St. Mary's University vs. Texas Southern University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Texas law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, St. Mary's University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 153 vs 150); Texas Southern University posts the higher first-time bar passage (72.36% vs 65.84%); Texas Southern University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($19,202 vs $44,910); St. Mary's University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (86.2% vs 57.3%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | St. Mary's University | Texas Southern University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 153 | 150 | St. Mary's University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.49 | 3.33 | St. Mary's University |
| Acceptance rate | 26% | 33.1% | St. Mary's University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $44,910 | $19,202 | Texas Southern University |
| Non-resident tuition | $44,910 | $26,331 | Texas Southern University |
| Median grant | $12,500 | $7,363 | St. Mary's University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 65.84% | 72.36% | Texas Southern University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 86.67% | 76% | St. Mary's University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -15.7 pts | -8.9 pts | Texas Southern University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 86.2% | 57.3% | St. Mary's University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 3.1% | 9.8% | Texas Southern University |
| Federal clerkships | 3.4% | 0.6% | St. Mary's University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
St. Mary's University full profile · Texas Southern University full profile · All Texas law schools
FAQ
Is St. Mary's University or Texas Southern University harder to get into?
St. Mary's University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 153 against Texas Southern University's 150.
Which is cheaper, St. Mary's University or Texas Southern University?
Texas Southern University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $19,202 versus St. Mary's University's $44,910.
Which has better bar passage, St. Mary's University or Texas Southern University?
Texas Southern University has the higher first-time bar passage, 72.36% against St. Mary's University's 65.84%.
Which has better job outcomes, St. Mary's University or Texas Southern University?
St. Mary's University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (86.2% vs 57.3%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.