Plan, and an unwavering commitment to both academic excellence and practical career readiness makes it a standout choice. For those seeking a high-value, highly-ranked business education with direct ties to the world’s financial capital, Zicklin’s current momentum suggests its best years are still ahead. Future updates, which can be tracked via the monthly ZicklinBusiness e-newsletter, will likely reveal even more advancements in its programs and faculty achievements.
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