Southern Methodist University vs. Texas A&M University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Texas law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Texas A&M University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 169 vs 167); Texas A&M University posts the higher first-time bar passage (95.98% vs 90.2%); Texas A&M University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($32,634 vs $60,844); Texas A&M University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (99.2% vs 98.2%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Southern Methodist University | Texas A&M University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 167 | 169 | Texas A&M University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.81 | 4.00 | Texas A&M University |
| Acceptance rate | 24.6% | 12.1% | Texas A&M University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $60,844 | $32,634 | Texas A&M University |
| Non-resident tuition | $60,844 | $48,522 | Texas A&M University |
| Median grant | $26,000 | $26,048 | Texas A&M University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 90.2% | 95.98% | Texas A&M University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 94.4% | 95.38% | Texas A&M University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +8.8 pts | +14.6 pts | Texas A&M University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 98.2% | 99.2% | Texas A&M University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 38.2% | 19.3% | Southern Methodist University |
| Federal clerkships | 3.6% | 8.1% | Texas A&M University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Southern Methodist University full profile · Texas A&M University full profile · All Texas law schools
FAQ
Is Southern Methodist University or Texas A&M University harder to get into?
Texas A&M University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 169 against Southern Methodist University's 167.
Which is cheaper, Southern Methodist University or Texas A&M University?
Texas A&M University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $32,634 versus Southern Methodist University's $60,844.
Which has better bar passage, Southern Methodist University or Texas A&M University?
Texas A&M University has the higher first-time bar passage, 95.98% against Southern Methodist University's 90.2%.
Which has better job outcomes, Southern Methodist University or Texas A&M University?
Texas A&M University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (99.2% vs 98.2%).
Southern Methodist University vs Texas A&M 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), Texas A&M 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.