Not sure which law school to apply to, this year? We’ve rounded up a list of 8 best law schools in Texas that you should totally consider!
The Best Law Schools in Texas
If you’re ready to take the first step towards your dream of launching a successful career in law, Texas is the place to be! Imagine stepping into a world full of brilliant minds, challenging coursework, and endless opportunities to grow! Yep, these are the experiences that await you at each one of Texas’ top law schools.
Honestly, Texas has everything grand, especially its law schools. With its vast legal landscape and supportive community, it’s no wonder why the sky’s the limit for a legal career in Texas. Without a doubt, pursuing a legal profession is no joke, so the universities leave no stone unturned in pushing your limits to set you up for success.
Sounds great? We bet! But the real challenge is: which law school to go for in Texas? Fret not; it’s about time this confusion turns into excitement. We’ve rounded up the top law schools in Texas that have your back! So, without further ado, let’s jump right in.
1. University of Texas – Austin
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#17
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Tuition Fee
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$36,429
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Average GPA
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3.84
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Average LSAT Scores
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170
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Acceptance Rate
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14.56%
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Application Deadline
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March 1, 2023
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Top of our list is none other than the University of Texas – Austin, possibly the best law school in Texas and a dream for millions! Known for its top-notch legal programs, many students flock in to compete for a chance of landing in. The university offers one of the top 10 Constitutional Law programs and the top 20 Criminal Justice Programs. We think that’s enough reason why it deserves a spot at the top of your list of potential law schools!
And that’s not even all! UT Austin was even ranked #1 as the Best Starting-Salary-to-Debt Ratio by U.S. News and World Reports. So, it’s pretty clear that this is not your average law school with mediocre course offerings; it’s huge! However, that also means that getting in is no child’s play, especially with an acceptance rate of 14.56%.
If you’re an out-of-the-state student, attending UT Law School comes with a relatively higher tuition cost. But don’t let that stop you, for the good news is – about 91% of the students can receive grants too!
Pro tip: To skyrocket your chances of receiving grants, remember to apply well before the application deadline. And, of course, do all you can to ace your LSAT!
2. Texas A&M University
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#46
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Tuition Fee
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$32,634
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Average GPA
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3.93
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Average LSAT Scores
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164
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Acceptance Rate
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16.33%
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Application Deadline
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May 31, 2023
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Being a solid law school, Texas A&M University takes up the second spot on our list of top law schools in the state. One reason why it’s so popular is that it became the first public institution of higher education in the state of Texas. And the other reason is, of course, their fiercely passionate football team. It’s safe to say that the university is rich in heritage, pride, and passion!
Not to forget the vibrant campus life there, which appeals to all aspiring law students throughout the US. But guess what? There’s a lot more to A&M Texas law school than only this. Probably the biggest reason you’d want to consider it a priority for your legal education is their hands-on approach. Yep, the university knows that the best way to set you up for success in your future legal career is to give you real-world experience.
Read More: The 8 Best Law Schools in New York that Should be on your List!
While Texas A&M University is famous for its highly competitive admission process, this just shows the university’s commitment to academic excellence. With last year’s acceptance rate being 16.33%, it’s no surprise that many challenges await here!
And there’s even more fantastic news! The application deadline for Texas A&M University is May 31st, giving you plenty of time to make your dream of attending this prestigious institution a reality. Plus, you might even retake the LSAT in Spring if needed. That’s definitely too good a chance to let go!
3. Baylor University
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#58
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Tuition Fee
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$1,471 (Per Credit)
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Average GPA
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3.72
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Average LSAT Scores
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163
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Acceptance Rate
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23.87%
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Application Deadline
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March 15, 2023
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If there’s one university that lets you step into the courtroom way before your graduation, it’s Baylor University in Texas. Since 1920, students from Baylor University have been practicing their Practice Court Program, which is exactly why they ace the law game once as soon as they graduate. No wonder it’s ranked #58 among the top law schools in Texas by the US News & World Report.
The intensive law programs at Baylor University help you handle cases from beginning to end throughout the degree. This means that especially if you wish to go for Criminal Justice in the future, you’re in tremendous luck!
Also, Baylor Law School is one of the smallest law schools in Texas. But don’t let that trick you; they still take up 23.87% of their applicants. In other news, it’s their unique quarter system that sets the university apart – they have admissions thrice a year, in Spring, Summer, and Fall.
4. Southern Methodist University (Dedman School of Law)
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#58
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Tuition Fee
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$54,090
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Average GPA
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3.71
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Average LSAT Scores
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164
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Acceptance Rate
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33.91%
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Application Deadline
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March 1, 2023
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Southern Methodist University (SMU) Dedman School of Law is a private law school located in Dallas, Texas. Again, we have good reasons to include it in the list. Ranked 58 by the US News & World Report, the SMU Dedman School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in the southwestern United States. And ever since 1925, the world has seen the university thrive with its rigorous academic legal programs.
If you get lucky enough to build your future as a lawyer from here, you’ll love the close-knit community here like nowhere else. With small class sizes, you’ll have an excellent chance to get to know your professors and build valuable relationships with your batch mates. Not to forget their Mustang Exchange mentoring program, which gives you access to over 300 mentors and alumni – all eager to help you grow both personally and professionally!
Read More: Hiring Law School Admissions Consultant: The Complete Guide
Another plus? SMU Dedman Law School gears you up for your legal career through modern experiential learning programs, with 11 clinics and numerous externships. So, if you’re up for surrounding yourself with the best opportunities, this law school is just the right pick for you!
5. University of Houston Law Center
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#58
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Tuition Fee
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$29,553
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Average GPA
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3.70
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Average LSAT Scores
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161
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Acceptance Rate
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32.13%
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Application Deadline
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January 15, 2023
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Next up, we have the University of Houston Law Center, also ranked #58 in the list of best law schools in the US. The fact that Houston is home to the world’s largest healthcare complex makes it pretty clear why this university enjoys a great reputation in the domain of Healthcare Law. And again, there’s more to the picture!
What primarily sets the University of Houston Law Center apart is the fact that it’s just one of those very few universities offering a part-time program. With a firm commitment to their quality of education, the school offers a JD program, as well as several dual degree programs and LL.M. programs, allowing you to specialize in your favorite areas of law.
When applying here, you can expect a dynamic yet intellectually stimulating environment that will push you to your limits. Yep, getting in is never easy, but totally worth the shot!
6. Texas Tech University
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#105
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Tuition Fee
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$22,590
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Average GPA
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3.64
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Average LSAT Scores
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157
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Acceptance Rate
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36.80%
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Application Deadline
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May 1, 2023
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All set to kick-start your legal journey and make a difference in the world? Look no further than the School of Law at Texas Tech University, which has it all! Offering a top-notch atmosphere, this law school has what it takes to turn your passion for justice into action.
Whether you wish to pursue a traditional J.D. degree or want to specialize in a specific area of law through one of their dual degree programs, the School of Law at Texas Tech has your back! Another big reason for adding this university to the list is its low student-faculty ratio, with roughly 18 students for every faculty member. It’s no secret why we’d recommend this for a more personalized experience, right?
Perhaps the biggest reason why you’d go for Texas Tech University is their incredible financial assistance, which is too good to be true! Once you land here, you’ll always have the peace of mind of knowing that you won’t be weighed down by massive student loan debt after graduation. Kid you not, that’s too good a chance to miss!
7. South Texas College of Law Houston
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School Aspects
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|---|---|
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#147-192
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Tuition Fee
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$37,900
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Average GPA
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3.30
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Average LSAT Scores
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153
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Acceptance Rate
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44.34%
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Application Deadline
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May 1, 2023
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While the South Texas College of Law Houston isn’t really at the top of the list, it turns out that this doesn’t make the university any less prestigious! If you love the idea of embarking on your legal journey with a richly diverse group of classmates, your search is finally over! With over half of its student population being made up of minorities, this law school is perhaps the only one that gives you a chance to learn and grow in a truly inclusive community.
What’s even better is the fact that South Texas College gives you the flexibility to pursue your degree on your own terms. Don’t believe it? Well, they offer two start dates each year (one in the fall and one in the spring) as well as a part-time program.
Further, the university offers valuable hands-on experience, coupled with multiple chances to put your skills to the test in a real-world setting. Let’s not forget their impressive record of 133 national advocacy championships that’ll surely make you a part of a legacy of success.
And thanks to their attainable LSAT scores and GPA criteria, the chances of you landing here are brighter than you think!
8. St. Mary’s University
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#147-192
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Tuition Fee
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$41,138
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Average GPA
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3.36
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Average LSAT Scores
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153
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Acceptance Rate
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37.45%
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Application Deadline
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March 1, 2023
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Attention Future Lawyers! St. Mary’s University is nothing short of a hidden gem in the heart of Texas, so you can’t possibly miss out on this one as an option for your legal career. Whether you’re just starting out on your legal journey or wish to change your career path, St. Mary’s is here to help!
With a program that ranks 49th in the best part-time law schools, it’s no secret why this is the top choice for many. In 2020, St. Mary’s law students gave back by completing over 10,000 pro bono hours! So, you’re totally expected to get involved before even entering law school.
With an acceptance rate of 37.45%, there’s an excellent possibility for you to join the league too. Once you do it, you’re all set to ace the future of law!
The Bottom Line
All of these top-notch law schools call out to turn your dreams into a reality! However, with so many options to choose from, make sure to play smart.
Whether you’re looking for hands-on practical experience, a close-knit community, or a commitment to social justice, these Texas law schools always have something in store for you! So, what keeps you waiting? It’s about time you take your first step into your dream career already.
