TCU Neeley vs SMU Cox
Which MBA program is right for you?
TCU Neeley
SMU Cox
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | TCU Neeley | SMU Cox |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #86 | #46 |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% | 40% |
| Avg. GMAT | 617 | 680 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.36 | 3.35 |
| Class Size | 45 | 120 |
| Avg. Salary | $120,000 | $138,000 |
| Employment Rate | 96% | 90% |
| Annual Tuition | $46,170 | $55,000 |
The Verdict
Choose TCU Neeley if…
you want a small Fort Worth MBA with TCU's energy and supply chain focus, accessible admissions, and tight Texas alumni network.
Full TCU Neeley Profile →Choose SMU Cox if…
you want a higher-ranked Dallas program with stronger national recruiting, larger class, and elite Texas business network.
Full SMU Cox Profile →Why People Compare These Two
SMU Cox (#46) and TCU Neeley (#86) are both private Texas MBA programs in the DFW metro, an hour apart. Cox outranks Neeley by 40 spots and produces stronger national outcomes. Neeley competes on intimacy (45-student class vs Cox's 120) and accessibility (50% acceptance vs 40%). The DFW market is large enough to support both, and they recruit from overlapping but distinct alumni pools.
Career Markets
Dallas hosts more Fortune 500 headquarters (AT&T, ExxonMobil, McKesson, Texas Instruments) and a deeper financial services presence than Fort Worth. SMU Cox's location and longer history give it stronger ties to these employers. TCU Neeley placement skews toward energy, real estate, and family business operations, with strong alumni density in Fort Worth's privately held companies.
The Honest Take
Cox is the right answer for most candidates. The 40-spot ranking gap matters for national recruiting, and Dallas access is broader. Neeley is the call for candidates targeting specific Fort Worth industries (energy services, family-owned manufacturing), wanting a class small enough to know everyone, or receiving substantial scholarship money. Compare offers; the tuition gap can flip the decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more selective?
SMU Cox at 40% acceptance is more selective than TCU Neeley at 50%. The GMAT median is 680 at Cox vs 617 at Neeley. Cox is also higher ranked.
Which has better Texas employer connections?
Both have strong Texas presence. Cox produces more Dallas-area corporate placements; Neeley dominates Fort Worth's privately held and family-owned business segment.
Which has the smaller class?
TCU Neeley at 45 students vs SMU Cox at 120. Neeley's small cohort means everyone knows everyone. Cox's larger class trades intimacy for a broader alumni network.