University of Houston vs. Texas Southern University: Which Should You Pick?

Two strong schools, one decision. Here are the numbers that actually differ between them, then a straight answer on who should pick which. Medians from ABA Standard 509 disclosures via ILRG, Fall 2025 entering class.

Median LSAT
163 vs. 150
a 13-point gap
Three-year sticker gap
$36,372
Texas Southern University costs less at sticker
Selectivity rank
#62 vs. #183
by median LSAT
Full comparison. Tuition is the 2025-2026 sticker price, an estimate.
MeasureUniversity of HoustonTexas Southern University
LocationHouston, TXHouston, TX
Selectivity rank#62#183
Median LSAT163150
Median GPA3.793.33
Est. annual tuition$31,326 in-state$19,202 in-state
Est. 3-year tuition$93,978$57,606

Who should pick University of Houston

Pick University of Houston if your numbers sit at or above its medians (163 LSAT, 3.79 GPA), which also puts you in the best position for merit aid there. Pick it if you want to start your career in Houston: local alumni networks, clinics, and externships tilt heavily toward the school's home market.

Who should pick Texas Southern University

Pick Texas Southern University if your numbers clear its medians (150 LSAT, 3.33 GPA) more comfortably, or if Houston is where you want to live and work after graduation. It costs about $36,372 less than University of Houston over three years at sticker. If both schools admit you, negotiate: competing offers from peer schools are the most effective way to bring the real price down.

The deciding factors

We do not publish employment outcomes, so check each school's ABA-required employment summary before deciding. For the classic top pairs (Harvard vs. Yale, Columbia vs. NYU, and more), see our comparison pages at /law-schools/compare.

More head-to-head comparisons

Is University of Houston worth it? · Is Texas Southern University worth it?

Last updated October 12, 2026