When is your deadline?

For Fall 2024, our Priority Deadline is on February 9th, and the final deadline is May 10th. As for Spring 2025, the priority deadline is set for September 23rd, with the final deadline being November 25th to qualify for our priority deadline, which includes a fee waiver, you must submit your application, resume, and personal statement. Test scores and CAS reports can be provided after the deadline.

What do I need to apply?

In order to apply to our program you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and a current LSAT or GRE score, an STCLH application, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume. All applicants must also register with CAS.

Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in pre-law or a law related field?

While we require an accredited bachelor’s degree it does not need to be in a specific area or focus.

Do you offer spring admission?

Yes, our spring class starts in early January. See the above question for deadline information.

When should I take the LSAT or GRE?

We recommend taking the LSAT or GRE when you feel most prepared however by taking it on the earlier side of the application cycle it will allow you extra time should you want/need to retake the exam. Results are sent timely after your exam is taken.

Will my applicant be considered if I apply by the application deadline, but the LSAT or GRE score will be released after the deadline?

Yes, as long as your application is submitted by the application deadline your application will be considered. Once we receive your score and your file is complete, we will place your application in review.

How long is my LSAT/GRE score valid?

LSAT/GRE scores are valid for five years. Your most recent score must still be valid at the start of the semester for which you are applying.

How does STCL Houston consider multiple LSAT/GRE scores?

We will consider your highest LSAT score as we review your application. However, all LSAT scores will be reported to us by CAS. We will consider all reportable GRE scores and will evaluate each section of the GRE independently. We are required to report to the ABA the highest score achieved.

Do I need to register with CAS?

Yes. All applicants are required to register with the CAS; foreign educated applicants will submit their foreign transcripts to the LSAC JD Credential Evaluation Service for evaluation. For information on CAS go to https://www.lsac.org.

If you would like to take advantage of the application fee waiver you should apply by February 9th (for Fall) and September 23rd (for Spring). We have a rolling admissions process, and we review applications as they are completed.

What if my grades or LSAT/GRE are below the median?

We admit students who are below the median and review all applications on a holistic basis. However if your scores or grades are on the lower side your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and resume will be very important.

What is the lowest LSAT/GRE you will accept?

We do not have a minimum LSAT/GRE score and all test scores will be considered. However, files are reviewed holistically.

What is the lowest GPA you will accept?

We do not have a minimum GPA and like the LSAT/GRE, all files are reviewed holistically.

Do you consider graduate grades?

We will look at them however they are not weighed as heavily as undergraduate grades. Not all applicants earn graduate degrees, so it is better for us to use the undergraduate GPA. Also, we have no context for considering and comparing graduate grades.

Other than grades and the test score, what do you look for?

Our admissions committee takes the personal statement very seriously. Since we do not offer Admissions interviews you should approach it as an opportunity to interview with the committee. You may write about your skills, strengths, advanced degrees, work experiences, personal struggles you have overcome, and professionally related extracurricular activities. Make sure that you do not restate your resume. In a separate statement of no more than 1 page, you may want to explain any mitigating circumstances in your record. Also, remember to proofread your information very carefully!

How long should the personal statement be?

It should be 2-3 pages double-spaced.

I am non traditional student. Will my age work against me in the application process?

No. The Admissions Committee wants to have all kinds of people as part of its law school. As a non-traditional student, you can use your experience as a benefit in your application.

How do I apply for scholarships?

Once admitted, applicants are considered for scholarships and are awarded them automatically based on their undergraduate GPA and the LSAT or GRE score. There is no separate application. If an admitted student is not awarded a scholarship their first year, they may be eligible for academic scholarships based on their law school GPA for their 2nd and 3rd year.

How do I apply for financial aid?

You can complete the FAFSA after January 1st. That gets the process started. STCLH will not make a decision on your financial aid until you have been admitted into the JD program. We will automatically mail you any additional information that you need to apply. You can complete the FAFSA online . You should not wait until you have been admitted to complete the FAFSA.

What types of Federal, State, and Institutional aid can I receive?

As a graduate student, financial aid consists of Federal Direct loans including Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS loans and Federal Work-study. Institutional aid consists of scholarships. Residents of the State of Texas can apply for the Texas Equalization Grant (TEG).

Where can I find information on Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS loans?

A comprehensive webpage of all Federal Direct Student Loan information is located here .

Can I apply for financial aid before I am accepted for admission?

Yes, anyone may complete the FAFSA before applying for admission or being accepted. The FAFSA application is located here . South Texas College of Law Houston’s Federal School Code number is (004977). Once you complete the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will receive your results electronically.

Can I apply for financial aid before I am accepted for admission?

Yes, anyone may complete the FAFSA before applying for admission or being accepted. The FAFSA application is located here . South Texas College of Law Houston’s Federal School Code number is (004977). Once you complete the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will receive your results electronically.

What other forms does South Texas College of Law Houston require of a student to apply for financial aid?

Students planning to borrow Federal Direct Student loans must complete both loan entrance counseling and Master Promissory Notes located here .

How do I apply for a South Texas College of Law Houston scholarship?

All entering students are considered for merit scholarships based on their undergraduate performance and LSAT score. Please contact the Admissions Office at 713-646-1810 for more information on scholarships.

Do many students at South Texas College of Law Houston receive scholarships upon admission?

Approximately 56 percent of South Texas College of Law Houston’s admitted students receive partial scholarships. The College also offers scholarships to continuing students. These scholarship opportunities are announced during the academic year.

Will Federal Direct Student Loans cover all of my costs at South Texas College of Law Houston?

A combination of Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loans may be necessary to cover the full cost of attendance at South Texas College of Law Houston. Costs of attendance include tuition, fees, books, room, board, transportation, and miscellaneous. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan maximum amount per fall and spring semesters is $20,500. This amount doesn’t cover the full amount of tuition and fees and therefore, students borrow the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan to cover the remaining balance. A Graduate PLUS loan maximum amount per year is limited to the College’s Cost of Attendance.

How will I know how much I need to borrow to cover the Cost of Attendance?

After a student is admitted and submits a seat deposit, the Financial Aid Office will review a student’s FAFSA and institutional financial aid application for eligibility. Based on a student’s eligibility, the Financial Aid Office will email a student a financial aid award letter which may consist of loans, scholarships and or grants.

Will I be able to borrow to purchase a new laptop?

After a student is admitted and submits a seat deposit, the Financial Aid Office will review a student’s FAFSA and institutional financial aid application for eligibility. Based on a student’s eligibility, the Financial Aid Office will email a student a financial aid award letter which may consist of loans, scholarships and or grants.

What if I choose not to borrow a Federal Direct Loan or less than the maximum amount?

A student should borrow only the amount needed. When you receive your financial award letter detailing how much you are eligible to borrow, you may reduce that amount simply by logging into your STANLEY web account. Information and directions are provided along with the award letter.

What steps do I take if I do need to borrow the full amount of the Federal Direct Loan as shown on my award letter?

Step 1 : A student wishing to accept all of the loans offered to him/her will log into STANLEY and accept the awards. Step 2 : Navigate to here to complete entrance counseling and the Master Promissory Note. Step 3 : If the student chooses to borrow a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan, he/she will apply here and a credit check will be completed as part of the application process.

Why is my credit important how can I check it?

Many students who attend South Texas College of Law Houston borrow Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loans in addition to the unsubsidized loan. To be eligible for the Graduate PLUS loan, a student must have non-delinquent credit. Bad credit usually implies having made late payments (more than 30 days) on credit cards, medical bills, telephone bills, rent or other types of credit. Defaults, collections actions, write-offs and bankruptcy also indicate bad credit. Because mistakes often occur with credit reporting agencies, we strongly recommend that you contact one or all of the national credit agencies to receive a copy of your credit report in advance of applying for Graduate PLUS loans. You may request your annual free credit report here .

What if I have a negative credit rating?

If your credit rating is negative, you should remedy any deficiencies before applying for a loan. Some students are required to have co-signers for Federal Graduate PLUS loans. Negative credit may seriously affect your ability to finance your education through the Graduate PLUS loan program. South Texas College of Law Houston does not have the resources to lend money to students who cannot obtain Federal Graduate PLUS loans or Private (Alternative) Loans.

May I return my refund if I decide I no longer need it?

Yes. A student can return Federal Direct Student loan funds to the U.S. Department of Education at any time. The return is done through the loan servicer that your loans have been assigned. If you do not know your servicer or do not have their information, do the following: Log onto to www.nslds.ed.gov (National Student Loan Data System) and select “Financial Aid Review” (FAFSA ID login information is required) Once in your account on NSLDS you will see: Each student loan ever borrowed and the college attended Each servicer assigned by the U.S. Department of Education to each loan Contact information for each servicer Contact your servicer for all information regarding your loan including returning funds, repayment plans, etc.

If I have more questions, who can I contact?

You may call or email the Financial Aid Office at South Texas College of Law Houston. The email address is faid@stcl.edu and the phone number is 713-646-1820. Experian, 1-888-397-3742 or visit their website Trans-Union, 1-800-888-4213 or visit their website CBI/Equifax, 1-800-997-2493 or visit their website

Who is the ideal candidate for the J.D. Part-time / Online?

The J.D. Part-time / Online schedule is designed for motivated self-starters who wish to pursue a law degree through a more flexible delivery format that allows them to maintain their professional and personal responsibilities while obtaining their legal education. We expect students in the online schedule to be comfortable in an online learning environment and have access to reliable internet access for the virtual classroom and digital resources.

Is the J.D. Part-time / Online schedule as rigorous as the traditional, full-time J.D. schedule?

Yes. South Texas requires all students to meet exacting admissions criteria. Just like students in the traditional, on-campus programs, online students will be expected to meet rigorous academic and professional standards.

Can students continue to work full-time while pursuing the J.D. Part-time / Online?

We anticipate our J.D. Part-time / Online students to continue working at their full- or part-time jobs during the day. Additionally, we expect they will commit the necessary time and effort during the evenings and weekends to complete classwork, including attending some regularly scheduled synchronous classes in the evening as well as participating in some daytime commitments, such as faculty office hours or school events.

How much time should students expect to dedicate to the J.D. Part-time / Online?

As with any law school degree program, the J.D. Part-time / Online schedule will require significant dedication during and after class times, which will include readings, preparation, office hours, discussion board submissions and responses, and synchronous and asynchronous classes. Students should plan to commit approximately two to three hours per week outside of class for every credit hour. Some students may periodically choose to take time off from work or daytime commitments to complete assignments or prepare for classes or exams.

How does the J.D. Part-time / Online work?

Types of classes: Beginning in fall 2023, J.D. Part-time / Online students will take classes mostly online in a combination of synchronous classes (face-to-face virtual at set times) and asynchronous classes (no set class time, but with regularly assigned deadlines) each semester. On-campus requirement: At the beginning of the fall semester each year, students will have a required in-person experience on campus in Houston (7-8 days). For the first year, this includes orientation with all students, opportunities to meet the professors teaching online courses that semester, connections with student organizations, and in-person class time. This “residency” experience will ensure that online students are familiar with and become a part of the South Texas community. Time to completion: The part-time J.D. degree can be completed in four years.

When will synchronous courses be scheduled, and how often?

Synchronous activities will typically be scheduled on weekday evenings and occasionally during the day on Saturdays.

Can online students access campus resources?

STCL Houston Student Services will be available for virtual meetings and phone calls with online students, in addition to various online workshops and connection opportunities. Some of those include academic advising, financial aid and debt counseling, library services, and career services.

What opportunities will exist to connect with professors?

For all students, STCL Houston faculty are available during regular office hours, and phone or virtual conversations are quite common. Students and professors also engage through email and through the learning system messaging features. If online students sign up for co-curricular or extracurricular activities involving professors, they will have additional opportunities to make connections with faculty members.

Will online students be able to engage with student organizations?

Student organizations will offer virtual opportunities for online students to participate in various meetings and in academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities including law reviews, clinics, and advocacy. Students who are able are always welcome to come to campus for in-person participation, as well.

Will online students be allowed to transfer into the full-time, on-campus schedule after their first two long semesters?

J.D. Part-time / Flex and J.D. Part-time / Online students may seek to transfer to the full-time, on-campus schedule after successfully completing the initial fall and spring semesters. Transfers are granted on a case-by-case basis.

Will online students be able to apply for financial aid and scholarships?

Yes, J.D. Part-time / Online students are eligible to apply for the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as all other South Texas students.

Will the diploma for online students indicate classes were taken online?

South Texas College of Law Houston offers one ABA-accredited J.D. degree, and each student’s diploma only notes that degree — regardless of whether the degree was achieved full-time or part-time, on campus or online.

Are letters of recommendation required?

Yes, at least two letters of recommendation are required, and you may submit up to three. It is more important what your recommenders say versus who they are. However academic or professional recommendations are preferred.

How and where should letters of recommendation be addressed?

Letters of Recommendation may be addressed to the members of the Admissions Committee and must be submitted using the CAS letter of recommendation service. Go to https://www.lsac.org for more information.

Should the letters be sent to you directly?

No. We require that you use the CAS recommendation service. If you are unable to submit them during CAS please contact admissions@stcl.edu .

Houston Business Journal: Meet the Dean Who Fosters Tomorrow's Legal Workforce

Michael Barry, dean of the South Texas College of Law Houston, grew up in a military home and moved all over the country. Since his father was a lawyer for the U.S. Coast Guard, Barry watched his father navigate the legal system. It was his father’s example that inspired Barry to pursue a career in law.

“The concern he had, that every individual had a fair trial, was what the justice system should be,” Barry said. “It isn’t about prosecutors seeking wins, but ensuring justice is accomplished.”

Following on the heels of his father’s legacy, Barry is passionate about advocating for clients whose stories need to be heard and fair justice delivered.

Read the full article in Houston Business Journal