Why You Should Get Your MAcc Degree in Houston
Houston is hot right now! The fourth-largest city in America is home to NASA, Fortune 500 companies, the largest medical center in the world and an unparalleled music scene. The “Culinary and Cultural Capital of the South” is an exciting place to work, stay and play. Come see why this inclusive city has attracted one of the most diverse populations in the country. You’ll fit right in.
Houstonians wake up to all the perks of big city life without the heavy price tag. Whether it’s a weekend grocery run or a stop at a local coffee shop – your dollar goes further in Houston.
The C2ER Cost of Living Index Q2 2019 Annual Average shows that Houston has the third lowest overall cost of living among the nation’s 20 most populous metropolitan areas. The same study also shows that Houston's overall after-taxes living costs are 27.4 percent below the average for the 20 largest urban areas, largely due to affordable housing costs.
Houston’s a great deal, and people are taking notice. For the tenth consecutive year, Houston ranked first in U-Haul’s annual national migration trend report, "The U-Haul 2018 Top 50 U.S. Destination Cities."
And in an era when human capital — ideas, practices and inventions — is the most critical resource of all, Houston enjoys a major power source. It is the most ethnically diverse city in the country. This is an asset crucial to 21st-century business, which must prioritize adaptability to new skills and technology to thrive, notes the personal finance site WalletHub.
We asked some of our current MAcc students what they love most about Houston and both Emily Romero and Claire Weddle commented on the city’s diversity.
“I love the diversity of people and activities in Houston - there is always something unique going on. Through the many festivals, restaurants, and markets, I can explore different cultures without ever having to leave town!” Emily Romero (MAcc Class of 2020)
“I love Houston because it’s so diverse. I’ve gotten to try so much food from different cultures since the city has many restaurants. You can even just go to your local grocery store in Houston and hear people speaking languages from all over the world. It’s something special here that not all places have to offer!” Claire Weddle (MAcc Class of 2020)
Home to five National Sports Teams, Houston is a major league sports town! Wind down by watching the Astros hit a home run at beautiful Minute Maid Park, soak in some sun while watching the Dynamo and the Dash score goals at BBVA Stadium, cheer on the Rockets as they shoot for a win at the Toyota Center or catch some gridiron action with the Texans at NRG Stadium. If you want to experience the original extreme sport, make sure to check out Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo each spring; it’s the largest in the world!
Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene: Take an afternoon stroll through Houston’s museum district where you’ll find the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Children's Museum, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Houston Zoo among other attractions. In the evening, attend a live performance at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park — just across the street! Houston is one of the few U.S. cities that offers world-class, year-round resident companies in all of the major performing arts — symphony (Houston Symphony Orchestra), opera (Houston Grand Opera), drama (The Alley Theatre) and ballet (Houston Ballet).
Culinary Capital of Texas: Houston offers a myriad of dining options to please even the pickiest of eaters. Authentic TexMex, traditional Texas barbeque, and Creole inspired cuisine are just a few of the possibilities. Houston is the Culture and Culinary Capital of the South with more than 10,000 restaurants and eating establishments covering over 60 cuisines. Home to award-winning chefs like Chris Shepherd and Hugo Ortega, you'll savor Houston's world-class restaurant scene. Learn more.
Interested in learning more? Email us at RiceMAcc@rice.edu.
The one-year Rice Master of Accounting (MAcc) program welcomes students from all undergraduate majors. Our intentionally small program ensures that you will get to know your classmates and professors well. You belong here!
A Rice MAcc alum wins prestigious Elijah Watt Sells Award from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for the third consecutive year.
Accounting is a high-demand skill that provides excellent earning potential to Master’s graduates. As a result, regardless of undergraduate major or background, a graduate degree in accounting can transform your career trajectory in as little as one year.
