Planning ahead and determining what expenses may arise during law school is a great way to avoid unexpected costs.
Here is a list of usual expenses law students encounter to help you prepare your budget.
Parking Permits
Most students who choose to park on campus will purchase a parking permit to the San Jacinto Garage, which is the closest garage adjacent to the law school. Annual sales for garage ‘S’ permits begin in early August. If the garage you want is full, you can get on a waitlist and manage your garage choices by accessing My Parking Profile.
2023-2024 Rates
| Permit | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| S | San Jacinto Garage (SJG) | $808 |
| C | Surface Lot | $169 |
| C+ | Surface Lots + Garage Access (after 5PM/weekends) | $253 |
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
The University offers student health insurance with BlueCross BlueShield of Texas. With the exception of international students who are required to purchase SHIP (unless they submit a waiver), enrollment is voluntary for all other law students who are enrolled in at least four (4) credit hours each semester. SHIP enrollment occurs during the course registration process.
| Fall Only (Sept. 1 – Dec. 31) | Spring-Summer (Jan. 1 – Aug. 31) | Summer Only (June 1 – Aug. 31) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student | $1,146 | $2,292 | $864 |
| Student & Spouse | $2,292 | $4,584 | $1,728 |
Students may adjust their Cost of Attendance to cover insurance premiums. However, if you purchase a plan that includes spouse and/or dependents coverage, we can only increase the COA by the amount of the individual law student portion. Visit the enrollment website to view dental coverage options, dependent, and other options.
Academic Fees
Below are the most common student fees.
| Fee | Amount | Frequency | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam4 Software | $20 | Annual | Required for in-class exams and exam submission |
| Locker Rental | $60 | Annual | Plus $10 key deposit |
| Journal Due | $100 | Once | Texas Law Review new members |
| Journal Due | $60 | Annual | Texas Journal of Oil, Gas, and Energy Law members |
| Copying/Printing | Rates | Per page | Various printing options. A BevoPay account or UT Libraries Print account must be created; 8.5” x 11” only |
Campus Computer Store
Conveniently located on-campus at the FAC (Flawn Academic Center), the Campus Computer Store offers students academic discounts from Apple, Dell, Lenovo as well as on software and accessories.
Professional Fees
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Must be made during 1L year
- $190 if paid on or before timely filing deadline
- $300 if paid after timely filing deadline
- $40 – fingerprint fee
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Visit Texas Board of Law Examiners for updated fees.
- $350 for J.D. in Texas, including a $50 laptop fee to use your own laptop to take exam; $540 for out-of-state law students including the $50 laptop fee
- $1,140 for LL.M degree recipients
- If you know you want to practice law in another jurisdiction, you should contact the Bar Association in that state for deadlines and fees associated with applying for and taking the exam.
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- $2,300 – $4,100 (estimate)
- If you are planning on taking a commercial bar review course, consider signing up for the course during your first year and locking the price, particularly if you are concerned about potential price increases in the following years.
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Occurs during either 2L/3L year depending on when you take the exam.
- $150 fee
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- $15/year – State Bar of Texas Association –Law Student Division