Founded in 1925 alongside Southern Methodist University, SMU Dedman School of Law is the oldest law school in Dallas. It was renamed in 2000 in honor of Dallas philanthropists Robert and Nancy Dedman. The school is a respected regional leader with national strengths in tax, business and corporate law, intellectual property, and advocacy, and it offers JD, LLM, SJD, and certificate programs.
The law school sits on SMU's Dallas campus in University Park, giving students direct access to one of the nation's largest legal markets, including major law firms, corporate headquarters, and federal and state courts. Its Tsai Center for Law, Science and Innovation, Civil Clinics, and robust advocacy programs give students hands-on practice. Evening and part-time options plus a large alumni network make it a popular choice for those planning to practice in Texas and the Southwest.
| Type | Private Research |
| Location | Dallas, Texas |
| Founded | 1925 |
| Total students | 1,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 11:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 48% |
| Graduation rate | 90% |
| Average starting salary | $110,000 |
| In-state tuition | $63,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $63,000 |
| Room & board | $24,000 |
| Average financial aid | $35,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.70 |
| Regular deadline | March 1 |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.