Everything is bigger in Texas, including their law schools. If you’re an aspiring lawyer trying to find the best law school in Texas, it can be hard to narrow down your choices. Choosing the right law school is a critical decision that can have a massive impact on your future salary and legal career prospects.
Luckily, we put together a list of the top law schools in Texas* and what LSAT score and GPA you’ll need to be a competitive applicant.
*All data in this post was obtained from U.S. News and World Report.
Top Law Schools in Texas
- University of Texas—Austin
- Texas A&M University
- Baylor Law
- Southern Methodist University (Dedman School of Law)
- University of Houston
- Texas Tech University
- South Texas College of Law Houston
- St. Mary’s University
- University of North Texas—Dallas
- Texas Southern University (Thurgood Marshall School of Law)
These Texas law schools are considered some of the top law schools in the U.S., have top-ranked law programs, and high Texas bar passage rates. Keep reading to see what makes each school stand out in the Lone Star state.
1. University of Texas—Austin
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #14
Tuition: $38,236 (in-state)
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.89
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 171
Acceptance Rate: 15.6%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 94%
Go Longhorns! The University of Texas—Austin School of Law may be the best law school in Texas. It’s among the top ten law schools with the most graduates in federal clerkships. Its constitutional law program is ranked at #14, and it has a top 20 criminal law (criminal justice) program.
Although out-of-state tuition is considerably higher than in-state tuition, 94.5% of full-time students receive grants. UT Austin School of Law offers full-tuition grants, but you’ll need to make sure your LSAT score and GPA are in the top percentiles to stay competitive. Make sure you apply early before the application deadline to give yourself the best chance.
2. Texas A&M University
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #22
Tuition: $32,634 (in-state)
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.97
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 168
Acceptance Rate: 13.5%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 93%
Known for more than their football team, Texas A&M also has an impressive law school. The Texas A&M School of Law is ranked in the top 10 law schools for intellectual property law and dispute resolution.
True to its commitment to delivering an affordable world-class legal education, 97.3% of full-time students receive grants. And the median grant amount is $30,000. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
It’s no wonder the competition to apply is stiff. With a 13.5% acceptance rate, you’ll need a high LSAT score for the best chances of admission. Fortunately, the application deadline is May 31st, allowing you to take the LSAT in the fall and retake in the spring, if necessary.
Sign up to get expert tips and exclusive invites to free LSAT classes and law school admissions workshops!
3. Baylor University Law School
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #43
Tuition: $64,649
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.73
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 163
Acceptance Rate: 26.9%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 91.6%
Most law students don’t step foot in a courtroom before graduating. That’s not the case with Baylor Law School. Since the 1920s, Baylor Law students have participated in this top Texas law school’s required Practice Court program. This intensive program provides each law student with the valuable experience of trying a case from beginning to end—a skill that’s especially valuable if you’re going into criminal justice.
Another feature that separates Baylor Law is its unique quarter system. Baylor has three entering classes: spring, summer, and fall. Yet, it’s still one of the smallest law schools in the country. The small size, hands-on approach, and 26.9% acceptance rate make Baylor a top law school in Texas.
4. Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #43
Tuition: $66,044
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.86
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 165
Acceptance Rate: 30.4%
First-time Bar Passage Rate: 84.9%
The Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University is a solid law school in Texas. Located in the heart of Dallas, this ABA-approved law school in North Texas will prepare you for your law career through innovative experiential learning programs, including 10 clinics and multiple externship programs. If you’re looking to be an advocate of criminal justice, you can’t go wrong with SMU.
You’ll benefit from a close-knit community at this Dallas college that’s difficult to find at a larger school. Small class sizes allow you to get to know your professor and flex your networking skills. The Mustang Exchange mentoring program connects students with a huge network of mentors/alumni.
SMU begins accepting applications in September. The normal application deadline is April 1st, although they’ll accept late applications if there are spaces left. But, trust us, it’s always better to apply to law school earlier rather than later.
If you’re looking for a law school with a great community and impressive programs, this North Texas law school might be perfect for you.
5. University of Houston Law Center
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #63
Tuition: $37,893 (in-state)
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.75
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 161
Acceptance Rate: 28.4%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 86%
The University of Houston Law Center is ranked 9th in healthcare law, which is no surprise given that Houston is home to the world’s largest health care and medical complex. It’s also ranked 12th in intellectual property law and 15th in legal writing.
The University of Houston is also one of the few law schools with a part-time program. Students at this highly-ranked program attend law school part-time in the evenings Monday-Thursday and can complete a J.D. in four years. It’s a great option if you’re looking to change careers but need to work while going to law school. All you’ll need is a solid LSAT score and the ability to balance work, school, and personal obligations.
6. Texas Tech University School of Law
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #88
Tuition: $27,532 (in-state)
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.65
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 158
Acceptance Rate: 33.5%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 92.1%
Located in Lubbock, the Texas Tech University School of Law has solid trial advocacy, legal writing, and dispute resolution specialties. It’s also not a bad bet financially, with the average debt of 2024 graduates clocking in at $87,023. For context, the ABA reported that the average law school debt is around $112,500. They also offer out-of-state waivers for qualified students.
With a reasonable median LSAT score of 158, a Texas bar passage rate of 92.1%, and a students-first approach, it’s no wonder Texas Tech Law School is consistently considered a good choice for getting a law degree in the state of Texas.
7. South Texas College of Law Houston
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #138
Tuition: $42,520
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.35
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 154
Acceptance Rate: 38.8%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 80.3%
South Texas College of Law Houston has an undeniably diverse student population. Nearly half of its students are minorities, and there is also a large number of foreign students. The school gives students of all backgrounds a chance at earning a law degree with two start dates (one in the fall and one in the spring), as well as a part-time program.
If you’re looking for practical hands-on experience, South Texas College is an excellent choice. Students can work alongside legal experts in 20 practice areas to help underserved populations. It’s won 146 national advocacy championships, including victories in moot court and mock trial competitions. With its high acceptance rate and attainable average GPA and LSAT scores, South Texas College of Law Houston is an ideal school if you’re looking to practice in Texas.
8. St. Mary’s University School of Law
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #148
Tuition: $43,602
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.41
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 153
Acceptance Rate: 32.5%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 73.5%
St. Mary’s University School of Law has one of the top 20 advocacy programs in the nation and a part-time program that ranks 36th in the country.
As part of its commitment to social justice, St. Mary’s law students worked more than 17,671 pro bono hours in 2023. You’ll be expected to get involved even before you step foot on campus. Incoming law students must complete 30 hours of community service before graduation. If you’re looking to make a difference, St. Mary’s Law School might be right for you.
9. University of North Texas Dallas College of Law
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #163
Tuition: $18,762
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.49
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 153
Acceptance Rate: 27.7%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 68.5%
The University of North Texas Dallas College of Law could be a great fit if you like a hands-on approach to learning. The school has programs that allow you to go beyond what’s in the textbooks to see how legal principles apply in the real world. You can work on wrongful conviction cases, do pro bono work for underserved communities, and develop courtroom skills through nationally recognized competitions. Not bad to have all that on your resume prior to graduation!
And after graduation, you won’t be burdened by crushing debt. In-state tuition is low, and graduates are able to start their legal careers without breaking the bank.
10. Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #178-195
Tuition: $14,481
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.21
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 150
Acceptance Rate: 35.6%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 63.5%
Texas Southern University is recognized as one of the most diverse law schools in the country. This law school has a rich history as an HBCU and is committed to making an impact on urban communities. It’s also the most affordable law school in Texas, which is always a welcome reprieve!
While average LSAT scores and GPA aren’t as strict as other schools, TSU Law’s acceptance rate is still fairly low. That’s because the admissions committee looks beyond an applicant’s numbers and into who they are as a person. Leadership ability, community service, work experience, the student’s background, extracurricular activities, and graduate study in another discipline are taken into account. So, if you’re applying here, make sure your law school resume is updated and your experience shines through!
Which Law School in Texas Is Right for Me?
We know choosing a law school is extremely difficult, especially when law schools in Texas have impressive stats. If you have the drive, you’ll become a great lawyer no matter where you go to law school, but these are some of our top Texas law schools:
- Texas Law School with the Highest Texas Bar Passage Rate: University of Texas—Austin School of Law
- Texas Law School with the Highest Acceptance Rate: South Texas College of Law Houston
- Most Affordable Texas Law School: Texas Southern University (Thurgood Marshall School of Law)
Ultimately, you need to decide what law school features are important to you and where you want to eventually practice. This will help you craft a law school target list and make the application process easier.
How Do I Get Accepted to a Texas Law School?
It doesn’t matter if you’re applying to the best law school in Texas or Alaska, the process is the same. The first step in the law school admissions timeline is to take the LSAT. Although there are no required LSAT scores for law school, all these law schools in Texas have median LSAT scores that give you a pretty good idea of how you compare to their previous incoming class. Remember, law schools want to attract the cream of the crop, so make sure you give yourself the best opportunities by getting a high LSAT score.
Blueprint LSAT Prep has the best LSAT prep courses tailored to your individual learning style. From a DIY Self-Paced Online LSAT Course to a Live LSAT Class or 170+ Course and even private LSAT tutoring, we have the LSAT course designed to increase your LSAT score by 15 points, on average!
Don’t want to commit to a prep course right now? Get access to tons of free LSAT resources when you create a Blueprint LSAT account.
