Best Law Schools in Texas

Texas is home to cowboys and top law schools! Check out our top ten picks and their tuition fees to help you make an informed decision.

Many of us associate prestigious law schools with the financial sector in New York City or the reputable Ivy League schools on the East Coast. However, Texas's unique location at the US-Mexico border and rich history has made it an excellent place for prospective lawyers, prosecutors, and judges to earn their law degrees, as demonstrated by the many distinguished alumni who studied law in the state.

With so many Texas law schools to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out which law programs are truly the best. To help you with your law school research, Bold.org has organized a list of the Top 10 Law Schools in Texas, including information about the types of scholarships and financial aid these institutions offer.

Our list is based on five factors that we believe to be indicative of the program's ability to prepare students for a successful and fulfilling career in law.

• national rankings (e.g., U.S. News and World Report)
• quality of faculty
• rigor of courses
• bar exam pass rate
• employment rate after graduation

Keep in mind that many of these factors are informed by statistics that don't always display each student's personal experience at the university. Always do your own research on the school's website before applying.

As you prepare for your law school journey, don't forget to create a free Bold.org profile to find more ways to finance your law education while reducing your student loan debt.

How To Choose the Right Law School

There is no one "best law school" that will ultimately fit every person's unique goals, budget, and preferences. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you consider which institution you should attend to earn your law degree.

Tuition and Fees

Law school is notoriously expensive, and costs can vary widely depending on whether you choose a public or private school, and if you’re paying in-state or out-of-state tuition. Some schools may also offer more generous financial aid packages, other law schools may have more scholarship opportunities. Be sure to carefully research the total cost of attendance for each school you’re considering.

Law Fields and Specializations

Every law school's curriculum and the fields of study that they offer will vary, so keep in mind the field of law that you hope to practice after you graduate and start working in the legal field. Browse the course offerings and academics on law schools' websites to learn more about which specializations schools are known for and how different law schools rank in specific fields of law.

Employment Outcomes

Look into which law schools have the best hiring outcomes among their graduates and the highest bar exam pass rates to get a better sense of career preparedness. Reaching out to alumni from a particular school and connecting with a school's career center are great ways to learn more about employment outcomes and plan for your own future.

Start chipping away at law school tuition with this list of the Top Law School Scholarships to Apply for!

Top 10 Law Schools in Texas in 2023

#1 University of Texas School of Law - Austin, TX

Bold.org ranks the University of Texas School of Law as the top law school in Texas. Located at UT Austin, the school offers a three-year J.D. program and an L.L.M. program for lawyers seeking further specialization or foreign lawyers aiming to practice in the U.S. U.S. News and World Report also recognizes Texas Law for having the best starting salary-to-student debt ratio in the country.

J.D. students spend their first year on foundational legal topics, with the flexibility to customize their studies in the second and third years. Full-tuition scholarships are available for those pursuing public interest law through the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law Scholarships.

• Tuition & Fees for Texas Residents: $38,236
• Tuition & Fees for Non-Residents: $56,822

If you don't get a full ride, student loans are always an option. Learn more about federal student loans and how to get one!

#2 Texas Tech University School of Law - Lubbock, TX

In the artistic city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University School of Law boasts a renowned trial advocacy program, innovative legal research resources, and strong emphasis on practical skills. 90% of graduates from Texas Tech hired into full time employment after graduation, and we've ranked it as the number 2 institution to get a law degree in Texas.

90% of the class of 2021 at Texas Tech University accepted positions before the release of bar results and 95% were employed by the end of their graduating year. Dual degree programs are offered, so you can earn a J.D. along with an M.B.A. or an M.D. at Texas Tech.

• Tuition & Fees for Texas Residents: $27,532
• Tuition & Fees for Non-Residents: $39,232

#3 University of Houston Law Center - Houston, TX

The University of Houston Law Center is located in Houston, TX, home to one of the largest legal markets in the world. It offers both a full-time J.D. program and a part-time evening program for students balancing work or family commitments, with classes held from 6 PM to 9 PM, Monday through Thursday.

The Law Center is especially known for its business and commercial law programs, and also offers dual degree programs, alongside the typical graduate degrees. Unique to the Law Center, a dedicated financial adviser helps law students navigate financial aid, student loans, and scholarships.

• Tuition & Fees for Texas Residents: $37,893
• Tuition & Fees for Non-Residents: $52,773

#4 Texas A&M University School of Law - Fort Worth, TX

Texas A&M University's School of Law ranks 26th nationally and 1st in Texas bar exam pass rates in 2023. In your 2L and 3L years, you can tailor your curriculum by pursuing a general course of study or specializing in areas like business law, regulatory law, or litigation and dispute resolution.

All J.D. applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships, and non-residents may qualify for an out-of-state tuition waiver through the Competitive Scholarship program. First year students can expect to focus on core law classes and support programs.

• Tuition & Fees for Texas Residents: $32,634
• Tuition & Fees for Non-Residents: $48,682

#5 Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law - Dallas, TX

SMU Dedman is located in the 9th largest city in the nation in Dallas, Texas and offers J.D. candidates a small school experience with close-knit classes. You can earn a J.D., a J.D. and M.B.A. dual degree, or an L.L.M. degree from Dedman. The 2023 bar exam pass rate is 87.18% for first-time takers among graduates from S.M.U. Dedman.

Tuition costs $59,286 for full-time students but luckily, all applicants are automatically considered for scholarships. Through the Sumners Foundation Scholarship (which requires a separate application), students can earn a full-ride with all tuition and fees covered, including a living stipend, for permanent residents in Arkansas, Kansa, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, or Texas.

• Tuition & Fees: $66,044

#6 St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX

St. Mary's University Law School is the only Catholic, Marianist law school in Texas and offers the first fully online J.D. program accredited by the American Bar Association, allowing students to earn their degree in a virtual setting. The school’s Law Success Program uses data-driven assessments, academic counseling, and bar exam preparation to help students develop legal skills and improve their chances of passing the bar.

St. Mary's guarantees law school admission for its undergraduates who meet G.P.A. and other requirements, with an option to earn a bachelor's and law degree simultaneously through the Nelson Wolff Law Early Admission Program.

• Tuition & Fees: $43,602

Every law school will have a competitive admissions rate. Check out our guide on how to get into law school!

#7 Baylor University Law School - Waxo, TX

Baylor Law School is one of the smallest law schools in the nation with just 387 students total and 141 students entering in Fall 2024. Baylor Law School students passed the bar at a rate of 91.6% on their first attempt in 2023 and only seven students of that same graduating class did not have a full-time employment status after graduation.

Most notably, Baylor offers a unique quarter system with four full quarters available throughout the year, including the summer. Law students are given the flexibility to begin their studies at any point in the year.

Tuition & Fees: $64,648

#8 University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law - Dallas, TX

The University of North Texas (U.N.T.) Dallas College of Law is the only public law school in Dallas, offering hands-on experiential learning that prepares students for real-world legal practice. The curriculum emphasizes both legal theory and practical skills, such as preparing arguments and managing a law practice.

Financial aid and scholarships, including the Presidential Scholars Program, provide opportunities for students to earn up to $66,800 over four years.

• Tuition & Fees for Texas Residents: $19,886
• Tuition & Fees for Non-Residents: $33,306

#9 South Texas College of Law Houston - Houston, TX

South Texas College of Law Houston is the oldest law school in Houston, Texas, dating back to 1886. The institution originally began as a law school that offered night classes for working professionals, and they now offer both a full-time and a part-time J.D. program.

South Texas Law equips its students with legal knowledge and practice-ready skills to ensure success after graduation. Many scholarships are available to supplement tuition rates, usually with separate application forms.

• Tuition & Fees: $42,520

To complement scholarships from your university, consider these graduate student scholarships!

#10 Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law

The Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University has a robust student body of Texas residents, with 74% of T.S.U. students being in-state students. T.S.U. Law focuses on serving primarily minority groups as nearly 50% of their student body identifies as African American and one-third as Hispanic/Latino.Merit scholarships are awarded for six semesters to students who remain enrolled and in good standing after receiving a scholarship. All admitted students are considered for scholarships on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply by April 1st each year for the best chance at winning a merit scholarship.

• Tuition & Fees for Texas Residents: $21,038
• Tuition & Fees for Non-Residents: $28,633

Thinking about expanding your search outside Texas? Have a look at the best law schools in the U.S.!

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Law School

What degree programs are offered at law schools in Texas?

Texas Law schools offer the traditional Juris Doctor or J.D. degree that is required by most law firms and legal jobs to practice law. Select institutions may also offer L.L.M. or Legum Magister (Master of Laws) degree for lawyers who want to further specialize in a particular field. Finally, dual degree programs give law students the opportunity to earn a J.D. alongside a Masters, Ph.D., or even M.D.

What LSAT score do you need to get into U.T. School of Law?

To gain admission to the University of Texas School of Law, a competitive LSAT score is typically in the range of 167-172. While there is no official minimum score, applicants with scores in this range tend to have stronger chances. However, admissions decisions also consider other factors like G.P.A., personal statements, and extracurriculars.

What is the cheapest law school in Texas?

The cheapest law school in Texas is the University of North Texas (U.N.T.) Dallas College of Law (#8 on our list). For Texas residents, tuition is approximately $19,866 per year, making it one of the most affordable options in the state. Non-residents pay around $33,306 annually.

Now that you've learned about the best law schools in Texas, you're ready to start preparing for law school applications! Check out our scholarship blog to aid you in your transition into law school!