Eight Reasons Why Houston Is the Best City to Pursue an MBA

Every Houstonian knows there’s lots to love about our dynamic city — from the amazing local restaurants to its vibrant arts scene. For those considering graduate school, choosing the right location can transform the MBA experience.

Whether you're considering Rice Business or you simply need a reminder of all the reasons to love H-Town, here are eight reasons Houston is the best city to pursue an MBA.

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1. Sunshine and Outdoor Activities 

Native Houstonians may have lots to say about the heat, but for out-of-state and international students the city is often a welcome change of pace. “As a native northeastern girl, I was so thankful to be able to be outside year-round,” says Ashley Henry (Full-Time MBA). “It makes a huge difference in your quality of life when you can get some sun regularly.”

Between local trails and beloved spaces like the Houston Arboretum and Hermann Park, there are so many ways to explore the city’s unique natural habitat.

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2. Big City Perks Without the Price Tag

Houston is an amazing place to live, with housing costs that are 18% lower than other major metro areas. Plus, without a state income tax, your dollars stretch even further. This means you can enjoy affordable housing, utilities and transportation while exploring exciting job opportunities in diverse fields like healthcare, energy and technology.

“I often hear Houston described as one of those places people never intend to stay in or fall in love with, and yet, once they move here, they often don’t look back,” shares Mónica Hicks (Full-Time MBA). “I would say that it’s equal parts the people and rich representation of diverse cultures and foods, the warmer climate and the affordability factor that make life in Houston such a great place to earn an MBA.”

3. Thriving Pro-Business Landscape

Our city provides the best environment for businesses to excel — whether they’re Fortune 500s or blossoming startups. With no state income tax, competitive property tax rates, a diverse economy and prime proximity to port trade and logistics, Houston offers unrivaled business opportunities. It really is the perfect launching pad to your post-MBA career, whether you want to take charge in an established organization or join the Houston startup scene.

“I wanted to be immersed in an environment that would connect me to industry leaders so that I could learn not only how to start my own venture, but also scale it to a level of sustained success and impact in the communities that I hope to serve,” says alumnus Mark Watson (Full-Time MBA).

4. Most Diverse City

As America's fourth-largest and most diverse city, Houston celebrates its multicultural roots at every chance. From vibrant cultural festivals to an inclusive arts scene, the city is brimming with opportunities for locals and visitors alike. “Houston has something for everyone,” shares alumnus Anthony Rodriguez (Full-Time MBA), past president of the Rice Consortium Chapter.

Not only do our students celebrate Houston’s diversity outside the classroom — they also gain valuable new perspectives by collaborating with peers inside our halls, preparing them for global leadership. “This diversity showed up in our discussions in the classroom and helped me understand how businesses vary around the world,” says Rodriguez.

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5. The Best Food

Speaking of multicultural roots — Houston has an unbeatable culinary scene, with nearly 12,000 restaurants representing over 70 unique culinary traditions. From boba to booza to birria tacos, the options are endless. The Rice Business Global Food Experience club gives MBA students the opportunity to explore different cultures and traditions through food while exploring new restaurants every month.

No matter how long you’ve lived in Houston, you’ll never run out of great places to eat and drink. “Besides,” says alumnus Matt Manriquez (Full-Time MBA), “half the fun is in finding new places!”

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6. One-of-a-Kind Events and Entertainment

The city proudly hosts an array of unique cultural festivals, parades, sporting events and more. From the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to the Houston Art Car Parade, our city loves coming together for a good time.

And at Rice Business, the energy continues. There are tons of clubs and events (like our weekly Partios) for students to socialize around a shared passion. “Cultural celebrations, volunteering and flag football competitions are just a few of the ways to connect with your classmates,” says Juliet Vickio (Full-Time MBA), president of the Rice Business Student Association.  

No matter your interests — there’s a club for that!

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7. Championship Spirit

From victories at Minute Maid to Friday nights on the field, Houston’s sports community unites the city time and again.

“If you’re a fan of any major sport — basketball, football, baseball, soccer or anything in between — Houston has it all,” says Jake Kaplan (Full-Time MBA). And here at Rice Business, we not only embrace friendly competition but also celebrate each other's successes!

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8. Powering the Future 

Last but not least, Houston is the energy capital of the world. For those seeking to drive change, discover new solutions and trailblaze in the industry — this is the place to be.

“I came to Rice Business to explore how sustainability, energy and business can grow together,” shares Christina Tamayo (Full-Time MBA). “The backdrop of Houston and its growing innovation corridor was another attraction that brought me to Rice.”

Our students gain valuable insights from leaders in the field and collaborate across industries through conferences like the Rice Energy Finance Summit (REFS) and the Rice Cleantech Innovation Competition, enhancing their leadership skills along the way.

We might be biased, but there truly is no city like Houston — especially for those seeking an academic challenge and a professional transformation.