The best law schools in the US offer top-notch education, strong career opportunities, and vibrant campus communities for aspiring lawyers. From elite private schools like Yale and Stanford to leading public institutions such as UNC and Michigan, each program offers unique strengths in areas such as constitutional law, corporate law, and public interest law. This guide highlights the top 20 schools, including tuition, acceptance rates, student-faculty ratios, and what makes each school stand out, helping you choose the right path for your legal career.
About USWNR Ranking
U.S. News & World Report (USWNR) has released annual law school rankings since 1990. Nearly 200 law schools were included in its latest rankings, accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). The ranking is based on the following factors:
| USNWR Law School Ranking Factors & Weights | |
|---|---|
| Category / Metric | Approximate Weight |
| Student Outcomes (overall) | 58% total |
| • Employment 10 months after graduation (full-time, long-term, JD-advantaged/bar-required) | 33% |
| • First-time bar exam pass rate | 18% |
| • Ultimate bar passage rate (within 2 years) | 7% |
| Quality / Reputation Assessment | 25% total |
| • Peer assessment (deans/ faculty / academic peers) | 12.5% |
| • Assessment by lawyers & judges (practitioner-reputation) | 12.5% |
| Selectivity / Admissions Indicators | 10% total |
| • Median LSAT (or GRE) score of entering class | 5% |
| • Median undergraduate GPA of entering class | 4% |
| • Acceptance rate (lower is better) | 1% |
| Faculty & Library / Resources | 7% total |
| • Student-Faculty ratio (lower ratio = better) | 5% |
| • Library resources / Student-librarian ratio | 2 % |
Best Law Schools in the US: USWNR 2025
This article provides a guide to the best law schools in the US that ranked in the top 20 in the USWNR 2025. Before going through the detailed information, the spreadsheet below provides a brief overview, including the student-faculty ratio, acceptance rate, enrollment, application fee, and tuition.
| Best Law School in the US: Overview | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School | Rank | Student-Faculty Ratio | Acceptance Rate | Enrollment | Application Fee | Tuition (per year) |
| Stanford Law School | 1 (tie) | 3.5:1 | 4.5% | ~560 | $95 | $72,750 |
| Yale Law School | 1 (tie) | 3.6:1 | 4.8% | ~640 | $85 | $72,200 |
| University of Chicago Law School | 3 | 6.0:1 | 12.7% | ~580 | $75 | $71,400 |
| University of Virginia School of Law | 4 | 6.1:1 | 13.9% | ~585 | $75 | $70,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania (Carey) | 5 | 6.0:1 | 9.95% | ~600 | $85 | $70,000 |
| Duke University School of Law | 6 (tie) | 5.4:1 | 11.0% | ~560 | $85 | $69,000 |
| Harvard Law School | 6 (tie) | 3.6:1 | 12.0% | ~1,990 | $85 | $70,200 |
| New York University (NYU) Law | 8 (tie) | 5.0:1 | 12.5% | ~1,350 | $85 | $72,000 |
| University of Michigan Law | 8 (tie) | 6.2:1 | 12.5% | ~680 | $75 | $67,100 |
| Columbia Law School | 10 (tie) | 3.8:1 | 11.5% | ~1,300 | $85 | $75,120 |
| Northwestern Pritzker School of Law | 10 (tie) | 5.8:1 | 11.5% | ~700 | $75 | $68,000 |
| University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA) Law | 11 | 5.5:1 | 16.1% | ~950 | $85 | Resident $61,744; Non-resident $73,989 |
| University of California—Berkeley (Boalt) Law | 12 | 5.9:1 | 15.0% | ~800 | $80 | In-state $60,000; Out-of-state $62,000 (approx) |
| Vanderbilt University Law School | 14 (tie) | 6.5:1 | 14.0% | ~640 | $75 | $70,500 (total COA ~113k) |
| University of Texas—Austin School of Law | 14 (tie) | 6.8:1 | 16.0% | ~700 | $75 | In-state $39,000; Out-of-state $52,000 (approx) |
| Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) Law | 14 (tie) | 6.4:1 | 15.5% | ~640 | $70 | $68,000 |
| Georgetown University Law Center | 14 (tie) | 4.6:1 | 20.1% | ~2,176 | $85 | Tuition varies (~$61,000) |
| University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Law | 18 | 8.0:1 | 20.0% | ~600 | $60 | In-state $30,000; Out-of-state $48,000 (approx) |
| Cornell Law School | 18 (tie) | 4.2:1 | 13.0% | ~650 | $85 | $73,000 |
| University of Notre Dame Law School | 20 (tie) | 7.5:1 | 24.0% | ~530 | $65 | $58,000 |
| University of Minnesota Law School | 20 (tie) | 9.0:1 | 24.0% | ~920 | $65 | In-state $41,000; Out-of-state $58,000 |
1(tie).Stanford University Law School
- Student-faculty: 3.5:1
- Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
- Enrollment: 560
- Full Program Application Fee: $95
- Tuition: $72,750
Founded in 1893, Stanford Law School is one of the best law schools in the US. It offers a rigorous curriculum focused on interdisciplinary study and intellectual diversity. There are 11 immersive legal clinics, including Community Law, Environmental Law, Immigrants’ Rights, and Criminal Defense, that provide students with well-rounded legal education. Stanford Law School offers various apartments and dormitories near campus. Students can also choose to live off-campus in Palo Alto and the surrounding areas.
1(tie).Yale University Law School
- Student-faculty: 3.6:1
- Acceptance Rate: 4.8%
- Enrollment: 640
- Full Program Application Fee: $85
- Tuition: $72,200
Yale Law School has become one of the best law schools in the US since its establishment in 1810. It is renowned for its esteemed faculty, rigorous academics, and commitment to public service. US presidents, US senators, and 10 Supreme Court justices graduated from here. Additionally, about 3/4 of their student population receives financial aid based on need. Yale Law School does not have on-campus housing specifically for law students. Students often find accommodations in nearby towns, such as New Haven, where a variety of apartments and houses are available.
3.University of Chicago Law School
- Student-faculty: 6:1
- Acceptance Rate: 12.7%
- Enrollment: 580
- Full Program Application Fee: $75
- Tuition: $71,400
The University of Chicago Law School is one of the best law schools in the US. The school emphasizes the study of law and economics, as well as legal theory. Barack Obama, the former president, graduated from this school. While there is no dedicated on-campus housing for law students, Chicago offers a wide range of housing options, including apartments and shared houses within walking distance.
4.University of Virginia School of Law
- Student-faculty: 6.1:1
- Acceptance Rate: 13.9%
- Enrollment: 585
- Full Program Application Fee: $75
- Tuition: $70,000
Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, UVA Law is known for its long history, exceptional faculty, rigorous curriculum, and commitment to public service. The Princeton Review consistently ranks it among the top 10 law schools in the US. It boasts a beautiful campus nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While the university does not have dedicated on-campus housing for law students, there are ample UVA housing options within walking or short driving distance of the law school in Charlottesville.
5.University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
- Student-faculty: 6:1
- Acceptance Rate: 9.95%
- Enrollment: 600
- Full Program Application Fee: $85
- Tuition: $70,000
Penn Law, now known as the Carey Law School, is an Ivy League law school. It offers a comprehensive legal education with a strong emphasis on practical skills and interdisciplinary study. There are 35 dual degree programs prepared for students, so they have a more holistic overview of how law functions in society. The university offers various housing options for graduate students, including apartments and dormitories. Besides, students often find Penn Carey Law accommodations in the university’s residential areas or nearby neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
6(tie).Duke University School of Law
- Student-faculty: 5.4:1
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Enrollment: 560
- Full Program Application Fee: $85
- Tuition: $69,000
Duke University’s Law Department was founded in the 1850s. Duke Law School is renowned for its innovative curriculum, strong clinical programs, and its focus on global and public-interest law. You can choose criminal law, environmental law, and health care law. You can also join clubs like Women in Law, Black Law Students Association, an Anti-Racism Project, and more. Duke University provides various housing options for law students, including apartments and dormitories within the university’s residential areas. Students can also explore off-campus housing in nearby Durham.
6(tie).Harvard Law School
- Student-faculty: 3.6:1
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Enrollment: 1,990
- Full Program Application Fee: $85
- Tuition: $70,200
Harvard Law School is consistently ranked among the world’s top law schools, offering a robust curriculum, esteemed faculty, and extensive clinical and international opportunities. Their legal programs about public health are popular, given that Massachusetts is a hub for medical advancement. Harvard Law School students typically find housing off-campus in the vibrant neighborhoods of Cambridge and Boston.
8(tie).New York University Law School
- Student-faculty: 5.0:1
- Acceptance Rate: 12.5%
- Enrollment: 1,350
- Full Program Application Fee: $85
- Tuition: $72,000
NYU Law is renowned for its innovative curriculum, interdisciplinary approach, and strong connections to the New York legal community. It is located in Greenwich Village, a historic neighbourhood of New York City. The school has more than 30 centers focused on economics, politics, theory, taxation, and international law, providing top-quality legal education. Students typically live off-campus in NYU Law accommodations across New York City’s diverse neighborhoods, taking advantage of the city’s vast housing options.
8(tie). University of Michigan Law
- Student-faculty: 6.2:1
- Acceptance Rate: 12.5%
- Enrollment: 680
- Full Program Application Fee: $75
- Tuition: $67,100
Michigan Law is recognized for its innovative curriculum, renowned faculty, and commitment to public service. It’s located in the charming town of Ann Arbor. Students at the university will have access to a variety of different law clinics that will help them study disciplines such as advocacy, human trafficking, child welfare, and more. It is also the first to admit women into its program. The university provides various housing options for graduate students, including apartments and dormitories. Students can also find off-campus housing in Ann Arbor’s diverse neighborhoods.
10 (tie).Columbia Law School
- Student-faculty: 3.8:1
- Acceptance Rate: 11.5%
- Enrollment: 13,00
- Full Program Application Fee: $85
- Tuition: $75,120
Columbia Law School is one of the oldest law schools in the US. It offers students unparalleled access to legal practice, internships, and a diverse cultural environment. It is also the alma mater of the legendary former Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg. Columbia Law School students typically find CU off-campus housing in the vibrant neighborhoods of New York City, such as Manhattan and Brooklyn.
10(tie).Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
- Student-faculty: 5.8:1
- Acceptance Rate: 11.5%
- Enrollment: 700
- Full Program Application Fee: $75
- Tuition: $68,000
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law emphasizes work experience in its admissions process, attracting a diverse, experienced student body. Currently, the Pritzker School of Law offers seven concentrations for students to choose from. These concentrations aim to provide students with in-depth professional knowledge and skills training. Northwestern offers various housing options for graduate students, including apartments and dormitories. However, many law students prefer to live out of NWU in the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Evanston or nearby suburbs.
11.University of California -- Los Angeles School of Law (UCLA)
- Student-faculty: 5.5:1
- Acceptance Rate: 16.1%
- Enrollment: 950
- Full Program Application Fee: $85
- Tuition: $61,744-$73,989
Founded in 1949, UCLA Law is the third-oldest law school in the University of California system. The school adopts interdisciplinary legal research methods, emphasizing the integration of theory and practice. Through mock trials, legal clinics, internship programs, and other means, students can learn and apply legal knowledge in practice. Students typically find UCLA housing in the diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles, including Westwood, Mar Vista, and Santa Monica.
12.University of California -- Berkeley School of Law (Berkeley)
- Student-faculty: 5.9:1
- Acceptance Rate: 15%
- Enrollment: 800
- Full Program Application Fee: $80
- Tuition: $60,000-62,000
Founded in 1894, Berkeley Law is one of the five law schools in the UC system and one of the 14 founding members of the Association of American Universities. In addition to traditional core law courses, the school offers multiple specialized concentrations for students to choose from, such as Business and Financial Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Law, and Public Health Law. Berkeley Law students often find housing in the surrounding Berkeley neighborhoods.
14(tie).Georgetown University Law Center
- Student-faculty: 4.6:1
- Acceptance Rate: 20.1%
- Enrollment: 2,176
- Full Program Application Fee: $85
- Tuition: up to $61,000
Georgetown University Law School is the oldest law school in Washington, D.C., and a founding member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). It offers various degree programs with specialized tracks in areas such as Business and Finance Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, and International Comparative Law. Regarding GU housing conditions, students typically live in off-campus apartments because the university is close to Washington, D.C. It’s important to note that housing prices can be high, and students often opt for shared accommodations to keep costs down.
14(tie). University of Texas -- Austin School of Law
- Student-faculty: 6.8:1
- Acceptance Rate: 16%
- Enrollment: 700
- Full Program Application Fee: $75
- Tuition: $39,000-52,000
The University of Texas at Austin School of Law is a prestigious institution nestled within the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. Founded in 1883, UT Law has a rich history and a strong emphasis on academic excellence, practical legal training, and public service. Students have access to a wide range of UT Austin housing options, both on and off-campus. For those seeking convenience and proximity to the law school, options vary in size, amenities, and price, catering to diverse living preferences and budgets.
14(tie).Washington University in St. Louis
- Student-faculty: 4.7:1
- Acceptance Rate: 17.2%
- Enrollment: 809
- Full Program Application Fee: $70
- Tuition: $65,541
Washington University in St. Louis School of Law is a highly regarded institution in legal education. It is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, offering students opportunities to engage in coursework and research across disciplines such as business, medicine, and engineering. Besides, WashU Law housing options, both on and off-campus, provide students with the comfort and convenience they need to focus on their academic pursuits.
14(tie).Vanderbilt University Law School
- Student-faculty: 6.5:1
- Acceptance Rate: 16.8%
- Enrollment: 640
- Full Program Application Fee: $75
- Tuition: $70,500
Vanderbilt University Law School is a private research university founded in 1873. The law school is particularly known for its strengths in corporate, environmental, international, and intellectual property law. Regarding VU housing, it’s recommended that prospective and current law students consult the university’s housing services or relevant departments for the most up-to-date information and guidance.
18(tie). University of North Carolina School of Law
- Student-faculty: 8.0:1
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
- Enrollment: 600
- Full Program Application Fee: $60
- Tuition: $30,000-48,000
UNC School of Law is a top public law school in the US, known for its focus on public service and strong programs in constitutional and civil rights law. Located in Chapel Hill, it offers a vibrant college-town environment and excellent legal connections across North Carolina. It’s recognized as one of the best law schools in the US for students seeking both rigorous academics and practical experience. Moreover, student housing near the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) offers law students a home away from home with convenient locations.
18(tie).Cornell Law School
- Student-faculty: 4.2:1
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
- Enrollment: 600
- Full Program Application Fee: $60
- Tuition: $73,000
Cornell University Law School may be smaller than other law schools, but it is still known as one of the best in the US. Cornell University’s campus is also one of the prettiest in the US, located in a city filled with gorges, and it’s home to waterfalls, lakes, and parks. Cornell provides various housing options for graduate students, including apartments and dormitories. Law students can also find Cornell housing in Ithaca’s charming neighborhoods.
20(tie). University of Notre Dame Law School
- Student-faculty: 7.5:1
- Acceptance Rate: 24%
- Enrollment: 530
- Full Program Application Fee: $65
- Tuition: $58,000
Notre Dame Law School may be smaller than other top law schools, but it is highly respected for academic excellence and ethics-focused training. Its campus in Indiana is beautiful, and students benefit from strong alum support and global opportunities. Notre Dame Law is consistently ranked among the best law schools in the US for students pursuing prestigious clerkships and public-interest careers. Student housing near the University of Notre Dame offers effortless access for law students; they are within 20 20-minute’ walking distance, which helps them never miss any lectures and exams.
20(tie). University of Minnesota Law School
- Student-faculty: 9:1
- Acceptance Rate: 24%
- Enrollment: 920
- Full Program Application Fee: $65
- Tuition: $41,000-58,000
The University of Minnesota Law School is a highly respected institution in legal education. Established in 1888, it is a member of the AALS and accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). The Law School offers two primary degree programs: the Juris Doctor (JD) for students seeking to become lawyers, and the Master of Laws (LLM) for international students. Students typically reside in UMN apartments located in the surrounding neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Conclusion
The Best Law Schools in the US have built a bridge from theory to practice, nurturing generations of legal talent with solid legal foundations and outstanding practical abilities. We sincerely hope that everyone can gain admission to their ideal law school.
While striving for academic achievement, students also face the challenge of finding warm, comfortable housing in the US amid their busy study lives. uhomes.com specializes in providing students with safe, reliable, and cost-effective housing information, as well as a one-stop rental service. From property screening and appointment for viewing to contract signing, we accompany you every step of the way to ensure that every student finds their perfect “home”.
FAQ
What majors is best for Law school?
Political science, English, Psychology, History, Economics or business, philosophy. While law schools do not require a specific major, these fields of study can also provide a solid foundation for the challenges of law school and increase your chances of accepted by law schools.
What is the average GPA for law schools?
The average law school GPA is between 3.5 and 3.7. Top-ranking law schools often expect higher average GPAs, typically 3.8 to 3.9 or higher. To get into law school, a GPA of 3.0 is generally considered the minimum, but many top law schools prefer a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Top-ranking law schools often expect higher average GPAs, typically 3.8 to 3.9 or higher.
Is law school harder than MBA?
Law school is much more demanding intellectually than participation in an MBA program. MBA programs focus on how well one works with others in a small-group environment, while law school is all about individual intellectual horsepower and work ethic.
Is law school financially worth it?
Law school can be a path to a lucrative career—but it can also lead to significant debts. The average law school graduate debt is $160,000, while the starting annual salary is much less.
What are the best law schools in the US?
The best law schools in the US include Yale, Stanford, Harvard, the University of Chicago, and the University of Virginia. These schools are known for academic excellence, influential alumni networks, and strong career outcomes.
Which law schools have the highest acceptance rates?
Top law schools generally have competitive admissions. Public schools like UNC and Notre Dame have higher acceptance rates around 20–25%, while elite private schools such as Yale and Stanford admit fewer than 5% of applicants.
What is the average tuition at the best law schools in the US?
Annual tuition at leading law schools ranges from around $58,000 at Notre Dame to over $75,000 at Columbia. Public universities often offer lower in-state tuition, helping reduce overall costs.
How do I choose the right top law school for me?
Consider your career goals, preferred location, tuition costs, program strengths, and campus culture. Reviewing rankings, employment outcomes, and alumni networks can help you find the best fit.
Which law schools are best for corporate or business law?
NYU, University of Pennsylvania Carey, and Harvard are top choices for corporate law. They offer specialized courses, strong internship programs, and connections with major law firms and financial institutions.
What are the best law schools in the US for public interest law?
Schools like UNC, Yale, and Stanford are recognized for public interest programs. They provide clinical opportunities, fellowships, and courses that prepare students for careers in government, nonprofits, or civil rights law.
