Which university produces the most CEOs?

The London School of Economics and Political Science has been revealed as the best university to attend if you want to become a CEO or managing director, according to new research.

The study, which was carried out by Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance, analysed data from over 8.4 million alumni who had left 121 UK universities since the year 2000 and had gone on to become either CEOs or managing directors or found their own businesses.

LSE topped the table of universities that produce the most CEOs and MDs, with 16% of alumni going on to hold one of these positions. The London university beat Cambridge and Oxford, who make up the top three, to the top spot, with both scoring 13%.

Although the top three on the list are ranked among some of the best universities in the country, the study revealed a pattern that shows budding business leaders need not only to apply to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities to stand the best chance of becoming a CEO or MD. The average university guide ranking of the universities in Hitachi Capital’s top 20 list was 70, with London Metropolitan (118), University of Westminster (117), Middlesex University (111), Goldsmiths (105) and University of Bradford (99) all featuring.

A clear North South divide was evident in the research too, with 12 of the top 20 universities based in London. The University of Cumbria is the highest-ranking northern university on the list, while the Universities of Leicester, Bradford and Manchester also featured highly.

Edge Hill University was revealed as the university producing the least number of CEOs and MDs, with just 4% of alumni going on to hold these positions.

The top universities for producing CEOs and MDs

Index rank	University	Guardian university ranking	Total %
1	London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	5	15.98
2	University of Cambridge	3	12.99
3	University of Oxford	1	12.75
4	Soas University of London	86	12.75
5	University of Cumbria	98	11.74
6	London Metropolitan University	118	11.49
7	University of Westminster	117	11.17
8	Buckinghamshire New University	92	11.16
9	Oxford Brookes University	43	10.98
10	Middlesex University	111	10.77
11	University of Leicester	77	10.44
12	Goldsmiths, University of London	105	10.19
13	University of Bradford	99	10.05
14	Kingston University	40	10.02
15	University of West London	34	9.98
16	City, University of London	95	9.95
17	King’s College London	42	9.87
18	University of East London	112	9.81
19	University of Manchester	25	9.73
20	London South Bank University	93	9.72

Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance’s research also examined the best universities to attend for those looking to launch their own business, and the University of the Arts London has the highest rate of former students that go on to start up their own ventures (16%).

Two other London universities make up the top three, LSE with 14% and Goldsmiths University of London with 12%. Falmouth University also ranked highly (12%), finishing above both Oxford and Cambridge in 5th and 6th.

Once again, Edge Hill University was at the bottom of the pile, with only 5% of students who attended the university going on to begin their own venture.

Top universities for producing business founders

Index rank	University	Guardian university ranking	%
1	University of the Arts London	45	15.83
2	London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	5	14.03
3	Goldsmiths, University of London	105	12.25
4	Falmouth University	88	12.09
5	University of Oxford	1	12.06
6	University of Cambridge	3	12.00
7	Soas University of London	86	11.47
8	University College London (UCL)	14	10.41
9	University for the Creative Arts	33	10.13
10	Middlesex University	111	10.11

Commenting on the findings, Andy Dodd, Managing Director at Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance, said: “Our research proves that you don’t necessarily need to go to the top universities (according to the guides) to ensure you enjoy a highly successful business career. Many of the top universities for producing CEOs and business founders are among the lower-ranked university guide schools, which should provide food for thought for many beginning the long process of applying for university.

“Hopefully some of our research helps to inspire the next generation of small business owners!”