University of Texas, Austin vs. University of California, Los Angeles
Side by side: median LSAT, median GPA, estimated tuition, and selectivity rank for two of the most compared law schools. Medians from ABA Standard 509 disclosures via ILRG, Fall 2025 entering class.
| Measure | University of Texas, Austin | University of California, Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Austin, TX | Los Angeles, CA |
| Selectivity rank | #11 | #13 |
| Median LSAT | 172 | 171 |
| Median GPA | 3.89 | 3.95 |
| Est. annual tuition | $56,822 nonresident / $38,236 in-state | $71,329 nonresident / $59,084 in-state |
| Est. 3-year tuition | $170,466 | $213,987 |
Pros and cons, from the data
University of Texas, Austin
Pros
- Lower sticker tuition than University of California, Los Angeles
- Lower median GPA (3.89 vs. 3.95)
Cons
- Higher median LSAT (172 vs. 171) — harder to clear
University of California, Los Angeles
Pros
- Lower median LSAT (171 vs. 172) — easier to be at or above
Cons
- Higher sticker tuition than University of Texas, Austin
- Higher median GPA (3.95 vs. 3.89)
Pros and cons are computed from the medians and sticker prices above, not from reviews. Scholarships can erase a sticker-price gap.
How to choose between them
Start with your numbers. If your LSAT sits at or above 172, University of Texas, Austin is a target for you; if it sits below, it is a reach. Do the same math against 171 for University of California, Los Angeles. Then weigh the cost gap: about $43,521 over three years at sticker, before scholarships. A school whose median you clear is also a school more likely to offer you merit aid, which can erase a sticker-price gap. Visit if you can. Talk to recent graduates doing the work you want to do. The medians get you a short list; the visit and the aid letter make the decision.
More comparisons
Open this pair in the comparison tool to swap in other schools. Or try another popular pair:
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What LSAT do you need for University of Texas, Austin? · What LSAT do you need for University of California, Los Angeles?
Last updated October 12, 2026