University of Texas School of Law
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Life at Texas Law centers on the Townes Hall complex, a modern facility featuring moot courtrooms, collaborative study spaces, and a well-equipped law library. While first-year sections of approximately 90 students create initial cohorts, the small class size overall means most students know each other by name by graduation. The atmosphere is notably collaborative rather than competitive, with upper-level students regularly mentoring 1Ls through the adjustment to law school. Austin's unofficial "Keep Austin Weird" motto reflects in law school culture as well, with students pursuing diverse interests from live music to outdoor adventures. The school does not have Greek life, but student organizations number over 60, covering practice areas, identity groups, and social activities. Groups range from the Texas Law Democrats and Republicans to the Wine and Food Society and Softball League. Housing is primarily off-campus, with students renting in neighborhoods like Hyde Park, North Loop, and East Austin, all offering character-filled housing stock and easy commutes to campus. Rent typically ranges from $1,000-1,500 for shared accommodations or $1,500-2,000 for one-bedroom apartments. The campus area itself is urban and walkable, though Austin's broader sprawl makes a car useful for exploring the city. Student wellness receives serious attention, with counseling services, meditation sessions, and stress-relief programming throughout the semester. The law school community has openly addressed mental health challenges in legal education, providing support resources that many students credit with helping them navigate the demanding curriculum while maintaining balance.
Location & Surroundings
Austin, the state capital of Texas, offers a distinctive combination of government institutions, technology companies, and cultural vibrancy. The city's population exceeds two million in the metropolitan area, yet it maintains a relatively relaxed pace compared to other major cities. The University of Texas campus sits just north of downtown, within walking distance of the State Capitol and minutes from Austin's famous 6th Street entertainment district. The climate is hot and humid in summer, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit from June through August. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Spring and fall offer pleasant conditions ideal for the outdoor activities that Austin residents favor, from kayaking on Lady Bird Lake to hiking at Barton Springs and the greenbelt trails. Transportation options include Capital Metro bus service and a limited light rail line, though most residents find car ownership practical given Austin's spread-out development. The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offers direct flights to most major U.S. cities and select international destinations, located about 20 minutes southeast of downtown. The technology industry has transformed Austin over the past two decades, with companies including Apple, Google, Facebook, and Oracle establishing major offices. This "Silicon Hills" presence creates abundant opportunities for technology law practice and makes Austin a hub for startup activity. The city's cost of living has risen substantially with this growth but remains lower than coastal legal markets, making it attractive for graduates seeking work-life balance without sacrificing career opportunities.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for Texas residents is approximately $37,000 annually, while non-resident tuition reaches approximately $55,000. Living expenses in Austin add approximately $20,000-25,000 annually, bringing total cost of attendance to approximately $60,000 for residents and $80,000 for non-residents. These figures make Texas Law one of the best values among top-15 law schools, particularly for Texas residents. The school offers generous merit scholarships, with approximately 60% of students receiving some scholarship support. Need-based grants supplement merit awards for students with demonstrated financial need. The loan repayment assistance program helps graduates pursuing public interest careers manage their educational debt by covering loan payments for those earning below income thresholds. Career outcomes are exceptionally strong. Approximately 75% of graduates enter private practice, with significant numbers joining AmLaw 100 and Texas-based regional firms. Major employers include Vinson & Elkins, Baker Botts, Latham & Watkins, Kirkland & Ellis, and Sidley Austin. Public interest and government positions attract approximately 15% of graduates, with clerkships placing another 10% with federal and state judges. The median starting salary for private practice positions exceeds $200,000, reflecting both the strong big law placement rate and Texas's robust legal market. Graduates working in public interest typically earn $55,000-75,000 initially, with loan repayment assistance offsetting the salary differential. Career services begins working with students during orientation, providing individualized counseling, employer connections, and professional development programming. The alumni network is particularly strong within Texas, where graduates hold leadership positions across every major firm and corporate legal department. The bar passage rate consistently exceeds 90% on first attempt, with targeted bar preparation support available for all students.
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