BEST LAW SCHOOL IN TEXAS

Your Guide to the Best Law School in Texas

Introduction

Texas is home to several top-ranked law schools that provide outstanding legal education. When evaluating the best law schools in Texas, key factors include bar exam passage rates, employment outcomes, faculty expertise, and program offerings. There are currently ten American Bar Association-accredited law schools in Texas. This article will give a thorough examination of the top 10 law schools in Texas.

skyline view of Dallas Texas with blue overlay

10 Best Law Schools in Texas

When selecting the best Texas law school for your needs, it is essential to evaluate multiple aspects. Among these aspects, the location is an important factor you have probably already contemplated. Other vital considerations include law school rankings, admission requirements, tuition fees, and even the employment rates of graduates from each institution. 

It is also critical to examine employment statistics when determining if your education will lead to success. The following list includes thorough information on the 10 top law schools in Texas, covering all of this information, like LSAT scores for Texas law schools, acceptance rates, and many more to help you make an informed selection.

1. University of Texas– Austin

What is the best law school in Texas? The University of Texas–Austin is the top law school in Texas. It occupies the 16th position in the national Best Law School rankings. The selection process for this esteemed educational establishment is notably rigorous, as indicated by an acceptance rate of 14.6%.

With regard to academic prerequisites, the median GPA stands at 3.84, and the median LSAT score is 170. The LSAT score range at this institution reflects its commitment to high academic standards and ranges from 158 to 166. Tuition fees for state residents are set at $36,429 per year, while out-of-state candidates face a higher cost of $54,096. Although these amounts may appear intimidating, they are deemed worthwhile due to the impressive full-credit employment rate of 93.1% within 10 months after graduation.

2. Texas A&M University Law School

When it comes to law school rankings in Texas, the college stands out exceptionally, holding the position of second-best law school in the state and ranking 29th nationally. The school is especially distinguished for its intellectual property law program, which holds a remarkable ninth position on a national level.

The prestigious institution has an acceptance rate of 16.3%, and its incoming class showcases impressive academic qualifications, including a median GPA of 3.93 and a median LSAT score of 164. Prospective students should budget for annual tuition fees amounting to $32,634 for residents within the state and $48,618 for those residing outside the state boundaries. While these figures are considerable, the investment is mitigated by the high employment rate for graduates. An impressive 96.4% of graduates from A&M Law are employed within ten months following their graduation, potentially making law school scholarships and the initial tuition outlay a worthy investment.

3. SMU (Dedman) Law School

Situated as the third-best law school in Texas and the 45th nationally, the SMU Dedman School of Law holds a significant position, especially for those seeking the best law school in Dallas. With an acceptance rate of 33.9%, only students with remarkable academic backgrounds are admitted, showcasing a median GPA of 3.71 and an LSAT score of 164. The annual tuition fee amounts to a substantial $61,058. 

Despite the higher cost of tuition, it is crucial to recognize that there are means to mitigate this expense through law school loans and various forms of financial assistance. Moreover, the impressive employment outcomes at SMU Dedman School of Law, where an outstanding 95.5% of graduates find work within ten months after completing their studies, make this institution an astute choice for those who are determined to forge a prosperous path in the legal profession.

4. Baylor University

Baylor Law School stands out as another premier legal institution in Texas, ranking 49th nationally. The school is particularly renowned for its trial advocacy program, which holds an exceptional third place in national rankings. Baylor is notable for its acceptance rate of 23.9%. It maintains rigorous academic standards with a median GPA of 3.72 and a median LSAT score of 163.

Baylor Law School’s tuition is also on the higher end, costing $61,877 per academic year. Despite the elevated tuition costs, the school demonstrates strong employment outcomes, with 91.5% of its graduates securing full-time employment within less than a year of completing their degrees. Moreover, Baylor Law School is open to accepting diverse candidates from different majors for law school, enriching the learning environment and fostering a more inclusive community.

5. University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center proudly holds its position as one of the best law schools in Texas. It is recognized as the joint 60th-best law school in the United States according to national rankings. It excels in Healthcare Law education and is ranked ninth nationwide for this specialization. Furthermore, it boasts an esteemed part-time law program that ranks sixth nationally. 

When it comes to law school requirements, the University of Houston Law Center stands out by maintaining a moderate acceptance rate of 32.1%. This law school has lower admission requirements compared to others, with a 3.7 GPA and 161 LSAT score for admitted students. In-state tuition is $34,930, and out-of-state tuition is $49,748. The school also boasts solid employment prospects for its graduates, as approximately 86.4% secure employment within ten months following graduation.

6. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University School of Law is one of the cheapest law schools in TX. Tuition is only $27,532 a year for residents and $38,872 for non-residents, making it an appealing option for those looking for a solid legal education without breaking the bank. Furthermore, this institution boasts impressive rankings – sixth in Texas and 71st nationwide – along with a competitive acceptance rate of 36.8%. To gain admission into this esteemed institution, applicants should aim for a median GPA requirement of 3.64 and a median LSAT score of 157.

Impressively, Texas Tech Law graduates have a 95.4% full-credit outcome rate 10 months after graduation, which suggests that students are likely to secure employment swiftly and thus are able to manage and reduce their educational debt at an accelerated pace.

7. St. Mary’s University Law School

The national ranking for St. Mary’s University Law School is 153rd, while its part-time programs are ranked 39th. With an acceptance rate of 37.4%, the institution is known for its excellence in trial advocacy, ranking 12th in this specialized field. The median GPA for entrants into all programs is 3.36, and the median LSAT score is 153.

Given the competitive acceptance rate, your application must distinguish you from the rest of the candidate pool. Your credentials should stand out, like letters of recommendation, law school personal statements, and essays demonstrating your unique talents, background, and ambitions. 

The full-time program requires a tuition fee of $42,242, while the part-time alternative amounts to $27,984. As for employment prospects, approximately 77% of St. Mary’s Law graduates achieve full-credit outcomes within ten months of completing their legal education.

8. South Texas College of Law Houston

Occupying the eighth spot on our list of law school rankings in Texas, South Texas College of Law Houston holds a national ranking of 162nd in U.S. News Best Law Schools. Additionally, this institution is noteworthy for its strong emphasis on Trial Advocacy, where it holds the ninth position nationally. Its part-time law program is also ranked at 57th in the country.

With the highest acceptance rates and lowest score requirements, this law school accepts 44.3% of applicants and has a median GPA of 3.3 and a median LSAT score of 153. Despite having lower entry requirements, this school successfully places 72.5% of its graduates in employment positions within ten months after graduation.

9. University of North Texas-Dallas Law School

The University of North Texas-Dallas Law School holds a national rank of 167, sharing this position with other institutions. Its part-time law program also ties into the 60th spot nationwide.

With an acceptance rate of 33.3%, the University of North Texas–Dallas Law School has more lenient entry requirements than other leading law schools in Texas, including a median GPA of 3.31 and a median LSAT score of 152. On the financial front, the school offers a relatively economical tuition structure. 

The tuition fee varies based on residency status. Residents’ full-time students pay $18,565, part-time students pay $13,987, non-resident full-time students pay $30,668, and part-time students pay $22,752. Despite the slightly relaxed admission standards, the law program graduates enjoy an impressive employment rate of 69.7% within ten months of graduation.

10. Texas Southern University (Marshall)

Ranked within the 180-196 range for Best Law Schools nationally, Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law has an acceptance rate of 38.2%. When compared to some of the top-ranked law schools in Texas, Marshall School of Law has more accommodating admissions standards. The median GPA and LSAT score for accepted students are 3.1 and 151, respectively. 

Tuition is affordable, with in-state full-time students’ tuition of $21,037 and out-of-state student’s tuition of $28,260. However, the full-credit outcomes 10 months after graduation stand at 56.7%, offering reasonable prospects for employment in the legal field. 

Complete List of Texas Law School Rankings

Considering the search for the best law school in Texas, here is a comprehensive ranking overview of each law school in the state.

School U.S News Rank
1. University of Texas– Austin #16
2. Texas A&M University Law School #29
3. SMU (Dedman) Law School #45
4. Baylor University #49
5. University of Houston Law Center #60
6. Texas Tech University #71
7. St. Mary’s University Law School #153
8. South Texas College of Law Houston #162
9. University of North Texas-Dallas Law School #167
10. Texas Southern University (Marshall) #180-196

People Doing a Group Study- Best Law School in Texas

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Final Thoughts: Best Law School in Texas

Identifying the best law school in Texas demands careful evaluation of key elements like tuition costs, LSAT scores, and post-graduation job prospects. To aid in making a well-informed decision that aligns with your legal ambitions, this comprehensive guide furnishes essential information. This summary presents all the vital details required for selecting a law school that caters to your precise objectives within the legal profession.

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