Attending a prominent Law school in New York is crucial if you’re thinking about a career in law to pass the bar exam, land a job, and succeed in your future endeavors.
Even though attending a top law school in New York is important, picking the proper one to apply to and enroll in can be challenging.
There are numerous choices, each with a different price range, location, and reputation.
To add another factor, you must be realistic about which options will admit you.
You’re likely to feel a little overwhelmed, especially if you’re thinking about attending school in New York state.
After California, the state boasts the second-highest number of law schools in the US. In this article, we will outline in detail the top law schools in New York, their prices, and acceptance rate.
So, follow us strictly as we begin to expound to you the best law schools in New you might find interesting.
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How We Chose the Best Law Schools in New York
We’ve evaluated our schools based on a few criteria, which we’ll list below:
National Ranking
We evaluate schools using US News’ ranking, which is the most well-known and comprehensive ranking system in the country.
Bar Passage Rate
We refer to the percentage of students who pass the New York State Bar Exam and are admitted to the Bar Association after graduating as the “bar passage rate.”
Post-Graduation Salaries
The lower figure represents the median salary for attorneys who practice public law, and the larger number represents those who practice private law.
This statistic relates to the average incomes of the school’s graduates.
Acceptance rate
The proportion of candidates accepted into a certain legal program.
LSAT Range
The primary exam needed to enroll in any American law school is the LSAT. The two figures reflect the outside range, and the range given above represents the middle 50% of accepted applicants.
Price
The amount indicated is the annual tuition for the specified law school.
How Can I Obtain Admission to a New York Law School?
The LSAT is the initial stage in the law school admissions process, regardless of whether you’re applying to the top law school in New York City or New York State.
Although there are no minimum LSAT requirements for admission to law school, the median LSAT scores for each of these New York-area law schools should be your goal.
Always keep in mind that law schools want to accept the top candidates, so make sure you give yourself the best chance by taking the LSAT.
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Overview of Law Schools in New York
Here is the list of the law schools in New York:
- Columbia University Law School
- New York University School of Law
- Cornell Law School
- Fordham school of law
- Yeshiva law school
- SUNNY Buffalo school of law
- St. John’s Law School
- Syracuse School of Law
- Albany college of law school
- Hofstra school of law
- The school of law CUNY
- Touro college
- Brooklyn Law School
- Pace University
- New York law school
15 law schools in New York
Now, let us look at the law schools in New York. Each of our choices earned a spot on the list by offering a high-quality education.
They all offer excellent legal education and are highly valued by the American Bar Association.
The top 15 best Law schools in New York State are as follows:
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#1. Columbia University School of Law
One of the top law schools in New York is Columbia. Graduates from this program go on to hold some of the best-paying and most respected legal positions in the nation.
There are just 350 students in each class at the little private university. You’re also almost certain to pass the bar if you study here and put in the effort, with a bar exam pass rate close to 98 percent.
However, they can naturally be selective in who they admit due to the school’s reputation.
You must score at least 170 on the LSATs to have a good chance of being accepted.
Even if you succeed, it will be challenging because only 16.8% of applicants are accepted by the school.
So, try your best to submit your application on time and focus on your studies. The school will consider extracurricular activities.
You should look into volunteer opportunities and try to have suitable work experience before applying.
Despite the cost, it offers one of the top legal education available countrywide.
- National Ranking: 4
- Bar Passage Rates: 98 percent
- Post-Graduation Salaries: $60,000 to $180,000
- Acceptance Rate: 16.8 percent
- LSAT: 170 — 174
- Price: $69,916
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#2. New York University School of Law
This private university is situated in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. With a student body of about 1700, it is sizeable for a law school.
The school has a high acceptance rate, making it slightly easier to get into than Columbia or Cornell.
Students must put in a lot of effort because the curriculum is so demanding.
This institution has a vibrant social scene, but the workloads keep students from engaging in excessively hedonistic behavior.
Another historic campus is that of the New York law school, which opened its doors in 1831. The cost is high but justified given the high bar passage rate and excellent post-graduate salaries, albeit you’ll need a strong application to be accepted. It is one of the best New York law schools.
- National Ranking: 6
- Bar Passage Rate: 97.5 percent
- Post-Graduation Salaries: $60,000 to $180,000
- Acceptance Rate: 23.6 percent
- LSAT: 167 — 172
- Price: $66,422
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#3. Cornell Law School
One of the top 15 law schools in New York is this exclusive private university. When it comes to who joins the program, they are extremely picky.
Academic success and evidence of your ability to maintain balance in your life are requirements.
Only roughly 1 in 5 applications are accepted, therefore getting accepted is challenging.
That’s excellent, though, because slackers can’t choose to do this. You’ll have a great start to your legal career if you’re willing to put in the effort.
The network that the institution offers is also more significant than the curriculum. Alumni are very engaged and frequently delighted to mentor recent graduates.
The college campus is lovely, and the old structures will motivate you. Cornell University is regarded as small to mid-sized with slightly over 600 JD students.
Although the cost of attending school is higher than usual, students who score well on the LSAT may be eligible for financial aid.
- National Ranking: 13
- Bar Passage Rate: 95.9 percent
- Post-Graduation Salaries: $64,228 to $180,000
- Acceptance Rate: 21.1 percent
- LSAT: 164 — 168
- Price: $65,541
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#4. Fordham University School of Law
Since 1841, this private Catholic school has provided an excellent education while incorporating traditional Jesuit principles.
These ideals prioritize respect, diligence, and morality. Fordham graduates can anticipate incomes comparable to those from the top schools on this list.
Although you’ll receive a top-notch education, entrance requirements for the LSAT are a little laxer.
To be admitted, you must have an outstanding academic record and application.
For the top positions, there is some competition. It is among the top law schools in New York State.
- National Ranking: 27
- Bar Passage Rate: 92.3 percent
- Post-Graduation Salaries: $61,250 to $180,000
- Acceptance Rate: 25.9 percent
- LSAT: 161 — 166
- Price: $60,406
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#5. Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University
Another New York law school is Yeshiva University. With roughly 1000 students, the Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University is a private law school with a sizable student body.
Compared to higher-tier alternatives, the bar clearance rate is a little lower, which is probably due to the laxer admittance standards.
However, you have a fair probability of admission as long as your LSAT score is 157 or higher.
In comparison to schools ranked in the top 50, your chances of admission are high because the level of entry competition is ordinary.
The law school makes up a sizable portion of the student body, and campus life is vibrant, but the emphasis is unmistakably on academics.
Despite being a Jewish school by official definition, few of the students identify as religious.
While there is substantial support for the Jewish population here, there is no religious impact on the curriculum.
This school provides more financial aid for students than any other one so far examined in this state, despite tuition being rather high for a school outside the top 50.
- National Ranking: 53
- Bar Passage Rate: 85.6 percent
- Post-Graduation Salaries: $60,000 to $70,000
- Acceptance Rate: 40.3 percent
- LSAT: 157 — 162
- Price: $60,610
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#6. St. John’s University School of Law
This is a Catholic school, as the name would imply. It is privately run, has a great reputation, and ranks among the top 15 law schools in New York.
Being accepted is rather simple, which is a big plus in this situation. The needed LSAT scores are lower than those for the majority of prestigious colleges.
Only 247 students attend the college, less than 100 per class year, hence there is a very tiny pool of applicants despite the somewhat average level of competitiveness for admission.
The school is located in the New York City borough of Queens.
The Big Apple’s high cost of living has a negative influence on the school, but the city’s networking opportunities can be beneficial for employment projects after graduation. There are also financial aid options.
- National Ranking: 74
- Bar Passage Rate: 88.6 percent
- Post-Graduation Salaries: $62,500 to $79,000
- Acceptance Rate: 41.9 percent
- LSAT: 153 — 160
- Price: $59,480
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#7. SUNY Buffalo Law School
With a reputation that is far above average, this law school manages to squeak into the top 100 by rankings.
Although there are about 19,500 students enrolled on campus, there are only about 500 legal students enrolled in the school.
This helps with the 5.5 students per staff member high student-to-staff ratio.
Because of the required scores, admission is comparatively straightforward.
A score of under 150, or the 40th percentile of test scores, is achieved by the bottom 25% of admitted pupils.
Simply submit your application early because they continue to reject more than 500 applicants yearly.
The average tuition here is fair and far lower than the national average for the top 100 law schools.
The university also provides need-based financial help schemes.
- National Ranking: 99
- Bar Passage Rate: 77.5 percent
- Post-Graduation Salaries: $54,000 to $62,500
- Acceptance Rate: 57.9 percent
- LSAT: 150 — 156
- Price: $27,964
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#8. Syracuse University College of Law
This Syracuse, New York, tiny private university is highly regarded by both experts and graduates.
Since there are only 230 students in each class, admission to the institution is still very competitive.
Although it’s simpler than attempting to gain admission to Columbia or Cornell, it’s still not a guarantee. To be admitted, you must still have a high LSAT score.
Despite having fewer admission standards, the school’s high bar passage rate speaks something about the quality of its instruction.
The law school is considerably different from the undergraduate program, which has a reputation for parties and a focus on athletics, and students who don’t work hard in the classroom won’t succeed here.
Although the school’s tuition is higher than normal for one of its calibers, financial aid is available.
Although there are more plentiful, less competitive opportunities in regions like Albany and Buffalo than in New York City, post-graduate incomes speak to the competition for starting positions among graduates in New York.
- National Ranking: 111
- Bar Passage Rate: 91.4 percent
- Post-Graduation Salaries: $50,750 to $65,000
- Acceptance Rate: 52.1 percent
- LSAT: 152 — 156
- Price: $51,422
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#9. Albany Law School of Union University
This school can be a suitable option if you’re seeking more specialized attention. There are 372 students enrolled in the law school out of a total enrollment of about 2,200 on campus.
Although there is a little over 50% acceptance rate, admissions are difficult, therefore it’s critical to take your application and test results seriously if you want to get accepted.
Private school Albany charges more than average tuition. Numerous students are eligible for financial aid.
For a school outside of the top 100, private sector incomes are comparatively high, and public job placement is high with relatively good salaries.
This has more to do with the staff’s network of assistance outside of the classroom: a career center assists in placing graduates.
- Ranking: 118
- Bar Passage Rates: 70.6 percent
- Post-Graduation Salaries: $59,000 to $73,000
- Acceptance Rate: 54.6 percent
- LSAT Range: 151 — 156
- Price: $47,450
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#10. Hofstra University Maurice A. Dean School of Law
The bar clearance rate at Hofstra University appears to be quite low at first glance.
When compared to the other items on this list, it appears even worse. How, therefore, did Hofstra manage to crack the top ten?
In any case, it’s a nice school overall. It is selective, admitting less than 50% of applications, and its graduates earn better wages than graduates of several other higher-ranked colleges.
The lower rating can be due to the lower entrance requirements. But the fact that the institution places a lot of attention on the practical aspects of the law is what prompted us to mention it here.
This emphasis on practical experience is also a big plus if you want to practice law.
With 81 percent of graduates finding employment within 10 months of graduation, it also aids in career placement.
Is the institution up to Cornell’s or Columbia’s standards? Not really, no. However, not everyone can enroll at those prestigious institutions.
You’re receiving a decent education overall. With about 820 students, the school is quite big.
The student-to-staff ratio is the best in the business with over 100 teachers.
Although the tuition is somewhat high, if you’re ready to put in the effort, you’ll receive your money’s worth.
The bar passage rate, while not outstanding, is around normal for the state as a whole and the teachers are very encouraging of students who are eager to work hard.
- National Ranking: 160
- Bar Passage Rate: 68.2 percent
- Post-Graduation Salaries: $61,000 to $70,000
- Acceptance Rate: 48.1 percent
- LSAT: 148 — 155
- Price: $59,214
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#11. The School of Law at CUNY
In terms of clinical training and public interest law, we rank the City University of New York School of Law first.
Through a legacy of “radical lawyering,” it seeks to incorporate those who have been marginalized, oppressed, and excluded by the law.
Start at the CUNY School of Law if you want to make a genuine difference.
The full-time and part-time programs at CUNY are both highly regarded and among the most cost-effective options for law schools in New York.
While in-state tuition is a little over $16,000, out-of-state tuition is between $24,500 and $26,203. More than 50% of full-time students receive grants, and 2% of part-time students receive more than the full cost of tuition in grants.
You better polish your application if you want to begin your social justice career at the CUNY School of Law.
Just under 35% of applicants are accepted into the City University of New York’s law school, making it more selective than some of its higher-ranked competitors.
You’ll need to pay close attention to every aspect of your application, including selecting writers who can write stellar letters of recommendation and create an outstanding personal statement that tells your story.
- U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: No. 102
- Tuition: $26,203
- Average GPA: 3.45
- Average LSAT Score: 154
- Acceptance Rate: 34.5%
- Bar Passage Rate: 74.5%
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#12. Brooklyn University Law School
The Wall Street area and all that New York City has to offer are within a short distance from Brooklyn University Law School.
This prestigious legal school in New York City developed one of the first clinical programs in the country.
Students are placed in hundreds of state and federal courthouses, government offices, legal firms, and businesses, all of which are still recognized as one of the best and most thorough.
You’ve come to the correct place if you’re seeking a top law school with diversity.
Since its establishment in 1901, Brooklyn Law School has been dedicated to enhancing everyone’s access to legal education.
Brooklyn Law School welcomed any eligible law student during a time when some law schools discriminated against women and minorities.
Students today come from a wide range of backgrounds and make up more than half of the student body.
Brooklyn Law School is not the most inexpensive law school in New York City, but it is not a bad deal either.
Brooklyn Law School is a solid choice for those who desire to attend law school in New York because of its excellent bar passage and admittance rates (owing to a median 158 LSAT score).
- U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: No. 81
- Tuition: $62,046
- Average GPA: 3.44
- Average LSAT Score: 158
- Acceptance Rate: 48.8%
- Bar Passage Rate: 82.7%
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#13. Touro College—Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
In 1980, the Touro Law Center was founded. The ABA has granted it full accreditation.
It belongs to the AALS. Through classroom instruction, court appearances, clinics, externships, and other academic and social settings, Touro students regularly engage with legal practitioners.
A component of Touro College since 1980, the Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center is dedicated to providing top-notch legal education.
It promotes social justice and volunteerism while encouraging students to consider the moral objectives of the law.
The Touro Law Center is a member of the AALS and has ABA accreditation. In addition to joint degree and LL.M. programs, it offers students full-time and part-time day and evening J.D. programs.
- Ranking: No. 85
- Tuition: $55,046
- Average GPA: 3.34
- Average LSAT Score: 156
- Acceptance Rate: 55.6%%
- Bar Passage Rate: 79.7%
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#14. Pace University School of Law
The curriculum at Pace Law School exposes students to the meaning of abstract concepts in context. It also presents a chance for an in-depth investigation of legal procedures.
Students leave the class having gained a thorough understanding of how the law operates.
The clinical, legal writing and research, and environmental law programs at Pace are of the highest caliber and scope in the country.
To make sure that they give the students the skills necessary to handle the problems of the legal profession, the curricula are continuously reviewed.
- Ranking: No. 89
- Tuition: $50,046
- Average GPA: 3.50
- Average LSAT Score: 150
- Acceptance Rate: 50.9%%
- Bar Passage Rate: 80.7%
#15. New York Law School
In 1891, the New York Law School was founded. The curriculum is unique in that it makes a concerted attempt to combine the study of theory and practice as well as to include the viewpoints of legal professionals.
To do that, the law school’s distinctive Lawyering Skills Center provides clinics, simulated classes, and externships.
The Law School offers both full-time day and part-time evening divisions for the J.D.
program of study. Without a doubt, it ranks among the best law schools in New York.
- Ranking: No. 90
- Tuition: $40,056
- Average GPA: 3.15
- Average LSAT Score: 155
- Acceptance Rate: 52.6%%
- Bar Passage Rate: 78.5%
Conclusion
It is evident from this list of law schools in New York which options we think are best. The top four all provide outstanding academic possibilities.
However, they have the drawback of being hard to enter and high-pressure settings.
While offering advantages in terms of individualized attention, better career placement, and lower tuition, lower-tier schools can be just as intellectually demanding.
We hope this article has helped you understand much better the best law schools in New York state. Which school you choose now, though, is entirely up to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Numerous scholarships are available from New York Law schools. Any accepted student is instantly eligible for a merit-based award of $5,000 for their entire tuition.
Merit-based scholarships are given out based on the data in your application papers. They are re-eligible if you finish each academic year in the top 50 percent of your class or with a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
There is no fee to apply to New York law schools.
You can ask to delay your attendance at New York law schools by emailing the admissions committee with a justification for your request.
Yes. Getting admitted into the best law schools in New York is not an easy one.
References
- Testmaxprep. com —Top 10 Law Schools in New York
- Testprep. com — Top 10 Law Schools in New York
- Blog.blueprintprep.com —Top Law Schools in New York
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