Phillip EdwinTexas hosts a powerful and diverse landscape of business education, with programs that consistently rank among the best in the nation and deliver exceptional career outcomes. The state’s leading institutions offer a wide range of formats, from full-time and executive MBAs to specialized master’s degrees and top-ranked undergraduate programs.
With major industries in finance, technology, energy, and consulting, Texas business schools provide students with unparalleled access to career opportunities and strong returns on investment.
Top 20 Business Schools In Texas
1. University of Texas at Austin (McCombs School of Business)
McCombs is the premier business school in Texas, with its Full-Time MBA ranked No. 16 nationally and No. 4 among public schools . The program has held top-20 status for 33 of the past 34 years and offers 20+ concentrations including Accounting, Finance, and Management . The Part-Time MBA ranks No. 6 nationally, and the Executive MBA is No. 12. Graduates earn an average starting salary of $150,000, and the school leads the nation in top-20 business specialties with nine.
2. Rice University (Jones Graduate School of Business)
Rice Business holds the #1 ranking for MBA in Texas according to Financial Times (2023-2026) and is a global leader in entrepreneurship education. The Full-Time MBA reports an average starting salary of $150,000 and 94% job acceptance within three months of graduation. The Professional MBA is ranked #7 Best Part-Time MBA by Fortune and #11 by U.S. News. With small class sizes and 96% of students receiving funding, Rice delivers a high-touch, high-return experience.
3. Southern Methodist University (Cox School of Business)
SMU Cox leads Texas business schools in graduate earnings at $102,283 annually. The school offers MBA, Master of Science, and dual degree programs with a NextGen Curriculum focused on Leadership, Analytics, and Experiential Learning. The Cox alumni network spans more than 80 countries, providing global career connections. With an 83.3% graduation rate and strong placement in the Dallas-Fort Worth business community, Cox is a top choice for career advancement.
4. Texas A&M University (Mays Business School)
Mays Business School is a major public institution with programs ranked among the best in the nation. The school offers Full-Time, Professional, and Executive MBA programs, along with specialized master’s degrees in Accounting, Analytics, Finance, Marketing, and Management. Mays is highly recognized for its online programs, securing #1 in the 2025 U.S. News Online Master’s ranking . Graduates earn approximately $72,074 annually.
5. University of Texas at Dallas (Naveen Jindal School of Management)
UT Dallas offers an impressive 35 degree programs across six areas of business, making it a major player in business education. The school ranks #6 globally in research contributions and #23 nationally for its Full-Time MBA. With 90% of graduates receiving career placements within 90 days and 75% receiving scholarship funding, Jindal School provides excellent value. The Executive MBA is ranked #32 in the nation by U.S. News.
6. Texas Christian University (Neeley School of Business)
TCU Neeley offers a unique Energy MBA program that combines energy-specific courses with live evening classes and an international trip to an energy-rich region. Located in Fort Worth, the school serves a region with over 600 aerospace and defence companies, providing specialized career pathways . With a graduation rate of 85.6% and rich campus life with over 400 student organizations, Neeley prepares students for leadership in key industries.
7. Baylor University (Hankamer School of Business)
Baylor offers MBA programs with concentrations in Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Sustainability, and Healthcare Administration. More than 90% of Hankamer MBA graduates secure jobs within 90 days, earning an average starting salary of $104,000 with tuition at $31,000 per semester. The school offers MBA and dual degree options like MBA/MSW or MBA/MSBA . The average graduate earns $77,388 annually.
8. University of Houston (C.T. Bauer College of Business)
Bauer College offers a comprehensive range of programs from undergraduate to Executive Doctorate and PhD levels, allowing students to learn alongside peers at different career stages. Specialized master’s programs cover Accounting, Analytics, Finance, Global Business Leadership, HR Leadership, Marketing, Real Estate, and Supply Chain Management. The school also offers executive certifications like the Women in Leadership certificate. Graduates earn approximately $68,730 annually.
9. University of Texas at San Antonio
UTSA’s business program ranks #10 in Texas with graduates earning approximately $68,730 annually . The school has an 81.9% graduation rate and a net price of $14,184, making it a solid option for students seeking strong outcomes with manageable costs. The program provides comprehensive business education for the San Antonio region.
10. University of Dallas
Located in Irving, the University of Dallas offers business programs with graduates earning approximately $68,304 annually. The school has a 68% graduation rate and a net price of $14,372. Its programs prepare students for careers in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with a focus on ethical leadership and professional development.
11. University of North Texas
UNT’s business school ranks #15 in Texas with graduates earning approximately $62,318 annually. The school has a net price of $10,816, making it one of the most affordable options among the state’s business programs. With a 59.6% graduation rate, UNT provides accessible business education for the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
12. Texas State University
Located in San Marcos, Texas State’s business program ranks #18 in Texas with graduates earning approximately $60,346 annually. The school has a net price of $12,144 and serves a large student body with comprehensive business offerings. Texas State provides affordable, accessible business education in the Austin-San Antonio corridor.
13. University of Texas at Tyler
UT Tyler’s business program ranks #14 in Texas with graduates earning approximately $63,561 annually. The school has a 61.1% graduation rate and a net price of $19,589 . The program prepares students for business careers in East Texas with a focus on practical skills and professional development.
14. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
UTRGV’s business program ranks #13 in Texas with graduates earning approximately $64,253 annually. The school has a 64.2% graduation rate and a net price of $18,740. The program provides business education with a unique borderland perspective, preparing students for careers in the Rio Grande Valley region.
15. University of Houston-Clear Lake
UHCL’s business program ranks #17 in Texas with graduates earning approximately $61,728 annually. The school has a 64.9% graduation rate and a net price of $10,327. The program provides affordable, accessible business education in the Houston metropolitan area with strong career placement.
16. Abilene Christian University
ACU’s business program ranks #8 in Texas with graduates earning approximately $70,276 annually. The school has a 100% acceptance rate and a 60.2% graduation rate with a net price of $22,928. The program offers a faith-based business education with a focus on ethical leadership and professional development.
17. LeTourneau University
Located in Longview, LeTourneau’s business program ranks #14 in Texas with graduates earning approximately $63,561 annually. The school has a 61.1% graduation rate and a net price of $19,589. The program provides business education with a focus on technology and practical application.
18. Southwestern University
Located in Georgetown, Southwestern’s business program ranks #6 in Texas with graduates earning approximately $76,367 annually. The school has a 69.3% graduation rate and a net price of $18,791. The program offers a liberal arts approach to business education with strong career outcomes.
19. St. Mary’s University
Located in San Antonio, St. Mary’s business program ranks #20 in Texas with graduates earning approximately $60,271 annually. The school has a 51.8% graduation rate and a net price of $17,434. The program offers business education with a Catholic, Marianist tradition emphasizing ethical leadership.
20. University of Texas Permian Basin
Located in Odessa, UTPB’s business program ranks #19 in Texas with graduates earning approximately $60,315 annually. The school has a 43% graduation rate and the lowest net price among Texas business programs at $7,684. The program provides affordable business education for the Permian Basin region.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Median Earnings | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UT Austin (McCombs) | Austin | $150,000 (MBA avg) | #16 MBA, #4 Public, 9 top‑20 specialties |
| 2 | Rice University | Houston | $150,000 (MBA avg) | #1 MBA in TX, #1 Entrepreneurship |
| 3 | SMU (Cox) | Dallas | $102,283 | Highest earnings in TX, 83% grad rate |
| 4 | Texas A&M (Mays) | College Station | $72,074 | #1 Online Master’s, 84% grad rate |
| 5 | UT Dallas (Jindal) | Richardson | $67,186 | #6 Global Research, 71% grad rate |
| 6 | TCU (Neeley) | Fort Worth | $83,783 | Energy MBA, 86% grad rate |
| 7 | Baylor (Hankamer) | Waco | $77,388 | $104k starting salary, 90% placement |
| 8 | University of Houston | Houston | $68,730 | 81.9% grad rate, $14,184 net price |
| 9 | UT San Antonio | San Antonio | $68,730 | 81.9% grad rate, accessible |
| 10 | University of Dallas | Irving | $68,304 | 68% grad rate, $14,372 net price |
| 11 | University of North Texas | Denton | $62,318 | $10,816 net price, affordable |
| 12 | Texas State University | San Marcos | $60,346 | 89.5% acceptance, affordable |
| 13 | UT Tyler | Tyler | $63,561 | 61% grad rate, East Texas focus |
| 14 | UT Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg | $64,253 | 64.2% grad rate, borderland focus |
| 15 | UH‑Clear Lake | Houston | $61,728 | $10,327 net price, accessible |
| 16 | Abilene Christian University | Abilene | $70,276 | Faith‑based, 100% acceptance |
| 17 | LeTourneau University | Longview | $63,561 | Technology focus, 61% grad rate |
| 18 | Southwestern University | Georgetown | $76,367 | Liberal arts approach, 69% grad rate |
| 19 | St. Mary’s University | San Antonio | $60,271 | Catholic tradition, 52% grad rate |
| 20 | UT Permian Basin | Odessa | $60,315 | Lowest net price ($7,684), 43% grad rate |
Success Tips for Choosing a Business School
Start by evaluating program outcomes; schools like SMU Cox ($102,283) and UT Austin’s MBA program ($150,000 average) demonstrate strong earnings potential that justifies investment.
Consider the program format that fits your career stage; Rice offers a top-ranked Part-Time MBA for working professionals, while UT Dallas offers flexible Executive MBA and online options .
Research each school’s specialized strengths; UT Austin leads in Information Systems (No. 1) and Accounting (No. 6), TCU has a unique Energy MBA, and UT Dallas excels in research output.
For affordability, look at net price; UT Permian Basin offers the lowest net price at $7,684.
Finally, consider the school’s location and industry connections, as schools in Houston, Dallas, and Austin have strong ties to major employers in energy, finance, and technology.
Closing
Texas offers a formidable network of business schools, anchored by the nationally top-ranked McCombs School at UT Austin and the #1 Texas MBA at Rice University. From the highest-earning graduates at SMU Cox to the specialized Energy MBA at TCU and the research powerhouse at UT Dallas, these institutions provide exceptional pathways to leadership in business.
With strong placement rates, competitive starting salaries, and specialized programs aligned with Texas’s key industries, the state’s business schools are powering the careers of tomorrow’s leaders. Note that all information, including rankings and tuition, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each institution.