While making a success of yourself as a small business owner doesn't necessarily require a formal education, millions of people have found themselves in over their heads without the proper educational foundation. If your interest is in working with already established companies in an effort to make a steady salary and work your way up the corporate ladder, a degree in business is not only invaluable, it's an absolute prerequisite.

In fact, more and more of today's business world requires more than just a Bachelor's degree. To get as far as you feel your talents can take you, you'll be competing with those who have earned their MBA degrees, and you will be left in the dust if you are undereducated. The top businesses are also starting to take a closer look at your alma mater as well, with the knowledge of which schools are the best. If you're not sure where you'd like to obtain your higher education, here is a short look at some of the top business universities.

It should come as little surprise to discover that Harvard is near or at the top of many business school surveys year in and year out. You may feel initially like Harvard and the rest of the Ivy League are outside of your capabilities, don't sell yourself short. Do some research and take your college entrance exams as many times as it takes to score well. Go ahead and apply. If you're reading this and still in your first years of high school, load up your high school resume with as many extra curricular activities, particularly academically related, as you can. All schools look favorably upon such activity, and Harvard in particular.

If Harvard's admission policies aren't enough of a challenge for you, consider Columbia Business School in New York. Known across the country as one of the finest business schools, Columbia is particularly difficult to gain admittance to. An A average won't be enough. You'll have to score off the charts on your SATs and present a resume filled with academic and extra-academic activities. Some of the most successful businessmen in America obtained their degrees from Columbia. A degree from the school gives you carte blanche when it comes to job choices, however. If you want to tackle a business world with no glass ceilings and a limitless range of entry choices, Columbia might be worth a shot. Do you need to attend the finest business schools in the country to go far in your career? Of course not.

Millions of Americans have made it far with a degree from their local Universities, particularly those who stayed and went for a degree higher than a Bachelors. While a degree from a renowned business school may initially open doors that wouldn't have otherwise been there, your success in your career will have much more to do with what you do once on the payroll. Get your education wherever you can, and then attack your career with the verve and determination it deserves. In America, the sky's the limit. Just make sure you get your degree. Although there are many who never did get a degree and went far, they are becoming very rare. Most companies won't look at your resume today unless you have a four year degree. Just study hard and get the degree to make sure you have an equal chance once you step out into the workforce. You'll be glad you did.