Best Business Schools in Texas

Texas has a thriving business landscape, and it’s no surprise that the Lone Star State is home to some of the best business schools in the country.

If you’re looking to pursue an MBA or a business-related degree in Texas, you have plenty of options to choose from.

With so many top-tier institutions to consider, it can be overwhelming to decide which program is right for you.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best business schools in Texas.

We’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each program, as well as factors to consider when choosing the right school for your career goals. So, whether you’re a working professional looking to enhance your skills or a recent college graduate seeking to jumpstart your career, read on to discover the best business schools in Texas.

Best Business Schools in TX

The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business

The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the country. The school offers a wide range of programs, including a full-time MBA, an evening MBA, and an executive MBA. Students can also pursue specialized master’s degrees in areas like finance, marketing, and accounting.

One of the strengths of the McCombs School of Business is its focus on experiential learning. Students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects with companies in the Austin area and beyond. The school also boasts a robust network of alumni, which can be a valuable resource for students seeking job opportunities.

The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin is highly regarded and has earned an excellent reputation for business education. According to the 2023 rankings by US News, the school ranks at No. 18 in Best Business Schools and No. 8 in Part-time MBA. The rankings are based on the school’s performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

The McCombs School of Business offers a range of specializations, including accounting, business analytics, entrepreneurship, information systems, management, marketing, and more. The school is ranked No. 1 in Accounting, No. 6 in Information Systems, and No. 7 in Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Project Management, and Real Estate.

The school has a highly competitive admission process, with an acceptance rate of 35.5%. The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.48, and the average GMAT score is 708. The school has an enrollment of 487 students in its full-time MBA program.

The tuition fees for the McCombs School of Business vary depending on the program and residency status. Full-time tuition is $53,856 per year for in-state students and $58,270 per year for out-of-state students. The part-time MBA program costs $119,925 for the entire program for in-state students, while the executive MBA program costs $149,500 for in-state students. The specialty master’s program costs $48,000 for in-state students and $53,000 for out-of-state students for the entire program.

After graduation, 84.1% of graduates of the full-time MBA program are employed. The average starting salary and bonus for graduates is $158,007, making the investment in a business degree from McCombs a potentially lucrative one.

Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business

Business school in University Park, Texas

The Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University is another highly respected institution for business education in Texas. The school offers a full-time MBA program, as well as part-time and executive MBA options. Students can also pursue specialized master’s degrees in areas like finance and accounting.

One of the unique features of the Cox School of Business is its Global Leadership Program. This program gives students the opportunity to study abroad and gain international business experience. The school also offers a variety of networking opportunities, including an annual Business Leadership Center Symposium and a Women in Business Initiative.

Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business is ranked No. 41 (tie) in Best Business Schools and No. 43 (tie) in Part-time MBA according to the 2023 rankings by US News. The school is evaluated based on its performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

The Cox School of Business offers a variety of degree programs, including a 21-month, full-time MBA; a two-year, part-time MBA track offered in the evenings and weekends in Dallas and Plano, Texas; and an executive MBA program that meets on alternating weekends in Dallas. The school also offers Master of Science degrees in accounting, finance, management and business analytics. Additionally, the school has two joint degree options: a J.D./MBA combo with the Dedman School of Law, and a joint MA/MBA degree in business and arts management with the Meadows School of Arts.

The tuition fees for the Cox School of Business vary depending on the program. Full-time MBA tuition is $47,445 per year, while part-time MBA tuition is $42,288 per year. The executive MBA program costs $117,995 for the entire program, while the specialty master’s program costs $43,278 for the entire program.

The admission process for the Cox School of Business is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 24.9%. The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.4, and the average GMAT score is 686. The school has an enrollment of 176 students in its full-time MBA program.

After graduation, 61.8% of graduates of the full-time MBA program are employed. The average starting salary and bonus for graduates is $128,402.

Overall, while Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business may not rank as highly as some of its Texas counterparts, the variety of degree choices and joint degree options make it a strong contender for prospective students looking to tailor their education to their specific career goals.

Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business

The Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the country. The school offers a full-time MBA program, as well as an executive MBA program and specialized master’s degrees in areas like accounting and finance.

One of the strengths of the Jones School is its focus on entrepreneurship. The school offers a variety of resources and programs for students interested in starting their own businesses, including the Rice Business Plan Competition and the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship.

Texas A&M University Mays Business School

The Mays Business School at Texas A&M University is another highly regarded institution for business education in Texas. The school offers a full-time MBA program, as well as part-time and executive MBA options.

One of the strengths of the Mays Business School is its focus on leadership development. The school offers a variety of programs and resources to help students become effective leaders, including the MBA Leadership Challenge and the Mays Transformational Leadership Institute.

Baylor University Hankamer School of Business

The Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University is a highly respected institution for business education in Texas. The school offers a full-time MBA program, as well as part-time and executive MBA options. Students can also pursue specialized master’s degrees in areas like healthcare administration and sports management.

One of the unique features of the Hankamer School of Business is its focus on ethics and leadership. The school offers a variety of programs and resources to help students develop their ethical and leadership skills, including the Dale P. Jones Business Ethics Forum and the Baylor Leadership Summit.

Texas Christian University Neeley School of Business

The Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University is a top-ranked institution for business education in Texas. The school offers a full-time MBA program, as well as part-time and executive MBA options. Students can also pursue specialized master’s degrees in areas like accounting and supply chain management.

One of the strengths of the Neeley School of Business is its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The school offers a variety of resources and programs for students interested in starting their own businesses, including the TCU IdeaFactory and the Neeley Entrepreneurship Center.

University of North Texas G. Brint Ryan College of Business

The G. Brint Ryan College of Business at the University of North Texas is another respected institution for business education in Texas. The school offers a full-time MBA program, as well as part-time and executive MBA options. Students can also pursue specialized master’s degrees in areas like logistics and supply chain management.

One of the unique features of the Ryan College of Business is its focus on sustainability. The school offers a variety of programs and resources to help students understand the social and environmental impact of business, including the Sustainable Business Club and the Center for Sustainable Tourism.

St. Mary’s University Greehey School of Business

The Greehey School of Business at St. Mary’s University is a well-regarded institution for business education in Texas. The school offers a full-time MBA program, as well as part-time and executive MBA options. Students can also pursue specialized master’s degrees in areas like cybersecurity and risk management.

One of the strengths of the Greehey School of Business is its focus on social responsibility. The school offers a variety of programs and resources to help students understand the importance of ethics and social responsibility in business, including the Greehey Scholars Program and the Center for Catholic Studies.

Texas Tech University Rawls College of Business

The Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University is a respected institution for business education in Texas. The school offers a full-time MBA program, as well as part-time and executive MBA options. Students can also pursue specialized master’s degrees in areas like finance and data science.

One of the strengths of the Rawls College of Business is its focus on research. The school is home to several research centers, including the Center for Financial Responsibility and the Center for Entrepreneurial Action.

Houston Baptist University Archie W. Dunham College of Business

The Archie W. Dunham College of Business at Houston Baptist University is a growing institution for business education in Texas. The school offers a full-time MBA program, as well as part-time and executive MBA options. Students can also pursue specialized master’s degrees in areas like management and human resources.

One of the unique features of the Dunham College of Business is its focus on faith and business. The school offers a variety of programs and resources to help students understand how their faith can inform their business practices, including the Center for Christianity in Business and the Faith and Business Institute.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Business School in Texas

Now that we’ve taken a closer look at some of the best business schools in Texas, let’s explore some factors to consider when choosing the right program for your needs.

1. Reputation – The reputation of the business school is an important consideration. Look for schools that are highly ranked by reputable sources like U.S. News & World Report or the Financial Times.
2. Specializations – Consider the specializations offered by each school and choose a program that aligns with your career goals.
3. Location – Consider the location of the school and whether it is in a city or region that is conducive to your career aspirations.
4. Faculty – Look for schools with experienced and knowledgeable faculty who are experts in their field.
5. Alumni Network – Consider the strength of the alumni network and whether it can provide valuable networking opportunities and job leads.
6. Cost – Consider the cost of the program and whether it fits within your budget.
7. Culture – Consider the culture of the school and whether it aligns with your personal values and work style.

FAQs

1. What is the average cost of a business degree in Texas?
   • The cost of a business degree in Texas can vary widely depending on the program and institution. On average, a full-time MBA program in Texas can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000.
2. How long does it take to earn a business degree in Texas?
   • The length of a business degree program in Texas can vary depending on the level of degree and program format. On average, a full-time MBA program can take anywhere from 1-2 years to complete.
3. What are some common specializations offered in Texas business schools?
   • Some common specializations offered in Texas business schools include finance, accounting, marketing, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship.
4. What kind of career opportunities can a business degree from a Texas school lead to?
   • A business degree from a Texas school can lead to a wide range of career opportunities, including roles in finance, marketing, consulting, entrepreneurship, and more.
5. How important is the alumni network when choosing a business school?
   • The alumni network can be a valuable resource for networking, job opportunities, and mentorship. It’s important to consider the strength of the alumni network when choosing a business school.

6. Can I earn a business degree online in Texas?
   • Yes, many business schools in Texas offer online MBA and other business degree programs for students who prefer a flexible and convenient format.
7. What is the best business school in Texas?
   • The best business school in Texas will depend on individual preferences and career goals. However, some of the top-ranked institutions include the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, and the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University.
8. Can I get financial aid to attend a business school in Texas?
   • Yes, many business schools in Texas offer financial aid and scholarships to eligible students. Be sure to research the financial aid options available at each school you are considering.
9. What kind of experiential learning opportunities are available at Texas business schools?
   • Many Texas business schools offer experiential learning opportunities such as internships, consulting projects, and case competitions to help students gain real-world experience and apply what they’ve learned in the classroom.
10. How can I determine if a business school is a good fit for me?

• To determine if a business school is a good fit for you, consider factors like the school’s reputation, specializations, location, faculty, alumni network, cost, and culture. It can also be helpful to visit the school, talk to current students and alumni, and attend information sessions and events.