Tulane Freeman vs Rice Jones
Which MBA program is right for you?
Tulane Freeman
Rice Jones
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Tulane Freeman | Rice Jones |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #47 | #28 |
| Acceptance Rate | 42% | 28% |
| Avg. GMAT | 680 | 705 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.25 | 3.4 |
| Class Size | 90 | 130 |
| Avg. Salary | $128,000 | $148,000 |
| Employment Rate | 88% | 92% |
| Annual Tuition | $57,720 | $62,000 |
The Verdict
Choose Tulane Freeman if…
you want a New Orleans MBA with energy and Latin America connections, smaller cohort, and lower acceptance bar.
Full Tulane Freeman Profile →Choose Rice Jones if…
you want a top-30 program with Houston energy ties, a 130-student class, and the academic prestige of a Rice degree.
Full Rice Jones Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Rice Jones (#28) and Tulane Freeman (#47) are private MBA programs in adjacent Gulf Coast metros, both with strong energy industry placement. Rice's 19-spot ranking advantage is real and shows up in employer access. Freeman compensates with location and a wider acceptance gate (42% vs 28%). Candidates targeting energy or Latin American markets often weigh both.
Career Markets
Houston is the energy capital. Rice's network at ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and the dozens of private equity funds focused on oil and gas runs deep, and recruiters show up to campus. New Orleans offers strong Gulf Coast logistics and energy exposure but at a smaller scale. Freeman places more graduates into Latin America and shipping than any peer school its size.
The Honest Take
If you can get into Rice, take Rice. The ranking, brand, and Houston access produce more career optionality. Freeman is the right call if you receive a meaningful scholarship, want to be in New Orleans specifically, or your target industry runs through the Gulf logistics corridor rather than the energy capital itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is harder to get into?
Rice Jones at 28% acceptance is significantly more selective than Tulane Freeman at 42%. The GMAT median is 705 at Rice vs 680 at Freeman.
Which is better for energy careers?
Rice. Houston's concentration of oil and gas majors, energy traders, and energy-focused PE funds creates an unmatched recruiting environment. Freeman places into energy too, but at smaller scale.
How does class size compare?
Rice's 130-student class is small for a top-30 program. Freeman's 90-student class is even smaller. Both produce tight cohorts. Rice's smaller ratio comes from its university selectivity, not a deliberate cap.