MBA Programs in Texas Overview
Editor & Writer
Editor & Writer
Editor & Writer
Editor & Writer
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Any Texan will tell ya: With the ninth largest economy in the world, Texas is a great state for business. Getting your MBA in the Lone Star State can help your career go big — because everything is bigger in Texas.
MBA grads in Texas have their pick of booming industries. According to the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC), the biggest industries in Texas right now are:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Corporate Services
- Energy
- Information Technology
There is significant opportunity in the job market, too, with two job openings for every unemployed person in the Texas labor force, as recently reported by The Dallas Morning News.
Skilled business graduates are particularly in demand. A 2023 survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas found that nearly half of Texas business executives are trying to hire new workers, but there just aren't enough applicants with the right technical skills.
That means your shiny new MBA will really get their attention — especially if you get it from one of these top MBA programs in the state.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about getting your MBA in Texas.
| Population | 29,527,941 |
|---|---|
| Climate | Average Annual Temperature: 64.8 F | Annual Precipitation: 28.9 inches |
| Number of Higher Learning Institutions | 218 |
| Per Capita Income | $34,255 |
| Fortune 500 Companies | 49 |
Popular Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
3 Best Business Schools in Texas
An MBA from one of these schools can help you access opportunities in Texas and beyond.
Baylor University
Baylor University is a private Christian research University in Waco, Texas. The oldest continually operating university in Texas, Baylor is known for a rich history of academic excellence — and some really cute campus bears.
Tuition and fees for an MBA from Baylor
- Full-Time MBA: $27,622 per semester*
- Executive MBA: $88,000 entire program cost
- Online MBA: $51,264 per term
*Full-time MBA students receive an average 65% scholarship, bringing the estimated per-semester cost down to $9,668.
Hankamer School of Business
Baylor's Hankamer School of Business offers diverse MBA programs tailored to different lifestyles, including full-time, executive, and online options.
An MBA from Baylor is as close to a "sure thing" as you can get, with a job placement rate of 94% within 90 days after graduation. Graduates also benefit from a Baylor Business Alumni Network with over 45,000 members.
The full-time MBA program spans 17 months, including a three-month internship. The online MBA program can be completed in just 12 months.
Baylor's MBA Specializations
Cybersecurity | Business Analytics | Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation | Healthcare Administration | Pre-Clinical Tract | Executive Communciation (Online) | Global Trade and Supply Chain Management (Online) | Marketing (Online) | Cybersecurity Technology and Stragety (EMBA) | Executive Presence and Communication (EMBA)
Applying to Baylor's MBA Program: Checklist
- Complete an application form.
- Submit transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution in which a degree was earned.
- Submit GMAT/GRE scores.
- Update and submit a resume.
- Provide contact information for at least one reference who will write a recommendation.
- Pay the application fee of $50.
- Schedule an interview if selected.
Rice University
A renowned private research university nestled in the heart of Houston, Rice University boasts a tight-knit community and elite academics. The education at Rice is so good that Newsweek calls it one of the "New Ivies."
Tuition and Fees for an MBA from Rice
- Full-Time MBA: $70,130 per year*
- Professional MBA: $59,300-$62,800 per year
- Executive MBA: $71,000 per year
- Hybrid MBA: $67,800 per year
- Online MBA: $115,020 total
*In 2023, Rice Business provided merit-based scholarships to over 75% of full-time MBA students, with an average award covering over 50% of tuition costs.
Jones Graduate School of Business
The Jones Graduate School of Business offers MBA programs that work for you — including full or part time, on campus and online. The classes are small, the training intensive, and the results speak for themselves. In 2022:
- 96% of Rice MBAs accepted job offers within three months of graduation
- 69% of those offers resulted from school-facilitated activities
Tthe average starting salary for MBA grads was $142,000
Many Rice MBA students go on to forge new, exciting businesses of their own. All of the MBA programs at Rice take two years to complete.
Rice's MBA Specializations
Accounting | Energy | Entrepreneurship | Finance | Healthcare | Marketing | Operations Management | Real Estate | Strategic Management
Applying to Rice's MBA Programs: A Checklist
- Complete an online application form.
- Submit transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution in which a degree was earned.
- Submit GMAT/GRE or Executive Assessment scores.
- Submit an updated professional resume or CV.
- Provide 1-2 professional recommendation letters.
- Submit two short answer responses and one creative essay. You may also choose to answer an additional, optional essay clarifying any aspect of your application.
- Pay application fees.
- Schedule a virtual interview if selected.
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University (TAMU) is a prestigious public research university located in College Station, Texas. Students get to become part of the "Aggie family," which has a long history of fun traditions, a vibrant community, and world-class academic opportunities.
TAMU also boasts one of the largest alumni networks in the world, with over half a million graduates.
Tuition and Fees for an MBA from Texas A&M
Full-Time MBA: $63,000 total program cost
Professional MBA: $99,500
Executive MBA: $99,500
Mays Business School
Mays Business School at Texas A&M offers full-time, professional, and executive MBAs as well as a special MBA + MS in analytics program.
The professional and executive MBAs are offered in downtown Houston.
MBA students at TAMU receive business training that emphasizes ethics, inclusion, systems thinking, and data-informed decisions making. Graduates get a solid return on their investment right away. In 2022:
- 95.4% of TAMU MBA grads secured employment within three months.
- Graduates earned an average starting salary of $115,585.
- The average signing bonus was $17,774.
MBA programs at TAMU take between 18 months and two years of full-time study to complete.
Texas A&M's MBA Specializations
Finance | Data Analytics | Supply Chain Management | Strategic Management | Entrepreneurship | Marketing
Applying to A&M's MBA Programs: A Checklist
Application requirements for TAMU's full-time, professional, and executive MBA programs include:
- Two or more years of work experience
- Resume/CV
- Unofficial transcripts
- Essays
- GRE or GMAT score
Requirements for the MBA + MS in analytics program include:
- Three or more years of work experience
- Strong undergraduate GPA
- One or more statistics course (with a high grade)
- GMAT or GRE scores in the top 25%
Paying for Your MBA Degree
We know: The prospect of paying for an MBA can be really daunting.
But the return on investment for an MBA continues to be strong. According to a 2022 survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), full-time MBA students receive a 50% median compensation increase from their degrees. GMAC also predicts that the median starting salary for MBAs in 2023 will be $125,000. All that to say: You should be in a good financial position to pay off your degree when you graduate.
In the meantime, there are several ways to pay for your MBA, including:
Scholarships and Grants
All three schools on our list provide significant need- and merit-based scholarships and grants that can dramatically reduce the overall cost of your MBA.
Fellowships and Assistantships
Many MBA programs offer fellowships and assistantships that can meaningfully offset the cost of tuition and provide students with valuable working experience as well.
Employer Sponsorship
According to Statista, 47% of employers provided some kind of undergraduate or graduate tuition reimbursement for employees in 2023.
Student Loans
Federal and private student loans can help you finance your MBA. Be sure to research your loan options, compare interest rates, and carefully consider the terms and repayment plans available. Remember: yYou have to pay loans back, with interest.
Work Study
Some MBA programs may offer work-study programs that allow students to earn money through on-campus jobs that can help offset tuition costs.
Cost of Living in Texas
Considering the cost of living in Texas is crucial for budgeting your education.
According to the World Population Review, Texas has the 17th lowest cost of living index in the nation, based on basic expenses like food, transportation, housing, and healthcare.
Though utilities may run you a little more in Texas than in other parts of the country (it's HOT, y'all), grocery costs, healthcare costs, and transportation costs are all below the national index score. Housing costs are well below, with an index score of only 84.2. (The national index score is 100).
The cost of living varies across the state — housing costs in Waco, for example, are much lower than in Houston.
Popular MBA Careers in Texas
These three MBA careers in Texas have the highest state employment numbers, according to the BLS.
Accountants and Auditors
There are currently 106,630 accountants and auditors in the state of Texas.
Accountants and auditors play an important role in maintaining financial integrity and helping organizations make informed decisions about finances, budgets, and investments.
Projected Job Growth in Texas (2020-2030): 20%
Project Management Specialists
There are currently 96,070 project management specialists working in Texas.
Their job is to plan, organize, coordinate, and oversee all the moving parts of a project — including resources, deadlines, budgets, stakeholder communication, and quality control.
Project Job Growth in Texas (2020-2030): 17.3%
Financial Managers
There are 57,680 financial managers in Texas.
Financial managers analyze financial data and make strategic decisions to mitigate risk and maximize profits. They create budgets, manage investments, and provide financial guidance to corporate leadership.
Projected Job Growth in Texas (2020-2030): 33.3%
| Career | Texas Average Annual Salary | National Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Accountants and Auditors | $87,300 | $86,740 |
| Administrative Services Managers | $110,780 | $115,640 |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $108,070 | $147,050 |
| Budget Analysts | $80,680 | $87,680 |
| Chief Executives | $314,060 | $246,440 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $66,090 | $75,920 |
| Financial Analysts | $103,420 | $108,790 |
| Financial Managers | $163,020 | $166,050 |
| Fundraising Managers | $111,310 | $124,450 |
| General and Operations Managers | $111,150 | $122,860 |
| Management Analysts | $101,760 | $104,660 |
| Marketing Managers | $138,530 | $158,280 |
| Project Management Specialists | $94,390 | $101,610 |
| Public Relations Managers | $134,840 | $150,030 |
| Purchasing Managers | $133,890 | $140,650 |
| Sales Managers | $133,540 | $150,530 |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $93,040 | $100,740 |
| Training and Development Managers | $119,920 | $132,100 |
Questions About MBA Degrees in Texas
How do I qualify for in-state tuition in Texas?
To qualify for in-state tuition in Texas, you must establish residency. If you don't currently live in the state, you'll need to fulfill one of the following requirements:
- If you're a dependent, your parents or guardians must move to Texas and establish residency 12 months before you enroll in a Texas university.
- If you're an independent, you must move to the state and establish residency 12 months before you enroll in a Texas university.
How many colleges are in Texas?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were 218 degree-granting post-secondary institutions in Texas in 2021. At least 50 of those schools are private, nonprofit institutions.
Here are some of the best colleges in Texas:
- The University of Texas at Austin
- Rice University
- Texas A&M University
- Southern Methodist University
- Trinity University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Tech University
- Sam Houston State University
- Southwestern University
- University of Houston
What is the hardest MBA program to get into in Texas?
There are several MBA programs in Texas considered challenging to get into thanks to their rigorous acceptance criteria and competitive applicant pool. Some of those include:
- Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University
- McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin
- Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University
What HBCUs are in Texas?
Texas has nine HBCUs:
- Prarie View A&M University
- Wiley College
- Texas Southern University
- Jarvis Christian College
- Huston at Tillotson University
- Texas College
- Southwestern Christian College
- St. Philip's College
- Paul Quinn College
