The Best MBA Programs in Houston for 2027
Key Points: Best MBA Programs in Houston
- Rice University ranks #1 in the Houston area on a 94.2 Program Score, with a 95% graduation rate.
- Public schools hold most of the places on this list.
- University of Houston-Clear Lake follows at #2 with a 71.1 Program Score.
- Programs analyzed
- 5
- Schools ranked
- 5
- Average graduation rate
- 50%
We analyzed 5 accredited MBA programs in Houston and ranked 5 schools on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes. Graduation rates across the 5 ranked schools run from 22% to 95%, a wide gap for the same credential.
Rice University leads with a 94.2 Program Score on a 95% graduation rate. Across all 5 ranked MBA programs in Houston the average graduation rate is 50%, ranging from 22% to 95%. 3 of the 5 are public and 2 are private, a split that drives most of the price gap below. National median pay for the field is $105,770 a year per the BLS, the benchmark every school on this list feeds into regardless of what it charges.
The Top MBA Programs in Houston at a Glance
Rice leads at 94.2, and Texas Southern closes the chart at 59.2. Longer bars rank higher.
How the MBA Programs in Houston 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 5 Best MBA Programs in Houston, Ranked for 2027
The 5 best MBA Programs in Houston, ranked by outcomes.
Rice University
Houston, TX · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 95%
- Admit rate
- 8%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
Rice University's full-time MBA is a 60-credit-hour, four-semester residency program that includes a required Global Field Experience in year one.
- Program Score 94.2
- 95% graduation rate
- 60-credit full-time MBA
- Required Global Field Experience
Rice University offers a full-time Master of Business Administration, a non-thesis master's degree requiring a minimum of 60 credit hours. Students need four fall or spring semesters of full-time residency, and the first year is mostly core courses in accounting, finance, marketing, operations, organizational behavior, strategy and data analysis. A Global Field Experience is required during the first year. Students then choose two custom core courses, such as management control or new enterprises, and fill the second year with electives, which may be taught in daytime, evening or weekend sessions. An optional Area of Specialization is available, and the catalog lists a coordinated MBA/MD dual degree. A 3.00 GPA is required.
The program has a Program Score of 94.2 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. Rice admits 8% of applicants and graduates 95% of its students, figures that reflect the university overall. The program fits full-time students who can commit two years to campus residency and want a broad business core plus extensive electives and an international field component.
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, TX · Public
- Grad rate
- 52%
- Admit rate
- 91%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
University of Houston-Clear Lake's online MBA is 30 credit hours and can be finished in as few as 12 months at two courses per eight-week session.
- 52% graduation rate
- Program Score 71.1
- Finish in as few as 12 months
- Embedded graduate certificate option
The University of Houston-Clear Lake offers an online MBA that totals 30 credit hours and is delivered 100% online with multiple start dates each year. Full-time students can finish in as few as 12 months by taking two courses per eight-week session, while part-time students can complete it in as little as 24 months with one course per session. The GMAT or GRE is waived for qualified applicants with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and a Launch Track gives applicants with a 2.5 GPA a pathway without standardized tests. Students can use electives to embed a graduate certificate, such as Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, Healthcare Leadership, or Applied Healthcare Analytics. The College of Business reports AACSB accreditation in business and accounting.
Federal data show a 52% graduation rate and a 91% admit rate at the university. The program has a Program Score of 71.1 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits working professionals who want a short, flexible path to an MBA, applicants without strong test scores, and students who want a second credential in healthcare or entrepreneurship without adding time. The accelerated pace asks for a steady weekly commitment.
Houston Christian University
Houston, TX · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 84%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
Houston Christian University's online MBA runs in eight-week sessions and typically takes 18 to 24 months, ending in a Business Strategy and Policy capstone.
- 49% graduation rate
- Program Score 70.3
- 18 to 24 month online completion
- Eight-week sessions and capstone
Houston Christian University offers an online Master of Business Administration through its Archie W. Dunham College of Business. The curriculum has 11 required courses covering organizational behavior, financial management, marketing strategy, global economics and legal challenges in management, and it ends with Business Strategy and Policy, the integrative capstone. Courses run in eight-week sessions, and the university says typical completion takes 18 to 24 months depending on pace. Professional MBA versions in Accounting and Finance, Business Data Analytics, and Management are also listed. Applicants submit official transcripts, a personal statement of 300 to 500 words, a resume and the Peregrine Assessment. The program is grounded in Christian principles and emphasizes ethical decision-making.
Federal data show a 49% graduation rate and an 84% admit rate at the university. The program has a Program Score of 70.3 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. The format fits working professionals who want an accredited, fully online MBA with a defined capstone and short terms, and who value a faith-based approach to business ethics. Smaller class sizes and faculty with industry experience are part of the school's pitch, and the Center for Christianity in Business provides networking opportunities.
University of Houston-Downtown
Houston, TX · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 33%
- Admit rate
- 90%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
The University of Houston-Downtown runs its MBA core and corporate graduate certificates as flipped classes, with recorded concept videos available to students 24 hours a day.
- Flipped classroom MBA core
- Lectures on video 24/7
- 90% admit rate
- Program Score 67.2
The University of Houston-Downtown offers its MBA through the Marilyn Davies College of Business. The program page describes a flipped classroom model for the MBA core and the corporate driven graduate certificates. Professors record their lectures ahead of time, often breaking the material into short videos that each cover a single concept. Students are expected to read the assigned chapters, finish the assignments and watch the videos before they come to class, so class time goes to applying the material rather than hearing it for the first time. The videos stay available around the clock, which lets a student rewatch an explanation while working on an assignment or studying for an exam.
The federal numbers describe a large, accessible school. UHD enrolls 13,730 students and admits 90% of applicants, so the MBA is open to most people who apply. The graduation rate is 33%, which is worth weighing if you plan to study part time around a job. UHD reports the MBA as available online. The program earns a Program Score of 67.2 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits working adults in the Houston area who want recorded lectures they can revisit on their own schedule and a lower admissions hurdle.
Texas Southern University
Houston, TX · Public
- Grad rate
- 22%
- Admit rate
- 97%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
A general-management MBA at Texas Southern University with concentrations in accounting, management information systems, data analytics and healthcare administration.
- 22% graduation rate
- 97% admit rate
- Program Score 59.2
- Four concentrations offered
Texas Southern University's Master of Business Administration is a general management degree for people who want to advance in their current careers or move into a new one. The curriculum covers finance, accounting, economics, marketing, operations, statistics and business law, with a stated emphasis on analytical and strategic thinking, information technology for decision-making, and leading high-performance teams. The program page describes the degree as requiring 36 hours of coursework, including six hours of electives that let students build depth in one business discipline. Concentrations in Accounting, Management Information Systems, Data Analytics and Healthcare Administration are available. The school lists career directions in accounting, business management, finance, information technology, marketing, government and not-for-profit work, supply chain management and human resources.
The federal numbers show a 22% graduation rate at Texas Southern and a 97% admit rate, so admission is broad and finishing takes sustained effort. The Program Score of 59.2 out of 100 is the basis of this program's ranking. The MBA fits working professionals and career changers who want a general management foundation with the option to specialize in analytics, information systems or healthcare administration. Applicants should ask the department how courses are scheduled and how long students typically take to finish.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked MBA Programs in Houston
The median school on this list graduates 49% of its students. The highest rates belong to Rice University (95%) and University of Houston-Clear Lake (52%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 Rice University95% graduation rate
- #2 University of Houston-Clear Lake52% graduation rate
- #3 Houston Christian University49% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the MBA Programs in Houston?
On this list, 1 school admits fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being Rice University at 8%.
- #1 Rice University8% admitted
- #3 Houston Christian University84% admitted
- #4 University of Houston-Downtown90% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private MBA Programs in Houston
This list holds 3 public and 2 private nonprofit schools. Their median Program Scores: 67.2 public and 82.3 private nonprofit.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Online Options Among the MBA Programs in Houston
Of the 5 schools ranked here, 2 offer distance education. The highest ranked is Houston Christian University, at #3.
- #3 Houston Christian UniversityHouston, TX
- #4 University of Houston-DowntownHouston, 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 MBA Programs in Houston
Enrollment on this list runs from 4,276 at Houston Christian University to 13,730 at University of Houston-Downtown. Of the 5, 1 enrolls fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the MBA Programs in Houston Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rice UniversityRice | $201,796 |
| #2 | University of Houston-Clear LakeHouston-Clear Lake | $100,281 |
| #3 | Houston Christian UniversityHouston Christian | $98,858 |
| #4 | University of Houston-DowntownHouston-Downtown | $95,084 |
| #5 | Texas Southern UniversityTexas Southern | $76,981 |
Four years out, medians on this list run from $76,981 at Texas Southern to $201,796 at Rice.
Rice leads on both counts: the top rank among these schools and the highest graduate pay.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level.
What MBA Programs in Houston Cost
Price in Houston follows sector. University of Houston-Clear Lake, University of Houston-Downtown and Texas Southern University are the three public schools among the 5 ranked, while Rice University and Houston Christian University are private, and the public schools charge in-state residents well below either private one.
Public figures here are the in-state resident rate, so an applicant moving to Houston from another state should read the out-of-state column before treating the public end of this list as cheap. Check each school's own page for current MBA pricing before comparing.
How Selective MBA Programs in Houston Are
Admission odds across the MBA programs in Houston are nowhere near uniform. Rice University admits 8% of applicants, the tightest on this list, while Texas Southern University admits 97%. A candidate with an uneven undergraduate record has real options here without leaving Houston.
That is an 89-point spread, wide enough that the MBA programs in Houston do not form a single tier. A file that is competitive at Texas Southern University will not necessarily clear Rice University, so applying across the range rather than within one band is the sensible strategy here. Completion does not follow the same order: Rice University finishes 95% of its students, the strongest on this list on an 8% admit rate, which is why selectivity is one input to the Program Score rather than the score itself.
Accreditation Across Houston Business Schools
3 of the 5 ranked MBA programs in Houston are public, which for a Texas resident makes accreditation and price a single question rather than two. University of Houston-Downtown carries the same federal reporting obligation as every school above it. For an MBA the credential employers actually read is business-school accreditation from AACSB layered on the university's institutional accreditation, and the two are not the same thing. All 5 schools here report to IPEDS, so none of them reached this list by being cheap.
Why Study for an MBA in Houston
All 5 of the ranked MBA programs in Houston sit inside the city itself, Rice University, University of Houston-Clear Lake and Houston Christian University among them, so the choice between them turns on the commute and the schedule rather than on which part of the metro a candidate lives in. Evening cohorts fill from the offices within a subway ride, which is the practical reason a Houston MBA is worth more here than the same credential taken remotely.
2 of the 5 also run a confirmed online option, which keeps the credential but gives up most of the local access that justifies studying in Houston in the first place.
Careers and Pay After a Houston MBA
Every one of the MBA programs in Houston points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay for the field at $105,770 a year, a figure that describes the profession rather than any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate came from University of Houston-Downtown or Rice University. That is the tradeoff this ranking exists to expose: in the federal wage data, a higher price does not buy a higher salary.
Set against a single national benchmark, the gap in sticker price on this page is the reason to look hard at the cheap end before the famous end. University of Houston-Downtown and Rice University feed graduates into the same wage distribution, and nothing in the federal data attaches a higher salary to the higher price. Pay in a metro the size of Houston generally runs above the national median, and so does the cost of living that absorbs it. Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and metro wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS.
Keep Exploring
MBA Programs in Houston: Your Questions, Answered
What is the best MBA program in Houston?
By Program Score, Rice University ranks first among the 5 ranked MBA programs in Houston, with a 94.2 score and a 95% 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.
Do MBA programs in Houston require the GMAT?
Fewer of them every year, and the 5 ranked here are not uniform about it. Rice University is the tightest on this list at 8% and Texas Southern University the most open at 97%, so the answer depends on which of them a candidate is applying to. Many programs now waive the GMAT or GRE for applicants with several years of relevant work, and the terms differ program by program, so check them on each school's admissions page before registering for a test. A waiver saves the fee and the study time, and it does not loosen the rest of the file.
How much does an MBA cost in Houston?
Tuition among the ranked Houston schools runs from $6,126 to $60,314 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 Houston living costs, which are a real part of the total.
How many MBA programs in Houston does this ranking cover?
We analyzed 5 accredited MBA programs across Houston and ranked the top 5 schools, listing one entry per school on its strongest program. Every school here sits inside Houston city limits.
Is it worth doing an MBA in Houston instead of online?
2 of the 5 ranked schools run a confirmed online option, so in Houston 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. The honest comparison is local access against the cost of being here.