2024 Best Law Schools: Top Law Programs in the U.S.

A career in law starts with finding the best school that fits your needs. The U.S. News rankings of the top law schools can help narrow your search by location, tuition, school size, and test scores. Here are the 2024 Best Law Schools:

1. Stanford University

Stanford Law School is renowned for its rigorous academic program and commitment to public service. The school offers various joint degree programs and opportunities for interdisciplinary studies.

Location: Stanford, CA
Positive Points: Renowned for interdisciplinary studies and strong public service focus. Offers numerous joint degree programs.
Negative Points: High tuition and cost of living.
Tuition and Fees: N/A
Enrollment (Full-Time): 575
Median LSAT: 173

2. Yale University

Yale Law School is known for its low student-to-faculty ratio and offers a highly personalized education. Yale has a distinguished faculty and numerous opportunities for clinical experience.

Location: New Haven, CT
Positive Points: Low student-to-faculty ratio, strong clinical programs, distinguished faculty.
Negative Points: High tuition; location may not appeal to everyone.
Tuition and Fees: $73,865 (full-time)
Enrollment (Full-Time): 633
Median LSAT: 175

3. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago Law School emphasizes interdisciplinary education and rigorous analytical training. It is known for its influential faculty and scholarly environment.

Location: Chicago, IL
Positive Points: Rigorous analytical training, influential faculty.
Negative Points: High tuition; competitive academic environment.
Tuition and Fees: $77,952 (full-time)
Enrollment (Full-Time): 594
Median LSAT: 173

4. Duke University

Duke Law School offers a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. The school is known for its emphasis on practical training and global law programs.

Location: Durham, NC
Positive Points: Strong global law programs, dynamic learning environment.
Negative Points: High tuition; smaller city location may not suit all.
Tuition and Fees: $75,738 (full-time)
Enrollment (Full-Time): 754
Median LSAT: 170

5. Harvard University

Harvard Law School is one of the most prestigious law schools globally, offering extensive resources, a diverse student body, and a broad curriculum. It provides numerous clinical programs and opportunities for public service.

Location: Cambridge, MA
Positive Points: Prestigious, broad curriculum, extensive resources.
Negative Points: High tuition; competitive atmosphere.
Tuition and Fees: $75,008 (full-time)
Enrollment (Full-Time): 1,758
Median LSAT: 174

6. University of Pennsylvania (Carey)

Penn Carey Law School emphasizes cross-disciplinary education and offers numerous joint degree programs. The school is known for its strong emphasis on business law and legal practice.

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Positive Points: Strong in business law, cross-disciplinary education.
Negative Points: High tuition; urban campus may not suit everyone.
Tuition and Fees: $76,934 (full-time)
Enrollment (Full-Time): 808
Median LSAT: 172

7. University of Virginia

UVA Law School is noted for its friendly culture and rigorous academics. It offers a variety of joint degrees and opportunities for public service and pro bono work.

Location: Charlottesville, VA
Positive Points: Friendly culture, strong public service programs.
Negative Points: High tuition; less urban setting.
Tuition and Fees: $71,200 (in-state, full-time), $74,200 (out-of-state, full-time)
Enrollment (Full-Time): 898
Median LSAT: 171

8. Columbia University

Columbia Law School is renowned for its strong emphasis on international law and offers numerous opportunities for global legal studies. The school has a significant number of influential alumni and faculty.

Location: New York, NY
Positive Points: Emphasis on international law, strong alumni network.
Negative Points: Very high cost of living; high tuition.
Tuition and Fees: $81,292 (full-time)
Enrollment (Full-Time): 1,357
Median LSAT: 173

9. New York University

NYU Law School offers a wide range of specializations and is known for its strong public interest law program. The school has a vibrant student life and numerous opportunities for legal practice.

Location: New York, NY
Positive Points: Strong public interest law programs, vibrant student life.
Negative Points: High tuition; very high cost of living in NYC.
Tuition and Fees: $80,014 (full-time)
Enrollment (Full-Time): 1,413
Median LSAT: 172

FAQs

1. What are the best law schools in the U.S. for 2024?
   • Stanford, Yale, University of Chicago, Duke, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania (Carey), University of Virginia, Columbia, and New York University.
2. How much does it cost to attend a top law school?
   • Tuition and fees vary, with most being quite high. For example, Yale is $73,865 per year.
3. What factors should I consider when choosing a law school?
   • Consider location, tuition, school size, test scores, and available programs.
4. What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Yale Law School?
   • Yale is known for its low student-to-faculty ratio.
5. Which law school is best for international law?
   • Columbia University is renowned for its emphasis on international law.

For more detailed information, visit the U.S. News Best Law Schools 2024 page.