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Texas MPA | Experience

  • Sixth Street Entertainment District

    Sixth Street District, Downtown Austin

  • Barton Springs

    Barton Springs Pool

  • Outdoor Concert

    Austin City Limits Music Festival

  • State Capitol at Night

    Texas State Capitol

  • Marathon in downtown Austin

    Marathon in Downtown Austin

  • 360 Bridge

    Loop 360 Bridge

Explore the Unique Culture of the Texas Capital

Austin Rankings

From the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau

  • One of the 10 greenest cities in the country —Mother Nature Network (July 2009)
  • #1 U.S. city for job growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (June 2009)
  • #7 on the list of America’s Top Tech Centers —American Cities Business Journals. (May 2009)
  • #9 among “fit” cities —American College of Sports Medicine’s American Fitness Index (May 2009)
  • #1 on America’s best bargain cities —Forbes.com (May 2009)
  • #15 on the list of top art destinations in the country —AmericanStyle magazine readers (April 2009)
  • #1 for job growth potential —NewGeography.com (April 2009)
  • Among America’s Best Cities for the Outdoors —Forbes.com (February 2009)

Read more about Austin from the UT website.

Austin used to be a pleasant surprise for business students and visitors from out of state, but the city's great weather, friendly atmosphere, and thriving economy are no longer secrets.

Demographers call Austin a "City of Ideas," one of a handful of American regions where a new creative class of entrepreneurs, business leaders, artists and visionaries are reshaping the model for American prosperity.

A well-educated work force, a world-class research university, a favorable business climate, a reasonable tax structure, and an outstanding quality of life are the top five reasons why companies choose Austin. Over 800 semi-conductor, energy, computer and software companies call Austin home. Other industries, such as biosciences, multi-media, film, music and logistics and distribution are well-represented and growing.

The McCombs School of Business benefits from strong relationships with our local business community. They join us as research partners, recruiters, visiting lecturers, practicum sponsors, and guest speakers.

Grace Yeh“Austin is such a laid-back city with so many interesting characters that I just enjoyed going to one of its many coffee shops to catch up with friends and people-watch. I also really liked going to the music venues in downtown Austin and catching shows with friends.”--Grace Yeh, MPA '10

Austin also boasts scenic beauty, a laid-back atmosphere, a highly educated population and a lively arts and music scene. The city is bluebonnets and blues, high-tech and hill country, research and recreation.

Features

  • Over 1,700,000 residents in the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area
  • 172 city parks
  • 30 miles of urban hike and bike trails
  • Crystal-clear lakes, streams and rivers for boating, skiing, windsurfing, swimming and kayaking
  • Symphony, ballet and opera
  • Art galleries and museums
  • Over 120 live music venues

More about Austin from the McCombs School website

MPA-Experience-Living-in-Austin