2023 Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region
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.
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Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region of the U.S.
Learn more about these popular schools below:
Our analysis found University of Phoenix - Arizona to be the most popular school for business students in the Southwest Region . UOPX - Arizona is located in Tempe, Arizona and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 16,009 degrees to qualified students.
Degree recipients from UOPX - Arizona accumulate an average of $33,058 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $146, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. 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.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Arizona State University - Tempe. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region list. This large public school is located in Tempe, Arizona, and it awarded 4,840 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $24,436 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $329. Once they receive their degree, ASU - Tempe graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,374 during the early year of their career. Around 42% of those degree recipients were women.
A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Grand Canyon University is a great place for business students. This large private for-profit school is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and it awarded 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.After graduating from Grand Canyon University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,396 during the early years of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.
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 located in College Station, Texas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,205 degrees to qualified students.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,847 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $304 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Texas A&M College Station, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $57,177 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.
You’ll be in good company if you attend The University of Texas at Austin. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region list. UT Austin is located in Austin, Texas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,608 degrees to qualified students.
Degree recipients from UT Austin accumulate an average of $20,281 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 $270 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UT Austin, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,632 during the early years of their career. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.
University of Houston did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #6 on the list. UH is located in Houston, Texas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,319 degrees to qualified students.
Degree recipients from UH accumulate an average of $23,948 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 $248.After graduating from UH, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,769 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.
With a ranking of #7, American InterContinental University - Online did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. AIU Online is a private for-profit institution located in Schaumburg, Arizona. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,854 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $42,789 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $116. During the early years of their career, AIU Online graduates make an average of $36,597 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.
Read full report on American InterContinental University - Online
Texas Tech University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Located in Lubbock, Texas, the large public school awarded 2,592 diplomas to qualifed students 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.After graduating from Texas Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,903 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.
The University of Texas at Dallas came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Richardson, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,509 students in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $21,709 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $225 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UT Dallas graduates make an average of $51,037 annually. Around 46% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #10, University of North Texas did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Located in Denton, Texas, the large public school awarded 2,270 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from UNT accumulate an average of $22,773 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 $236 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UNT graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,493 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.
The University of Texas at Arlington ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region list. Located in Arlington, Texas, the large public school handed out 2,092 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from UT Arlington accumulate an average of $23,737 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 $163 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UT Arlington, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,602 during the early years of their career. Around 46% of those degree recipients were women.
Oklahoma State University - Main Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #12 on the list. This large public school is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and it awarded 1,996 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $23,108 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $339. Once they receive their degree, OSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,215 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.
University of Arizona landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. 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. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $407 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 42% were women.
Texas State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #14 on the list. Texas State is a public institution located in San Marcos, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,919 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,697 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $233, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Texas State graduates make an average of $40,351 annually. Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #15, University of Oklahoma Norman Campus did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Located in Norman, Oklahoma, the large public school handed out 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.After graduating from University of Oklahoma, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,499 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.
With a ranking of #16, El Centro College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. This large public school is located in Dallas, Texas, and it awarded 1,812 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $18,288 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, El Centro College graduates make an average of $38,417 annually. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #17, Lee College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Lee College is a medium-sized public school located in Baytown, Texas that handed out 1,668 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,232 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Lee College graduates make an average of $53,502 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 15% were women.
University of Houston - Downtown did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #18 on the list. University of Houston - Downtown is a fairly large public school located in Houston, Texas that handed out 1,649 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,224 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, UH Downtown graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,939 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.
With a ranking of #19, Northern Arizona University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Flagstaff, Arizona is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,619 students in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $22,450 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $324.After graduating from NAU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,197 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.
The University of Texas at San Antonio ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region list. San Antonio, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,563 students in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from UTSA accumulate an average of $23,833 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 $134.After graduating from UTSA, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,609 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 42% were women.
Arizona State University - Skysong ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region list. This large public school is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, and it awarded 1,508 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from ASU - Skysong accumulate an average of $25,869 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 $304 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, ASU - Skysong graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,067 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.
With a ranking of #22, Southern Methodist University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. SMU is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Dallas, Texas. It awarded 1,477 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,294 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $446, assuming you 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. Around 44% of those degree recipients were women.
Baylor University landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. 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.
Degree recipients from Baylor accumulate an average of $23,143 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 $686 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Baylor, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,980 during the early years of their career. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.
Houston Community College ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region list. Houston Community College is located in Houston, Texas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,353 degrees to qualified students.
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.
Tarrant County College District ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region list. This large public school is located in Fort Worth, Texas, and it awarded 1,164 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $17,851 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Tarrant County College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,816 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.
Rest of the Top 15% Most Popular Business Schools in the Southwest Region of the U.S.
Not only did these schools make the top 47 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:
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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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