Best Law Schools in Texas (2026)
Compare all 10 ABA-approved law schools in Texas by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is South Texas Law (#4 nationally).
Texas is a major legal market with 10 law schools across 7 cities. Tuition ranges from $28,168 to $64,000, and the average bar pass rate is 78.8%.
10
ABA Schools
$44k
Avg. Tuition
158
Avg. LSAT
78.8%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 10 Law Schools in Texas
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Houston, TX
San Antonio, TX
Houston, TX
Lubbock, TX
Dallas, TX
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
Waco, TX
Houston, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Texas Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 10 ABA-approved law schools in Texas. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Texas Law | #4 | 154 | $44,960 |
| St. Mary's Law | #4 | 153 | $46,310 |
| Thurgood Marshall Law | #4 | 150 | $28,168 |
| Texas Tech Law | #4 | 158 | $38,932 |
| UNT Dallas Law | #4 | 152 | $31,000 |
| Texas Law | #16 | 170 | $39,000 |
| SMU Dedman | #45 | 163 | $64,000 |
| Baylor Law | #58 | 161 | $64,000 |
| Houston Law Center | #59 | 161 | $36,000 |
| Texas A&M Law | #63 | 161 | $48,000 |
Practicing Law in Texas
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in Texas.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in Texas, you must pass the state bar exam. Most Texas law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for Texas schools average 78.8%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for Texas law graduates is 87.9% at 10 months post-graduation. Texas is home to 5 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Austin, Waco, Dallas, and other cities.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Texas law schools ranges from $28,168 to $64,000 per year. Average student debt is $124k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across Texas schools range from 150 to 170. Median GPAs range from 3.21 to 3.84. Acceptance rates vary from 17% to 45%.
Legal Specialties
Texas law schools offer specializations including Business Law, Constitutional Law, Energy and Natural Resources Law, Public Interest Law, Criminal Law, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
Texas has 5 Elite-tier and 2 Select-tier schools. Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, and bar passage rates — not reputation surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions: Law Schools in Texas
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in Texas.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in Texas?
Texas has 10 ABA-approved law schools located across Austin, Waco, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Lubbock. The highest-ranked is South Texas Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in Texas?
Median LSAT scores at Texas law schools range from 150 to 170. The state average is 158. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 170 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in Texas?
Annual tuition at Texas law schools ranges from $28,168 to $64,000. The average is $44,037 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $124k.
What is the bar pass rate for Texas law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across Texas law schools is 78.8%. Rates range from 44.51% to 93%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to Texas Law at 93%.
What are the best law schools in Texas?
The top-ranked law schools in Texas are South Texas Law (#4), St. Mary's Law (#4), Thurgood Marshall Law (#4). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in Texas with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the Texas bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if Texas is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in Texas can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.