Inside The University Of Houston Law Center : Rankings, Academics & More

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is one of the leading law schools in the United States. Founded in 1923, UHLC has a long and storied history of providing its students with a rigorous and comprehensive legal education.

UHLC is located in the heart of Houston, Texas, one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the world. UHLC graduates are highly sought-after by law firms, corporations, and government agencies across the country. Let’s explore the details of this University.

Location And Facilities

The University of Houston Law Center is in Houston, Texas, and is among the best law schools in Texas. The University of Houston Law Center sits at 4604 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX, easily reachable by car, bus, and bike via major thoroughfares like Cullen Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The expansive, modern John M. O’Quinn Law Building, opened in 2022, spans five stories and approximately 180,000 sq ft—featuring commuter showers, an outdoor terrace, a meditation room, flexible classrooms, and a Porter Hedges Career Services Center.

Inside, the Law Center hosts a multi-level library with 435,000+ volumes and extensive online databases covering IP, health, energy, tax, and international law. Students can use a realistic courtroom, advocacy skills labs, tech-enhanced computer rooms, plus a student lounge, convenience store, food outlets, and a self-guided public art audio tour throughout building spaces launched in May 2025.

Acceptance Rate

The University of Houston Law Center carefully selects students through a holistic admissions process. They consider academic performance, personal statements, leadership, and experience, making the process competitive but inclusive of diverse backgrounds and goals.

Overview Of Recent Years’ Acceptance Rates

In 2025, the University of Houston Law Center reported a 28.4% acceptance rate, down from previous cycles where it ranged between 35% and 40%. This makes it one of the most selective public law schools in Texas. The school received over 3,200 applications, admitting fewer than one-third of applicants.

This acceptance rate has remained relatively consistent over recent years. UH Law Center’s growing reputation, Bar passage rates, and job placement success have increased application volume and selectivity. Despite this, the school maintains a strong commitment to diverse, well-rounded incoming classes with various academic and professional backgrounds.

Factors That Influence Acceptance

The University of Houston Law Center uses a holistic admissions review, evaluating academic and personal strengths. While no minimum scores are required, the median LSAT is 161 and the median GPA is 3.75, with ranges between 158–163 and 3.6–3.87, respectively. Personal achievements and life experience are also key factors.

Applicants are assessed on leadership, work experience, extracurriculars, personal statements, and recommendation letters. Competitive candidates often show involvement in activities like mock trial, community service, or professional development. The admissions team looks for traits that suggest success both in law school and in future legal careers.

Tips For Prospective Students On Improving Their Chances Of Admission

Prospective students should aim for strong GPAs and LSAT scores, ideally near the medians of 3.75 and 161. Success isn’t solely based on academics—engagement in student organizations, leadership roles, or volunteer work also boosts your application. It shows you bring more than just grades to the UH Law Center.

Write a compelling personal statement that tells your unique story and goals. Request letters of recommendation from people who truly know your skills. Take time to prepare well for the LSAT and consider applying early. These steps will help increase your chances of joining UH Law’s competitive incoming class.

Ranking

The University of Houston Law Center maintains a respected national profile. It is widely recognized for its strong academic programs, professional outcomes, and specialized legal training, making it a top choice among aspiring law students.

Current Ranking In U.S. News & World Report And Other Notable Publications

The University of Houston Law Center is currently ranked #63 (tie) in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Law Schools list and #5 (tie) for Part-Time Law. It also holds top rankings in specific fields: #9 in Health Care Law, #12 in Intellectual Property Law, and #15 in Legal Writing, reflecting its academic excellence.

Additional rankings include #29 in Trial Advocacy, #41 in Tax Law, and #71 in International Law. The Law Center also ranks #30 (tie) in Law Schools with the Most Graduates at Big Law Firms. Recognition by the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) and The Princeton Review further supports its national reputation.

Historical Ranking Trends

The Law Center has remained steadily ranked within the top 100 U.S. law schools. Over recent years, it has fluctuated modestly between #56 and #63, showing reliable performance in legal education. This consistency reflects its commitment to both academic excellence and professional preparedness.

Continued recognition in high-demand areas like health, intellectual property, and trial advocacy confirms its ability to evolve with the legal market. Its specialty rankings, combined with a flexible part-time program, help attract students from across the country looking for real-world skill development.

Factors Contributing To Its Ranking

A major strength is its 91.3% full-credit employment rate 10 months after graduation, supported by 72.9% employed at graduation. With 240 graduates in the most recent class, these outcomes show strong career support and employer recognition of UH Law training.

Additional ranking drivers include respected faculty, strong legal writing programs, and nationally recognized concentrations. The Law Center’s diverse, driven student body and real-world curriculum also contribute to consistently high rankings and growing interest from applicants nationwide.

Curriculum And Specializations

Students at the Law Center receive a comprehensive legal education. The program blends core legal studies with practical experiences, clinics, and optional concentrations, preparing graduates for success in a variety of legal careers and environments.

Overview Of The J.D. Program And The Academic Calendar

The University of Houston Law Center offers a structured three-year J.D. program accredited by the ABA and part of the AALS. Students begin with core legal subjects such as torts, contracts, constitutional law, criminal law, and property, building a strong foundation in traditional legal theory.

UH Law also offers a flexible part-time evening program, held Monday through Thursday, 6–9 PM, for students balancing work or family. The semester-based calendar supports optional summer opportunities like externships and dual-degree pathways, including combinations with MBA, MA, and PhD programs.

Specializations Or Concentrations Offered

Students can tailor their education by selecting from six distinct legal concentrations: Energy Law, Environmental Law, Health Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Law, and Tax Law. These paths offer in-depth courses, faculty mentorship, and access to specialized legal research.

Notably, UH Law ranks #9 in Health Care Law and #12 in Intellectual Property Law, making it a top choice for students pursuing these careers. These specializations blend rigorous academics with real-world applications, preparing graduates for targeted, high-demand legal roles.

Clinical Programs, Externships, And Other Hands-On Learning Opportunities

The Law Center features a range of clinical programs, allowing students to gain experience representing clients in immigration, family, health, and tax matters. Clinics offer supervised practice opportunities that reinforce classroom learning with live client interaction.

In addition, students benefit from externships, advocacy competitions, and mock courtrooms, which are central to the curriculum. These experiences help build confidence, advocacy skills, and career readiness, aligning with UH Law’s high employment outcomes and strong bar passage preparation.

Campus Life

The University of Houston Law Center offers a vibrant campus life with diverse student organizations, journals, and moot court teams. It features cultural and networking events, guest speakers, pro bono legal clinics, and community engagement for dynamic student involvement.

Overview Of Student Organizations, Journals, And Moot Court Competitions

UH Law Center hosts 50+ student organizations, including specialized groups like The Advocates, which runs intramural moot court, mock trial, negotiation, and mediation competitions—earning course credit and practical experience. Students also join journals and interest-based clubs, participate in interscholastic events, network with peers, and attend mentoring and resume-building forums offered by upper-level mentors, fostering professional communities.

These extracurriculars enrich academic life, allowing legal writing practice, peer collaboration, and advocacy skills in competitions such as the Blakely-Butler Moot Court. Journals offer publication opportunities, while organizations host speaker panels and pro bono initiatives, ensuring a supportive environment that prepares students for both Bar and courtroom success.

Diversity And Inclusion Efforts And Demographics

As part of multicultural Houston, UH Law Center is one of the nation’s most diverse law schools, with approximately 40% of recent first-year students from underrepresented ethnic or racial backgrounds, nearly 25% from outside Texas, and over 50% women. The school’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion offers workshops, seminars, leadership training, and “brave space” dialogues, empowering underrepresented voices.

The Law Center supports inclusion through affinity groups, cultural celebrations, mentorship programs, and public events that elevate student voices. Faculty and administration emphasize access for low-income, first-generation, and historically marginalized students. This inclusive environment strengthens campus cohesion and ensures equitable student experiences.

Events, Guest Lectures, And Other Extracurricular Opportunities

Students regularly attend events featuring judges, practitioners, and legal experts, including annual lectures, conferences, and panel discussions. Topics cover emerging fields such as IP, energy, and public interest, promoting real-world engagement with the legal community.

Other extracurricular options include advocacy workshops, film screenings, social mixers, pro bono clinics, and career-oriented boot camps. These diverse offerings foster networking, deepen learning, and support student well-being, making campus life robust and professionally enriching.

Career Opportunities At The University Of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center offers strong support for students pursuing legal careers. Its career programs help students explore opportunities, build connections, and prepare for professional success.

Career Services And Resources Provided By The University

The University of Houston Law Center’s Porter Hedges Career Services Center offers robust support, including advising, resume reviews, mock interviews, and job search tools. Students benefit from job fairs, an online job bank, and On-Campus Interviews (OCI), connecting with law firms, corporations, and government employers for diverse legal career opportunities.

Recent Employment Statistics

The University of Houston Law Center’s Class of 2025 comprised 240 graduates. At graduation, 72.9% were employed, and by ten months post-graduation, 91.3% held full-credit jobs. These impressive metrics reflect UHLC’s effective career support and strong alignment with current legal employment outcomes.

Graduates enter diverse sectors: private practice, government, business, public service, and education. Career Development Office services—including advising, mock interviews, and job fairs—enhance this versatility, enabling students to navigate both legal and J.D. advantage roles successfully.

Salary data for UHLC graduates show competitive outcomes in legal. According to Payscale (April 2025), attorney/lawyer salaries range from $88,000 to $209,000, averaging $130,000, while associate attorneys earn between $95,000 and $136,000 (average $114,783).

Notable Alumni And Their Contributions To The Legal Field

UH Law Center boasts distinguished alumni, including Judge Vanessa Gilmore, the first federal judge graduate and trailblazer for women in the Southern District of Texas, and Alamdar Hamdani, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas . Recent graduates also include leaders like Bill Stewart (J.D. ’73), a legal innovator, Armin Salek (J.D. ’16), president-elect of the Texas Young Lawyers Association, and Bryce Barcelo in IP litigation. These alumni blend public service, advocacy, and corporate leadership, demonstrating UHLC’s breadth in shaping legal careers.

Financial Information

Understanding the cost of attending law school is essential. The University of Houston Law Center offers resources, support, and financial aid options to help students manage expenses and reduce financial stress.

Overview Of Tuition And Fees

Attending the University of Houston Law Center involves tuition plus student fees. For full-time students, tuition is $37,893 for in-state and $52,773 for out-of-state residents. Part-time students pay $26,000 in-state and $36,080 out-of-state. Additional fees may cover campus services, library use, and student activities. The Law Center encourages students to check its website for the most current tuition details each year.

The cost of legal education can vary by enrollment status and residency. While the tuition is locked upon entry, students should also prepare for variable costs like books, technology, and personal expenses. Understanding the total cost of attendance—including both direct and indirect costs—is essential for managing your finances during law school.

Financial Aid Opportunities And Scholarships

The University of Houston Law Center offers robust financial assistance through federal loans, grants, work-study, and merit-based scholarships. Students may qualify for Stafford or Grad PLUS loans, while work-study roles help them earn while in law school. Scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership, or service. Many are law-specific and don’t require repayment, helping reduce the overall debt burden.

UH Law Center houses a dedicated financial aid advisor, offering personalized help for navigating aid options. Over 76% of full-time students receive grants, averaging $11,500 annually. Dean’s Scholarships are automatically awarded to top applicants. Notably, out-of-state recipients of these scholarships qualify for in-state tuition waivers, significantly lowering total education costs.

Tips For Budgeting And Managing Student Debt

Budgeting is key to financial wellness in law school. Students should track income and expenses monthly, prioritizing essentials like rent, food, and transportation. Choosing used books, sharing resources, or living with roommates can significantly lower spending. Sticking to a budget helps minimize loan reliance and avoid unnecessary debt.

It’s also wise to apply early for scholarships and grants. Consider taking advantage of free financial literacy workshops or one-on-one sessions with UH Law’s personal financial advisor. These resources guide students through loan repayment strategies, debt management plans, and tips for building long-term financial health after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions About The University Of Houston Law Center

1. What Is The University Of Houston Law Center Ranked?

The University of Houston Law Center is ranked #63 (tie) out of 195 in Best Law Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The law school, being one of the top law schools, also ranks #5 (tie) out of 67 for Part-Time Law, reflecting strong academic offerings and flexible learning options.

2. What GPA Do You Need To Get Into the University Of Houston Law Center?

While UH Law Center doesn’t require a minimum GPA, successful applicants typically present a GPA of around 3.75. Admissions also consider LSAT scores, leadership, experience, and personal statements as part of a holistic review process that values both academic and personal achievement.

3. How Much Is The Application Fee For The University Of Houston Law Center?

The application fee is $0 at the University of Houston Law Center. Applicants can apply without financial barriers, though it’s always best to confirm current policies directly through the school’s admissions page or contact their office for the latest updates.

Conclusion

The University of Houston Law Center stands out as a hub of legal education, shaping the futures of countless students with its comprehensive programs, esteemed faculty, and a wide array of opportunities for hands-on learning. From its strategic location in Houston to its diverse student body and extensive facilities, the Law Center provides an environment that fosters growth and success.