Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at South Texas College of Law
Tuition and fees are the largest component of the cost of attendance for law students. The average tuition and fees for full-time students at South Texas College of Law is $35,650 for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $44,960 to $35,650, reflecting broader trends in higher education costs and institutional funding challenges.
In addition to tuition, living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance. On-campus housing costs -, while off-campus living averages $22,400 and living at home costs approximately $15,516 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from - to - over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, South Texas College of Law saw a 5.74% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 26.12%.
| Academic Year | Full-Time Tuition & Fees | Part-Time Tuition & Fees | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35,650 | $12,350 | - |
| 2022 | $36,150 | $24,300 | 1.4% |
| 2023 | $38,600 | $25,700 | 6.78% |
| 2024 | $42,110 | $28,740 | 9.09% |
| 2025 | $42,520 | $28,680 | 0.97% |
| 2026 | $44,960 | $30,640 | 5.74% |
Tuition per credit hour provides insight into the cost efficiency of legal education. Students at South Texas College of Law pay $3,432 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Academic Year | Per Credit Hour | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $1,865 | - |
| 2022 | $1,785 | -4.29% |
| 2023 | $1,940 | 8.68% |
| 2024 | $2,337 | 20.46% |
| 2025 | $2,384 | 2.01% |
| 2026 | $3,432 | 43.96% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, South Texas College of Law saw a 24.37% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 26.12%.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35,650 | $58,050 | $51,166 |
| 2022 | $36,150 | $60,422 | $53,538 |
| 2023 | $38,600 | $62,650 | $55,766 |
| 2024 | $42,110 | $73,764 | $65,764 |
| 2025 | $42,520 | $74,174 | $66,174 |
| 2026 | $44,960 | $101,918 | $44,960 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, South Texas College of Law's living costs have decreased from - to - for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $22,400 to $56,958.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | - | $22,400 | $15,516 | - |
| 2022 | - | $24,272 | $17,388 | - |
| 2023 | - | $24,050 | $17,166 | - |
| 2024 | - | $31,654 | $23,654 | - |
| 2025 | - | $31,654 | $23,654 | - |
| 2026 | - | $56,958 | - | - |
