MEDIA RESOURCES

COX SCHOOL’S MBA PROGRAM RANKED 36th IN NATION BY

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

In its Monday, March 29 issue, U.S. News & World Report, one of the most respected monitors of graduate business schools, announced that SMU’s Cox School of Business ranked #36 in its annual survey of the nation’s top MBA programs. The school’s Executive MBA program ranked #14. This announcement follows Cox’s recent selection by the Financial Times (London) as one of the top 30 MBA programs in the world and Business Week’s inclusion of Cox in its list of top 40 MBA programs. The Cox School is the only school in Texas and one of only 23 schools in the nation to be included in the top 40 business school rankings in Business Week, the Financial Times, and U.S. News rankings of MBA programs. U. S. News’ ranking was based on a review of placement success, reputation, and selectivity. The Cox School scores were particularly strong in the areas of percentage of graduates with full-time employment three months after graduation and average GMAT (graduate business entrance exam) scores for entering students. U.S. News & World Report survey results can be found at the magazine’s Web site at http://www.usnews.com/ on March 19.

"It is noteworthy that the Cox School’s MBA is the only program in Texas and one of only 23 in the nation ranked among the top 40 schools by three very significant business publications: U.S. News & World Report, the Financial Times, and Business Week. We are pleased to be a member of this exclusive group of top flight business schools that includes Harvard, University of Pennsylvania (Wharton), Stanford, and Northwestern (Kellogg). We are gratified that U.S. News has also recognized our outstanding performance in placement success, further confirming the value of a Cox MBA. These rankings have tremendous influence over young professionals and their choice of a school. A high ranking means that our customers appreciate the fine job done by our faculty and staff and that companies are impressed by our graduates. That is what a great business school is all about." said Albert W. Niemi, Jr., dean of the school.

Since the last U.S. News survey, Cox MBA student GMAT scores, the standard entrance test for graduate business programs, have risen dramatically, and graduate starting salaries have hit a new record high. The school has developed an impressive global program to increase student exposure to the dynamics of a world-wide economy. Cox’s Executive Mentor Program has also grown. This program matches MBAs with over 200 executives and offers them the one-on-one relationships that expand their network and vision as they advance their careers. The school’s Business Leadership Center continues to be a unique component of the school and one that other schools frequently try to duplicate.