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The 7 Top Law Schools in Texas (2024 Rankings)

November 27, 2023
4 min read
Contents

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Reviewed by:

David Merson

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

Reviewed: 11/27/23

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 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!

Texas Theater in San Angelo, TX

Here are the best ranked law schools in Texas to help you make the most informed decision possible. 

1. University of Texas – Austin School of Law

Admission Statistics
U.S. News Ranking 16th in Best Law Schools
Bar Passage Rate 94.6%
Acceptance Rate 14.6%
Average LSAT 170
Average GPA 3.84

Coming in first as the best law school in Texas is the School of Law at the University of Texas. As a top-ranking school, this university is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 14.6%. 

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 Texas Law graduates promising an 87.3% employment rate.

2. Texas A&M University School of Law

Admission Statistics
U.S. News Ranking 29th in Best Law Schools
Bar Passage Rate 89.2%
Acceptance Rate 16.3%
Average LSAT 166
Average GPA 3.97

The School of Law at Texas A&M University ranks second as the best law school in Texas. 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.

Tuition costs $32,634 a year for residents and $48,618 for non-residents. While these costs may seem high, 98.3% of A&M Law graduates can find employment within ten months after graduation.

3. Baylor University

Admission Statistics
U.S. News Ranking 49th in Best Law Schools
Bar Passage Rate 88.1%
Acceptance Rate 23.9%
Average LSAT 163
Average GPA 3.72

Baylor Law School ranks 49th in the nation. This school is best known for its trial advocacy training, which impressively ranks second in the nation.

Tuition costs $61,782 per academic year, which is pricier. However, 82.5% of Baylor grads find full-time employment within less than a year of graduating. 

4. SMU (Dedman) Law School

Admission Statistics
U.S. News Ranking 45th in Best Law Schools
Bar Passage Rate 87%
Acceptance Rate 33.9%
Average LSAT 164
Average GPA 3.71

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

Tuition costs around $56,254 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

Admission Statistics
U.S. News Ranking 60th in Best Law Schools
Bar Passage Rate 85.8%
Acceptance Rate 32.1%
Average LSAT 161
Average GPA 3.70

The Law Center at the University of Houston ties with Baylor as the 60th 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 7th and 6th in these fields.

This school’s tuition is relatively inexpensive compared to the other law schools. Tuition is $34,941 a year for residents and $50,131 for non-residents. Around 81.9% of Houston Law alumni find employment ten months after graduation.

6. Texas Tech University

Admission Statistics
U.S. News Ranking 71st in Best Law Schools
Bar Passage Rate 89%
Acceptance Rate 36.8%
Average LSAT 157
Average GPA 3.56

The School of Law at Texas Tech University ranks sixth in Texas. The acceptance rate for this school is 36.8%, 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 $39,232 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

Admission Statistics
U.S. News Ranking 162nd in Best Law Schools
Bar Passage Rate 71.4%
Acceptance Rate 44.3%
Average LSAT 153
Average GPA 3.34

The last university on this list of the best law schools in Texas is the South Texas College of Law Houston, which ranks 162nd in Best Law Schools in the nation. This school is also known for trial advocacy if that’s a field you’re interested in. The school is also one of the easier law schools to get into

This school also has the lowest tuition costs at only $20,555 per semester. 65.9% of South Texas College graduates are able to find employment within ten months of graduation.

Austin, TX skyline

The Complete List of Top Texas Law Schools

Now that we’ve gone over the top Texas law schools, here’s an overview of every Texas law school by ranking:

  • University of Texas – Austin School of Law 
  • Texas A&M University School of Law 
  • Baylor University 
  • SMU (Dedman) Law School 
  • University of Houston Law Center 
  • Texas Tech University 
  • South Texas College of Law Houston 

 These schools can be the perfect law school to help you reach your full potential and kickstart a successful legal career!

Final Thoughts

Depending on your preferred location within Texas, field of interest, and budget, there are excellent law schools to choose from in the Lone Star State.

By choosing one of the top law schools listed in this guide, you can enjoy Texas's incredible culture as you fulfill your dream of becoming a venerable lawyer!

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