Law School Rankings in : Highest Acceptance Rates & More

Law School Rankings: Best Law Schools in the US

The following are the best law schools in the US based on key factors like acceptance rates, academic stats, and the bar exam pass rate. 

1. University of Virginia

• Acceptance Rate: 11.5%
• Median GPA: 3.94
• Median LSAT: 171
• Bar Passage Rate: 96.43%

2. University of Chicago

• Acceptance Rate: 12.8%
• Median GPA: 3.94
• Median LSAT: 173
• Bar Passage Rate: 97.1%

3. University of Pennsylvania (Penn Carey Law School)

• Acceptance Rate: 9.9%
• Median GPA: 3.92
• Median LSAT: 172
• Bar Passage Rate: 96.55%

4. Yale University

• Acceptance Rate: 5.6%
• Median GPA: 3.96
• Median LSAT: 175
• Bar Passage Rate: 96.79%

5. Duke University

• Acceptance Rate: 10.5%
• Median GPA: 3.87
• Median LSAT: 170
• Bar Passage Rate: 96.49%

6. Columbia University

• Acceptance Rate: 12.2%
• Median GPA: 3.9
• Median LSAT: 173
• Bar Passage Rate: 93.7%

7. New York University

• Acceptance Rate: 15.7%
• Median GPA: 3.9
• Median LSAT: 172
• Bar Passage Rate: 96.58%

8. Harvard University

• Acceptance Rate: 9.5%
• Median GPA: 3.93
• Median LSAT: 174
• Bar Passage Rate: 96.35%

9. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

• Acceptance Rate: 12.6%
• Median GPA: 3.85
• Median LSAT: 171
• Bar Passage Rate: 97.27%

10. Cornell University

• Acceptance Rate: 21.1%
• Average GPA: 3.82
• Average LSAT: 167
• Bar Passage Rate: 95.9%

11. George Washington University

• Acceptance Rate: 34.2%
• Average GPA: 3.71
• Average LSAT: 165
• Bar Passage Rate: 95.8%

12. Georgetown University

• Acceptance Rate: 19.6%
• Median GPA: 3.91
• Median LSAT: 171
• Bar Passage Rate: 90.51%

13. Washington University in St. Louis

• Acceptance Rate: 30%
• Average GPA: 3.81
• Average LSAT: 168
• Bar Passage Rate: 95.5%

14. Stanford University

• Acceptance Rate: 7.26%
• Median GPA: 3.95
• Median LSAT: 173
• Bar Passage Rate: 96.58%

15. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

• Acceptance Rate: 33%
• Average GPA: 3.65
• Average LSAT: 162
• Bar Passage Rate: 95.3%

16. University of Tulsa

• Acceptance Rate: 41.7%
• Average GPA: 3.48
• Average LSAT: 154
• Bar Passage Rate: 95.2%

17. Vanderbilt University

• Acceptance Rate: 23.7%
• Average GPA: 3.8
• Average LSAT: 167
• Bar Passage Rate: 96.97%

18. University of Oklahoma

• Acceptance Rate: 38.9%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average LSAT: 157
• Bar Passage Rate: 94.9%

19. University of Alabama

• Acceptance Rate: 26.62%
• Average LSAT: 167
• Average GPA: 3.95
• Bar Passage Rate: 91.27%

20. Regent University

• Acceptance Rate: 43.3%
• Average GPA: 3.55
• Average LSAT: 154
• Bar Passage Rate: 94.1%

Law School Rankings: Best Law Schools in Canada

The list below includes the best law schools in Canada, separated by province.

British Columbia

• University of British Columbia
• Thompson Rivers University
• University of Victoria

Ontario

• Queen’s University
• York University, Osgoode Hall Law School
• University of Ottawa
• University of Toronto
• Western University
• University of Windsor
• Lakehead University, Bora Laskin Faculty of Law
• Toronto Metropolitan University, Lincoln Alexander School of Law

Quebec

• Université Laval – Baccalauréat en Droit
• McGill University – Faculty of Law
• Université de Montréal – Faculté de Droit
• Université du Québec – Faculté de Science Politique & Droit
• Université de Sherbrooke – Faculté de droit

Get into the law school of your dreams with these tips to help your law school application stand out!

Law School Rankings: Law Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rate

1. Creighton University Law School – 79%
2. South Dakota Law School – 67.44%
3. Quinnipiac Law School – 67.03%
4. University of Idaho College of Law – 66.77%
5. Loyola New Orleans Law School – 66.67%
6. University of North Dakota School of Law – 66.35%
7. University of Montana Law School – 66.09%
8. University of Saint Thomas School of Law – 65.48%
9. Hamline University School of Law – 64.91%
10. Indiana University School of Law Indianapolis – 64.85%

Law School Rankings: Canadian Law Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rate

1. University of Manitoba Robson Hall Law School – 16.1%
2. University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law – 12.9%
3. University of Ottawa Law School – 12.14%
4. University of Saskatchewan College of Law – 11.25%
5. University of Victoria Faculty of Law – 10.7%

Paying attention to law school acceptance rates is a smart and strategic choice. If you have a strong application, these schools offer a greater chance of admission, reducing the stress of an already competitive process. Accredited and recognized as providers of a quality law school education, these schools are an excellent option for students who have a lower GPA or LSAT score, or another weakness on their application.

By including these schools in your application strategy, you not only improve your chances of receiving an offer but also open doors to opportunities in the legal field. As you refine your law school personal statement, research the best law school extracurriculars, and compile a standout law school resume, applying to schools with high acceptance rates can help ensure you have solid options as you take the next step toward becoming a lawyer.

Looking for more information about law schools in Canada? Check out the easiest Canadian law schools to get into.  

Law School Rankings: Law Schools That Accept Low GPAs

While a 3.0 GPA may be below the median for many top-tier law schools, several reputable institutions consider applicants with this academic profile, especially when complemented by strong LSAT scores, professional experience, unique personal backgrounds, and convincing law school letters of recommendation. It is possible to get into law school with a low GPA, and here are three law schools that accept students with a lower than average GPA:

1. Suffolk University Law School

Suffolk University Law School offers flexible programs, including full-time, part-time, hybrid online, and accelerated JD tracks. The median GPA for incoming students is around 3.55, with the 25th percentile at 3.33, indicating that applicants with a lower GPA have a viable chance, particularly if other aspects of their application are strong.

The school, located in Boston, Massachusetts, offers concentrations in intellectual property, international law, business law, health and biomedical law, legal innovation and technology, and trial and appellate advocacy. Suffolk's part-time evening program allows students to balance their studies with professional commitments, offering classes after 6 p.m.

2. University of Arkansas School of Law

The University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is known for its affordable tuition and strong agricultural and food law programs. The median GPA for admitted students is approximately 3.53, with the 25th percentile at 3.35, suggesting that applicants with a lower GPA may be considered, especially if they present high LSAT scores and other compelling qualifications.

The school has a full-time JD program with various clinics, including criminal defense, civil litigation, and transactional clinics, providing hands-on legal experience.

3. Elon University School of Law

Elon University School of Law offers an innovative curriculum emphasizing experiential learning, including a required residency-in-practice program. While specific GPA statistics may vary, Elon Law is known for a holistic admissions process that considers the entirety of an applicant's background, making it accessible to students with a low GPA, particularly when accompanied by strong LSAT scores and relevant experience.

This Greensboro, North Carolina, school emphasizes preparing graduates for practical legal work through experiential learning and tailored career development.

Law Schools That Accept Low GPAs in Canada

In Canada, there are a few schools with a lower GPA threshold including:

1. University of Saskatchewan – 3.0
2. University of British Columbia – 3.0
3. University of New Brunswick – 3.7 on a 4.3 scale (3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
4. University of Windsor – 3.12

Law School Rankings: Law Schools That Accept a Low LSAT Score

There are some law schools that don’t require the LSAT, but not taking the test can limit the number of schools you are eligible to apply to. If you are stressed about getting a high LSAT score, rest assured that you don’t need to be in the 90^th percentile to get into a great law school. Several institutions consider applicants with lower than average LSAT scores, especially when complemented by strong academic records, relevant experience, captivating law school personal statements, an intriguing law school diversity statement, and thorough law school interview preparation.

Here are three US law schools that accept students with a lower LSAT score:

1. Appalachian School of Law

Appalachian School of Law focuses on producing practice-ready lawyers for rural communities. With a median LSAT score of 146 and a 25^th to 75^th percentile range of 145 to 151, this Grundy, Virginia, school offers a supportive environment for students aiming to enter public service or small firm practice. The curriculum emphasizes community service and leadership, preparing graduates for the unique challenges of rural legal practice.

2. Southern University Law Center

Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, provides access to legal education for a diverse student body. The school has a history of accepting students with LSAT scores around 145, focusing on holistic admissions considering life experiences and potential for success. The Law Center offers programs in civil law (common in Louisiana) and common law, providing a comprehensive legal education.

3. North Carolina Central University School of Law

You will find the NCCU School of Law in Durham, North Carolina, and this law school is committed to public service and meeting the needs of underrepresented communities. The school accepts students with LSAT scores in the mid-140s, emphasizing a holistic review process. NCCU offers day and evening programs, accommodating non-traditional students and working professionals.

Law Schools That Accept a Low LSAT Score in Canada

The following Canadian law schools have the lowest median LSAT scores for admitted students:

1. University of Windsor – 155
2. University of Saskatchewan –158
3. University of Ottawa – 158
4. University of New Brunswick – 159
5. University of Manitoba – 161

A great law school optional essay can help offset a low GPA or LSAT score!

Law School Rankings: JD Programs with Highest First-Time Bar Passing Rate

Based on the latest available ABA bar passage data, here are the top 10 US law schools with the highest first-time bar passage rates:

1. University of Wisconsin - 100.00%
2. University of Michigan - 97.27%
3. University of Chicago - 97.10%
4. Vanderbilt University - 96.97%
5. Yale University - 96.79%
6. Stanford University - 96.58%
7. University of Pennsylvania - 96.55%
8. Duke University - 96.49%
9. University of Virginia - 96.43%
10. Harvard University - 96.35%

JD Programs in Canada with Highest First-Time Bar Passing Rate

In Canada, the bar exam passing rate is available by province, since each has its own jurisdictions.

Law schools in BC - 94.1% Bar Pass Rate

Law schools in Ontario - 90% Bar Pass Rate

Law schools in Quebec - 80 to 85% Bar Pass Rate

The bar passage rate is one of the most critical indicators of a law school's ability to prepare its students for a successful legal career.

A high bar passage rate signals that the school offers a rigorous academic program combined with the right resources, such as targeted bar exam preparation courses, supportive faculty, and practical learning opportunities. It also reflects a strong commitment to helping students learn the law and apply it effectively under pressure. Prestigious schools like Yale Law School, Stanford Law, and Harvard Law School have a long-standing track record of high first-time bar passage rates, which is one factor that contributes to their esteemed reputation.

For prospective law students, a school's bar passage rate can offer peace of mind, knowing they’ll have the tools and support they need to clear this critical hurdle on the path to becoming a practicing attorney.

Law School Rankings: Employment Rates After Graduation

Here is the most current ABA data for employment rates after graduation:

1. Georgetown University - 100.00%
2. Harvard University - 98.77%
3. George Washington University - 98.37%
4. New York University - 98.13%
5. Columbia University - 97.89%
6. University of Chicago - 97.53%
7. University of Virginia - 97.21%
8. Stanford University - 96.87%
9. Yale University - 96.45%
10. University of Michigan - 96.02%

Employment Rates After Graduation for JD Programs in Canada

Overall, the employment rate for graduates of Canadian law schools trends high. Here are the three law schools in Canada with high reported employment rates after graduation:

1. University of British Columbia – 99%
2. Thompson Rivers University – 97% to 99%
3. Queen’s University – 95.2%

Law school rankings come in many forms, but one of the most practical for prospective students is based on employment rates after graduation. This type of ranking provides a clear picture of how well a school prepares its graduates for the job market and connects them to meaningful legal careers. By focusing on rankings that emphasize career outcomes, you can make a more informed decision about which law school will best support your goals and help you thrive in the competitive legal field.

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Disclaimer: Although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa.