The 7 Top Law Schools in Texas (2023 Rankings)

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Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 01/16/23

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If you’re interested in attending law school in the Lone Star State, read on to find out the top law schools in Texas.

Texas is best known for its scorching hot weather, delicious barbeque, and longhorn cattle, but did you know that Texas also has some great law schools? Texas is home to law schools dedicated to advancing justice and producing world-class lawyers. This guide will tell you all about the state’s top seven law schools.

The 7 Best Law Schools in Texas in 2023

There are various factors to consider when deciding which law school is best for you. One important factor is location, which you’ve likely already decided since you’re reading this article!

Other essential factors are ranking, requirements, fees, and even the employment rates of graduates from each university. Employment rates are also crucial to consider so you know whether or not your education will set you up for success!

The following list of the seven top Texas law schools details all of these factors to help you make the most informed decision possible.

1. University of Texas – Austin School of Law

Coming in first as the best law school in Texas is the School of Law at the University of Texas – Austin School of Law, which ranks 17^th as the Best Law School in the nation. As a top-ranking school, this university is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 15.2%.

The median GPA for this school is 3.8, and the median LSAT score is just as high at 169. These are the highest score requirements on this list!

Tuition to attend Texas Law is $36,429 annually for residents and $54,096 for non-residents. These high costs will be well worth it with the promising 87.3% employment rate of Texas Law graduates.

2. Texas A&M University School of Law

The School of Law at Texas A&M University ranks second as the best law school in Texas and 46^th in the nation. Texas A&M is known for its intellectual property law program and ranks sixth in this field, making it an excellent option for those interested in this type of law.

The acceptance rate for this top law school in Texas is 18.4%, with the median GPA of admitted students being 3.84, and a median LSAT score of 163.

Tuition costs $32,634 a year for residents and $48,618 for non-residents. While these costs may seem high, 93.8% of A&M Law graduates are able to find employment within ten months after graduation.

3. Baylor University

Another top law school in Texas is Baylor Law School, which ranks 58^th in the nation. This school is best known for its trial advocacy training, which impressively ranks second in the nation.

At almost double the rate of the previously mentioned law schools, Baylor has an acceptance rate of 34.3%. Despite this high acceptance rate, the median GPA required is 3.64, and the median LSAT is 162, both of which are still relatively high. 

While the acceptance rate at this school is higher than the others, the tuition costs are too. Tuition costs $61,782 per academic year. However, 82.5% of Baylor grads find full-time employment within less than a year of graduating. 

4. SMU (Dedman) Law School

The SMU Dedman School of Law ranks fourth as the best law school in Texas and ties with Baylor as the 58^th Best Law School in the nation. This law school follows a similar pattern as Baylor, with a high acceptance rate and high score requirements. 

SMU has an acceptance rate of 33.4% with admitted students having a median GPA of 3.76, and a median LSAT score of 163.

Tuition costs around $54,090 yearly, though 82.3% of SMU graduates are able to find employment within ten months of graduation, making it a good choice for those hoping to pursue a career in law.

5. University of Houston Law Center

The Law Center at the University of Houston ties with Baylor as the 58^th Best Law School in the nation. This may be a top choice for those interested in practicing health care law or intellectual property law, as it ranks 7^th and 6^th, respectively, in these fields.

Houston Law has an acceptance rate of 30.8%, a median GPA of 3.64, and a median LSAT score of 161, making it slightly easier to get into than the other law schools on this list.

This school’s tuition is relatively inexpensive compared to the other schools that ranked 58^th. Tuition is $34,930 a year for residents and $49,748 for non-residents. Around 81.9% of Houston Law alums find employment ten months after graduation.

6. Texas Tech University

The School of Law at Texas Tech University ranks sixth in Texas and 105^th nationally as the Best Law School. The acceptance rate for this school is 34.3%, with a median GPA of 3.56 and an LSAT score of 157.

Texas Tech also has some of the lowest tuition costs on this list, coming in at $27,532 a year for residents and $38,902 for non-residents. 81.1% of students attain jobs after graduating, meaning law students from Texas Tech graduate with minimal debt and can pay it off fairly quickly!

7. South Texas College of Law Houston

The last university on this list of the best law schools in Texas is the South Texas College of Law Houston, which ranks between the 147^th to 192^nd Best Law School in the nation. This school also ranks third as the Best Law School for Trial Advocacy if that’s a field you’re interested in.

With the highest acceptance rates and lowest score requirements, this law school accepts 42.2% of applicants and has a median GPA of 3.22 and LSAT score of 154.

This school also has the lowest tuition costs at only $18,950 a year. 65.9% of South Texas College graduates are able to find employment within ten months of graduation.