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Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region

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2023 Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region

313 Schools Ranked
$41,392 Average Earnings
$21,622 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for business students. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Business Degree Central has developed this Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 313 schools in the Southwest Region to see which programs were the most popular for business students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

16,009 Total Awards
$50,608 Average Earnings
$33,058 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of Phoenix - Arizona the most popular school in the Southwest Region for business students working on their degree. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the large private for-profit school awarded 16,009 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UOPX - Arizona accumulate an average of $33,058 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $146. Once they receive their degree, UOPX - Arizona graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,608 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

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4,840 Total Awards
$49,374 Average Earnings
$24,436 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Arizona State University - Tempe is a great place for business students. ASU - Tempe is located in Tempe, Arizona and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,840 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $24,436 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $329, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from ASU - Tempe, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,374 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 42% were women.

Read full report on Arizona State University - Tempe

#3

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona
4,308 Total Awards
$48,396 Average Earnings
$31,746 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Grand Canyon University is a great place for business students. Grand Canyon University is a large private for-profit school located in Phoenix, Arizona that handed out 4,308 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $31,746 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $174 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Grand Canyon University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,396 during the early year of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

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#4

Texas A&M University - College Station

College Station, Texas
4,205 Total Awards
$57,177 Average Earnings
$19,847 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Texas A&M University - College Station is a great place for business students. Texas A&M College Station is a public institution located in College Station, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 4,205 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,847 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $304, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Texas A&M College Station graduates make an average of $57,177 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.

Read full report on Texas A&M University - College Station

3,608 Total Awards
$53,632 Average Earnings
$20,281 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means The University of Texas at Austin is a great place for business students. Located in Austin, Texas, the large public school handed out 3,608 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,281 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $270, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UT Austin graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,632 during the early year of their career. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

Full The University of Texas at Austin Report

#6

University of Houston

Houston, Texas
3,319 Total Awards
$48,769 Average Earnings
$23,948 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, University of Houston did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Located in Houston, Texas, the large public school awarded 3,319 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,948 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $248 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UH, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,769 during the early years of their career. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Houston Report

2,854 Total Awards
$36,597 Average Earnings
$42,789 Avg Student Debt

American InterContinental University - Online landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. American InterContinental University - Online is a fairly large private for-profit school located in Schaumburg, Arizona that handed out 2,854 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from AIU Online accumulate an average of $42,789 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $116 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, AIU Online graduates make an average of $36,597 annually. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on American InterContinental University - Online

#8

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas
2,592 Total Awards
$45,903 Average Earnings
$24,578 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Texas Tech University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Located in Lubbock, Texas, the large public school handed out 2,592 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,578 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $273 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Texas Tech graduates make an average of $45,903 annually. Around 44% of those degree recipients were women.

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2,509 Total Awards
$51,037 Average Earnings
$21,709 Avg Student Debt

The University of Texas at Dallas did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #9 on the list. This large public school is located in Richardson, Texas, and it awarded 2,509 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,709 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $225, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UT Dallas, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,037 during the early years of their career. Around 46% of those degree recipients were women.

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#10

University of North Texas

Denton, Texas
2,270 Total Awards
$42,493 Average Earnings
$22,773 Avg Student Debt

University of North Texas came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. This large public school is located in Denton, Texas, and it awarded 2,270 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,773 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $236 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UNT, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,493 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

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2,092 Total Awards
$48,602 Average Earnings
$23,737 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, The University of Texas at Arlington did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Arlington, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,092 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,737 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $163, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UT Arlington graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,602 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 46% were women.

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1,996 Total Awards
$47,215 Average Earnings
$23,108 Avg Student Debt

Oklahoma State University - Main Campus ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region list. Oklahoma State University - Main Campus is a large public school located in Stillwater, Oklahoma that handed out 1,996 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from OSU accumulate an average of $23,108 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $339 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from OSU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,215 during the early years of their career. Around 44% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Oklahoma State University - Main Campus Report

#13

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona
1,924 Total Awards
$46,654 Average Earnings
$21,823 Avg Student Debt

University of Arizona came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Tucson, Arizona is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,924 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,823 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $407. Once they receive their degree, University of Arizona graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,654 during the early year of their career. Around 42% of those degree recipients were women.

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#14

Texas State University

San Marcos, Texas
1,919 Total Awards
$40,351 Average Earnings
$23,697 Avg Student Debt

Texas State University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. Texas State is a large public school situated in San Marcos, Texas. It awarded 1,919 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Texas State accumulate an average of $23,697 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $233.After graduating from Texas State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,351 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

Read full report on Texas State University

1,862 Total Awards
$50,499 Average Earnings
$23,983 Avg Student Debt

University of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. University of Oklahoma is a large public school situated in Norman, Oklahoma. It awarded 1,862 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,983 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $471. During the early years of their career, University of Oklahoma graduates make an average of $50,499 annually. Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

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#16

El Centro College

Dallas, Texas
1,812 Total Awards
$38,417 Average Earnings
$18,288 Avg Student Debt

El Centro College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Located in Dallas, Texas, the large public school handed out 1,812 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,288 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, El Centro College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,417 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Read full report on El Centro College

#17

Lee College

Baytown, Texas
1,668 Total Awards
$53,502 Average Earnings
$15,232 Avg Student Debt

Lee College ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region list. Baytown, Texas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,668 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Lee College accumulate an average of $15,232 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Lee College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,502 during the early year of their career. Around 15% of those degree recipients were women.

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1,649 Total Awards
$40,939 Average Earnings
$27,224 Avg Student Debt

University of Houston - Downtown landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. UH Downtown is a public institution located in Houston, Texas. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,649 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $27,224 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from UH Downtown, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,939 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Houston - Downtown Report

#19

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, Arizona
1,619 Total Awards
$43,197 Average Earnings
$22,450 Avg Student Debt

Northern Arizona University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. Northern Arizona University is a large public school located in Flagstaff, Arizona that handed out 1,619 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from NAU accumulate an average of $22,450 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $324. During the early years of their career, NAU graduates make an average of $43,197 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Read full report on Northern Arizona University

1,563 Total Awards
$43,609 Average Earnings
$23,833 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, The University of Texas at San Antonio did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. The University of Texas at San Antonio is a large public school located in San Antonio, Texas that handed out 1,563 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UTSA accumulate an average of $23,833 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $134, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UTSA graduates make an average of $43,609 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 42% were women.

Read full report on The University of Texas at San Antonio

#21

Arizona State University - Skysong

Scottsdale, Arizona
1,508 Total Awards
$48,067 Average Earnings
$25,869 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Arizona State University - Skysong did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Arizona State University - Skysong is a large public school located in Scottsdale, Arizona that handed out 1,508 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,869 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $304, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, ASU - Skysong graduates make an average of $48,067 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Full Arizona State University - Skysong Report

1,477 Total Awards
$62,901 Average Earnings
$21,294 Avg Student Debt

Southern Methodist University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #22 on the list. Southern Methodist University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Dallas, Texas that handed out 1,477 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,294 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $446 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, SMU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $62,901 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.

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#23

Baylor University

Waco, Texas
1,453 Total Awards
$42,980 Average Earnings
$23,143 Avg Student Debt

Baylor University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #23 on the list. Baylor is a private not-for-profit institution located in Waco, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,453 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,143 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $686. During the early years of their career, Baylor graduates make an average of $42,980 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 45% were women.

Read full report on Baylor University

#24

Houston Community College

Houston, Texas
1,353 Total Awards
$35,283 Average Earnings
$21,482 Avg Student Debt

Houston Community College landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. Houston Community College is a public institution located in Houston, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,353 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Houston Community College accumulate an average of $21,482 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Houston Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,283 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Full Houston Community College Report

#25

Tarrant County College District

Fort Worth, Texas
1,164 Total Awards
$38,816 Average Earnings
$17,851 Avg Student Debt

Tarrant County College District did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #25 on the list. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, the large public school handed out 1,164 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,851 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Tarrant County College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,816 during the early year of their career. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

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Not only did these schools make the top 47 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

Rio Salado College

Tempe, Arizona
#27

San Jacinto Community College

Pasadena, Texas
#28

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, Texas
#30

Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, Texas
#31

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas
#32

University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, Texas
#33

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, New Mexico
#35

University of New Mexico - Main Campus

Albuquerque, New Mexico
#36

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, Texas
#37

West Texas A&M University

Canyon, Texas
#40

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, Texas
#41

Texas Woman's University

Denton, Texas
#43

South Texas College

McAllen, Texas
#45

University of Central Oklahoma

Edmond, Oklahoma

View Most Popular Business Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular business schools ranking:

Rank School Location
48 Rice University Houston, TX
49 Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX
50 Lamar University Beaumont, TX
51 New Mexico State University - Main Campus Las Cruces, NM
52 Wayland Baptist University Plainview, TX
53 Texas A&M University - San Antonio San Antonio, TX
54 Texas A&M International University Laredo, TX
55 Southeastern Oklahoma State University Durant, OK
56 Blinn College Brenham, TX
57 The University of Texas of the Permian Basin Odessa, TX
58 Tulsa Community College Tulsa, OK
59 Chandler-Gilbert Community College Chandler, AZ
60 Saint Edward’s University Austin, TX
61 Angelo State University San Angelo, TX
62 Northeastern State University Tahlequah, OK
63 Glendale Community College Glendale, AZ

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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