Texas McCombs vs Texas A&M Mays
Which MBA program is right for you?
Texas McCombs
Texas A&M Mays
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Texas McCombs | Texas A&M Mays |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #25 | #53 |
| Acceptance Rate | 30% | 45% |
| Avg. GMAT | 705 | 660 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.4 | 3.24 |
| Class Size | 260 | 80 |
| Avg. Salary | $155,000 | $129,000 |
| Employment Rate | 93% | 96% |
| Annual Tuition | $41,666 | $31,240 |
The Verdict
Choose Texas McCombs if…
you want the highest-ranked Texas public MBA, Austin's tech and PE ecosystem, and broad national recruiting.
Full Texas McCombs Profile →Choose Texas A&M Mays if…
you want a Texas A&M MBA with Aggie network density, supply chain strength, and lower in-state tuition with a smaller class.
Full Texas A&M Mays Profile →Why People Compare These Two
McCombs (#25) and Mays (#53) are the two Texas public MBA flagships, separated by 28 ranking spots. McCombs in Austin is the higher-profile program with strong national recruiting and access to the city's tech and PE scene. Mays in College Station benefits from the Texas A&M alumni network, which is among the most loyal of any US university, and a top-15 supply chain program.
Career Markets
Austin's economy (Tesla, Apple, Indeed, Oracle, Whole Foods, Bumble, plus a deep PE bench) creates direct employer access for McCombs students. College Station has a smaller local market and recruits primarily through national career services. The Aggie network is a real asset in Houston and Dallas energy and industrial companies, where Mays graduates often outperform pedigree expectations.
The Honest Take
Take McCombs if you can. The ranking, Austin location, and tech/PE access produce stronger national outcomes. Mays is the right call for candidates committed to the Aggie identity, targeting Texas-based supply chain or industrial roles, or receiving a substantial scholarship. The Aggie alumni effect is real but narrow; outside Texas industrial sectors, McCombs's broader brand wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more selective?
Texas McCombs at 30% acceptance is more selective than Mays at 45%. GMAT median is 705 at McCombs vs 660 at Mays.
Which is better for tech?
McCombs. Austin's tech ecosystem provides direct employer access. Mays produces tech outcomes but at lower density and primarily through national recruiting.
How strong is the Aggie network?
Among the strongest of any US university. Texas A&M alumni density in Houston, Dallas, and statewide industrial companies creates real career advantages for Mays graduates. The network effect doesn't extend as strongly outside Texas.