Majors
120 Top & Best Law Schools in the U.S. (2026)
With competitive standards and high stakes, finding the best law school can be challenging. Our 2025 list of the top 120 law schools in the U.S. breaks down the essentials for each program—tuition costs, acceptance rates, and bar passage success—to help you navigate your options and make an informed choice for a successful legal career.
1. Yale University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $72,250 | February 15 | 4.7:1 | 3.95 | 175 | 4.1% | 98.5% |
Consistently ranked as one of the best law schools in the U.S., Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, deserves its accolades. Highly selective, it’s tough to gain acceptance, but for those that do, it’s worth it. Students benefit from a high percentage of graduates passing the bar on the first try and securing an impressive starting salary. Yale Law also retains the #1 spot in U.S. News rankings for 2026.
Video: Yale Law School at 200: A Pioneering Force in Legal Education
2. Stanford University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $68,946 | February 15 | 4.5:1 | 3.93 | 173 | 6.5% | 97.5% |
Stanford University, located in Palo Alto, California, is another highly selective school. Often ranked in the top three law schools in the U.S., Stanford is known for both rigorous academics and its unique International Legal Studies program. Stanford Law produces an exceptionally high percentage of Supreme Court clerks per capita.
Video: The Stanford Law School Experience
3. University of Chicago
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $74,895 | March 1 | 5.5:1 | 3.92 | 172 | 12.0% | 97.8% |
Chicago, Illinois, is home to the University of Chicago Law School. If you’re interested in Big Law or a federal clerkship, consider attending the University of Chicago, as nearly 86% of its graduates land positions in one of the two. It’s also known for a highly ranked three-year JD/MBA program for those looking to work in the business world.
Video: Welcome to the University of Chicago
4. Columbia University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $79,250 | February 15 | 5.4:1 | 3.86 | 174 | 11.5% | 96.8% |
Another one of the best law schools in the U.S., Columbia University in New York City, also has a significant percentage of its graduates heading to Big Law or federal clerkships—over 80%. Many Columbia Law graduates have careers in politics, including presidents, senators, representatives, cabinet members, governors, and Supreme Court justices.
5. Harvard University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $71,840 | March 1 | 7.1:1 | 3.93 | 174 | 7.2% | 99.4% |
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University boasts the highest percentage of graduates passing the bar on the first attempt. Harvard is also the oldest continuously operating law school in the U.S. and one of the largest law schools as well, with nearly three times the enrollment of Yale, Stanford, or Chicago.
6. University of Pennsylvania
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $72,898 | March 1 | 4.8:1 | 3.91 | 172 | 9.6% | 96.5% |
The University of Pennsylvania Law School in Philadelphia is one of the oldest law schools in the U.S. and ranks among the most selective. It is known for its focus on public service and was the first to have a pro bono requirement for students.
7. New York University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $76,128 | February 15 | 6.3:1 | 3.87 | 172 | 14.8% | 98.7% |
NYU Law School is located in New York City. It is the second most expensive school on our list, but it also has an impressive number of graduates passing the bar on the first try and offers a wide range of specializations and programs—including the #1-ranked tax law program in the country.
8. University of Virginia
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $69,200 | March 3 | 6.6:1 | 3.92 | 171 | 10.2% | 98.4% |
The University of Virginia Law School in Charlottesville is a top law school with a long history—it claims the title of the second oldest continuously operating law school. Founded by Thomas Jefferson, UVA Law is a public law school, offering a great return on investment as a high percentage of its graduates head for “Big Law” or federal clerkships.
9. University of California—Berkeley
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $70,944 | February 15 | 6.5:1 | 3.84 | 170 | 13.9% | 96.8% |
The School of Law at UC Berkeley is unique in that it does not give letter grades or GPAs. Berkeley Law students have many options to explore with a relaxed and supportive environment, including top-ranked intellectual property and environmental law programs.
University of Michigan—Ann Arbor
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $69,756 | February 28 | 7.2:1 | 3.85 | 171 | 11.0% | 97.2% |
Michigan Law School, located in Ann Arbor, has three Supreme Court Justices counted among its alumni. A top school for international law, Michigan Law sees more than 97% of students pass the bar on their first attempt and offers a broad selection of courses.
11. Duke University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $72,665 | February 15 | 5.5:1 | 3.84 | 170 | 14.6% | 97.5% |
Duke University Law, located in Durham, North Carolina, is known for its international law program and was the first to offer a unique JD/MML in International and Comparative Law program.
12. Cornell University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $74,460 | March 1 | 5:1 | 3.87 | 172 | 15.9% | 96.0% |
Cornell University Law School in Ithaca, New York, has a small enrollment each year with under 600 students in total. Its intimate class sizes and rigorous curriculum are part of the school’s appeal.
13. Northwestern University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $72,408 | February 15 | 4.8:1 | 3.88 | 171 | 14.2% | 95.3% |
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago is especially known for its scholarly journals, including the influential Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. It strongly encourages on-campus interviews as part of the application process.
14. Georgetown University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $72,019 | March 1 | 4.8:1 | 3.86 | 171 | 13.2% | 94.9% |
Located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown University Law Center is the second largest law school in the U.S. Known for its clinical law program with 19 clinics, it is also a top choice for part-time students.
15. University of California—Los Angeles
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $54,632 | February 1 | 6.1:1 | 3.83 | 171 | 15.7% | 97.2% |
The UCLA School of Law is known for its curriculum focused on entertainment and media law. Despite being a younger program, it’s highly regarded, with an early application deadline for prospective students. UCLA Law offers some of the best return-on-investment among top-tier law schools given its in-state tuition advantage for California residents.
16. Washington University in St. Louis
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $65,896 | August 10 | 4.5:1 | 3.94 | 170 | 16.2% | 94.4% |
Washington University School of Law, the first law school founded west of the Mississippi River, is highly regarded for its international and comparative law program.
17. Boston University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $63,150 | April 1 | 6.3:1 | 3.79 | 169 | 18.6% | 94.7% |
Boston University School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts, is a top-ranked school with outstanding specialty programs in tax law, health law, and intellectual property law. They also offer several dual degrees, and their professors are nationally recognized for their teaching.
18. University of Texas—Austin
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $56,260 | March 1 | 5.8:1 | 3.82 | 170 | 15.5% | 95.3% |
Also known as Texas Law, the University of Texas Law School in Austin provides the best starting salary-to-debt ratio of any other U.S. law school. Texas Law is also recognized for producing top-ranked environmental attorneys.
19. Vanderbilt University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $66,855 | April 1 | 7.6:1 | 3.90 | 170 | 14.7% | 95.5% |
Vanderbilt University Law School in Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the oldest law schools in the South and was the first law school to offer a Ph.D. program in Law and Economics. It’s a small law school with just over 550 students, admitting less than 200 per year.
20. University of Southern California
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $73,838 | April 1 | 7.3:1 | 3.84 | 168 | 13.2% | 95.0% |
The University of Southern California Gould School of Law, located in Los Angeles, is the oldest private law school in the Southwest. It also established the first modern legal aid program, solidifying its commitment to public service and practical legal training.
21. University of Notre Dame
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $66,890 | March 15 | 7.6:1 | 3.77 | 168 | 20.5% | 94.3% |
Notre Dame Law School, located in South Bend, Indiana, is the oldest Catholic law school in the U.S. Notre Dame is recognized for its strong programs in constitutional law and human rights, and the school maintains an outstanding bar passage rate alongside high placement in federal clerkships.
22. Emory University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $66,560 | March 1 | 8.0:1 | 3.82 | 169 | 28.5% | 92.8% |
Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia, is a top-tier Southern law school with strong programs in transactional law, health law, and feminist legal theory. The school's location in Atlanta provides direct access to major corporate, healthcare, and federal employers.
23. George Washington University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $73,950 | March 1 | 8.4:1 | 3.85 | 168 | 27.0% | 93.0% |
George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., is one of the largest and oldest law schools in the country. GW Law's location near the White House, Capitol Hill, and federal agencies gives it unmatched access to government legal practice, including top-ranked programs in international law, environmental law, and intellectual property.
24. University of Minnesota
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $55,408 | July 15 | 6.4:1 | 3.80 | 167 | 33.5% | 94.4% |
University of Minnesota Law School in Minneapolis is a top public law school known for affordability, strong career outcomes in the Twin Cities legal market, and excellent programs in human rights, intellectual property, and corporate law.
25. Wake Forest University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $58,640 | April 1 | 8.5:1 | 3.75 | 165 | 30.5% | 92.5% |
Wake Forest University School of Law in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, offers small class sizes, strong faculty mentorship, and outstanding bar passage rates. The school has notable programs in dispute resolution, intellectual property, and business law.
26. Fordham University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $74,584 | March 15 | 7.5:1 | 3.74 | 167 | 26.0% | 93.5% |
Fordham University School of Law in New York City is one of the largest law schools in the country and a major feeder to NYC Big Law firms. Fordham excels in corporate law, dispute resolution, and trial advocacy, with its location in the heart of Manhattan providing significant career advantages.
27. University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $46,200 | May 1 | 7.2:1 | 3.72 | 164 | 31.8% | 92.2% |
UNC School of Law in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is one of the most affordable top-30 law schools, particularly for North Carolina residents. UNC Law has strong programs in banking law, environmental law, and public interest law.
28. Boston College
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $63,290 | March 31 | 6.8:1 | 3.76 | 166 | 28.8% | 93.4% |
Boston College Law School in Newton, Massachusetts, is a top Jesuit law school with a long tradition of public service and excellent placement in Boston-area firms and federal agencies. BC Law has top-ranked programs in tax law, environmental law, and intellectual property.
29. William & Mary Law School
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,180 | March 1 | 7.4:1 | 3.78 | 166 | 27.0% | 93.8% |
William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the oldest law school in the United States (founded in 1779). The school is known for its strong programs in constitutional law, election law, and a unique focus on the "citizen lawyer" tradition.
30. University of Florida (Levin)
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,400 | July 15 | 7.0:1 | 3.77 | 165 | 26.0% | 93.7% |
The University of Florida Levin College of Law in Gainesville offers one of the best ROI propositions for in-state residents, with strong programs in tax law (top 5 nationally), environmental law, and international taxation.
31. University of Iowa
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,500 | May 1 | 7.0:1 | 3.69 | 165 | 39.5% | 92.0% |
University of Iowa College of Law in Iowa City is a top affordable public law school with strong programs in constitutional law, legal writing, and corporate law. Iowa Law's small class sizes and faculty mentorship are distinctive strengths.
32. Indiana University—Bloomington (Maurer)
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $58,300 | July 15 | 6.5:1 | 3.77 | 163 | 38.5% | 90.5% |
Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington is one of the oldest public law schools in the country. The school has excellent programs in intellectual property, cybersecurity law, and international law, with strong placement throughout the Midwest.
33. Arizona State University (O'Connor)
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,500 | March 1 | 7.8:1 | 3.72 | 166 | 26.5% | 93.0% |
Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law in Phoenix offers innovative programs in law, science, and technology, particularly in space law, sports law, and Indian law. ASU has rapidly climbed the rankings over the past decade.
34. University of Wisconsin—Madison
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,350 | April 1 | 6.9:1 | 3.70 | 164 | 42.5% | 89.8% |
University of Wisconsin—Madison Law School offers a unique "diploma privilege" — Wisconsin Law graduates can practice law in Wisconsin without taking the bar exam. The school is also known for strong programs in legal aid, environmental law, and public interest law.
35. Ohio State University (Moritz)
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49,300 | March 31 | 7.0:1 | 3.71 | 164 | 36.8% | 90.7% |
Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in Columbus is known for its highly-ranked dispute resolution program (top 5 nationally) and strong placement in Ohio's major legal markets.
36. Washington and Lee University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $56,470 | March 1 | 7.5:1 | 3.68 | 164 | 33.8% | 91.2% |
Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia, is known for its experiential third-year curriculum where students engage almost exclusively in practice-based learning. The school's small size and tight-knit alumni network are major strengths.
37. University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49,720 | March 15 | 6.8:1 | 3.75 | 164 | 30.5% | 91.2% |
University of Illinois College of Law offers strong programs in business law, criminal law, and intellectual property, with a comprehensive corporate law curriculum that places graduates in major Chicago firms.
38. George Mason University (Antonin Scalia)
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,200 | March 1 | 7.8:1 | 3.74 | 165 | 22.5% | 92.5% |
George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School in Arlington, Virginia, is known for its law and economics focus and conservative legal scholarship. The school's location in the D.C. metro area provides strong placement in federal agencies and Big Law.
39. UC Davis (King Hall)
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $58,072 | March 15 | 6.9:1 | 3.73 | 163 | 34.5% | 91.0% |
UC Davis School of Law (King Hall) is a strong California public law school with notable programs in immigration law, environmental law, and clinical legal education. Its commitment to public interest law is a hallmark.
40. UC Irvine
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $55,372 | March 15 | 6.5:1 | 3.77 | 165 | 28.5% | 92.3% |
UC Irvine School of Law, founded in 2009, is the newest top-50 law school in the country. Worth noting: UCI has rapidly climbed the rankings thanks to its innovative curriculum, strong clinical programs, and emphasis on social justice and policy.
41. University of Georgia
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,580 | June 1 | 7.1:1 | 3.75 | 163 | 32.5% | 92.0% |
University of Georgia School of Law in Athens offers one of the best ROI propositions in the Southeast, particularly for Georgia residents. UGA Law has strong programs in international law, real estate law, and tax law.
42. University of Washington
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $54,300 | March 15 | 6.7:1 | 3.77 | 166 | 27.5% | 93.4% |
University of Washington School of Law in Seattle benefits from its location near major tech companies (Microsoft, Amazon) with strong programs in tech law, intellectual property, environmental law, and Pacific Rim law.
43. Southern Methodist University (Dedman)
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $58,150 | March 15 | 7.7:1 | 3.69 | 162 | 45.0% | 86.0% |
SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas, is known for strong corporate law and energy law programs, with excellent placement in the booming Texas legal market.
44. Brigham Young University (J. Reuben Clark)
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,910 | March 1 | 9.0:1 | 3.78 | 166 | 32.0% | 95.5% |
BYU J. Reuben Clark Law School in Provo, Utah, is consistently ranked as the best value law school in the country thanks to extremely low tuition (especially for LDS members) combined with excellent academic rigor and strong bar passage rates.
45. Pepperdine University (Caruso)
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $67,140 | April 15 | 7.6:1 | 3.62 | 159 | 48.5% | 86.5% |
Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law in Malibu, California, is known for its top-ranked dispute resolution program (consistently #1 or #2 nationally) and its commitment to character-based legal education in a beautiful Pacific Coast setting.
46. Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva)
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $69,200 | March 1 | 7.5:1 | 3.66 | 162 | 38.0% | 89.5% |
Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva University) in New York City has strong programs in intellectual property, dispute resolution, and entertainment law. Cardozo's location in Manhattan offers exceptional access to the NYC legal market.
47. University of Colorado—Boulder
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,650 | April 1 | 7.4:1 | 3.73 | 163 | 34.0% | 89.9% |
University of Colorado Law School in Boulder offers strong programs in natural resources law, environmental law, American Indian law, and entrepreneurial law. The location near growing tech and outdoor industries provides distinctive career opportunities.
48. Tulane University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $65,250 | April 15 | 8.1:1 | 3.64 | 161 | 47.5% | 88.5% |
Tulane University Law School in New Orleans is known for its unique civil law curriculum (Louisiana is a civil law jurisdiction), strong maritime law program (top 3 nationally), environmental law, and sports law.
49. Texas A&M University
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,950 | March 1 | 7.5:1 | 3.71 | 164 | 25.5% | 92.0% |
Texas A&M University School of Law in Fort Worth has been one of the fastest-rising law schools in U.S. News rankings over the past decade, jumping into the top 50 thanks to investments in faculty, intellectual property law, and energy law programs.
50. University of Houston
| Application Deadline | Student-Faculty Ratio | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49,128 | March 15 | 7.2:1 | 3.69 | 162 | 39.5% | 89.5% |
University of Houston Law Center is one of the largest law schools in Texas and a top choice for students interested in energy law, health law, and intellectual property law. Its location in Houston—home to major energy, medical, and aerospace industries—provides exceptional career opportunities.
Other U.S. Law Schools to Consider
For students looking beyond the top 50, here are additional ABA-accredited law schools worth considering based on regional strength, specialty programs, or affordability:
| Tuition | Application Deadline | Median LSAT | Acceptance Rate | Bar Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | $41,580 | May 1 | 164 | 30.5% | 92.8% |
| University of Connecticut | $64,210 | April 30 | 163 | 34.0% | 91.2% |
| University of Maryland (Carey) | $48,800 | April 1 | 163 | 35.0% | 90.7% |
| Florida State University | $42,000 | July 15 | 162 | 42.0% | 88.8% |
| University of Utah (Quinney) | $42,030 | March 10 | 162 | 44.5% | 88.5% |
| Loyola Marymount University | $65,025 | February 1 | 158 | 53.0% | 86.8% |
| Temple University (Beasley) | $48,050 | March 1 | 159 | 42.5% | 89.3% |
| University of Arizona (Rogers) | $31,238 | March 15 | 162 | 38.0% | 90.2% |
| University of Kentucky | $52,420 | April 30 | 162 | 42.5% | 89.2% |
| Baylor University | $64,310 | February 15 | 160 | 46.5% | 88.5% |
| University of Tennessee | $42,005 | July 1 | 158 | 45.5% | 88.3% |
| Seton Hall University | $63,810 | April 1 | 158 | 50.5% | 87.5% |
| University of Miami | $55,760 | May 1 | 161 | 43.5% | 87.8% |
| St. John's University | $65,250 | April 1 | 159 | 47.5% | 87.3% |
| Villanova University | $62,480 | April 1 | 159 | 44.5% | 88.2% |
| American University | $64,375 | March 1 | 157 | 47.0% | 87.3% |
| Case Western Reserve University | $58,650 | April 1 | 157 | 47.5% | 86.7% |
| Santa Clara University | $58,170 | April 15 | 156 | 50.5% | 84.9% |
| University of San Diego | $62,920 | April 1 | 157 | 47.5% | 86.0% |
| Howard University | $42,440 | March 15 | 155 | 51.5% | 84.2% |
| University of Denver (Sturm) | $56,590 | May 1 | 161 | 47.5% | 87.2% |
| University of Nevada—Las Vegas (Boyd) | $43,030 | March 15 | 156 | 50.0% | 85.2% |
| Drexel University (Kline) | $52,760 | April 1 | 157 | 54.0% | 85.7% |
| University of Missouri | $43,650 | March 1 | 159 | 46.0% | 87.2% |
| University of Kansas | $43,975 | April 1 | 159 | 45.0% | 88.0% |
| Marquette University | $53,680 | July 1 | 155 | 49.0% | 83.7% |
| Indiana University—Indianapolis (McKinney) | $51,430 | July 1 | 157 | 52.5% | 85.2% |
| Rutgers University | $49,420 | March 15 | 157 | 54.5% | 85.2% |
| University of Oklahoma | $32,847 | June 1 | 159 | 49.5% | 86.2% |
| Louisiana State University (Paul M. Hebert) | $40,280 | June 15 | 156 | 52.0% | 84.7% |
| Syracuse University | $56,670 | April 1 | 156 | 51.5% | 86.0% |
| Michigan State University | $51,115 | April 30 | 157 | 53.5% | 85.7% |
| Seattle University | $54,340 | April 1 | 155 | 52.5% | 85.0% |
| University of Louisville (Brandeis) | $42,540 | July 1 | 155 | 58.0% | 84.2% |
| University of Arkansas—Fayetteville | $18,350 | April 1 | 155 | 56.0% | 83.2% |
| University of Tulsa | $40,555 | July 1 | 156 | 54.5% | 83.7% |
| University of San Francisco | $55,080 | April 1 | 154 | 55.0% | 83.2% |
| Pace University (Haub) | $52,150 | April 1 | 154 | 56.5% | 83.0% |
| Stetson University | $45,605 | July 1 | 153 | 58.5% | 81.7% |
| University of the Pacific (McGeorge) | $55,755 | July 1 | 153 | 57.0% | 82.2% |
| Albany Law School | $53,975 | April 1 | 154 | 55.5% | 83.7% |
| New York Law School | $55,940 | July 1 | 153 | 58.0% | 82.2% |
| CUNY School of Law | $23,490 | May 15 | 153 | 59.5% | 80.7% |
| University of Baltimore | $49,012 | July 1 | 152 | 57.5% | 82.5% |
| South Texas College of Law Houston | $36,510 | July 15 | 153 | 61.0% | 80.7% |
| Belmont University | $54,075 | April 1 | 155 | 54.5% | 84.2% |
| Texas Tech University | $26,580 | April 15 | 156 | 49.5% | 86.8% |
| Cleveland State University | $46,500 | July 15 | 151 | 59.5% | 80.2% |
| Mercer University | $41,720 | June 1 | 151 | 63.5% | 78.7% |
| Mitchell Hamline School of Law | $45,070 | July 1 | 151 | 60.0% | 79.2% |
| Northeastern University | $61,500 | March 15 | 159 | 39.5% | 88.5% |
| Penn State Dickinson Law | $54,290 | March 1 | 159 | 41.5% | 89.3% |
| University of Mississippi | $33,750 | April 1 | 156 | 48.0% | 86.5% |
| Loyola University Chicago | $54,810 | April 1 | 157 | 47.0% | 87.5% |
| DePaul University | $54,520 | April 1 | 155 | 53.0% | 84.5% |
| Chicago-Kent College of Law (Illinois Tech) | $55,600 | April 1 | 156 | 51.0% | 85.2% |
| Hofstra University | $61,330 | April 15 | 153 | 56.5% | 82.7% |
| Brooklyn Law School | $63,250 | April 1 | 156 | 49.0% | 86.3% |
| Suffolk University | $54,310 | March 1 | 153 | 56.0% | 82.5% |
| Quinnipiac University | $54,890 | April 1 | 153 | 57.0% | 82.0% |
| Mercer Law (Walter F. George) | $41,720 | June 1 | 151 | 63.5% | 78.7% |
Final thoughts
There is no doubt that graduating from a top law school in the U.S. can launch your career. Any of the top 120 law schools will provide you with an excellent education and set you up for a successful legal career.
The bottom line? Choose a law school based on fit, not just ranking. Consider your career goals (Big Law vs. public interest vs. clerkships), your geographic preferences (regional schools place very well in their home markets), your financial situation (in-state public law schools can save $150K+ over private schools), and your specialty interests (tax law, IP, environmental law, dispute resolution all have specific top programs).
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Additional Resources
- If you’re considering a top law school, you may also want to explore The Best Art Schools in the US to broaden your creative learning options alongside legal studies.
- Applicants might benefit from College Application Help: 15 Tips to Help You Succeed to improve their chances of acceptance into these prestigious law schools.
- For personalized guidance, see 10 Tips for Finding an Independent College Counselor to support your law school application process and make it stand out.