Top 25 MBA Programs in Texas

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the greatest numbers of master's-level degrees awarded in 2014-15 were in business, with some 185,000 new degrees conferred. This was 21% more than the next most popular discipline: education. As enterprises big and small continue to grow (and expand globally), demand for those with a strong business background continues along a similar path. From entrepreneurs to corporate managers to healthcare admins, an MBA can launch you toward your career ambitions.

Recommended Online MBA Programs

As the second-most populous state in the nation, Texas is home to many universities and colleges offering degrees at the junior, senior, and graduate levels. The best MBA programs in Texas hail not only from Houston, but from towns like College Station, Abilene, and Arlington. When determining the best MBA in Texas, you'll need to take into account a number of data points, like MBA options, cost, and acceptance rate. The best MBA schools in Texas offer students a well-rounded study program, one that readies the aspiring global manager to excel in industries as diverse as nonprofit, finance, hospitality, education, and tech. Payscale estimates that MBA degree-holders earn on average a salary of $84,000.

Also, check out our Top 25 Undergraduate Business Schools in Texas and our Top 10 Master's in Management degrees in Texas.

Methodology

This ranking is designed to find the best Master's of Business Administration available in the state of Texas. A list of over 75 MBA programs was obtained and then vetted based on the following four factors:

Accreditation: Accreditation should always play a role in vetting future degrees. Certain accreditations directly affect value and program brand recognition of a program, and this certainly applies to MBAs. This brand recognition in turn affects the competitive advantage of each alumnus in the job market. Each MBA in this list is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting organizations recognized by the US Department of Education, specifically the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Additionally, each business program was evaluated on whether it obtained an additional third party business accreditation from one of the top business school accrediting institutions: IACBE, ACBSP, and AACSB. AACSB is widely regarded as the gold standard of business accreditations, thus the schools that achieve this accreditation were given the highest marks.

Affordability: Each program was vetted based on the estimated total MBA base tuition. This data directly affects each student's return on investment, and thus is an important factor to consider. The cost was gathered from the most recent data given on each program and school website. The lowest tuition in the list was $5,389, the highest came in at $98,500, with the average resting at $33,856.77.

Average salary: This data was collected from PayScale's Graduate School Salary Report to find the average early-career salary reported by recent master's graduates from each institution. This data, combined with the tuition cost, gives students a better picture on a possible return on investment. The highest early-career salary reported that was used in this ranking is $103,000. Any program without a recorded PayScale early-career salary was calculated at zero because of no available third-party data.

Prestige: This data was collected from two of the most prestigious sources in educational rankings, US News and World Report and The Princeton Review. Schools were valued on their score within the US News and World Report's Top Business School Ranking and whether they were included in the the Princeton Review's Western Regional Ranking.

This criteria was collected, weighted equally, and then averaged for this ranking. Here is our list of the Top 25 Master's of Business Administration Programs in Texas.

#25 University of Texas of the Permian Basin College of Business and Engineering – Odessa, Texas

Students at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin can earn a Masters of Business Administration degree that is accredited by both the AACSB and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. UTPB is a member of the prestigious University of Texas system which translates to an expansive network of alumni and access to many state of the art resources. One unique aspect of the university is that while the college is a part of the larger University of Texas system, the Permian Basin campus has a student body of only 6,077 and also offers one of the lowest tuition rates in the state of Texas. The university's size and price point makes it approachable to students from many backgrounds and also encourages camaraderie among peers. US News and World Report lists the campus among the top schools in the nation in their Best Business Schools Ranking. UT Permian Basin offers a vastly different on campus experience than the main campus, but there are definitely many advantages to becoming a UTPB Falcon.

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is located in the quaint town of Odessa, Texas. The university is very committed to student success and has many programs such as on campus daycare and scholarship opportunities to assist students at every step of their higher education journey. The College of Business and Engineering at UTPB offers a Masters of Business degree with four tracks. Students can either complete a General MBA or choose from specializations in Finance or Accounting. There is also an option of additional certification in Energy Business. The program can be completed in as little as 30 credit hours and includes a comprehensive capstone project in the final semester.

Estimated Program Tuition: $5,389

#24 Saint Edward's University Bill Munday School of Business – Austin, Texas

Saint Edward's University offers impressive MBA that is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The school is located in Austin, Texas, and the Princeton Review lists Saint Edward's as one of the best colleges in the Western Region. Being within the city offers a wide variety of professional networking opportunities as well as a unique blend of cultural experiences. Saint Edwards is a faith based university, and while their values are visible and present, the main goal of the university is to create an engaging, real world based, learning environment for all students. The college makes this possible by providing over 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees and having an average student to staff ratio of 13:1. Saint Edwards is also a part of a network of 23 international universities which helps to create a truly global and educational perspective.

The Masters of Business Administration through the Bill Munday School of Business at Saint Edward's University is a comprehensive 39 credit hour degree with a focus on entrepreneurial thinking and outreach programs. The university's dedication to community improvement is something that has been maintained since the school's founding in 1922. It is shown through the over 70,000 hours of community service completed just last year, as well as by the hands on community based projects built into the MBA curriculum. Students can specialize in Accounting or Digital Management and have the opportunity to choose how fast the degree is completed based on their individual needs.

Estimated Program Tuition: $54,366

#23 Dallas Baptist University Graduate School of Business – Dallas, Texas

Dallas Baptist University is a four year, private university that was established in 1898. The school upholds their baptist roots with a strong Christian presence throughout the campus and degree programs. There are 79 Undergraduate degrees, 29 Masters degrees, and 2 Doctoral degrees offered at Dallas Baptist University. Students at DBU can earn a Masters of Business Administration degree that is accredited by both ACBSP and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges through the Graduate School of Business. The campus is spacious and sits on 232 acres, but an average class size of 13 students helps to create a small and cohesive community both in class and out. Graduates of Dallas Baptist University earn an average early-career salary of $62,900 and join close knit group of established alumni.

The Graduate School of Business at Dallas Baptist University offers a well respected Masters of Business Administration degree. The program offers many specialization options including-Accounting, Business Communications, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management, International Business, and Leading the Nonprofit Organization. These are just a few of the concentrations offered in the colleges 36 credit hour program, with several more centered around specific management areas. Students at DBU are encouraged to "Live with a purpose." This core value permeates throughout the Master of Business Administration's comprehensive degree plan. While there are many classes offered with traditional full time students in mind, this program did stand out because of their many weekend and evening options.

Estimated Program Tuition: $30,816

#22 Texas Woman's University School of Management – Denton, Texas

Students can earn a Masters of Business Administration degree from the ACBSP and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges accredited program at Texas Woman's University. Texas Woman's University was founded in 1901 and has grown into one of the nation's largest universities focused primarily on women. The university is home to around 15,000 students and has an average class size of 35-45. The MBA's offered have flexible formats and also come with a very affordable price tag. According to TWU's website Texas Woman's was voted #1 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for student earning vs cost of degrees by The Dallas Business Journal. With an average graduate early salary of $52,200, and MBA cost of only $331.26 per credit hour, we would have to agree.

TMU's main campus is located in Denton, Texas which is about an hour's drive away from the major city of Dallas, Texas. The School of Management at Texas Woman's University offers a 33-36 credit hour Master of Business Administration degree that can be accomplished in an average of 15-36 months. The Executive MBA program track is offered only as a hybrid course; while the MBA with Accounting concentration can be completed either online, in person, or in a hybrid format as well. The Executive MBA is designed specifically with working professionals in mind and the MBA with Accounting concentration is focused on preparing students for working professional roles within the business world. Many of the programs at Texas Woman's are geared specifically towards females but it is important to mention that diversity is welcome and encouraged at this well qualified and respected university.

Estimated Program Tuition: $11,925

#21 Sam Houston State University College of Business Administration – Huntsville, Texas

Sam Houston State University was founded in 1879 in the quiet town of Huntsville, Texas. The College of Business Administration offers a Masters of Business Administration degree that is accredited by both AACSB and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. While there is definitely a small town feel on and around campus, SHSU has over 20,000 students and is the 12th largest university in the state of Texas. The college is focused on community involvement and offers many opportunities for student involvement and activities. The cost of degree completion at Sam Houston State is below average for our list at $26,613, and graduates earn an average early pay of $51,100. Students have the options of online classes, traditional face to face classes in Huntsville, or through the Woodlands campus. These three options make the program very accessible to anyone interested in completing their MBA.

At Sam Houston State University students have many degree options to choose from. There are 80 Bachelors degrees, 50 Master's degrees, and six doctoral degrees offered. The Masters of Business Administration degree through the College of Business Administration can be completed in 36 credit hours. The program generally takes four semesters for full time students and around two years for part time students. There are no specializations offered for the traditional MBA, but there is a fully online Executive MBA track with a focus on Banking and Financial Institutions. Students in both tracks complete a capstone project in their final semester that is geared towards putting what was learned during the program into practice in a meaningful way.

Estimated Program Tuition: $26,613

#20 University of Houston-Clear Lake School of Business – Houston, Texas

The University of Houston-Clear Lake is a member of the larger University of Houston system. The UHCL's Masters of Business Administration degree through the School of Business is accredited by the esteemed AACSB and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The program was listed among the best MBA's in the country by US News and World Report, and according to the university's website, this online MBA program was also named one of the Top 10 Most Affordable Online MBA's in the nation by GetEducated.com. The campus has 8,600 students and offers 80 Graduate and Undergraduate degrees, as well as six doctoral degrees. Because of their location and commitment to creating qualified working professionals, there are a variety of internship and co-op opportunities available to all students. Graduates of the Master's of Business Administration program benefit from the networking potential at University of Houston-Clear Lake, as well as the reported average early-career salary of $54,000.

While the college is technically located within Houston city limits, it has a very distinct and different atmosphere from the main campus. The Clear Lake campus is situated on a 524 acre nature reserve within a residential area and is very focused on professional and working students. The college originally only admitted Junior and Senior level graduates, but since 2011 they have now opened their doors to Freshman and Sophomore level students as well. The School of Business offers both online and face to face class options. In class students can choose from specializations in Environmental Management, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Leadership, Management Information Systems, Management of Technology – Leadership, and Sustainability. While online students can specialize in the areas of Environmental Management, Finance, Human Resource Management, or Management of Technology-Leadership.

Estimated Program Tuition: $18,882

#19 University of Texas at El Paso College of Business Administration – El Paso, Texas

The University of Texas at El Paso is a part of the highly recognized University of Texas school system. The Masters of Business Administration program through the College of Business Administration is accredited by the AACSB and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The degree completion cost is below average for our list at $23,879.20. While UTEP is a less expensive option than the main campus, students of the university still receive top notch education along with the networking advantages of being a part of such a large university system. Graduates of University of Texas El Paso earn an average early pay salary of $59,500. Low degree completion cost and high post graduation pay make the MBA program at UTEP one that prospective students can feel confident in.

The University of Texas at El Paso is located along the Rio Grande overlooking the Mexico-United States border. The university is one of the largest colleges in the nation for their hispanic population percentile, with over 80% of students identifying with a hispanic heritage. The University of Texas El Paso has over 23,000 students and seven colleges on campus. There are 71 Undergraduate, 76 Masters, and 20 Doctoral degrees offered through all of the colleges combined. The College of Business Administration offers a Masters of Business Administration degree with concentration options of Business Informatics for Healthcare, Economics, Finance, International Business, Management, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Organizational Behavior and Resource Management. The program is 48 credit hours in length and is generally completed in around 22 months.

Estimated Program Tuition: $23,879

#18 Hardin-Simmons University Kelley College of Business – Abilene, Texas

Students of Hardin-Simmons University can complete their Masters of Business Administration degree through the Kelley College of Business. The college's respected MBA program is accredited by the ACBSP and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, and made the Princeton Review's list of the Best Western Colleges in the country. While Hardin-Simmons is a private university, students of the Abilene based school can enjoy the perks of a private university without the price tag that is normally associated with this type of educational experience. Students at HSU can earn their Master's of Business Administration degree with a base tuition cost as little as $25,020.00. Hardin-Simmons University is dedicated to helping students grow both academically and professionally by providing small class sizes and affordable tuition rates.

Hardin-Simmons University was founded in 1891 and has been affiliated with the Baptist General Convention since its establishment. The university does have a mission statement that reflects their core Christian values, however, students from all backgrounds are encouraged and welcomed to attend. There are a little over 2,000 students enrolled among the seven schools and colleges on campus, with average class size of 12 students per teacher. The Masters of Business Administration program through the Kelley College of Business can be completed in 36 credit hours by students who have a Bachelors of Business Administration or in 45 credit hours for those with other undergraduate degrees. Within the general MBA there are not specializations but students can receive their Master's of Business Administration in Sports Management for 12 additional credit hours.

Estimated Program Tuition: $25,020

#17 Texas A&M University-Commerce College of Business – Commerce, Texas

At Texas A&M University-Commerce students can earn a Masters of Business Administration degree through the College of Business that is accredited by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and AACSB. US News and World Report listed the MBA program at Texas A&M-Commerce among the best in the country. Texas A&M University-Commerce also made our list because of their high return of investment. Graduates earn an impressive average early salary of $66,900 and the estimated total tuition cost of the Masters of Business Administration degree is only $11,508.60. The university does an excellent job of combining the high expectations of the A&M system with a smaller campus and affordable tuition rates.

Texas A&M University-Commerce is a member of the elite Texas A&M University system. The college is located in Commerce, Texas, which is about an hours drive from the major city of Dallas, Texas. The campus at Commerce is a four year, public university with almost 13,000 students. There are over 100 graduate and undergraduate degrees offered through the school's four colleges. The Masters of Business Administration degree through the College of Business can be completed between 30-48 credit hours. There are no specializations offered, but each degree plan includes six elective credit hours in order to allow students to focus on their areas of interest. The 100% online program is focused on developing the critical thinking and leadership skills needed to be successful in today's ever changing business world.

Estimated Program Tuition: $11,508

#16 University of St. Thomas Cameron School of Business – Houston, Texas

Students of the Cameron School of Business at the University of St. Thomas have an opportunity to earn their Master's of Business Administration degree through a program that has been mentioned among the Best MBA Programs in the country by US News and World Report. The MBA at University of St. Thomas is highly accredited by the AACSB as well as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, and also made the list of the Princeton Reviews Best Western Colleges. The program completion cost is $41,868.00 which is slightly higher than average for our list. However, because the University of St. Thomas is a private university, students do benefit from things like small class sizes and low teacher student ratios, which often translates to more attention and accommodations to individual student needs.

The University of St. Thomas is located near the center of downtown Houston. The campus has many historical buildings that attest to the school's strong Catholic history. There are 3,359 students enrolled but many do not live on campus due to the university's centralized location and very flexible course format options. Through the Cameron School of Business students can earn their Master's of Business Administration degree in 36 credit hours. Concentration options include: Accounting, Economics, Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Ethics, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Management Information Systems, and Health Care Administration. Classes can be taken online or in person and are offered with traditional student hours during the week, as well as accommodating class times for working professionals in evenings and weekends.

Estimated Program Tuition: $41,868

#15 Angelo State University College of Business – San Angelo, Texas

The 30-credit hour MBA at Angelo State takes 12 months to complete for full-time students. A part-time option is available for those who require a more flexible school schedule due to commitments like work and family. For on-campus MBA students, courses last for 16 weeks. Students complete 10 core MBA courses on their way to graduation; there are no electives in this program.

Course topics in this MBA include advanced management accounting, managerial economics, and organizational behavior and leadership. Admissions into the MBA program at Angelo State University requires applicants bring at least three years of meaningful business experience. The school waives GMAT and/or GRE scores for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.

Estimated Program Tuition: $6,306

#14 Abilene Christian University College of Business Administration – Abilene, Texas

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the master of business administration at ACU combines courses in leadership, innovation, and data to prepare students for global, leadership roles in the 21st century. Students learn not only business essentials, but also study areas like faith and ethics. A 36-credit MBA, most students take 24 months to complete all master of business administration requirements.

To begin the MBA program at Abilene Christian, students must complete three prerequisites in accounting, economics, and statistics. An undergraduate business degree should cover these, but for any admitted student who lacks the courses, they may take them at ACU. Available tracks include operations and supply chain management, marketing, and business analytics.

Estimated Program Tuition: $25,200

#13 University of Dallas Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business – Irving, Texas

Students of the Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business at the University of Dallas can earn their Master's of Business Administration degree through a program that has been mentioned among the Best MBA Programs in the country by US News and World Report and made the list of the Princeton Reviews Best Western Colleges in the United States. The MBA at University of Dallas is highly accredited by the AACSB as well as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of degree completion for UD graduate programs is $37,500; which is a median price range for our list. Graduates of University of Dallas reported earning an average early-career pay of $56,900 and can expect to leave their degree program with a wide array of real world knowledge that can be applied both in the classroom and out.

The University of Dallas is a four year, private university with a Catholic background woven throughout its rich history. The college is located in Irving,Texas which is just a short drive from the Dallas metroplex. Students of the University of Dallas can earn their Master's of Business Administration degree through the Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business. The program is 30 credit hours in length and can be completed in an online or in class format. Over 85% of DU's Masters of Business Administration students are working professionals. This ratio allows for a diverse group of peers with a variety of real world experience and opinions. The program also has many flexible components in order to meet the needs of all students.

Estimated Program Tuition: $37,500

#12 Texas State University McCoy College of Business Administration – San Marcos, Texas

Students of the McCoy College of Business at Texas State University have an opportunity to earn their Master's of Business Administration degree. This program has been mentioned among the Best MBA Programs in the country by US News and World Report and listed as one of the Best Western Colleges in the nation by the Princeton Review. The MBA at Texas State is reputably accredited by the AACSB as well as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Texas State University is a four year, public university located in San Marcos, Texas. The campus sits in the quiet hill country, but is just a few hours from the large cities of both Austin and San Antonio. Graduates of Texas State reported earning an average early-career salary of $58,700 and with a tuition cost of $22,950, students can confidently invest in their future with an MBA from this reputable program.

There are 37,979 students enrolled at Texas State, putting them among the largest universities in the state. The McCoy College of Business Administration offers a Master's of Business Administration degree that can either be completed in a Full-Time Cohort format or a Part-Time Flex format. Both tracks require the same 42 credit hours, the different formats are simply Texas State's way of meeting their student's varying needs. The Full-Time program is generally completed in 21 months and is unique because students are grouped with a cohort from their very first class. This option has afternoon classes, an international trip, and internship that are all required. In contrast the Flex program is designed with working professionals in mind. Classes are all scheduled in the evening and can be completed through the Round Rock center or the main campus, and the internship and international trip are both optional with this track. Students of the Flex Program also complete their courses in a traditional format while meeting new students with each semester.

Estimated Program Tuition: $22,950

#11 University of North Texas College of Business – Denton, Texas

The University of North Texas offers a Masters of Business Administration that is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and additionally accredited by AACSB. This accreditation put this program among the most elite MBAs in the world. The MBA at University of North Texas was mentioned among the top Master's of Business Administration degrees in the country by US News and World Report and was also listed as one of the Best Western Colleges by the Princeton Review. Tuition at University of North Texas is lower than the average for our list with a tuition cost of $21,800, and graduates of the university earn an average early salary of $59,900. The school's high accreditations and low tuition cost make a Masters of Business Administration degree from University of North Texas an investment worth making.

UNT is a four year, public university located in Denton, Texas, which is within driving distance of the bustling cities of both Dallas and Fort Worth. The campus is home to over 37,000 students and is made up of 12 academic schools. Combined, the schools offer an impressive 215 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The Masters of Business Administration degree through the College of Business at North Texas is available in both online and face to face formats. The program is 36 credit hours in length and includes specializations in Marketing and Finance. There are also optional accelerated programs, that are offered in condensed eight week sessions, that include concentrations in Strategic Management and Organizational Behavior.

Estimated Program Tuition: $21,800

#10 University of Houston C.T. Bauer College of Business – Houston, Texas

The University of Houston offers a world class education just outside of downtown Houston. The C.T. Bauer College of Business is acknowledge among prestigious ranking systems as one of the best business schools in the United States. The Masters of Business Administration degree program through the C.T. Bauer College of Business is ranked number #92 by US News and World Report in Best MBA Programs, and the university is also listed as one of the Best Western Colleges by the Princeton Review. The program holds the well respected AACSB and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges accreditations, and is instructed by a world renowned faculty. Graduates of the University of Houston reported earning an average early-career salary of $76,000, which is one of the highest on our list. The cost of degree completion is around the median for our list at $40,000. The University of Houston's MBA program is one that is sure to have a high return on investment for anyone looking to further their education and career.

The University of Houston is a four year, public university with a student body of over 42,000 students. There are an impressive 120 undergraduate degrees, 139 master's degrees, and 54 doctoral degrees offered through the university's 16 colleges. The Master's of Business Administration degree through the C.T. Bauer College of Business is one of the most diverse on our list. The program can be completed in three distinct tracts. Students can choose to complete their degree through either the Full Time MBA, Professional MBA, or Executive MBA program tracks. Both the Full Time and Executive MBA's can be completed in 22 months, while the Professional MBA track includes an additional two months of coursework.

Estimated Program Tuition: $40,000

#9 Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business – Houston, Texas

Rice University is a private, four year institution located in the heart of downtown Houston, Texas. The Masters of Business Administration program through the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges as well as additionally recognized by the AACSB. US News and World Report ranked Rice University #25 on their list of Best MBA Programs in the US, and the Princeton Review included Rice on their list of Best Western Colleges. Graduates of Rice University report earning a hefty average early-career pay of $98,600, the second highest from this ranking. The school's location in downtown Houston also leans itself to additional networking opportunities for students both professionally and socially.

Rice University is not only one of the top private schools in Texas, but in the nation as well. Entrance into Rice University is extremely selective as there is a student body of only 6,700 students. The faculty roster is equally as judicious and contains many nationally recognized professors. The Masters of Business Administration degree through the Jones Graduate School of Business is an intensive 22 month long program that includes many unique aspects such as a summer internship and Action Learning Project. The program concentrations offered are Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Healthcare, Real Estate, and Mastering Creativity and Innovation. Students also have opportunities to choose from three dual degree options, including: MBA/ME, MBA/PSM, or MD/MBA.

Estimated Program Tuition: $98,500

#8 University of Texas at Arlington College of Business – Arlington, Texas

UT Arlington offers MBA programs for both on-campus and online learners, including a 15-month executive master of business administration. Students may choose from a full- or part-time schedule, with the traditional route taking place on the campus in Arlington. UT Arlington admits students to the fall, spring, and summer.

Students may customize their MBA with one of nine areas of concentration, which include business analytics, information systems, and operations management. All learners admitted to UT Arlington's AACSB-accredited, 45-credit hour MBA progress through the program through standard 15-week semesters. The MBA programs at UT Arlington are among over 180 degrees offered by the school, which serves a 58,000 global enrollment.

Estimated Program Tuition: $13,803

#7 Baylor University Hankamer School of Business – Waco, Texas

Students at Baylor University can earn a Masters of Business Administration degree that is exceptionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and the AACSB. US News and World Report ranked Baylor University #57 in the Best MBA Programs category. They have also been recognized on the Princeton Reviews list of Best Western Colleges in the United States. The average cost of a Master's degree at Baylor University is $56,976. While this price point is slightly higher than many other options on our list, the average early pay for graduates is a notable $78,400. An investment in a MBA from this Christian based research university is one that students can feel confident in.

Baylor University is a private, four year university located in the small but developing town of Waco, Texas. Baylor is home to 16,787 students and the sprawling 1,000 acre campus holds 11 schools and colleges. Students can earn their Master's of Business Administration degree through the Hankamer School of Business. The school offers a variety of formats with something to meet everyone's needs. There are currently four MBA options offered at BU. The Online MBA program is offered in a 100% online format, and can be completed between 12-14 months. The Accelerated MBA is for students who already have background coursework in a business related area, this program can be completed in 14 months. The Traditional MBA track includes three additional courses, as well as the option to choose elective courses based on areas of interest. The Executive MBA options are only offered in Dallas and Austin and are part of a 48 credit hour program catered to expanding business executive's skills sets.

Estimated Program Tuition: $56,976

#6 Texas Tech University Rawls Jerry S. College of Business – Lubbock, Texas

Students can obtain an affordable and highly regarded Masters of Business Administration degree from the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University. The Master's of Business Administration program at Texas Tech University is accredited by the esteemed Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and the AACSB. The Princeton Review's has listed Texas Tech among the Best Western Colleges in the nation, and US News and World Report mentioned TTU's Rawls College among the Best Business Colleges in the United States. The cost of tuition at Texas Tech is one of the lowest of our list at only $13,230. Even with the low tuition, Texas Tech is committed to providing students with the most up to date and relevant education possible. This idea is reinforced by the reported high average early-career earnings of graduates that is near the top of our list at $62,800.

Texas Tech University is a four year, public university located in Lubbock, Texas. With 35,859 students enrolled each semester the Red Raiders are among the largest schools in the state. The university has 10 colleges as well as two professional and graduate schools. Students can earn their Master's of Business Administration degree through the Rawls College of Business. Texas Tech's MBA program can be completed within three different tracks, including: STEM MBA, MBA for Working Professionals, and Dual Degree MBA. The STEM MBA program focuses on students with backgrounds in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics and works to provide those students with the business skills necessary to advance in their chosen field. The MBA for Working Professionals is 22 months in length and is a cohort style program geared towards students with pre-existing business background knowledge. The Dual Degree MBA is for those students wishing to pursue another degree along with their MBA.

Estimated Program Tuition: $13,230

#5 Texas Christian University Neeley School of Business – Fort Worth, Texas

The Texas Christian University offers a unique and student focused Masters of Business Administration degree. The MBA degree program through the Neeley School of Business is ranked number #63 by US News and World Report in Best MBA Programs, and the university is also listed as one of the Best Western Colleges by the Princeton Review. The program holds the prestigious AACSB and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges accreditations and is instructed by an expert faculty that was ranked #2 in the world by The Economist. Graduates of Texas Christian University reported earning an average early-career pay of $84,500, making them one of the top earners on our list. The cost of master's degree tuition at TCU is $53,280. This price point is one of our highest, however the high early salary and distinguished faculty make an MBA from Texas Christian University a judicious decision.

Texas Christian University was founded in 1873 and has strong ties to the Presbyterian and Baptist church. While helping mold future leaders in one of their missions, the school also holds strong value on scholarship and building ethical and responsible leaders from all backgrounds. Students can earn their Master's of Business Administration degree through the Neeley School of Business and have six tracks to choose from. The degree options offered are Full Time MBA, Professional MBA, Executive MBA, Energy MBA, Healthcare MBA, and MBA/EdD Dual Degree. The Energy, Healthcare, and MBA/EdD Dual degree options are all unique degree tracks that stand out among the many other degrees that are offered on our list.

Estimated Program Tuition: $53,280

#4 Southern Methodist University Edwin L. Cox School of Business – Dallas, Texas

The Edwin L. Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University offers one of the most well respected Masters of Business Administration degrees in the country. The program is accredited by the AACSB and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and was ranked #54 by US News and World Report for Best MBA Programs. The Princeton Review also listed the school as one of the Best Western Colleges in the United States. The average cost of Master's degree completion at Southern Methodist is $60,000. While that is one of the highest tuition rates on our list, the distinguished faculty, alumni, and networking connections make the program well worth the cost. Southern Methodist University also boast one of the highest early pay rates for graduates with an average yearly income of $84,400.

Southern Methodist University is a four year, private university located in Dallas, Texas. The university was founded in 1911 and as the name indicates, the school carries a Christian rooted heritage. SMU has seven colleges and almost 12,000 students in attendance campus wide. The Masters of Business Administration degree through the Edwin L. Cox School of Business is a 63 credit hour program consisting of core courses, an internship, and several specialization tracks. The programs concentration options include: Accounting, Finance, Business Analytics, Information and Operations, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, or Strategy and Entrepreneurship. A unique aspect of the program is that Masters of Business Administration students also have an additional option of acquiring a joint degree in Law or Arts Management.

Estimated Program Tuition: $60,000

#3 Texas A&M University Mays Business School – College Station, Texas

Texas A&M University was the first public institution founded in the state of Texas. Since 1876 the school has grown and now includes over 60,000 students per semester. Mays Business School offers an exceptional Masters of Business Administration degree that is accredited by the AACSB and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The Princeton review listed Texas A&M among the Best Western Colleges in the Nation. This MBA was additionally ranked #31 by US News and World Report for Best MBA Programs. Graduates of Texas A&M reported earning an average early-career pay of $74,900 and join an expansive network of alumni that totals over 450,000 former graduates. While the cost of attendance is higher than average for our list at $52,000, the school's highly respected history, esteemed faculty, and prestigious rankings make an MBA from Texas A&M a wise investment.

Texas A&M is a four year, public university located in the small town of College Station, Texas. While the town of College Station has a small town feel, the college itself offers over 1,000 student activities and organizations for students to participate in. There are over 350 degrees offered through the university's 17 schools and colleges. The Master's of Business Administration degree through Mays Business School is a 49 credit hour program that is generally completed by full time students in 18 months. The program is very leadership focused and includes a summer internship, certificate options, and several concentration options. The specializations offered include: Entrepreneurship, Financial Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Supply Chain Analytics, and Data Analytics. Students can also choose to earn certificates in the areas of Supply Chain Management, Business Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology Commercialization, Advanced International Affairs, Public Health, Health Systems Management, and International Business.

Estimated Program Tuition: $52,000

#2 University of Texas at Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management – Richardson, Texas

Students admitted to the UT Dallas MBA program may choose from five options, all of which maximize time and take into account that every student is at a different point in their careers. The 53-credit hour MBA boasts 15 concentrations and 14 joint-degree offerings, allowing learners to tailor their degrees to what best suits their career goals.

For the professional MBA program, students must pass a business calculus course; this does not apply to the full-time MBA or the executive MBA programs. What's more, the school allows up to 12 transfer credits into the professional flex and online MBA options, but limit this to six for the full-time and professional evening MBA tracks. Students who attend full-time can finish the UT Dallas MBA program with their daytime cohort in 16 months.

Estimated Program Tuition: $28,010

#1 University of Texas at Austin Red McCombs School of Business – Austin, Texas

The University of Texas at Austin offers an educational experience as unique and well known as the city of Austin itself. The Red McCombs School of Business is acknowledge among many of the leading ranking systems as one of the best in the nation. The Masters of Business Administration degree program through the McCombs School of Business is ranked number #16 by US News and World Report in Best MBA Programs, and is also listed as one of the Best Western Colleges by the Princeton Review. The program holds the prestigious AACSB and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges accreditations and is instructed by a distinguished and diverse faculty. Graduates of the University of Texas Austin report earning an impressive average early-career salary of $103,000, which is the highest on our list. The high early pay rate and exceptional accreditations are only a few of the reasons why this Master's of Business Administration degree program topped our list.

There are 17 colleges and schools with a total of over 51,000 students at the University of Texas' main campus in Austin. UT-Austin is a four year, public institution that was established in 1883 and has upheld a standard of excellence from day one. The Masters of Business Administration Program through the McCombs School of Business offers an impressive 20 concentration areas for students to choose from. A few of these options include: Government and Society, Accounting, Risk and Operations Management, Interdisciplinary Business Topics, Information, Marketing and Business, Management, and Finance. This program is well known because of their rigorous course content, well qualified staff, and commitment to excellence both before and after graduation.

Estimated Program Tuition: $66,596

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