South Texas College of Law

South Texas College of Law Houston is dedicated to providing its students with a comprehensive legal education that bridges the gap between theory and real-world experience. Students at this law school have access to top-notch resources, such as scholarships, internships, grants, and other financing options that can assist them in achieving their educational goals. Moreover, South Texas College of Law Houston is proud to be consistently ranked among the best law schools in the country for their commitment to diversity and inclusion. These highly effective strategies have enabled our students to flourish and become successful legal professionals.

South Texas College of Law

History

South Texas College of Law Houston (STCL Houston) has provided legal education to its students since the late 19th century when the local YMCA set up the school in 1886. This institute initially provided educational services for working professionals and started offering night classes. The law school was officially established as the South Texas School of Law in 1923, with seven part-time instructors and a first batch of 34 students.

Since then, the college has seen tremendous growth and development in terms of faculty, student strength, infrastructure, and educational quality. The college was awarded provisional accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA) in 1959 and full accreditation by 1969. It was also the first law school in Texas to award the J.D. degree to its graduates.

STCL Houston is a reputed institute offering courses like litigation, law and technology, business transactions, health care compliance, and many more. The college also offers criminal prosecution, corporate compliance, and healthcare reform certificate programs. With a solid alum base, the college continues to be a legal education and training leader.

The institution offers a fantastic amount of resources for students, such as career services, academic assistance, and mentoring programs to ensure that every student gets the guidance they need for a successful career in law. Furthermore, it hosts seminars and workshops to help students stay updated on the latest developments in their field. South Texas College of Law Houston is a great place to start your legal education.

These resources, experienced faculty, and cutting-edge technology make STCL Houston one of the top law schools in the country. The college has been recognized for its legal education and training excellence and continues to be a leader in this field. We are proud of our long history at South Texas College of Law Houston and look forward to many more years of success.

Admissions

South Texas College of Law Houston is an excellent choice for aspiring lawyers looking to further their education. It offers a full-time program that can be started in either the fall or spring, as well as a part-time program that is only available in the fall. Potential students must start considering their application early, as the deadline for fall entry is May 8th, and for spring entry, December 1st. Moreover, the applications open at the beginning of each semester – in December for the fall and August for the spring term. With South Texas College of Law Houston's rigorous curriculum and outstanding faculty, students can rest assured that they have a solid foundation to build their legal careers. If you're unsure about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	151-153-156	151-154-157
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.02-3.36-3.59	3.04-3.35-3.57
Acceptance rate	44.3%	38.8%
Applications received	2023	2298
Acceptances	891	891
Matriculants	374	394

For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle at South Texas College of Law, the incoming class reflects slightly higher academic benchmarks compared to the previous year. The LSAT scores for the middle 50% of admitted students ranged from 151 to 157, a modest increase on the upper end from the prior year’s 151–156 range. Similarly, the GPA range for the middle 50% tightened slightly, coming in at 3.04–3.57, compared to 3.02–3.59 for the 2023–2024 class.

The school saw an increase in demand, receiving 2,298 applications, up from 2,023 the previous cycle. Despite the higher number of applicants, the total number of acceptances remained constant at 891, indicating a more competitive selection process. As a result, the acceptance rate dropped to 38.8%, compared to 44.3% the previous year.

In terms of enrollment, 394 students matriculated for the 2024–2025 class, reflecting growth from the 374 matriculants in the previous cycle. This suggests that not only did the college maintain its selectivity but it also succeeded in enrolling a slightly larger class.

The 2024–2025 admissions cycle at South Texas College of Law shows a trend toward increased selectivity with a larger applicant pool, slightly stronger LSAT scores, and a lower acceptance rate, demonstrating the school’s growing competitiveness and appeal.

Application Process

The application process to South Texas College of Law Houston is a multi-step endeavor. Applicants must take the LSAT or GRE and then register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) for their application credentials. To complete the admission application, applicants must provide a resume of employment, submit a detailed personal statement that sets forth the applicant's qualifications and aspirations for studying law, and two letters of recommendation (the third is optional) through LSAC's Letter of Recommendation Service. Finally, applicants must pay a $55 non-refundable application fee if applying after the priority deadline. Following these steps will help ensure that your application to South Texas College of Law Houston is complete and ready for review.

LSAT or GRE

South Texas College of Law requires all applicants to take either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The LSAT is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), and the GRE is administered by ETS, both of which offer tests on a national scale. To be considered for admission, applicants must have taken or prepared for the LSAT or GRE at most five years before the beginning of the semester in which they are applying.

For those who still need to take or prepare for either exam, South Texas College of Law provides an LSAT/GRE Guide to help individuals best prepare for these tests. This guide provides an overview of both exams, offers tips and strategies for success, and even includes a sample test to help applicants understand the formats and styles of these tests. South Texas College of Law also has online LSAT/GRE prep courses to help applicants study for their exams.

All applicants must ensure they take or prepare for either the LSAT or GRE appropriately and within the necessary time frame to be considered for admission at South Texas College of Law. Taking advantage of the school's resources is highly recommended.

Tuition and Financial Aid

South Texas College of Law continues to uphold its reputation as a respected institution that offers a high-quality legal education. With over a century of experience in training law professionals, the college remains a strong choice for aspiring attorneys.

For 2025, tuition is calculated on a per-credit-hour rate of $1,240, along with a $350 fee per semester for full-time students (30 credit hours or more). This tuition structure applies to both full-time and part-time students, though overall costs vary based on enrollment status.

The academic year budget for 2025 reflects the comprehensive expenses a student can expect to incur, covering tuition, fees, books, room and board, personal costs, transportation, and loan fees. These estimates are designed to provide students and families with a realistic understanding of the financial commitment required to attend.

Cost of Attendance

2025 Cost of Attendance – South Texas College of Law

Category	Full-Time Fall/Spring (9 Months)	Full-Time Per Semester (5 Months)	Part-Time Fall/Spring (9 Months)	Part-Time Per Semester (5 Months)
Tuition & Fees	$37,900	$18,950	$25,500	$12,400
Books	$2,228	$1,114	$1,670	$835
Room & Board	$14,778	$7,389	$14,778	$7,389
Misc./Personal	$3,606	$1,803	$3,606	$1,803
Transportation	$2,796	$1,398	$2,796	$1,398
Loan Fees	$1,650	$825	$1,650	$825
Total	$62,958	$31,479	$50,000	$24,650

Scholarships

South Texas College of Law Houston is committed to providing its students with generous financial support throughout their educational journey. Every year, the college grants over $4 million in scholarships and awards to help students pursue their dreams. These resources are provided by alums, individuals, foundations, and organizations to recognize students for academic excellence and financial need.

Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)

The South Texas College of Law is proud to offer eligible students the Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG). This grant provides financial assistance to those who meet the requirements for state aid and demonstrate a need for financial aid. To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Texas and enrolled at least three-quarters time. The maximum award amount varies each year and is determined by the Texas Legislature.

Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) is a government-funded student employment program that helps students pay for their post-secondary education. The U.S. Department of Education provides post-secondary schools with a finite amount of money to help students that demonstrate financial need, as evidenced through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Those who qualify for FWS will receive it as part of their financial aid package and can take advantage of on-campus and off-campus job opportunities.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

South Texas College of Law offers Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans to eligible legal students. This type of loan is available to those who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Each academic semester, students can receive up to a total of $10,250 in the form of a federal loan.

It is important to note that interest on these loans starts accruing as soon as the funds are disbursed. Students have a six-month grace period after graduation or withdrawal before repayment begins. During this time, it is recommended that borrowers make payment arrangements with their lenders and begin budgeting for loan repayment.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans offer an opportunity for students who have yet to encounter any issues with their credit history to finance their law school education. These loans are available to cover the cost of attendance minus any Unsubsidized Stafford Loan funds that may have been used for tuition and fees. Unlike some other loan programs, there is no grace period for repayment of these loans, but there is an automatic six-month deferment once the loan has been disbursed. South Texas College of Law provides students the resources they need to understand and successfully manage their Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans. With the guidance experienced professionals provide, students can be confident that they are using these funds responsibly and wisely to secure their future success.

Private Alternative Loans

Private alternative loans provide students with additional financial assistance to cover the cost of their college tuition and other educational expenses. These loans are available for those unable to qualify for federal loans or require additional funding. Private lenders, such as banks and credit unions, often provide private alternative loans.

Bar Exam Loans

South Texas College of Law offers students the opportunity to apply for Bar Exam Loans, a financial resource to help them cover the costs associated with their bar exams. These loans are not provided directly by the college but through private lenders. When applying for one, the borrower's credit score will be subject to review.

The loan amounts, repayment terms, and interest rates for Bar Exam Loans will vary depending on the lender a student chooses. Therefore, it is essential to compare the offers of multiple lenders to find the most competitive deal available. For example, some may require collateral to qualify, while others offer more lenient terms. It is also essential to carefully review the loan documentation before signing so that you understand precisely what is expected of you.

Academics and Curriculum

South Texas Law typically lectures its first-years in class sizes of 95 students. The law school has 113 total teaching faculty members and a high student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to 1. First-year students all have the same required courses, which include legal research and writing, contracts, torts, civil procedure, criminal law, constitutional law and property. Students say the workload is immense, and the grading curve is rigorous. These students seem to appreciate the open-door policy of their professors, who reportedly are willing to talk with students and help them with just about anything. Due to the harsh grading curve and rigor of the curriculum, approximately 6 percent of students do not make it past the first year.

Legal Writing

The South Texas College of Law Legal Writing Center is dedicated to helping students become highly skilled, practice-ready writers. Writing is at the core of any legal practice, so all graduates must possess superior writing abilities, including competency in editing and analyzing their work. The Center provides various services to aid law students in achieving these goals, from individual coaching sessions to group workshops and online resources. The Center is open to law students of all levels, from orientation through bar passage, and helps guide them through drafting and revising written work. With the help of the Legal Writing Center, South Texas College of Law students can be confident that they have the writing skills to excel in the legal profession.

The Legal Writing Center at South Texas College of Law ensures that every student leaves with solid writing, editing, and analytical skills. The Center strives to equip students with the tools necessary for successful legal practices upon graduation by providing individualized coaching, interactive workshops, and online resources.

Pro Bono Programs

South Texas College of Law Houston is committed to providing students with meaningful opportunities to give back to the community. Their program offers a variety of ways for students to get involved, such as working on special projects sponsored by the college, volunteering in one of their many clinics, and identifying legal service opportunities from their pre-approved list. They also support student organizations in their efforts to focus on law-related projects. They are more than happy to assist students in finding attorneys who need assistance with pro bono matters.

Once a student has completed 50 service hours through this program, they will be rewarded for their hard work with a notation on the transcript, a certificate of recognition, and an invitation to their annual student awards ceremony. They are proud to provide these opportunities for students to give back to their community and show the power of legal justice. With South Texas College of Law Houston, they believe that students should have access to meaningful service projects that will help shape them into powerful agents of change.

Clinics

South Texas College of Law Houston's Academic Externship Program provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in various legal sectors, such as public interest law, government services, non-profit organizations, and judicial chambers. The curriculum comprises six primary clinics: the Public Interest Clinic, Government Process Clinic, Judicial Process Clinic, Criminal Process Clinic, Hospital Law Clinic, and International Process Clinic. The program is supplemented by the Lawyering Skills and Professional Values Seminar, which provides students with targeted skills and values development to better prepare them for their externships.

The college has a long-standing tradition of service that dates back more than four decades. South Texas College of Law Houston students has experienced internships with state, national, and international organizations that provide services to the disadvantaged, the court systems, non-profit agencies, and government agencies. The externship program allows students to gain valuable hands-on experience in real-life legal settings while being guided by a full-time faculty member. This provides them an invaluable opportunity to develop their legal skills in a supportive environment. The combination of practical experience and targeted values development allows students to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become successful lawyers upon graduation.

Advocacy Program

South Texas College of Law’s Advocacy Program has fielded national championship teams consistently for over 30 years, a history unrivaled by even the most legendary athletic institutions.

The trophies amassed by our interscholastic advocacy teams symbolize more than decades of hard work and victories by law students who compete anonymously in moot court and mock trials around the nation. They represent the South Texas tradition of unparalleled commitment to advocacy education and our leadership in developing outstanding lawyers who graduate with the skills they need to represent clients in the courtroom from day one of their professional careers.

The Advocacy Program also builds champions in the universal sense of the word, encouraging students to realize their full potential as exemplary individuals who uphold, ardently support and defend worthwhile causes, often aiding others in a marginalized society. While competition wins are a measure of our success, the ultimate victory that ultimately benefits communities and the world is valiant behavior itself.

Quality of Life

South Texas College of Law is located conveniently in the heart of downtown Houston, providing students with all the benefits of a major city without the high cost of living that often comes with it. Compared to other law schools, South Texas does not have an undergraduate school, so there are no on-campus housing options. However, cheap off-campus housing is widely available and within walking distance of the law school.

South Texas Law is equipped with excellent, well-maintained facilities. With a wealth of bars, restaurants, and other amenities all within minutes of the law school, there's always a supply of activities for students to enjoy. The prime location also makes it easy to commute to internships or jobs in Houston's legal and financial districts.

A friendly, cordial, and close-knit community help to promote a healthy social life for law students at South Texas Law. The Student Bar Association sponsors myriad activities and groups that help foster this atmosphere. All in all, students appear very satisfied with their lives in Houston and their experiences at the law school.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

South Texas College of Law

Graduates of South Texas College of Law Houston have demonstrated strong bar exam results and steady employment outcomes. For first-time takers of the July 2024 bar exam, 91.63% passed, reflecting the school’s solid preparation for licensure. Over time, the school tracks “ultimate bar passage,” which accounts for graduates who pass the exam after multiple attempts, ensuring a comprehensive measure of bar success.

Regarding employment, the Class of 273 graduates reported that 82.05% (224 individuals) were employed nine months after graduation. Among these employed graduates, 182 secured positions requiring bar passage, while 26 entered J.D.-advantage roles, which are positions where a law degree is valuable but bar admission is not required. Out of all employed graduates, 214 held full-time positions and 10 were in part-time roles.

The majority of graduates accepted jobs with law firms of varying sizes, while others pursued opportunities in business, government, public interest work, or clerkships. Most employed graduates remained in Texas, highlighting the school’s strong local and regional connections.

Although these outcomes are positive, the overall employment rate of 82.05% is slightly below both the national average for law schools (approximately 90.6%) and the average for Texas law schools (around 89.3%).

South Texas College of Law provides a strong foundation for bar exam success and solid job placement within Texas’s legal market. While its employment rates trail slightly behind state and national averages, graduates benefit from robust regional opportunities and competitive bar passage performance.

Synopsis

South Texas College of Law is a great choice for prospective law students looking for an excellent legal education and job prospects upon graduation. With its highly competitive admissions standards, South Texas College of Law ensures that only the best and brightest students are admitted into their 1L class. The school also provides students with various extracurricular activities to help them become well-rounded lawyers. In addition, graduates from this school find great job opportunities in the legal field due to its strong reputation and resources. South Texas College of Law is ideal for those pursuing a law career.

Contact Information

South Texas College of Law
Office of JD Admissions
1303 San Jacinto Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 646-1810
mailto:admissions@stcl.edu
http://www.stcl.edu

Summary

Established	1923
Location	Houston, TX 77002
Dean	Reynaldo “Rey” Anaya Valencia
2025 US News Ranking	138th
LSAT Median Score	154
GPA Median Score	3.35
Bar Passage Rate	80.3% (2025)
Employment Rate	47.8% (2025)
Cost	"$42,520 full-time, $28,680 part-time"
Average Debt	$153,025
Application Deadline	May 9, 2025

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Reference

LSD Law
Ranked 138
Guide to Fee Waivers
LSAC Guide
How to Learn to Do Well on a Law School Exam
Success in Law School - A Unique Perspective
The Guide to Law School Loans