The oldest public business school in Texas, McCombs offers full-time, evening, and executive MBA programs. The full-time MBA spans two years. Scholars devote their first year to building a foundation in topics like finance, marketing, operations, and strategic planning. They engage in various research endeavors and business competitions as individuals and in small teams.
In the second year of the full-time MBA program at McCombs, scholars participate in immersive global learning experiences and collaborate with the Career Management Team to prepare for transitioning to their dream job after graduating from McCombs.
One of the neatest aspects of McCombs’ full-time MBA program is that it invites students to pursue one of more than 20 concentrations. Fourteen of these concentrations are STEM-certified, and all pathways value an interdisciplinary approach to the curriculum.
How is the executive MBA different from the full-time MBA at McCombs? First of all, it only takes 20 months to obtain. Second, in-person classes only occur one weekend out of the month.
We’ll shed more light on this exciting program in the following sections, in addition to recent information on McCombs’ acceptance rate and admission requirements.
You’ll be inspired reading stories of McCombs alumni and feel empowered after you learn how McCombs graduates fare in the year proceeding graduation!
University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for the McCombs School of Business is 28%, which is considered competitive.
On average, accepted McCombs students averaged 708 on the GMAT and 319 on the GRE. In addition to impressive test scores, recent McCombs admits bring in nearly six years of work experience, on average.
Applicants need not have majored in business, finance, or economics to apply to the McCombs School of Business.
UT McCombs admits fewer students when compared to other prestigious business schools in the United States.
The cohort entering McCombs in fall 2022 consisted of 220 students, of which 35% are female, 28% are international, and 36% are from minority racial groups in the United States.
Several students within this cohort are dual degree students, meaning they are pursuing a JD, MD, or Master of Public Affairs in conjunction with their MBA degrees.
We’ll discuss admission requirements in a future section, but for now, know that there are no stipulations regarding undergraduate majors.
Of McCombs’ recently admitted MBA cohort, 33% majored in business or economics, while 40% majored in a STEM-related field! A sizable 15% majored in the humanities. McCombs sees these diverse experiences as an asset to its dialogue- and project-based curriculum.
Students accepted to the full-time MBA program will be responsible for $58,720 in tuition costs, though Texas residents have a reduced expense of $52,550. These tuition costs are lower than other reputable business schools in the U.S.
Of course, there are other expenses to consider throughout the year, including technology requirements, fees, transportation, and housing.
Soon to come, we’ll share how a standard base salary after graduating from McCombs could help alumni earn back their business school expenses within mere years!
UT Austin McCombs School of Business Ranking
The McCombs School of Business at UT Austin has garnered consistently high rankings from many illustrious publications.
The U.S. News & World Report recently designated McCombs the #1 accounting program, #5 business program, and #7 working professional MBA in the United States.
The Princeton Review has ranked the McCombs School of Business at #1 for MBA campus environment in the United States for three consecutive years, which should come as no surprise. Austin is a stimulating city ripe with entertainment, recreation, and culturally immersive opportunities.
Other publications view McCombs favorably. Financial Times and BBA recently ranked McCombs’ executive MBA as #7 in the United States.
What is so appealing about the executive MBA option at McCombs? In-person classes take place only one weekend out of each month, so EMBA participants can devote time to their careers, families, and other priorities as they deem fit during the week and most weekends.
Additionally, EMBA scholars complete three immersion experiences in major United States markets (outside of Austin, TX) and a week-long global immersion.
Previous U.S. immersions have included “Language of Business” in NYC, “Leading in the New Economy” in Dallas, TX, and “Leading the Policy Level” in Washington, D.C.
In addition to McCombs’ program and campus rankings, it also receives high accolades for its research impact and contributions. In 2022, they were ranked #20 for global MBA programs by Financial Times.
UT Austin McCombs School of Business Requirements
There are three application rounds for the full-time MBA program at McCombs. Round 1 materials are due October 11, and applicants receive a decision by December 15 – it can be highly advantageous to know, by the end of the year, where you’ll be eight months down the road!
Round 2 is akin to a regular decision cycle. Application materials are due January 5, and candidates hear from the Office of Admissions by March 23.
This cycle provides approximately five months of advanced notice prior to the program start date in August. That being said, it also allows more time to save for the initial enrollment deposit, due in April.
In general, Rounds 1 & 2 are the most popular options, and fewer spots may remain in Round 3. Still, there are valid reasons why candidates might wait until Round 3 to submit their materials.
Perhaps they are completing a significant project or awaiting publication dates, which could understandably add to the competitiveness of their overall application.
Materials are due March 28 and, fortunately, Round 3 applicants receive a decision by May 4, granting approximately three months to prepare for an MBA program start.
Application requirements for the McCombs MBA program are standard. Candidates should submit the application and fee along with official copies of all academic transcripts and official GRE or GMAT scores.
The application comprises typical components, including essay prompts, resumes, and letters of recommendation.
UT McCombs applicants have a unique opportunity to meet with a McCombs Ambassador Committee member for an “admissions connection.”
While only 15 minutes in length, this session is an excellent way for candidates to show admissions who they are.
It is highly advised that candidates pursue this opportunity. Otherwise, candidates can attend an open MBA event to speak directly with students, professors, and/or alumni.
Notable Alumni of McCombs School of Business
McCombs MBA graduates earn lucrative salaries and work in exciting roles at some of the most successful companies in the nation and the world.
Historically, the top McCombs graduate recruiters include organizations like PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, JP Morgan Chase, and the Boston Consulting Group.
Many graduates go on to lead these and other influential companies. For example, class of 1974 graduate Gary C. Kelly served as CEO of Southwest Airlines.
He achieved that level of success after 14 years of working in the company. During his time as CEO, Kelly led Southwest to become the largest domestic passenger carrier in the U.S.
Regarded as one of the key deal closers in the tech realm, John Gurley obtained his McCombs MBA in 1993. He has invested in companies like Business.com, Uber, and Shopping.com, all of which have proven worthwhile.
As a board trustee at Uber, Gurley was close with its CEO, Travis Kalanick. Many even regarded him to be Kalanick’s “right-hand man.”
Some McCombs alumni enter the political sphere after graduation. Class of 1973 graduate Donald Evans formerly served as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Bush’s administration.
Secretary Evans collaborated with U.S. legislators to secure the Trade Promotion Authority, which gave the president the power to negotiate new trade agreements ensuring the U.S.’ dominance in global markets.
Interestingly, other McCombs graduates enjoy owning and managing professional sports teams. In fact, the school’s namesake – Red McCombs – was at one point co-owner of the Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, and Minnesota Vikings!
McCombs attended the business school at UT Austin before it was named after him. He co-founded the radio behemoth Clear Channel, which he used to run car advertisements for his network of more than 50 dealerships in Texas.
Should You Attend UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business?
One obvious reason to attend UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business is related to career prospects.
The most recently matriculated full-time MBA cohort reports a mean base salary of $128,586, which includes an average signing bonus of $31,698.
This kind of salary is considered high and affords the earner more freedom to work in the geographic region of their choice.
The highest earners work in corporate finance, investment banking, and private equity, while others enjoy positions as project managers, business developers, and asset managers.
Attending McCombs prepares MBA graduates to thrive in a diverse range of industries as well as roles. Many McCombs graduates transition to technology, while others explore consumer products, real estate, and healthcare.
We previously alluded to Austin’s appeal as a campus environment. A recent study identified Austin as the 4th most desirable city for millennials.
What contributes to Austin’s “it” factor? The Colorado River snakes through Austin’s core, creating plenty of recreational possibilities for nature lovers and adventure-seekers.
Not to mention, the food in Austin is incredible. The city has been deemed the food truck capital of America, with many mobile restaurateurs serving up signature Tex-Mex and barbeque platters.
One could argue that Austin, Texas, rivals other big cities like NYC, Boston, and Chicago, all of which offer proximity to diverse cultures, entertainment options, and businesses.
McCombs students attend UT Austin in the same place where titans like Dell, IBM, and Whole Foods are headquartered, acting as some of the top employers in the city.
Innovative thinkers interested in merging their technology and business interests would do well to apply to the McCombs School of Business in Austin, where they are close to some of the biggest tech companies in the nation!
.jpg){kind=link}