The Best Business Schools in Austin for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Schools in Austin
- The University of Texas at Austin ranks #1 in the Austin area on a 98.4 Program Score, with an 89% graduation rate.
- Private schools hold most of the places on this list.
- The #1 program is also the lowest-tuition program on the list, so the best value and the best score are the same school.
- Programs analyzed
- 52
- Schools ranked
- 6
- Tuition range
- $11,688-$53,288
- Average graduation rate
- 52%
We analyzed 52 accredited business programs in Austin and the surrounding metro and ranked 6 schools on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes. Tuition across the 6 ranked schools runs from $11,688 to $53,288 a year, a $41,600 spread for the same credential.
The University of Texas at Austin leads with a 98.4 Program Score on an 89% graduation rate, at $11,688 a year. Across all 6 ranked business schools in Austin the average graduation rate is 52%, ranging from 8% to 89%. 1 of the 6 are public and 5 are private, a split that drives most of the price gap below.
The Top Business Schools in Austin at a Glance
UT Austin leads at 98.4, and South-Austin closes the chart at 59.6. Longer bars rank higher.
How the Business Schools in Austin Are Scored
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 6 Best Business Schools in Austin, Ranked for 2027
The 6 best Business Schools in Austin, ranked by outcomes.
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
- Grad rate
- 89%
- Admit rate
- 27%
- In-state
- $11,688
- Out-of-state
- $44,908
A finance major with an optional Financial Analyst Program and an Energy Finance, Law and Science track.
- Program Score 98.4
- 89% graduation rate
- $11,688 in-state tuition
- Energy Finance, Law and Science track
The University of Texas at Austin finance major sits inside the Bachelor of Business Administration, so students complete the core curriculum and BBA degree requirements plus Accounting 326 and Finance 367, 374C and 370. The degree totals at least 120 semester hours. Students then choose a track. The general Finance track requires nine upper-division hours in finance, with up to six hours allowed in real estate. The Energy Finance, Law and Science track adds energy financial risk management, geological sciences, oil and gas law and a nontechnical exploration and production course. Finance majors can also apply to the Financial Analyst Program, a one-year program in which competitively selected business students work with finance faculty and industry professionals, and it can be combined with any finance option.
This bachelor's program has a Program Score of 98.4 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. UT Austin graduates 89% of students and admits 27% of applicants. In-state tuition is $11,688 and out-of-state tuition is $44,908. The program fits students who want a quantitative business degree with a clear path into corporate finance, financial services or energy, and who are comfortable with a competitive admissions environment. Students planning on the Financial Analyst Program should expect to be selected competitively.
Southwestern University
Georgetown, TX · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 73%
- Admit rate
- 43%
- In-state
- $53,288
- Out-of-state
- $53,288
Southwestern University's economics and business major pairs coursework with a Financial Analyst Program where students invest a portion of the university endowment.
- Program Score 87.6
- 73% graduation rate
- $53,288 tuition
- Financial Analyst Program
Southwestern University houses its business major in the Department of Economics and Business. Courses cover entrepreneurship, financial and marketing strategy, organizational behavior and workplace communication, and the faculty update the curriculum for topics such as globalization, artificial intelligence and blockchain. Students can study data analysis, including cost-benefit analysis and resource allocation. Experiential options include the Southwestern London Program, undergraduate research and internships, and the page names past placements at the Federal Reserve Bank, Southwest Airlines and Accenture. In the Financial Analyst Program, a student team manages a portion of the university endowment.
Many business students double-major or minor in fields such as political science, environmental studies or computer science. Federal data shows a 73% graduation rate at Southwestern and a 43% admit rate, so admission is moderately selective. Tuition is $53,288 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program earns a Program Score of 87.6 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a small liberal arts setting with applied finance experience and room to combine business with another discipline.
Saint Edward's University
Austin, TX · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 63%
- Admit rate
- 81%
- In-state
- $50,484
- Out-of-state
- $50,484
Saint Edward's University's Accounting Information Technology program is a 150-hour dual-degree path awarding both a BBA in Accounting and a BA in Computer Information Technology.
- Program Score 78.8
- 63% graduation rate
- $50,484 tuition
- 150-hour dual-degree program
Saint Edward's University in Austin offers an Accounting Information Technology program that awards two degrees: a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Technology. The school describes it as a 150-hour program, which fits the credit threshold many states set for CPA licensure. The major requires 97 hours of coursework plus 44 hours of general education. Courses include Accounting Information Systems, Database Theory and Applications, and Web Programming. Students can complete internships at Big Four and regional firms, including a full-time busy season internship from January to March, and join the Accounting Club. The school reports that students have become CPAs and Certified Fraud Examiners.
The program has a Program Score of 78.8 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. St. Edward's admits 81% of applicants and graduates 63% of students. Tuition is $50,484 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program fits students who want accounting and technology skills together and are willing to take a longer, 150-hour plan with careful scheduling around internships.
Huston-Tillotson University
Austin, TX · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 34%
- Admit rate
- 39%
- In-state
- $24,013
- Out-of-state
- $24,013
Huston-Tillotson University's Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration offers concentrations in accounting, management or marketing and admits upper-division students with 50 transferable semester hours.
- Program Score 71.1
- 34% graduation rate
- $24,013 tuition
- Accounting, management or marketing concentration
Huston-Tillotson University's Department of Business Administration grants a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with concentrations in accounting, management or marketing. The curriculum is built around business analysis, communication, finance and economics, and the faculty mentor students in collecting and analyzing data, making informed business decisions and building working relationships. The school describes the program as preparing graduates to contribute to the business sector right away.
This is an upper-division cohort program. To be considered, applicants need 50 transferable semester hours from an accredited college, an overall transfer GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and one year of full-time work experience, with CLEP, military and ACE transcripts accepted toward the credit requirement. That makes it a practical fit for transfer students, community college graduates and working adults finishing a degree. Federal data shows a 34% graduation rate at Huston-Tillotson and a 39% admit rate. Tuition is $24,013 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program earns a Program Score of 71.1 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking.
Concordia University Texas
Austin, TX · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 45%
- Admit rate
- 91%
- In-state
- $31,108
- Out-of-state
- $31,108
Concordia Texas offers a BBA concentration in Accounting & Financial Management where students can tilt upper-level coursework toward accounting, finance, or a mix of both.
- 45% graduation rate
- Program Score 70.5
- $31,108 in-state tuition
- Accounting or finance upper-level electives
Concordia University Texas in Austin offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting & Financial Management. The school describes it as a blend of hands-on accounting skills, financial analysis and ethical reasoning. The concentration page lists 12 credit hours of upper-level study, with sample courses in Intermediate Accounting I and II, Financial Management, and an upper-level accounting or finance elective. Students can choose to emphasize accounting, finance, or a balanced combination. The page says the concentration can serve as a foundation for graduate study, and that professional certifications may require additional coursework after graduation. The program is delivered in a Christ-centered setting with small classes.
The federal numbers are mixed. About 45% of students at Concordia Texas graduate, and the school admits 91% of applicants, so entry is accessible but completion is a real consideration. In-state tuition is $31,108, and out-of-state tuition is the same $31,108 because the school is private. The program holds a Program Score of 70.5 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a business degree with a focused accounting and finance track, a small campus, and a faith-based environment, and who are prepared to plan carefully for finishing on time.
South University-Austin
Round Rock, TX · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 8%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $17,100
- Out-of-state
- $17,100
The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management at South University, Austin is a 180-credit program with business foundation courses in accounting, communications and management.
- 8% graduation rate
- Program Score 59.6
- $17,100 in-state tuition
- 180-credit healthcare management curriculum
South University, Austin offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management designed to help healthcare managers build business skills. The program requires 180 credits, split into 48 credits of general education, 36 credits of foundation requirements and 96 credits of major requirements. The foundation block includes three accounting courses, medical terminology, business communications, healthcare insurance coding, billing and reimbursement, and principles of management. Major courses cover healthcare delivery and organization, the economics of healthcare, ethics and law for administrators, and healthcare finance. The page notes that some general education courses may be taken at the campus, while all other courses are taken online. The business programs on this campus are described as ACBSP-accredited.
South University, Austin is open admission, with a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum 1.5 GPA required. The federal graduation rate is 8%, which is low and worth weighing carefully. Tuition is $17,100 for both in-state and out-of-state students. The program holds a Program Score of 59.6 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a healthcare management degree with a largely online format and open admission, and who are prepared to plan carefully to finish. Enrollment at the school is 297.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Schools in Austin
The median school on this list graduates 54% of its students. The highest rates belong to The University of Texas at Austin (89%) and Southwestern University (73%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 The University of Texas at Austin89% graduation rate
- #2 Southwestern University73% graduation rate
- #3 Saint Edward's University63% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Schools in Austin?
On this list, 1 of 6 schools is open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Of the rest, 3 schools admit fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being The University of Texas at Austin at 27%.
- #1 The University of Texas at Austin27% admitted
- #4 Huston-Tillotson University39% admitted
- #2 Southwestern University43% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Online Options Among the Business Schools in Austin
Of the 6 schools ranked here, 2 offer distance education. The highest ranked is Concordia University Texas, at #5.
- #5 Concordia University TexasAustin, TX
- #6 South University-AustinRound Rock, TX
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
Campus Size Across the Business Schools in Austin
Enrollment on this list runs from 297 at South University-Austin to 53,864 at The University of Texas at Austin. Of the 6, 1 enrolls 20,000 students or more and 5 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Schools in Austin Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | The University of Texas at AustinUT Austin | $132,075 | $18,554 |
| #2 | Southwestern UniversitySouthwestern | $71,342 | $29,435 |
| #3 | Saint Edward's UniversitySaint Edward's | $83,957 | $26,034 |
| #5 | Concordia University TexasConcordia University Texas | $78,414 | $26,128 |
| #6 | South University-AustinSouth-Austin | $46,885 | $27,423 |
Graduates of UT Austin earn the most four years after finishing, a median of $132,075; the lowest figure here is $46,885 at South-Austin.
UT Austin leads on both counts: the top rank among these schools and the highest graduate pay.
Net price, what the average aided undergraduate pays after grants, ranges from $18,554 a year at UT Austin to $29,435 at Southwestern.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
What Business Schools in Austin Cost
Tuition across the 6 ranked schools runs from $11,688 to $53,288 a year. The University of Texas at Austin anchors the low end at $11,688 a year, while Southwestern University in Georgetown sits at the top at $53,288. The cheapest public option among the business schools in Austin is The University of Texas at Austin at $11,688; the cheapest private is South University-Austin in Round Rock at $17,100.
Over the four years a bachelor's takes, that is roughly $46,752 in tuition at The University of Texas at Austin against about $213,152 at Southwestern University. Public figures here are the in-state resident rate, so an applicant moving to Austin from another state should read the out-of-state column before treating the cheap end of this list as cheap.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Which Business Major to Choose in Austin
Business school covers a dozen different degrees, and the business schools in Austin do not all offer the same ones. Across the 52 accredited programs analyzed here, the fields with the deepest coverage in Austin are business administration (6 schools), accounting (3 schools), finance (3 schools), marketing (3 schools), and healthcare administration (3 schools). A school ranked highly overall is not automatically strong in the major you want, so check the field before the name.
Accounting is the one track bound to a license: most states now license CPAs on either 150 credit hours and one year of experience or a bachelor's and two years, so the choice between a fifth year of school and a longer apprenticeship shapes the course plan from the first year rather than the last. 3 of the schools analyzed in Austin run one.
Public and Private Business Schools in Austin
1 of the 6 ranked business schools in Austin is public and 5 are private, and that split drives most of the $41,600 tuition spread above. The public rate is a residency benefit: The University of Texas at Austin charges $11,688 in-state and $44,908 out of state, so where a student already lives changes this ranking more than any other single factor.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Why Study Business in Austin
The 6 ranked schools sit across 3 towns in the metro, among them Austin, Georgetown, and Round Rock, and the table names the city of each, so check the commute before assuming a suburban campus is the convenient option. 2 of the 6 also run a confirmed online option for students who cannot be on campus daily.
Keep Exploring
Business Schools in Austin: Your Questions, Answered
What is the best business school in Austin?
By Program Score, The University of Texas at Austin ranks first among the 6 ranked business schools in Austin, with a 98.4 score and an 89% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes together, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one of them.
Can you study business part-time in Austin?
Yes. Evening, weekend and part-time formats are common across the business schools in Austin, and in a metro this size most schools run at least one. The tradeoff is length rather than content: the same credential takes longer while you keep working. Ask each school for the completion rate of its part-time cohort specifically, since it often differs from the headline graduation rate this ranking uses.
How much does a business degree cost in Austin?
Tuition among the ranked Austin schools runs from $11,688 to $53,288 a year. Public schools publish the in-state resident rate, so students moving in from another state should check the out-of-state column before comparing. Neither figure includes Austin living costs, which are a real part of the total.
How many business schools in Austin does this ranking cover?
We analyzed 52 accredited business programs across Austin and the surrounding metro and ranked the top 6 schools, listing one entry per school on its strongest program. This list covers the Austin metro area, so some schools sit outside the city line; the city of each is shown in the table.
Is it worth studying business in Austin instead of online?
2 of the 6 ranked schools run a confirmed online option, so in Austin this is a live choice rather than a hypothetical one. An accredited online program carries identical standing on a transcript, since accreditation attaches to the school and the program rather than to the delivery format. What a campus adds is proximity to the employers that school recruits into, and at $11,688 in-state, The University of Texas at Austin is what that proximity costs at the low end here. The honest comparison is local access against the cost of being here.