North Texas (Ryan) vs SMU Cox
Which MBA program is right for you?
North Texas (Ryan)
SMU Cox
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | North Texas (Ryan) | SMU Cox |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #129 | #46 |
| Acceptance Rate | 65% | 40% |
| Avg. GMAT | 540 | 680 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.3 | 3.35 |
| Class Size | 50 | 120 |
| Avg. Salary | $73,000 | $138,000 |
| Employment Rate | 80% | 90% |
| Annual Tuition | $17,000 | $55,000 |
The Verdict
Choose North Texas (Ryan) if…
you want a large public MBA with supply chain and analytics focus at a fraction of SMU's private school tuition.
Full North Texas (Ryan) Profile →Choose SMU Cox if…
you want a much higher-ranked program (#42 vs #129) with Dallas's strongest executive network and finance placement.
Full SMU Cox Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Both are Dallas-Fort Worth MBA programs. SMU Cox (#42) is a top-50 private MBA with deep Dallas corporate connections. North Texas Ryan (#129) is a large public MBA with lower tuition and growing analytics and supply chain programs. The ranking gap (87 positions) reflects SMU's established employer relationships, alumni power, and career outcomes. The tuition gap is equally dramatic.
The Honest Take
SMU Cox is the dramatically better MBA for anyone who can afford it. Its Dallas corporate connections (AT&T, ExxonMobil, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs) and alumni network are among the strongest in Texas. North Texas wins on affordability: in-state tuition under $15K/year vs SMU's $55K+. For working professionals in DFW who want an MBA without significant debt, UNT is the budget-rational choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is higher ranked?
SMU Cox (#42) outranks North Texas Ryan (#129) by 87 positions.
Which is more affordable?
North Texas Ryan with in-state tuition under $15K/year is roughly one-quarter the cost of SMU Cox at $55K+/year.
Which has the stronger Dallas network?
SMU Cox. Its alumni dominate Dallas boardrooms, and the school's corporate partnerships with AT&T, ExxonMobil, and Texas-based firms are deep.