Kerching! These are the top Russell Group unis churning out the most entrepreneurs

It’s rough out there, and whether you’re currently applying for grad jobs like you’re online shopping or you’re putting it off for another year in favour for a panic Master’s, I feel your pain. No one would blame you for trying to think outside of the box in order to break free from the chains of academia or the looming threat of a nine to five.

If you’re in need of a little boost, nome new research from Start Up A-Z cherrypicked the UK’s most entrepreneurial universities, where students are making bank for their innovative ways of thinking. Based on university rankings and how many graduates became business founders, the data might shock you, as there’s not even an Oxbridge Uni in the top three. 

So, these are the top 10 most entrepreneurial unis in the UK.

10. Loughborough University – 5.62 per cent

Ok, not a RG uni but a surprising entry nonetheless, Loughborough was ranked as the 10th best uni for entrepreneurs in the UK. Maybe it’s all that sport – when you’re doing so much, you’re bound to find something that needs inventing.

9. King’s College London – 6.19 per cent

King’s students finally getting the recognition they deserve! With an overall founder alumni of 6.19 per cent, you’ve got plenty of choice between unis in London if you’re wanting to make it big.

8. City, University of London – 6.42 per cent

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Often overlooked, a large number of City, University of London students went on to become founders of companies, according to SUAZ’s stealthy LinkedIn stalk, thrown in with a fair bit of data analysis. It’s not a Russell Group uni, but it still made the top 10 among the most entrepreneurial Russell Group unis.

7. University of Edinburgh – 6.47 per cent

Edinburgh students are undoubtedly wise and all knowing, so it’s nice to see some Scottish representation in this break down. With 6.47 per cent of overall founder alumni graduating from Edinburgh, it proves you don’t need to be in London (or Oxbridge) to break the mould.

6. University College London – 6.57 per cent

Making the top 10 most entrepreneurial unis at number six is UCL. Need I say more? With the perfect mix of industry connections, access to funding and alumni success stories, UCL is a good choice for students wanting to give Mark Zuckerberg a run for his money. 

5. University of Cambridge – 7.65 per cent

Of course Cambridge would make the list of most entrepreneurial unis, and at 7.65 per cent, one of the world’s leading institutions is known for its connections and influential partnerships. But one of its biggest pulls for big thinkers is programmes such as the Accelerate Cambridge scheme, which is an 11 week programme that includes talks, workshops, weekly coaching, mentoring and pitching for budding business founders. Alright for some!

4. University of Oxford – 7.72 per cent

Oxford Uni offers a load of programmes and online resources for budding business men and women, and quite frankly I would be disappointed if Cambridge made the cut and not its long standing rival.

3. Imperial College, London – 8.14 per cent

Imperial specialises in STEM subjects, so there’s a reason why it’s churning out successful alumni like it’s nobody’s business.

2. London School of Economics and Politics (LSE) – 9.11 per cent

LSE is known for its deep understanding of global markets, economic trends and financial management – essential skills that all finance bros will recognise. It also offers courses in entrepreneurial finance and business strategy. That alongside being located smack bang in the capital clearly pays off. I’m surprised LSE students didn’t place first but I’m glad to see a bit of healthy competition for the tech bros.

1. University of the Arts, London – 11.02 per cent

The best university for entrepreneurs was found not to be a Russell Group uni after all. But it’s no surprise that University of the Arts London produces the highest number of business founders among its alumni, being a creative university and all. The institution offers high class degrees in everything arts, design, fashion and media industries and is the place to be if you’re looking to be the next Richard Branson or Deborah Meaden.

As a fan of literature and all things English, it’s also refreshing to see the arts rank higher than economics for once!

So basically, it pays off to go to a London university if you’re wanting to be Lord Sugar’s next bestie on The Apprentice or have a shot of making it big from Dragon’s Den. Although I’m pretty impressed that Loughborough made it on the list among the big dogs like Cambridge and Oxford.