collageThose of you seeking the best online JD programs in Texas will find what they are looking for here. This online law school program provides an excellent choice for those interested in business law.
While picking a university, you should take a variety of factors into account, including tuition, housing, acceptance rates, rankings of schools, graduation rates, etc. Now, if you are looking to apply to the best online law schools in texas, how would you know that?
Among the best online law schools in texas, we recognize the online j d programs texas, texas a&m law school online, aba approved online law school, aba accredited online law schools in california, and online law school nc. You will also find related articles on best online law schools in texas on koboguide.
Best Online Law Schools In Texas
Choosing the right law school is foundational to beginning your career. You want a university that will push your limits as a student and set you up for success after school, as well. The bar examination is no joke, and getting a job in the field of law sometimes feels like an even tougher task.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First of all, you need to figure out which law school you are planning on attending.
There are many options in the state of Texas. We have narrowed it down to the top 7 law schools in Texas to assist you in finding the right school:
- University of Texas-Austin
- Southern Methodist University
- University of Houston
- Baylor University
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Tech University
- Texas Southern University
Each of these selections earned its spot because the law school provides a top of the line education. They’re all good schools and All-American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited. Learn more about each top-ranked Texas law school:
University of Texas Austin
- S. News Ranking: 15th
- Bar Passage Rates: 94%
- Acceptance Rate: 22%
- Average LSAT Score: 167
- Average GPA: 73
The University of Texas-Austin has one of the best law programs in the United States. They boast a bar passage rate of almost 95%. The education pushes you and requires you to put forth your best effort.
The University of Texas-Austin School of Law is also not an easy program to gain admittance. The university only accepts 22% of its applications. You will want to focus on your grades and SAT performance. You should also do some external research to figure out what is required for the application and make sure you submit before the annual deadline.
Southern Methodist University
- S. News Ranking: 45th
- Bar Passage Rate:12%
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- Average LSAT Score: 161
- Average GPA: 63
A private university with an incredible staff and campus, Southern Methodist University takes the second spot on our list.
The education is extremely refined and specific at this college. The professors are amicable and push students to perform their best. The law school has a staggering 94% bar passage rate, which is a good indication of its thorough preparation for the exam.
The Southern Methodist University School of Law is also not extremely selective. 42% of applicants get into this stellar program.
SMU also has some pretty incredible sports teams that will be around when you are looking for something to do in your free time. We know you won’t have much of it, but it’s still something to consider.
University of Houston
- S. News Ranking: 50th
- Bar Passage Rate:19%
- Acceptance Rate: 39%
- Average LSAT Score: 159
- Average GPA: 54
The University of Houston has been one of the best law schools in the United States for many years. It is ranked number 50 by U.S. News & World Report. 63% of its graduating class obtained full-time, long-term jobs that were in the field of law.
The school has also been featured on the “Super Lawyers” list and has been covered by the National Law Journal more than once.
If you choose the University of Houston School of Law, you can expect an electric and demanding, yet fulfilling environment.
The school is moderately difficult to get into but does feature a 76% bar passage rate if you are one of the lucky few to gain admittance. There are less than 800 students in the program, which provides a low student to faculty ratio.
Baylor University
- S. News Ranking: 55th
- Bar Passage Rate:71%
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Average LSAT Score: 160
- Average GPA: 53
Baylor University offers a unique study experience not commonly found at other schools, even in Texas. Baylor University operates on a quarter system rather than a semester structure.
Therefore, a student can start classes in spring, summer, or fall quarter. Then, in the winter quarter, students can focus on the four graduating classes required before receiving your diploma.
Another bonus of the law school is the amazing campus at Baylor University. The gorgeous campus has plenty of things to do, and is reasonably affordable for a private school.
Texas A&M University
- S. News Ranking: 111th
- Bar Passage Rate:4%
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
- Average LSAT Score: 156
- Average GPA: 38
One of the biggest focuses of Texas A&M University and its School of Law is the hands-on approach. Students are encouraged to get real world experience to prepare for a career in law.
Programs like Moot Court, Mock Trial, and Alternative Dispute Resolution help students get a feel for what they will be dealing with in real-world situations.
The school offers in-state tuition assistance, and it averages around $32,000 in tuition and fees. It is not hard to see why Texas A&M University ranks among the best law schools in the state. It ranks 111th by U.S. News & World Report and reports an 81% passage rate on the bar exam.
Texas Tech University
- S. News Ranking: 123rd
- Bar Passage Rate: 87.12%
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Average LSAT Score: 154
- Average GPA: 39
Texas Tech University has a selective law school that only accepts 55% of its applicants. While it is not ranked as high as some other law schools in Texas, the program still performs very well.
If you choose Texas Tech University, you aren’t making a mistake. The law school is not as expensive as some of the other programs on the list. The atmosphere of the university is also top-notch.
Additionally, residents of Texas can receive a wide range of financial assistance from grants and tuition aid. The student to faculty ratio at Texas Tech is favorable, with almost 18 students for every faculty member. As a result, if you are seeking more personable help and attention with your studies, we recommend the institution.
Plus, if you make it through the program, you have an 87% chance of passing the bar exam. We like those odds, and we think you will too.
Texas Southern University
- S. News Ranking: Unranked
- Bar Passage Rate:64%
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Average LSAT Score: 143
- Average GPA: 11
The Thurgood Marshall School of Law is an ABA-accredited law school that is directly associated with Texas Southern University.
The education provided at the university is of extremely high quality, and one of the foundations of the program is the school library. The TMSL library is so big it spans two separate buildings and houses over 350,000 volumes of literature. “The Natural Jurist” ranked the library 31st out of nearly 200 different law libraries in the nation for resources, material, and special features.
If you plan on spending a good amount of your time in the library, then you need to consider Texas Southern University. 59% of the class of 2017 landed full-time law jobs right after graduation. Texas Southern University also features affordable tuition.
online j d programs texas
Aspiring attorneys can earn their Juris Doctor degree through any of the 199 schools and programs accredited by ABA. Among these schools, only a few offer hybrid online J.D. programs that combine online courses with on-campus components.
To determine which one is the best fit for you, consider your career goals, learning style and financial budget. Here are nine ABA-approved law schools offering online and hybrid J.D. programs:
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Location: Chicago, IL
Program Name: Weekend Hybrid J.D.
Format: Online courses and in-person every other weekend
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
About the Program: The curriculum includes 86 credit hours and blends classroom instruction with online learning. In-person classes meet approximately every other weekend and fully online courses can be taken up to 15 credit hours after completion of third semester. All applicants must take the LSAT.
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Location: Saint Paul, MN
Program Name: Online Hybrid J.D.
Format: Online courses and weekend visits
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Length of Program: 3-4 years
About the Program: First law program accredited, in 2015, by the ABA to offer a mix of online and residential courses. The school launched a blended law program in fall 2020 that will feature one-third online and two-thirds in-person learning for the first two years. Students can choose how they want to finish the final two years. Those who opt to attend classes during the summer may be able to graduate in three years. LSAT is required.
Seton Hall University School of Law
Location: Newark, New Jersey
Program Name: Weekend Online J.D.
Format: Online courses and weekend visits
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
About the Program: Enrolled students are required to visit campus Saturdays and Sundays, generally eight weekends each semester with one additional weekend for final exams. After the first two years, students can opt for more flexibility, such as some weekday or evening classes and online courses up to 15 credits. LSAT or GRE scores are accepted.
Southwestern Law School
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Program Name: Part-Time Evening J.D.
Format: Online courses and two evenings per week
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
About the Program: Requires campus visits only two nights a week. The rest of the courses are completed online part-time, with 87 units required to earn the degree. Students must submit LSAT scores.
Syracuse University College of Law
Location: Syracuse, NY
Program Name: Interactive Online J.D.
Format: Online courses and six required residency courses
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Length of Program: 3 years and 3 months
About the Program: ABA-approved online law degree with 88 credits required. Courses taught by the same law school faculty who teach residential students. Live, interactive classes and self-paced online courses. J.D. Interactive students are eligible to join Syracuse Law Review. LSAT or GRE scores are accepted.
Touro College
Location: Central Islip, NY
Program Name: FlexTime Hybrid J.D.
Format: Online courses and 10 Sundays
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Length of Program: Less than four 4 years
About the Program: This 88-credit program allows students to tailor the combination of online and in-person instructional components. Students are required to attend classes in person for only 10 Sundays plus three to four fully remote Sundays with the option of taking up to 20 credits fully online. LSAT scores are required.
University of Dayton School of Law
Location: Dayton, OH
Program Name: Online Hybrid Juris Doctor
Format: Online courses and 10 campus visits
Length of Program: 44 months
About the Program: The University of Dayton School of Law is providing wider access to a quality legal education through its Online Hybrid Juris Doctor program. The ABA-approved program prepares students to sit for the bar exam in most states. The university accepts valid GRE scores from prospective students who have not taken the LSAT.
University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Location: Denver, CO
Program Name: Hybrid J.D.
Format: Online courses and every other weekend
Enrollment Options: Part-time
Length of Program: 4 years
About the Program: This part-time hybrid J.D. program consists of one-third of the instruction time online and two-thirds taking place in person during the weekend sessions. Each semester comprises eight weekend sessions and two additional weekends for final exams. LSAT scores are required.
University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
Location: Concord, NH
Program Name: Hybrid J.D.
Format: Online courses and four to nine days, depending on the semesters
Enrollment Options: Part-time
Length of Program: 3.5 years
About the Program: ABA-approved Hybrid J.D. program with Intellectual Property, Technology, and Information Law concentrations. Students complete 85-credit coursework primarily online with minimal residential requirements. Valid LSAT or GRE score is required.
online law school programs
If you’ve been looking for an accredited online law school, chances are you’ve come up with some serious roadblocks. While online law programs have existed for quite some time, the American Bar Association (ABA) has refused to fully accredit any of them. That meant that graduates of these programs were not allowed to sit for the bar to become a practicing attorney.
Until now. The landscape of online law programs is changing rapidly.
The ABA has recently begun allowing law students to complete more credits online. Law schools across the country are eagerly stepping in to create innovative “hybrid” programs that allow students to earn their Juris Doctor degree largely from home.
Hybrid law degrees from accredited institutions
A hybrid J.D. program allows students to complete the bulk of their coursework online, and to fulfill the classroom portion of their studies during several concentrated on-campus residencies that generally last several days. At the completion of these ABA-accredited programs, graduates will receive the same degree they would’ve earned at an on-campus law program and are qualified to sit for the bar exam.
Why are there no fully online programs? That goes back to the ABA’s original hesitancy to allow more online credits.
Historically, a main component of earning a law degree has been participating in classroom discussions and exercises that are based on the Socratic method. This allows professors to lead dialogues that challenge students’ assumptions and understanding of legal concepts. In the past, these exercises have been a challenge to reproduce in an online forum.
However, several schools have been working to implement technology solutions that allow for more real-time discussion. That has been a big motivator for the ABA to begin granting waivers to a small handful of law schools, allowing their J.D. programs to incorporate significantly more online credits than in the past.
In addition, some schools are avoiding the need for the ABA waiver by offering hybrid law programs that restructure the online/on-campus mix to allow students to complete their law degree in a more flexible way, while retaining full eligibility to sit for the bar after graduation. (See the second half of this post to learn more.)
Option A: Law schools with ABA waivers for online programs
Let’s take a look at the four programs that have been granted ABA waivers so far.
1. Syracuse University
Syracuse University was the second school to get the coveted ABA waiver, launching its hybrid J.D. program in January 2019. It is also currently the top-ranked law school to receive the ABA’s blessing for this type of program.
The first class included 32 students; 241 people applied.
According to the school’s website, the hybrid program is just as rigorous as the residential J.D. program. The hybrid option was designed to make Syracuse’s program accessible to students who aren’t able to attend classes on-campus because of employment or family commitments.
The hybrid program includes three learning components to provide more flexibility for students. They are:
- Online class sessions that include live, interactive instruction.
- Self-paced learning modules that students complete on their own.
- On-campus residencies at Syracuse’s campus in Syracuse, NY, to allow students to participate in exercises and discussions in-person.
Students in this program may also have the opportunity to join the Syracuse Law Review.
Applicants for the hybrid program are subjected to the same entry requirements as the traditional law school applicants. The school notes that LSAT scores among the first class were slightly higher than those of people in the residential program.
This program can be completed in three years and three months.
2. Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Mitchell Hamline School of Law, in St. Paul, MN, was the first law school to be granted the ABA waiver. The first class of hybrid law program students graduated in 2018.
This program can be completed in four years. Students must participate in on-campus residences 10 times while pursuing their degrees.
Online study is completed in 11- or 12-week-long semesters. This portion of the program is generally asynchronous, meaning students can work largely at their own pace, on their own time. However, there are weekly scheduled online discussions.
Tuition is the same as the on-campus law program. Applications are accepted all year, but there are a limited number of seats in the hybrid program.
3. University of Dayton
The University of Dayton has also received the coveted ABA waiver.
This online hybrid J.D. program can be completed in three years and eight months. It’s designed to allow students to maintain their professional and/or caregiving responsibilities while attending law school.
The curriculum is taught by the same School of Law faculty who teach on-campus. Taught using the Socratic method, the program features live online classes (meaning students will need to ensure the class times fit into their schedules) and asynchronous interactive coursework that can be completed on their own time. Students must also attend 10 on-campus residences during the program and complete a semester-long externship.
Applicants who have not taken the LSAT can apply using a valid GRE score, and scholarships are available.
4. University of New Hampshire
Launched in the fall of 2019, UNH’s program is the first hybrid law option with a very specific focus: intellectual property, technology, and information law.
Option B: Part-time, hybrid law programs that don’t require ABA waivers
Some schools have avoided the waiver requirement by creating or restructuring existing hybrid programs to offer the maximum amount of online learning permitted under the existing rules, but also provide flexible scheduling that gives non-traditional students access to a legal education.
All of these programs have a relatively similar structure — four years of curriculum with on-campus instruction every other weekend and online learning to complete the rest of the program. Students generally have increased online options for the second two years of the program.
1. Touro Law
Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center launched its hybrid program in the fall of 2018.
The Long Island law school’s program is geared toward working professionals who would normally enter a part-time program but who may require even more flexibility because of work or family obligations. The FlexTime J.D. program can be completed in four years.
Because Touro Law observes the Sabbath on Saturday, students attend campus every other Sunday during fall, spring, and summer semesters for the first two years. The second two years of coursework can be completed primarily online.
2. Sturm College of Law
The University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law has the oldest part-time JD program in the country, and it’s ranked #11 by U.S. News & World Report. They recently restructured the program as a hybrid on-campus and online program.
Students attend on-campus classes eight weekends each semester, with two additional weekends for final examinations. The rest of their coursework — including interactive exercises and activities, discussion boards, and assessments — is completed online on their own schedule. The same professors that teach in the full-time program provide instruction for the part-time JD program.
The program typically requires four years to complete.
3. Loyola-Chicago
The School of Law at Loyola University Chicago also restructured its existing part-time program to provide online learning and access to a legal education for more students.
The program, ranked #14 in the country by U.S. News & World Report, takes four years to complete and requires on-campus class attendance every other weekend during the semester. The remaining coursework is completed through the university’s highly interactive, collaborative online learning platform.
The same faculty teach in Loyola’s full-time J.D. program and the part-time hybrid program, and the admission requirements are the same for both programs.
4. Seton Hall
Based in Newark, New Jersey, Seton Hall Law School’s part-time hybrid program requires eight weekends on campus each semester during the first two years of the program. Instruction between weekends takes place on Seton Hall’s online learning platform and includes self-directed activities as well as discussions with professors and classmates.
Seton Hall’s program maintains the traditional Socratic method while allowing students to structure a significant portion of their learning at times that work for them.
During the second two years, students can continue with the alternating weekend format or choose to take up to 15 credits each semester entirely online.
online law school georgia
If you are to the point in your education of choosing a Law School, Georgia has several quality options for potential students who want to attend school in the south. Here is a list of the Law Schools in Georgia in order from best to still good to help you narrow down your options.
Top 5 Law Schools In Georgia
University of Georgia
- Athens, Georgia
The University of Georgia and Georgia State are highly competitive when it comes to tuition, scholarships, and quality. However, in the past several years UGA has had more graduates hired into “Big Law” and coveted Government Law positions. The experience you will have at the campus is rated as positive with a close yet competitive environment for students who live on and off-campus alike. The campus is located in Athens with a comfortable hour and a half commute to Atlanta. It is also said that there is a lot of community pride for UGA graduates who live and work in Law in Atlanta. If you want those Atlanta connections, despite the fact that there are three other firms in the city, yet enjoy a smaller town slower-paced life while attending the University of Georgia’s Athens law program is ideal.
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Tuition: $17,604 In-State, $36,362 Non-Resident
Graduate Enrollment: 578
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, Georgia
In the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia State College of Law was founded on the idea that a legal education should be accessible and affordable. They offer part-time and full-time programs, numerous legal specialties and an expansive experiential learning curriculum prepare students for practice. Their faculty, students and alumni prove that lawyers are problem-solvers, tackling society’s most pertinent legal questions in and out of the classroom. Georgia State Law prides themselves on a strong sense of community and commitment to the pursuit of justice.
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Tuition: $15,768 In-State, $35,376 Non-Resident
Graduate Enrollment: 679
Atlanta’s John Marshal Law School
- Atlanta, Georgia
John Marshal Law School is where to attend if you want an institution that focuses wholly on law studies. Many students report that they enjoy the quality of education, the direct focus on the law without the distraction of students with other majors, and the connections made at this prestigious institution. This small school is a step outside the big city, even with the proximity to the buzz of Atlanta’s hottest law firms and night light. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School recently became non-profit and is in the process of moving to an upgraded campus in Downtown Atlanta, opening this Fall.
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Tuition: $44,130 (for both in-state and out-of-state)
Enrollment: 295
Emory Law
- Atlanta, Georgia
Emory Law states that they are a community of scholars. If you want a law school experience that takes your mind to places you never imagined with round table discussions and applied use in practice daily with like-minded peers, then Emory Law may be right for you. The people there are described as friendly and in a student review, the graduate claims to still call her advisor for career advice long after graduation. If you want to attend school on a lovely campus in a big city, consider Emory. Like the other Law Schools located in and around Atlanta graduates in the area have great pride in their choice and the many law firms in the big city choose from the best graduates in this condensed area. Emory stands out from the state schools for some firms, while others prefer state graduates. It often depends on the affiliation with firm as much as anything else in the region.
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Tuition: $61,750 (for both in-state and out-of-state)
Graduate Enrollment: 760
Mercer University
- Atlanta, Georgia
Mercer University is one of the colleges located in a smaller city compared to the others, with a more community feel for the campus experience. There site states that they produce “practice-ready lawyers” and student reviews report a demanding curriculum, hands-on experience, plenty of debates, applied theories, and late-night studying. Living in Macon to attend law school is reported to be a great experience with a wide variety of restaurants and an impressive music scene at night. If you are ready to dedicate your education to studying and debating law while enjoying the culture of the south, then Mercer may be the best choice for you.
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Tuition: $41,167 (for both in-state and out-of-state)
Graduate Enrollment: 387
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