Baylor University vs. Southern Methodist University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Texas law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Southern Methodist University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 167 vs 164); Baylor University posts the higher first-time bar passage (94.92% vs 90.2%); Southern Methodist University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($60,844 vs $64,639).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Baylor University | Southern Methodist University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 164 | 167 | Southern Methodist University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.77 | 3.81 | Southern Methodist University |
| Acceptance rate | 18.94% | 24.6% | Baylor University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $64,639 | $60,844 | Southern Methodist University |
| Non-resident tuition | $64,639 | $60,844 | Southern Methodist University |
| Median grant | $33,518 | $26,000 | Baylor University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 94.92% | 90.2% | Baylor University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 100% | 94.4% | Baylor University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +13.5 pts | +8.8 pts | Baylor University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 98.2% | 98.2% | Tie |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 12.7% | 38.2% | Southern Methodist University |
| Federal clerkships | 7.3% | 3.6% | Baylor University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Baylor University full profile · Southern Methodist University full profile · All Texas law schools
FAQ
Is Baylor University or Southern Methodist University harder to get into?
Southern Methodist University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 167 against Baylor University's 164.
Which is cheaper, Baylor University or Southern Methodist University?
Southern Methodist University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $60,844 versus Baylor University's $64,639.
Which has better bar passage, Baylor University or Southern Methodist University?
Baylor University has the higher first-time bar passage, 94.92% against Southern Methodist University's 90.2%.
Baylor University vs Southern Methodist University: which is better?
It depends on what you weigh — the table above shows where each wins. Across the four headline measures (selectivity, sticker cost, first-time bar passage, and JD employment), Southern Methodist University leads on more of them, but read the row that matters most to you rather than the count.
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.