Want a degree from the best law schools in the US and start your law career? There are 20 top law school in the United States. This USWNR ranking might help you choose the right school.
About USWNR Ranking
USWNR has released annual law school rankings since 1990. Over 196 law schools were included in its rankings for 2024. The ranking is based on the following factors.
| Outcomes 10 months after graduation | 33% |
| Bar passage rate for first-time test takers | 18% |
| Ultimate bar passage rate | 7% |
| Peer assessment score | 12.5% |
| Lawyers and judges assessment score | 12.5% |
| Median Law School Admission Test and Graduate Record Examination scores | 5% |
| Median undergraduate grade point average | 4% |
| Acceptance rate | 1% |
| Student-faculty ratio | 5% |
| Library resources | 2% |
Best Law Schools in the US: USWNR 2024
1.Stanford University
- Student-faculty: 4.4:1 Acceptance Rate: 7.3% Enrollment: 575
- Full Program Application Fee: $85 Tuition: $62,373
Founded in 1893, Stanford Law School is one of the best law schools in the US. It offers a rigorous curriculum with a focus 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. In terms of Stanford Law School housing, it provides various apartments and dormitories near campus. Students can also choose to live off-campus in Palo Alto and surrounding areas.
2.Yale University
- Student-faculty: 4.4:1 Acceptance Rate: 5.6% Enrollment: 633
- Full Program Application Fee: $85 Tuition: $64,267
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. Besids, about 3/4 of their student population receiving financial aid based off of their needs. Yale Law School does not have on-campus housing specifically for law students. Students often find accommodations in nearby towns like New Haven, where a variety of apartments and houses are available.
3.University of Chicago
- Student-faculty: 4.8:1 Acceptance Rate: 12.8% Enrollment: —
- Full Program Application Fee: $90 Tuition: $64,089
The School of Law at the University of Chicago, 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.Duke University
- Student-faculty: 4.8:1 Acceptance Rate: 10.5% Enrollment: —
- Full Program Application Fee: $80 Tuition: $64,722
Duke University’s Law department is founded in 1850s. Duke Law School is renowned for its innovative curriculum, strong clinical programs, and focus on global and public interest law. You can choose criminal law, environmental law and health care law. You can also join into 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.
5.Harvard University
- Student-faculty: 6.8:1 Acceptance Rate: 9.6% Enrollment: 1758
- Full Program Application Fee: $85 Tuition: $64,978
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 is 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.
6.University of Pennsylvania (Carey)
- Student-faculty: 4.8:1 Acceptance Rate: 9.9% Enrollment: 808
- Full Program Application Fee: $80 Tuition: $65,804
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 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 univerity’s residential areas or nearby neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
7.University of Virginia
- Student-faculty: 5.5:1 Acceptance Rate: 11.5% Enrollment: 898
- Full Program Application Fee: $85 Tuition: $63,700
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 one of 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.
8.Columbia University
- Student-faculty: 5.5:1 Acceptance Rate: 12.2% Enrollment: 1357
- Full Program Application Fee: $85 Tuition: $69,916
The Columbia University School of Law is one of the oldest US law schools. 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 Ginsberg. Columbia Law School students typically find CU housing off-campus in the vibrant neighborhoods of New York City, such as Manhattan and Brooklyn.
9.New York University
- Student-faculty: 5.8:1 Acceptance Rate: 16.8% Enrollment: 1413
- Full Program Application Fee: $85 Tuition: $66,422
NYU Law is renowned for its innovative curriculum, interdisciplinary approach, and strong connections to the New York legal community. It is located in the Greenwich Village, a historic neighbourhood of New York City. The school has more than 30 centers that focus on economics, politics, theory, and tax and international law, providing top-quality legal education. Students typically live off-campus NYU Law accommodations in the diverse neighborhoods of New York City, taking advantage of the city’s vast housing options.
10.Northwestern University (Pritzker)
- Student-faculty: 4.3:1 Acceptance Rate: 15.5% Enrollment: 763
- Full Program Application Fee: $75 Tuition: $64,402
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law emphasizes on work experience in the admissions process, attracting a diverse and 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 Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Student-faculty: 5.9:1 Acceptance Rate: 12.6% Enrollment: 972
- Full Program Application Fee: $75 Tuition: $62,762
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 their 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.
12.University of California (Berkeley)
- Student-faculty: 5.5:1 Acceptance Rate: 14.9% Enrollment: 1022
- Full Program Application Fee: $75 Tuition: $49,325
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.
13.University of California (Los Angeles)
- Student-faculty: 5.5:1 Acceptance Rate: 16.8% Enrollment: 1,006
- Full Program Application Fee: $75 Tuition: $45,600
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 are able to 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.
14.Cornell University
- Student-faculty: 4.8:1 Acceptance Rate: 19.3% Enrollment: 585
- Full Program Application Fee: $80 Tuition: $65,541
The Cornell University Law School may be smaller than other law schools, but is still known for being one of the best law schools in the US. Cornell University’s campus is also one of the prettiest in the US, located in a city filled with gorges, and the campus is 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.
15.Georgetown University
- Student-faculty: 4.6:1 Acceptance Rate: 19.6% Enrollment: 1851
- Full Program Application Fee: $85 Tuition: $75,950
Georgetown University Law School is the oldest law school in Washington D.C. and a founding member of the 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 reside in off-campus apartments due to the university’s proximity to Washington D.C. It’s important to note that housing prices can be expensive, and students often opt for shared accommodations to manage costs.
16.University of Minnesota
- Student-faculty: 4.7:1 Acceptance Rate: 39.8% Enrollment: 675
- Full Program Application Fee: $60 Tuition: $18,964
The University of Minnesota Law School is a highly respected institution in the field of 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.
17. University of Texas -- Austin
- Student-faculty: 5.9:1 Acceptance Rate: 14.9% Enrollment: 973
- Full Program Application Fee: $70 Tuition: $36,429
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 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 who seeking convenience and proximity to the law school, there are options vary in size, amenities, and price, catering to diverse living preferences and budgets.
18.Washington University in St. Louis
- Student-faculty: 4.7:1 Acceptance Rate: 17.2% Enrollment: 809
- Full Program Application Fee: $0 Tuition: $65,541
Washington University in St. Louis School of Law is a highly regarded institution in the field of legal education. It is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, with opportunities for students to engage in interdisciplinary 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.
19.Vanderbilt University
- Student-faculty: 6.1:1 Acceptance Rate: 16.8% Enrollment: 512
- Full Program Application Fee: $70 Tuition: $72,184
Vanderbilt University Law School is a private research university founded in 1873. The law school is particularly known for its strengths in areas such as corporate law, environmental law, international law, and intellectual property law. In terms of VU housing, it’s recommended that prospective and current law students consult with the university’s housing services or relevant departments for the most up-to-date information and guidance.
20. University of Georgia
- Student-faculty: 6.3:1 Acceptance Rate: 14.8% Enrollment: 530
- Full Program Application Fee: $50 Tuition: $18,994
The University of Georgia School of Law is renowned for its academic rigor, practical training, and commitment to public service. The school boasts a strong alumni network and a tradition of excellence in areas such as trial advocacy, public interest law, and international law. When it comes to UG housing, The university’s housing services or local real estate agencies can provide valuable resources and support to assist students in their housing search, including information on safety, transportation, and proximity to campus.
Conclusion
The Best Law Schools in the US have built a bridge from theory to practice, nurturing generations of legal talents 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 achievements, students also face the challenge of finding a warm and comfortable housing in the US amidst 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, appointment for viewing, to contract signing, we accompany you every step of the way to ensure that every student finds their perfect “home”.
FAQ
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.
The average GPA for law school is between 3.5 to 3.7. Top-ranking law schools often expect higher average GPAs, typically ranging from 3.8 to 3.9 or even 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 ranging from 3.8 to 3.9 or even higher.
Law school is much more demanding intellectually than is participation in an MBA program. MBA programs are concerned with how well one works with others in a small group environment, while law school is all about individual intellectual horsepower and work ethic.
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.
