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Texas A&M University School of Law

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Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, originally the Dallas/Fort Worth School of Law, was founded in 1989 and moved to Forth Worth in 1997. The law school, while relatively young, boasts many student organizations and over 2,000 alumni working throughout the Dallas/Forth Worth area. It seeks to train students by "providing a strong theoretical foundation and the practical skills necessary to traverse the dynamic legal landscape of the 21st Century."


History

The Texas A&M University School of Law was initially established in 1989 as the Dallas/Fort Worth School of Law. In 1992, it became part of Texas Wesleyan University, and in 2013, it became a part of Texas A&M University. The school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. Texas A&M University was founded in 1862 to provide higher education focused on agriculture and mechanic arts. In the 1960s, the school began to diversify, admitting women and minorities. The college also made participation in the Corps of Cadets voluntary. In 1963, the Texas state legislature renamed the school Texas A&M University. Since that time, Texas A&M has become a premier research university.


Admissions

Texas A&M University School of Law is a great place to start your legal career. Their law students have a real-world impact thanks to our professional skills and core values. We also place a strong emphasis on diversity, which creates a welcoming and inclusive community. And, because we're a public institution, we offer excellent value, with scholarships available for Texas residents and non-residents.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of: 2020-2021 2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT 155 - 160 - 161 156 - 163 - 165
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA 3.35 - 3.76 - 3.87 3.4 - 3.84 - 3.94
Acceptance rate 22.4% 18.4%
Applications received 2795 3818
Acceptances 627 703
Matriculants 340 396

Texas A&M University School of Law had 3,818 applicants during the 2022 admission cycle. Of those, 703 were offered admission, and 176 were accepted, resulting in a 25.04% yield rate. For admitted students, the median LSAT score was 163, while the 25th and 75th percentile scores were 156 and 165, respectively. The median GPA was 3.84, with the 25th and 75th percentiles being 3.4 and 3.94, respectively.

Application Deadlines

Texas A&M School of Law begins accepting applications in September of each year. For an application to be considered, the Admissions Office must receive all required items and a complete LSAC Credential Assembly Service report. Once an application is complete, it will be designated “in review” and presented to the admissions committee for evaluation. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early in the admissions cycle. The final deadline is May 31, 2023; however, the Law School will reach its capacity before that date. If capacity is reached, the committee will continue to evaluate applications through the published deadline; however, the chances of gaining admission or a scholarship offer are greatly diminished.

Admissions Decisions

Texas A&M School of Law evaluates applications on a rolling basis. Generally, the admissions committee will begin making decisions in mid-October and will continue to consider all candidates carefully throughout the admissions cycle. Applicants may receive the following admissions decisions:

  • Admit – Successful applicants will receive their letter of acceptance and an admissions packet with instructions on securing their seat in the entering class.
  • Deferred Consideration – After conducting its initial evaluation, the admissions committee may elect to defer its final decision to a later date. The application remains active, and the applicant is not required to take any additional action.
  • Waitlist – Applicants are placed on the waitlist when the admissions committee has a strong interest in them but cannot make a formal offer at that time – though it may be able to do so in the future. Applicants that wish to remain on the waitlist will submit a letter of continued interest.
  • Deny – Unfortunately, the limited enrollment capacity prohibits the Law School from extending offers to many applicants. Admission decisions are final absent a substantial change to the applicant’s original application.

Seat Deposits

Applicants admitted to Texas A&M School of Law must pay a non-refundable deposit to reserve their seat in the entering class. The admissions packet includes an administrative guide outlining the seat deposit deadline(s). Admitted students are responsible for ensuring that they pay their deposit(s) by the stated deadline(s); otherwise, they will forfeit their seat in the entering class. The seat deposit will be credited toward the student’s first-semester tuition and fees upon enrollment.


Tuition and Expenses

Texas A&M University tuition and fees can vary depending on a student's classification, residency status, personal needs, and spending habits. Generally, in-state students pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state students. Some students may be eligible for scholarships or financial aid, which can lower their overall costs.

Cost of Attendance

J.D. | Tuition and Fees(9-month academic year)Texas Resident | Tuition and Fees(9-month academic year)Non-Texas-Resident
2022-​23 Full-Time Enrollment $32,634 ​$48,618
2022-​23 Part-Time Enrollment $25,362 ​$​37,350

The estimated cost of attendance for full-time Texas residents is $60,334, while the estimated cost for full-time non-Texas residents is $77,518. The estimated cost of attendance for part-time Texas residents is $52,362, while the estimated cost for part-time non-Texas residents is $65,550.

  • Based on full-time, enrollment is 13-16 hrs/semester.
    • Based on part-time, enrollment is 11 hrs/semester.
      • Includes electronic books (e-books), access to third-party online homework platforms, and other resources.

Loans

You must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive federal financial assistance for your law school education. First-time borrowers for any federal loan must have completed federally required Loan Entrance Counseling, available at https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action. This must be completed before the release of federal loan funds.

To meet the requirement, students may add Texas A&M University to an existing loan entrance counseling record. Loan funds are released at the start of the semester and are deposited directly to your account at your financial institution. You are strongly encouraged to set up direct deposit in the Howdy Portal under My Finances. Qualified personnel also are available to answer students’ questions during the new student orientation at the start of the fall semester.

Different Loans Available:

  • Federal Unsubsidized Loans

The Texas A&M University School of Law offers fixed-interest loans with repayment options that can be deferred until six months after completion of the program of study or enrollment drops to less than half time. The school offers up to $20,500 in loans annually, and the standard repayment term is ten years. However, borrowers can obtain extended repayment terms of up to 25 years if needed. The school also offers income-driven repayment options. Loans may be included in a federal consolidation loan after the student is out of school. Depending on your total debt, the consolidation loan repayment term can be up to 30 years. Loan deferment is available during future qualified enrollment after law school.

  • Federal Graduate PLUS Loans

The Texas A&M University School of Law offers fixed-interest loans with repayment deferred until six months after completion of the program of study or enrollment drops to less than half time. The standard repayment term is 10 years, though borrowers can obtain extended repayment terms of up to 25 years if needed. The loan is available for the cost of attendance, less other aid. The loan must be repaid within 10 years but may be included in a federal consolidation loan after the student is out of school.

  • College Access Loans

The Texas A&M University School of Law offers a private loan program to help students pay for their educational expenses. The program offers fixed interest rates, and repayment begins six months after half-time enrollment ceases. The program is available through the state of Texas to students who have been residents for at least one year before entering school. A creditworthy co-signer may be required if you do not meet credit criteria.

  • Private Loan Programs

Each lender has different guidelines and criteria for offering private loans to students. The loan amount will depend on your creditworthiness and is usually limited to the cost of attendance designated by the university. The loan repayment is normally deferred while you are still in school. You may also be eligible for a loan if your enrollment is less than half-time. There is usually a post-enrollment grace period where you don't have to start repayment right away.

  • Bar Examination Preparation Loans

Private loans are available from various lenders to help finance post-enrollment activities such as bar review courses, the bar exam, and living expenses during bar exam preparation. The loans are based on creditworthiness, and each lender may have its criteria for approval. Some lenders may permit or encourage co-signers for approval. There may be a post-enrollment grace period to delay repayment.

  • Academic Progress Standards*

Federal regulations require that students who wish to receive federal financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress as established by the institution. Information on the law school’s academic standards is available free of charge from the Student Services office.


Academics

The Texas A&M University School of Law is a great place to get your legal education. The faculty is experienced and knowledgeable, and the curriculum is well-designed. Enrollment is 13-16 hours per semester for full-time students and 11 hours per semester for part-time students. This allows students to get the most out of their education while still having time for other commitments.

Texas A&M School of Law offers an innovative J.D. program that will fully prepare you for a successful career as a lawyer. The program emphasizes the importance of real-world legal skills, which will equip you with the tools you need to negotiate agreements, draft contracts, and mediate disputes. With this program, you can be confident that you are well-prepared for the challenges of practicing law in the 21st century.

Faculty

At Texas A&M University School of Law, you can study various legal areas and develop the skills you need to succeed. The professors are experienced professionals who will help you grow as a lawyer and give you the guidance you need to start your career. Whether your passion is intellectual property, business law, or another area, they have the resources you need to succeed.

Centers, Clinics, and Programs

The Texas A&M School of Law provides first-rate legal education emphasizing practical experience. Students can engage in clinics, programs, and externships under the supervision of experienced professionals. Upon graduation, students are equipped with the skills necessary to enter the workforce.

The Texas A&M School of Law provides students excellent opportunities to learn and practice law. Through its many programs and centers, the school offers a wealth of practical experiences under the supervision of experienced faculty and mentors. The school's programs are highly respected and ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Additionally, the Advocacy Program has placed in the top 10 of the American Bar Association Competitions Championship for two consecutive years.

Law Journals

The Texas A&M Law Review is a publication that prints three issues annually. The Law Review aims to disseminate legal scholarship to academic scholars, law students, practicing lawyers, and judges. The selection process for publishing scholarly work is rigorous, as is the peer review process for student-authored pieces. The Law Review strives to publish quality scholarship on relevant topics, including current legal developments and symposia on important legal issues.

Texas A&M Journal of Property Law

The Texas A&M Journal of Property Law is a scholarly publication that explores the relationships arising from ownership, possession, and use of the property. The journal aims to provide an expanded lens to view, discuss and understand complexities related to property law and facilitate thoughtful and intelligent discourse on national, state, and local issues that shape the field of property law today. This journal is published annually in the spring. It includes essays highlighted in our annual symposium, articles by scholars and legal practitioners, and notes and comments written by our student members.


Quality of Life

Choosing a law school is an important decision. You want to find a school that will offer you the best education and provides opportunities to live and work in a great community. Fort Worth and the Dallas/Fort Worth region have much to offer, including top-notch schools, a supportive legal community, and plenty of job opportunities.

The Texas A&M University School of Law is located downtown Fort Worth, Texas. Even though Fort Worth is one of the largest cities in the country, it has a livable, small-town feel. As part of the larger Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, you'll have access to all the world-class museums, restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and professional sports teams you would expect. The largest Certified Blue Zones Community (an indicator of the city's quality of life), Fort Worth is one of the nation's healthiest communities, ranked in the top 20% for well-being.

The city of Fort Worth is a great place to live. It has a unique culture and energy and is a hub of business, transportation, technology, and education. It also has a proud Western heritage that makes it great. Fort Worth is known for its low cost of living, high quality of life, and vast recreational opportunities. There are many opportunities for law students and graduates here. The area is home to a high concentration of corporate headquarters and is the number one metro area for total job growth. This means plenty of mentors and job opportunities are available for law students and graduates.

Library

The Dee J. Kelly Law Library is integral to the Texas A&M University School of Law. This research facility provides access to law and law-related resources and various services that support the school's curriculum and programs. The library offers a welcoming reading room for all visitors, a computer lab, group study rooms, and a technology classroom for students. Wireless internet is available throughout the library, and all tables and carrels have built-in power outlets. The library staff provides instruction and assistance in both online and traditional research methods. The library is open 100 hours per week, with staff available for 50 of those hours. The library has seven full-time staff members, all of whom have a master's degree in library science, and six have Juris Doctor degrees. If you need assistance, please visit the reference desk.


Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

The median salary for JD graduates from Texas A&M University who work in the private sector is $75,000. If they go into the private sector, a graduate can expect to make $63,100. 61.1% of law graduates from Texas A&M University go directly to work for law firms, while 5.6% clerk for a judge. 1.6% of graduates go into public interest. 92.1% of Texas A&M University graduates pass the bar on their first try.


Synopsis

While the school is relatively new and has a Tier 4 ranking, Texas Wesleyan offers average tuition rates, below-average bar preparation and solid employment statistics for graduates in Texas. The average debt is par for the course for law students, but that is hardly a good thing these days. If you want to live and study in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, however, Texas Wesleyan can be an acceptable choice.


Contact Information

Texas A&M University
School of Law
Office of JD Admissions
1515 Commerce Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: (817) 212-4040
Fax: 817-212-4141
Email: law-admissions@law.tamu.edu
https://law.tamu.edu/prospective/admissions/apply-now


Summary

Established 1989
Location Fort Worth, TX
Dean Robert B. Ahdieh
2022 US News Ranking 46th
LSAT Median Score 163
GPA Median Score 3.84
Bar Passage Rate 92% (2022)
Employment Rate 47% (2022)
Cost $32,634 Full-Time Resident*

$48,618 Full-Time Non-Resident*
$25,362 Part-Time Resident**
​$​37,350 Part-Time Non-Resident**

Average Debt $91,535
Application Deadline May 31, 2023


Forum and Discussion

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Reference

https://law.tamu.edu/
Rank #46
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