Ranking the most affordable criminal law schools in Texas is based on multiple key factors. Texas has always been the junction of crime-related studies. It has a large number of institutions that offer students a combination of affordable tuition along with quality education. You will get academic training from experts and professionals, and get a chance to explore multiple practical career opportunities. If you’re pursuing a career in law, criminology, or forensic sciences, then Texas would be the best choice.
We will focus on the most affordable criminal law schools in Texas for 2025 in this guide. We ensure that you not only meet your educational goals but also maximize your chances of succeeding in advanced criminal law. For those students who are considering admission to one of the best universities in San Antonio or Houston, Texas, there is a perfect place for everyone who wishes to help transform the law system.
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Criminal Law Schools in Texas
1. University of Texas at Austin
- Programs Offered: The Juris Doctor Program
- Tuition Fees: $7,508 Per Annum
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
Overview:
The University of Texas is one of the oldest and well-known places of higher learning in the state because it is UT’s policy to have open admission and provide education opportunities. As an urban university, there is a broad range of criminal law and related services fields that a student who wishes to get admission can pursue. The university encourages students and supports them by offering teaching and employment placements.
2. Southern Methodist University (Dedman)
- Programs Offered: LL.M., M.L.S., & S.J.D. Programs
- Tuition Fees: $9,173 Per Annum
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
Overview
Southern Methodist University’s focus is on law, ethics, and community activism in its criminal justice degree programs. A lot of work is being done by the university to make these students employable to join leadership roles in law enforcement, correctional institutions, and public policy. The location of the university makes it easy for students to access a lot of criminal law agencies and organizations for internships and employment.
3. University of Houston Law Center
- Degrees: LL.M. Master of Laws
- Tuition: $8,262 each year
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
Overview:
At the University of Houston Law Center, students will receive education on topics of great concern in the world today, such as immigration, drug-related crimes, and transnational crime due to the university’s location. The partnerships of the University of Houston Law Center with local, state, and federal agencies provide learners multiple opportunities for hands-on experience and professional networking.
4. Baylor University
- Degrees Offered: J.D. Program
- Estimated Tuition: $8,536 per year
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
Overview:
Houston continues to rank among the top 10 best criminal law schools in Texas for undergraduates. This institution is famous because it is known as one of the most affordable and prestigious programs. The college has collaborations with law enforcement agencies in Texas and across the United States, providing students with competitive internships and recruitment opportunities.
5. Texas Tech University
- Degrees Offered: The Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) Program
- Estimated Tuition: $11,860 per year
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
Overview:
J.D. programs offered by Texas Tech University are widely recognized. Students can intern at local law enforcement and correctional facilities, as well as with law firms. The program includes tracks for law enforcement, legal studies, and homeland security careers. These factors contribute to Texas State having one of the most sought after criminal law schools.
6. St Mary’s University
- Degrees Offered: International Business Law LLM
- Tuition: $10,856 per year
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
Overview:
St Mary’s University is ranked as one of the top criminal law universities in Texas. It has a strong criminal law program that is affordable and very thorough. The program prepares students for work as a correctional officer, police officer, or investigative officer. In addition, the specialists here are ready to prepare students with considerable real-world training with local agencies and experts. All students are encouraged to apply here because of the reasonable tuition costs and the flexible learning methods offered.
7. Texas A&M University School of Law (Fort Worth)
- Degree Offered: J.D. Program
- Tuition Costs: $20,000 to $30,000 annually
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
Overview:
It has become one of the best Texas criminal law schools because it offers exceptional academic instruction alongside practical courtroom training. Furthermore, the campus is located in the middle of Fort Worth’s legal district. This alone guarantees that students have hands-on opportunities in legal practice. Criminal law, justice reform, prosecution, and defense are among the many subjects covered in this course. They expect each student to become a service-oriented, federal career-beaten lawyer.
8. Texas Southern University (Marshall)
- Degree: Master of Laws LLM
- Tuition: $11,852 per year
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
Overview:
This is one of the universities that offers a criminology program in Texas. They have various degrees and certifications in criminal law. These programs emphasize integrating practical work experience with theoretical concepts. Also, through the Prior Learning Assessment program, students can receive credits for work and life experience. This assists in completing the degree faster and reduces the overall costs.
9. St Edward’s University
- Degrees: Undergraduate Legal Studies
Tuition: $54,000 per year
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Overview:
The facilities and support provided by St Edward’s University to students justify the increased cost compared to other universities. The administration provides a variety of criminal law programs and courses accompanied by faculty supervision. It is established right next to the Fort Worth and Dallas law enforcement offices, providing students with several opportunities to explore their careers. Students are also offered the chance to study criminology, law, public policy, and forensics. Also, this is a suitable school for students who want a private university’s low cost with an outstanding academic, professional, and social life.
10. South Texas College of Law Houston
- Degrees: Online J.D. Program
- Tuition: $1,046 per credit hour
- Acceptance Rate: 36.2%
Overview:
South Texas College of Law Houston prepares students for several professional and research career paths. They train scholars in multiple branches of the criminology, law and criminal justice system. They apply public policy to urban social science for understanding, predicting, and explaining crime as a phenomenon.
What are some good criminal law colleges for FBI jobs
For students hoping to work with the FBI, these several colleges align with the required skills and knowledge:
- Sam Houston State University has great research centers and a well-respected law program focused on a federal career.
- Texas State University: Some of their guiding tracks include intelligence and homeland security.
- University of Houston: The university’s location and partnerships offer a wealth of federal internship opportunities.
- Texas A&M University includes ample hands-on and research-based electives under its comprehensive J.D. and LL.M. program.
- Texas Tech University: Its analytical and legal studies programs satisfy the basic prerequisites needed for employment with the FBI.
Students also enjoy the integrated Federal law enforcement education, career, and placement services that they receive in these universities.
Criminal Law Schools in Texas Requirements
Each institution has unique admission criteria, but most tend to have similar requirements, which may include the following:
- Undergraduate Programs: A high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Along with optional SAT and ACT results that may not be required for the Submission of the application.
- Graduate Programs: Obtaining a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, and relevant work or academic credentials.
- Completion of a background check may also be undertaken for some internships.
You need to ensure that you meet all the requirements, which you can do by visiting their website referring to the college consular.
Conclusion
Students have a wide selection of affordable colleges offering degrees in criminal law and aspiring to work in agencies, including the FBI. These programs have designed strategic frameworks that optimize the achievement of set objectives within the set requirements.
