Wondering which law schools are the best in the country?
Then you’re in the right place.
Today, you’ll get a closer look at T-14 law schools, including their acceptance rates, fees, LSAT scores and GPAs, and more.
Plus, I’ll even tell you how to get in.
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
What are the T14 law schools?
Every year, the U.S. News and World Report publishes their ranking of T-14 law schools.
They base their rankings on ten factors, including the number of successful job placements after graduation, faculty resources, the achievements of the entering class, and the opinion of law professionals.
While this list isn’t static, it is consistent. Plus, it’s highly attractive for both prospective students and future employers.
This is their ranking of the best law schools in America this year:
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- University of Chicago
- Duke University
- Harvard University
- University of Pennsylvania (Carey Law School)
- University of Virginia
- Columbia University
- New York University
- Northwestern University (Pritzker)
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California – Los Angeles
- Cornell University
To learn more about each of these T-14 law schools, keep reading!
T-14 law school rankings
These are the highest-ranked T-14 law schools in America.
| Acceptance rate | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Tuition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 7.26% | 3.95 | 173 | $74,475 |
| Yale University | 5.6% | 3.96 | 175 | $74,044 |
| University of Chicago | 12.8% | 3.94 | 173 | $79,539 |
| Duke University | 10.5% | 3.87 | 170 | $74,100 |
| Harvard University | 9.5% | 3.93 | 174 | $77,100 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 9.9% | 3.92 | 172 | $74,688 |
| University of Virginia | 11.5% | 3.94 | 171 | $73,328 |
| Columbia University | 12.2% | 3.9 | 173 | $78,444 |
| New York University | 15.7% | 3.9 | 172 | $76,878 |
| Northwestern University | 15.5% | 3.92 | 172 | $73,754 |
| University of Michigan | 12.6% | 3.85 | 171 | $36,081 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 14.9% | 3.87 | 170 | $75,624 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 16.8% | 3.92 | 170 | $71,430 |
| Cornell University | 19.3% | 3.9 | 172 | $81,306 |
| Georgetown University | 19.6% | 3.91 | 171 | $79,672 |
Stanford University
Stanford Law School prides itself on taking a student-centered approach to education while fostering a close-knit community feeling.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 4.4:1, and professors even teach some classes in their own homes.
Because of that, it’s also one of the most competitive T-14 law schools, with an acceptance rate of just over 7%.
JD students graduate with a traditional JD degree or a joint degree in over 20 areas.
Location: Palo Alto, California
Acceptance rate: 7.26%
Tuition: $74,475
Median GPA: 3.95
Median LSAT: 173
Degrees: JD, JSD, LLM, SPILS, MLS
First-time bar passage: 96.7%
Learn more about Stanford Law
Yale University
Yale Law was founded in the early 1800s, which makes this Ivy League school one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious T-14 law schools.
Students at Yale can choose from 190+ courses on topics such as constitutional law, criminal justice, human rights law, and law and health.
Want to get into Yale? I’ll show you how in this guide.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Acceptance rate: 5.6%
Tuition: $74,044
Median GPA: 3.96
Median LSAT: 175
Degrees: JD, LLM, JSD, MSL, Ph.D., Joint Degree
First-time bar passage: 96.79%
Learn more about Yale Law
University of Chicago
The UChicago Law curriculum uses the Socratic Method.
So, instead of lectures, students are expected to engage in conversation about the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
During 1L, you’ll study topics like Constitutional Law, Environmental Law, and Health Law.
A joint degree program is also available, in which you’ll earn a JD and MBA from Booth simultaneously.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Acceptance rate: 12.8%
Tuition: $79,539
Median GPA: 3.94
Median LSAT: 173
Degrees: JD, LLM, JSD, MLS
First-time bar passage: 94.3%
Learn more about UChicago Law
Duke University
Duke Law is one of the most respected T-14 law schools because of its focus on experiential learning.
While they learn inside the classroom, students also get hands-on experience through clinics and externships.
Plenty of specializations are available, including:
- Constitutional Law and Civil Rights
- Corporate and Financial Law
- Criminal Law and Policy
- Environmental Law and Policy
- Health Law and Policy
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Acceptance rate: 10.5%
Tuition: $74,100
Median GPA: 3.87
Median LSAT: 170
Degrees: JD, JD/LLMLE, LLM, SJD, Dual Degree
First-time bar passage: 94.4%
Learn more about Duke Law
Harvard University
If you ask anyone to name a few T-14 law schools, Harvard Law will likely be one of the first they mention.
The school was founded in 1817 and is home to the biggest academic law library in the world.
It’s also a great option if you’re looking for diversity – the class of 2026 comes from 49 states and 22 countries and speaks 53 languages.
Students can choose from several areas of interest, including:
- Animal Law
- Antitrust
- Civil Rights
- Disability Law
- Education Law
Harvard Law is highly selective, but I’ll show you how to get in in this guide.
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Acceptance rate: 9.5%
Tuition: $77,100
Median GPA: 3.93
Median LSAT: 174
Degrees: JD, JD/PHD, JD/LLM, LLM, SJD, Joint Degree
First-time bar passage: 96.1%
Learn more about Harvard Law
University of Pennsylvania (Penn Carey Law School)
Penn Carey Law is known for its rigorous cross-disciplinary curriculum.
In fact, students are encouraged to take other graduate-level courses at Penn’s sister schools.
They can also participate in live clinical programs, moot court competitions, legal journal writing, and more.
Specializations include:
- Business/Corporate Law
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Environmental Law
- Health Care Law
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Acceptance rate: 9.9%
Tuition: $74,688
Median GPA: 3.92
Median LSAT: 172
Degrees: JD, ML, LLM, LLCM, SJD, Joint Degree
First-time bar passage: 96.25%
Learn more about Penn Carey Law
University of Virginia
Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, UVA Law has become one of the country’s most selective T-14 law schools. In 2023, just 305 students enrolled from an applicant pool of 5,610.
In addition to courses and seminars, students can participate in 24 clinics, study abroad programs, dual degree programs, and more.
Concentrations available include:
- Family Law
- Health Law
- Intellectual Property
- Race and Law
- Tax Law
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Acceptance rate: 11.5%
Tuition: $73,328
Median GPA: 3.94
Median LSAT: 171
Degrees: JD, LLM, SJD, Joint Degrees
First-time bar passage: 96.5%
Learn more about UVA Law
Columbia University
Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia offers an interdisciplinary approach to legal education that teaches students to think critically about law.
Areas of study include:
- Constitutional Law
- Environment and Energy
- Family, Gender, and Sexuality
- Law and Philosophy
- Leadership
But beyond the classroom, Columbia Law offers unprecedented access to New York’s legal world.
You can get hands-on learning experience and grow your network through clinics, externships, policy labs, workshops, and more.
Want to get into Columbia Law? I’ll show you how here.
Location: New York, New York
Acceptance rate: 12.2%
Tuition: $78,444
Median GPA: 3.9
Median LSAT: 173
Degrees: JD, LLM, Executive LLM, JSD
First-time bar passage: 93.7%
Learn more about Columbia Law
New York University
NYU prides itself on giving its students a deep understanding of real-world problems with areas of study including global law, public interest, technology, and law and business,
Plus, you’ll get tons of hands-on experience. The school offers over 40 clinics and externships, nearly 100 student-led organizations, 30+ centers, and ten student journals.
But it is one of the most competitive T-14 law schools – here’s how to get in.
Location: New York, New York
Acceptance rate: 15.7%
Tuition: $76,878
Median GPA: 3.9
Median LSAT: 172
Degrees: JD, LLM, Executive LLM, SJD, MSL, Dual Degrees
First-time bar passage: 96.58%
Learn more about NYU Law
Northwestern University (Pritzker)
Pritzker Law is often recognized as one of the best T-14 law schools for its employment outcomes, clerkship rates, and dedication to social justice.
But it’s also well-known for its interdisciplinary approach, which includes lectures and hands-on opportunities like externships and clinical opportunities within Chicago.
Specializations include:
- Business/Corporate Law
- Criminal Law
- Environmental Law
- Legal Writing
- Trial Advocacy
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Acceptance rate: 15.5%
Tuition: $73,754
Median GPA: 3.92
Median LSAT: 172
Degrees: JD, LLM, MSL, Joint Degrees
First-time bar passage: 91.6%
Learn more about Pritzker School of Law
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
Since 1859, Michigan Law has been considered one of the best T-14 law schools because it offers coursework in almost every area of the law.
That includes:
- Children and the Law
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Detroit
- Human Rights
Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of classroom and experiential learning with clinics, externships, a pro bono program, and a legal practice program.
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Acceptance rate: 12.6%
Tuition: $36,081
Median GPA: 3.85
Median LSAT: 171
Degrees: JD, LLM, SJD, Executive LLM, Dual Degree
First-time bar passage: 97.3%
Learn more about Michigan Law
University of California, Berkeley (School of Law)
Berkeley isn’t just one of the T-14 law schools – it’s a Tier 1 school.
Plus, it’s only 30 miles north of Silicon Valley, making it a great choice for anyone interested in technology or start-ups.
In fact, the school’s Law & Technology program was among the first of its kind. And there’s even a Business and Start-Ups option.
Other areas of study include:
- Social Justice and Public Interest
- Environmental Law
- Criminal Justice
- International and Comparative Law
- Constitutional and Regulatory
It’s also worth noting that Berkeley students can complete their third year at Harvard.
Location: Berkeley, California
Acceptance rate: 14.9%
Tuition: $75,624
Median GPA: 3.87
Median LSAT: 170
Degrees: JD, LLM, JSD, JSP, Joint Degrees
First-time bar passage: 88.24%
Learn more about Berkeley School of Law
University of California, Los Angeles (School of Law)
It might have one of the highest acceptance rates among T-14 law schools, but UCLA School of Law is still competitive.
That’s because it offers well-respected and innovative programs in areas like Entertainment Law and Immigration – both important topics in California.
Other areas of study include:
- Criminal Justice
- Technology & the Law
- Indian Law
- Environmental Law
- Law & Sexuality
Location: Los Angeles, California
Acceptance rate: 16.8%
Tuition: $71,430
Median GPA: 3.92
Median LSAT: 170
First-time bar passage: 88.8%
Learn more about UCLA Law
Cornell University
Cornell Law is one of the T-14 law schools always recognized for its curriculum, which focuses on things like legal research and oral and written communication.
Students can choose from 170+ courses and over 20 clinics on topics including Law and Advocacy, Entrepreneurship Law, Gender Justice, and more.
Concentrations include:
- General Practice
- Law, Inequity, and Structural Exclusion
- Advocacy
- Business Law and Regulation
- Conflict Resolution
Location: Ithaca, New York
Acceptance rate: 19.3%
Tuition: $81,306
Median GPA: 3.9
Median LSAT: 172
Degrees: JD, LLM, MSLS, JSD, Joint Degree
First-time bar passage: 90.3%
Learn more about Cornell Law
Georgetown University
Georgetown Law is one of the largest T-14 law schools in the nation, with over 2,000 students.
It’s also home to the highest-rated clinical programs in the country. Appellate Litigation, Civil Justice, Criminal Defense and Prisoner Advocacy, and D.C. Street Law are just some of the clinics available.
Areas of study include:
- Civil Rights & Antidiscrimination
- Constitutional Law & Theory
- Environmental Law
- Legal History
- Legislation & Administrative Law
Location: Washington, D.C.
Acceptance rate: 19.6%
Tuition: $79,672
Median GPA: 3.91
Median LSAT: 171
Degrees: JD, LLM, MSL, SJD, Joint Degree
First-time bar passage: 93.2%
So how do you get into T-14 law schools? Keep reading to find out!
How do you get into a T14 law school?
Getting into T-14 law schools is no easy feat – but it’s not impossible if you’re strategic.
It all starts with a powerful personal statement.
1. Write a compelling personal statement
A great personal statement can help you stand out, especially if you don’t get the chance to interview.
How do I know?
Because my LSAT and GPA scores weren’t at the median of my dream schools, so I had to write a great personal statement.
And guess what? I got into UPenn!
A personal statement that wows T-14 law schools has:
- A cohesive story focused on one theme
- A good explanation of why you want to attend law school
- A clear demonstration of your critical thinking skills
Feeling totally lost when it comes to your personal statement topic? This guide has a few ideas.
In the meantime, here are four brainstorming questions I recommend starting with:
- What three character traits set you apart?
- What’s one thing someone wouldn’t know about you from your resume?
- Why do you want to go to law school?
- What do you want to accomplish as a lawyer?
2. Get strong letters of recommendation
Most T-14 law schools require two letters of recommendation or more.
But who should you ask?
It’s best to reach out to your professors first because they can speak to your academic ability.
But if you’ve been out of school for a few years, your boss or colleagues are another option.
Don’t ask friends or family members, unless you’ve worked for them.
And remember, substance is more important than notoriety! T-14 law schools aren’t interested in who you know – just who you are.
Learn more about getting letters of recommendation for T-14 law schools in this guide.
3. Write a law school resume
Don’t forget: you’re applying to T-14 law schools, not a job.
So, your resume should reflect that.
Law schools want to see you’ve had a diverse range of experiences. And your resume is your chance to illustrate this.
As well as your experience and education, it should also highlight:
- Community involvement
- Activities
- Accomplishments
- Skills/Interests
- Publications
In particular, focus on the specific skills and characteristics that T14 law schools are looking for.
4. Secure a good LSAT score
Among T-14 law schools, the average LSAT score is 171.9.
A good LSAT score would be close to that (or higher).
However, it won’t make or break your application.
I know this firsthand.
How? Because I’ve worked with dozens of clients who got into their dream T-14 law schools despite having lower LSAT scores.
For instance, E.O. got into Berkeley with 163, 6 points below the median! And R.G. got into Georgetown with 162, 9 points below the median.
That’s because law school admissions are holistic, meaning schools look at your whole application rather than just your LSAT score.
And with the right strategy, a great personal statement, and strong letters of recommendation, you can create a stand-out law school application.
Check out this guide to getting into T-14 law schools for more information.
Next steps
There you have it!
A full guide to the T-14 law schools.
I know that applying to T-14 law schools is daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
Because I’m here to help.
I’ve gotten each one of my clients into their dream law school, and I can do it for you, too.
Learn more about working with me here.
Read more:
What Law School Can You Get Into?
