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The University of Texas School of Law
The University of Texas School of Law is one of the most highly respected law schools in the United States. It is consistently ranked in the top 20 by various publications, including US News and World Report. Additionally, it is a top choice for many students seeking to enter into legal careers. The school's location in Austin also makes it a great choice for those interested in Texas law.
The University of Texas School of Law is at its core a regional school with some national placement. Though it has respectable employment data, given the frigid legal hiring market, a solid majority of its graduates stay in Texas. It has long been on the cusp of U.S. News's traditional T14, but the magazine recently ranked Texas No. 1 in return on investment.
Contents
History
Boston University School of Law was established in 1883 as The University of Texas at Austin’s Department of Law. It is located in the university's Old Main Building. The law school has grown to more than 900 students and offers the Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and the Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees.
The law school has approximately 23,500 living alumni who have gone on to have successful careers in government, public-service organizations, corporations, and law firms throughout the country and the world. Notable graduates include former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III; former U.S. Ambassador Robert S. Strauss; former Secretary of the Treasury Lloyd M. Bentsen Jr.; Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Diane Wood; Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Reynaldo Garza; U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison; Secretary of Energy Federico Peña; former Dallas Mayor and current U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk; presidential advisor Paul Begala; litigator Joe Jamail; criminal defense attorney Dick DeGuerin; and cartoonist Sam Hurt.
Admissions
The University of Texas School of Law (Texas Law) is a highly selective institution, ranked 14th nationally in 2025. For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, it received 5,475 applications, admitted 854 candidates, and enrolled 269 students, resulting in a 15.6% acceptance rate and a 31.5% yield.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 168 - 171 - 172 | 167 - 171 - 172 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.72 - 3.86 - 3.96 | 3.74 - 3.89 - 3.97 |
| Acceptance rate | 14.6% | 15.6% |
| Applications received | 5684 | 5475 |
| Acceptances | 847 | 854 |
| Matriculants | 250 | 269 |
The median LSAT score for enrolled students is 171, with the 25th and 75th percentiles at 168 and 172, respectively. The median undergraduate GPA is 3.89, ranging from 3.72 to 3.96. Applicants whose numbers are not quite up to par with those of this entering class could see their chances at [[1]] improved if they can highlight ways in which they could bring diversity to the school, as the University of Texas, like most other top law schools, aims to form entering classes diverse in ethnicity, nationality, and experience. Usually, the personal statement is the best opportunity to highlight diverse backgrounds or experiences. Those accepted to the University of Texas in recent years opine that the personal statement holds much value in the school's admissions process.
Acceptance Rate
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, the University of Texas School of Law had an acceptance rate of 15.6%. Out of 5,475 applicants, 854 were admitted, and 269 enrolled, resulting in a yield rate of 31.5% . This acceptance rate is significantly lower than the national average of approximately 41.6% for U.S. law schools, underscoring the school's selectivity.
Application Fee
The application fee for the University of Texas School of Law's J.D. program for the 2024–2025 admissions cycle is $70. This nonrefundable fee is collected through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) at the time of application submission.
Texas Law offers application fee waivers to eligible applicants. Waivers are available for recipients of LSAC’s need-based waivers, individuals who have participated in programs such as AmeriCorps, Teach for America, Peace Corps, or similar public service organizations, and those who are serving or have served in any branch of the U.S. military. Additionally, merit-based fee waivers are offered on a limited basis to applicants registered with LSAC’s Candidate Referral Service. Eligible applicants will receive an email with fee waiver information.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is an opportunity for applicants to share aspects of their background, interests, and experiences that may not be apparent from their résumé or academic record with the Admissions Committee. The personal statement demonstrates an applicant's writing ability—a skill essential to success in the legal profession—and capacity for critical thought and reflection. While there is no specific topic or question that must be addressed in the personal statement, applicants should, at some point, discuss their motivation for pursuing a legal education. Applicants are allowed two double-spaced pages to complete their statement, with a minimum 11-point font size and 1-inch margins. For personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements.
Résumé
Please provide a résumé detailing your significant vocational, vocational, extracurricular, and community activities; any graduate work or degree; honors and awards; any service in the Armed Forces; job descriptions and major areas of responsibility, along with the location (city and state) and dates of employment; publications, or other information that you believe the Admissions Committee should consider in evaluating your application. Your résumé may not exceed three (3) pages.
Letters of Recommendation
The University of Texas School of Law requires two (2) letters of recommendation. These letters should be submitted through LSAC's Letters of Recommendation Service. An application will not be considered complete and ready for review until all required items have been received. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all application materials have been submitted and received by the law school. For additional advice on obtaining letters of recommendation, click here.
Early Decision Admission
The University of Texas School of Law offers a binding Early Decision (ED) admission program for applicants who have determined that Texas Law is their top choice. Applicants must submit their application by November 1, and all materials, including LSAT or GRE scores, must be received by this deadline. Decisions are released by January 31. If admitted under ED, applicants are required to withdraw all other law school applications and commit to enrolling at Texas Law. Failure to submit the enrollment deposit and Letter of Intent by the specified deadline will result in the withdrawal of the admission offer.
Benefits of the ED program include an earlier admission decision and a guaranteed competitive scholarship award. Additionally, nonresident students admitted through ED receive resident tuition rates during their time at Texas Law. Applicants not admitted through ED may be deferred to the Regular Decision pool and are no longer bound by the ED agreement. However, those denied admission under ED may not reapply for the same admission cycle. To read a TLS article about deciding between ED and RD (or Regular Decision), click here.
Transfer/Transient Admission
Texas Law admits a select number of exceptional candidates who have demonstrated superior academic excellence and leadership potential during their first year at an ABA-accredited and Association of American Law Schools (AALS) member law school. To be eligible for transfer, applicants must have completed the first-year curriculum in good academic standing and must apply prior to beginning their second year. The application period opens on May 1 and closes on June 15. Transfer applicants may transfer up to 32 semester hours (48 quarter hours), provided that the courses were completed with a grade of C or better. Transferred credits are recorded as "CR" and do not affect the GPA at Texas Law. It's important to note that transfer students are not eligible for Order of the Coif upon graduation due to the organization's limitations on grades recorded as credit.
Transfer students at Texas Law have access to many of the same opportunities as students who begin their law studies at the institution. These include participation in a special orientation session, inclusion in the Society Program, eligibility for the Summer Interview Program (SIP) for summer associate, clerkship, or postgraduate positions, and opportunities to engage in moot court, a law journal write-on competition exclusively for transfers, and judicial clerkships.
Transient (Visiting) Admission
Texas Law grants a limited number of requests for transient admission to visiting students during the fall, spring, and summer terms. To be considered for admission as a visiting student, applicants must have completed the first-year curriculum at an ABA-accredited and AALS member law school, be in good academic standing at their current law school, and present strong undergraduate and law school records. Additionally, applicants must provide compelling reasons for taking courses at Texas Law.
The application deadlines for transient admission are as follows:
- Summer Semester: Application opens on April 1 and closes on May 15.
- Fall Semester: Application opens on May 1 and closes on June 15.
- Spring Semester: Application opens on September 1 and closes on November 15.
Transient students may earn up to 32 semester hours of credit over no more than three semesters. They are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 1.90 in all law courses taken during any semester. During the fall and spring semesters, transient students must enroll in at least 10 credit hours, and during the summer session, they must enroll in at least 6 credit hours.
For more information about the admissions policies and application instructions, please visit:
To read a fantastic article about transferring, click here.
Tuition and Expenses
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the University of Texas School of Law offers a competitive tuition structure, particularly advantageous for Texas residents. In-state students are charged $38,236 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students face a tuition of $56,822. These rates reflect a 5.04% increase from the previous year.
The estimated total cost of attendance (COA), encompassing tuition, fees, books, housing, transportation, and personal expenses, is $62,506 for Texas residents and $81,092 for non-residents. These figures are based on a standard nine-month academic year and may vary according to individual circumstances, such as living arrangements and personal spending habits.
To support affordability, Texas Law provides substantial financial aid opportunities. Approximately 93% of full-time students receive grants or scholarships, with an average award of $21,948. This financial assistance can significantly reduce the net cost of attendance, bringing it down to approximately $40,558 for in-state students and $59,144 for out-of-state students.
Cost of Attendance
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the University of Texas School of Law estimates the total Cost of Attendance (COA) for full-time J.D. students as follows:
- Texas Residents: $63,410
- Non-Residents: $81,99
These figures encompass tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses for the nine-month academic year. Individual costs may vary based on personal circumstances, such as housing choices and lifestyle.
Tuition Refunds
The University of Texas School of Law adheres to the university-wide tuition refund policy, which outlines the percentage of tuition and fees refunded based on the timing of a student's official withdrawal. The refund schedule is as follows:
Before the first class day: 100% refund, minus a $15 matriculation fee
- During the first five class days: 80% refund
- During the second five class days: 70% refund
- During the third five class days: 50% refund
- During the fourth five class days: 25% refund
- After the fourth five class days: No refund
For summer sessions, the refund percentages and applicable days differ slightly due to the shorter term length. For instance, withdrawing before the first class day still yields a 100% refund (less the matriculation fee), but the refund percentages decrease more rapidly in subsequent days.
Refunds are first applied to any outstanding debts owed to the university before any remaining balance is returned to the student. If tuition was paid by a sponsor, donor, or scholarship through the university, refunds are returned to the original source, not directly to the student.
Students who withdraw after receiving financial aid may be required to repay a portion of the aid, depending on the timing of the withdrawal and the type of aid received. It's essential for students to consult with the Office of Financial Aid to understand the implications of withdrawal on their financial aid package.
To initiate a withdrawal and request a tuition refund, students must submit the appropriate forms to the Office of the Registrar. Refunds are typically processed within 30 days after the withdrawal is officially recorded.
Financial Aid
Texas Law is committed to providing every student with the important information they need on financial aid options and helping them navigate the process to obtain support that meets their educational and professional goals. Financial aid experts help students understand their options and make informed decisions about financing their legal education. There are a variety of financial resources available to applicants and students, and Texas Law is here to help you explore your options.
Employment Prospects
The University of Texas School of Law (Texas Law) continues to demonstrate strong employment outcomes for its graduates. For the Class of 2024, 98.5% secured employment within 10 months of graduation, with 97% of full-time, long-term employed graduates reporting their salaries . The median starting salary for these graduates was $176,150, reflecting the school's commitment to preparing students for successful legal careers.
A significant portion of Texas Law graduates begin their careers in private practice. Approximately 63% of the Class of 2024 entered law firms, with a median starting salary of $225,000 . This indicates the school's strong placement in high-paying legal positions.
Geographically, Texas Law graduates find employment across the United States. While 72% of the Class of 2024 started their careers in Texas, others secured positions in states like New York (8%), California (4%), and Washington, D.C. (6%) . This national reach underscores the school's broad appeal and the versatility of its degree.
Texas Law's Career Services Office plays a pivotal role in these outcomes, offering personalized counseling, job search resources, and networking opportunities to support students in achieving their career goals.
Employment by Geographic Location
The University of Texas School of Law maintains strong regional and national employment outcomes. The geographic distribution of employment for its graduates highlights the school's influence both within Texas and across major legal markets in the United States.
| Location | Percentage of Employed Graduates |
|---|---|
| Texas | 72% |
| New York | 8% |
| Washington, D.C. | 6% |
| California | 4% |
| Other U.S. States | 10% |
The majority of Texas Law graduates choose to remain in Texas, with 72% securing employment within the state. However, a noteworthy portion of the graduating class also obtains positions in competitive markets such as New York (8%), Washington, D.C. (6%), and California (4%), demonstrating the national reputation and versatility of a Texas Law degree. The remaining 10% are distributed across other states, reflecting diverse career trajectories.
Academics & Curriculum
The University of Texas has a reputation for having an outstanding faculty, boosted in recent years by former dean Larry Sager and current dean Ward Farnsworth. Many leaders of various fields of law teach at UT Law, and students and alumni have continuously expressed their admiration for the school's esteemed, yet accessible, faculty. There was a bit of a scandal in the past few years when Dean Sager resigned amid allegations related to sketchy loans to new faculty members and alleged gender discrimination in faculty pay. But so far, Dean Farnsworth has been getting positive reviews.
During the first year, students are placed in small groups of around 20 students and will share course schedules with their group mates throughout the year. Large sections are composed of four small sections, and societies are two small sections apiece. Like every law school, UT requires first-year students to enroll in standard courses, including legal writing. After this first year, and three more course requirements (legal ethics, a writing seminar, and advanced constitutional law), students are free to choose from about 250 courses to round out their J.D. degrees.
UT offers 17 clinics in diverse areas. Categories of clinics include community representation, criminal justice, immigration/international, individual rights, and legal process (including the well-known Supreme Court Clinic).
According to recent graduates, the school's grade curve, which has a fixed mean, keeps professors from rewarding too many students with high grades, because they would have to give out an equal number of low grades. Some graduates have complained about the school's refusal to place emphasis on class rank, while others have expressed concerns that the size of the law school can keep many students from having a chance to meet.
Quality of Life
Austin is a major selling point for UT. The city is consistently ranked among the top cities for singles because of its relaxed, youthful vibe and diverse, something-for-everyone social scenes. One recent graduate described the city as having "a mentality that encourages a positive quality of life." Activities seem endless; Austin and the surrounding Texas countryside (including the Colorado River areas and the Hill Country) offer plentiful outdoor activities alongside Austin's many cultural landmarks, bars, clubs, and restaurants.
On Austin's famous 6th Street, live music flows out of the innumerable bars that line both sides. South By Southwest and the Austin City Limits music festival draw visitors from all over the world, helping to give the city its nickname "Live Music Capital of the World." Rainey Street is another fun area just starting to come into its own. Dogs are welcomed in many outdoor bars and cafes.
UT Law also hosts its own social events, including its famous Halloween party (Ex Parte) and weekly "bar reviews" at various Austin hotspots. Many students have noted that the school's placement of students into small sections gives them great opportunity to make friends early on.
Unfortunately, the law facilities tend to be a bit dated -- except the primary faculty offices, which recently underwent a major renovation. The rest of the building gets periodic updates, and the recent overhaul included some student study spaces.
Austin has many housing options as well as social scenes. Many law students choose to live in Hyde Park, the quaint, inexpensive neighborhood just north of the law school. For those who want more updated but more pricey options, the Triangle on Guadalupe and the Mosaic at Mueller are examples of popular large complexes near campus. Generally, it is recommended that grad students avoid living in areas south of the river, because of Austin's notorious traffic issues, and West Campus, the area dominated by undergrads.
With our year-round sunshine, beautiful Hill Country setting, world-famous live music scene, robust economy, booming job market, and a strong sense of community, Austin offers a wonderful quality of life, making it an excellent place to live, work and play.
Contact Information
The University of Texas School of Law
Admissions Office
727 E. Dean Keeton St.
Austin, TX 78705
512-232-1200
admissions@law.utexas.edu
http://www.utexas.edu/law/
Summary
| Established | 1883 |
| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Dean | John S. Dzienkowski |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 14th |
| LSAT Median Score | 171 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.89 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 94% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 85.9% (2025) |
| Cost | "$38,236 (in-state, full-time),
$56,822 (out-of-state, full-time)" |
| Average Debt | $111,150 |
| Application Deadline | March 1, 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
University of Texas School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
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Reference
https://law.utexas.edu/
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