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CUNY School of Law
The City University of New York School of Law has consistently been recognized as one of the country's top public-interest law schools. In 2011, it was named “#1 Public Interest Law School in the Nation” by PreLaw magazine, besting Yale, Rutgers, Stanford, and the University of California at Berkley Law Schools.
Contents
History
CUNY Law School stands out due to its commitment to public service and public interest law. Established in 1983, it is the only publicly funded law school in New York City, yet it has had a far-reaching impact. The Carnegie Foundation and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg have praised CUNY Law School's unique academic model, emphasizing public service and social justice.
The law school has also been noted for the number of graduates that go into public interest law compared to other schools in the nation. In addition, many of CUNY's faculty members are current practitioners in the field with a wealth of experience and expertise to share. Students have the opportunity to develop their skills in a variety of practice settings, gaining hands-on experience and insight into the process and practice of public interest law.
Admissions
At CUNY School of Law, they share a common goal and commitment to creating meaningful social change. They are proud of their diverse student body comprised of individuals who bring different life experiences, knowledge, and expertise, which helps them cultivate an innovative and impactful environment. Their faculty members strive to ensure that each student is provided with the necessary tools to make the most significant impact in their practice areas or chosen fields. If you're unsure about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 150-153-157 | 151-154-158 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.12-3.45-3.73 | 3.09-3.44-3.72 |
| Acceptance rate | 35.3% | 40.3% |
| Applications received | 1572 | 1673 |
| Acceptances | 627 | 674 |
| Matriculants | 206 | 200 |
For the 2024–2025 academic year, the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law reported an increase in both applications and acceptance rate compared to the previous year. The school received 1,673 applications, up from 1,572 in 2023–2024. Out of these, 674 applicants were accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 40.3%, which is notably higher than the 35.3% recorded the prior year. Despite this increase, the number of matriculants slightly declined from 206 to 200, suggesting a more competitive landscape or differing enrolment choices among accepted candidates.
In terms of academic profile, the LSAT range for the middle 50% of accepted students rose modestly from 150–153–157 to 151–154–158, reflecting slightly stronger test performance among incoming students. However, the GPA range showed a marginal decrease, shifting from 3.12–3.45–3.73 to 3.09–3.44–3.72, indicating a very small variation but still maintaining consistent academic standards.
Overall, the 2024–2025 admissions cycle at CUNY School of Law shows that the institution attracted a larger applicant pool and admitted a slightly stronger LSAT cohort, while maintaining stable GPA expectations and class size.
Application Process
The CUNY School of Law admissions process begins on October 1st when applications are received and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. During the review process, applicants may be asked to provide additional information to assist with the evaluation. However, requests for personal interviews will not be acknowledged or granted. To be considered for admission, all applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by the Department of Education. The complete application must be submitted electronically through LSAC.org at the time of application. No part of the application will be returned for any reason once sent in. Decisions made by the Admissions Committee are final and not subject to appeal. CUNY School of Law seeks to admit a diverse and talented class of students and encourages all prospective applicants to apply.
Early Decision
CUNY School of Law offers an Early Decision program for applicants who wish to secure their spot before other applicants. This program has a deadline of January 1, 2025, for applications, and all supporting documents must be received by this date. The last LSAT test accepted to qualify as an Early Decision applicant is the November 2024 LSAT.
Decisions will be made by January 15, 2025, and if you are admitted, you must submit a $250 seat deposit by February 1, 2025, to secure your place. This program is binding, and all applicants will be considered for scholarships.
Early Decision is an excellent opportunity for students who have researched the school and are confident in their decision to attend the CUNY School of Law.
Application Fee
The City University of New York's School of Law requires each applicant to pay a nonrefundable, non-creditable application fee of sixty American dollars that must be paid electronically through the Law School Admission Council. They provide fee waivers on a first-come, first-served basis; if an applicant is interested in this opportunity, they should reach out to andrea.braveboy@law.cuny.edu for more information. It is important to note that tuition and fees are subject to change by the Board of Trustees of The City University of New York, so applicants should check for updates before submitting their application materials.
Personal Statement
The CUNY School of Law is an institution that embraces diversity and encourages progressive discourse. As such, applicants are asked to submit a personal statement when applying for admission and are not bound by any minimum or maximum length requirements. The personal statement should reflect the applicant's commitment to the law school's values, writing abilities, and involvement in extracurricular activities or service-related work. By submitting a personal statement, applicants will demonstrate their knowledge of the law school's principles and commitment to upholding its values. This, in turn, will allow the Admissions Committee to evaluate an applicant's writing skills and dedication to excel in law school and beyond. Therefore, applicants must take the time to thoughtfully consider and express their reasons for wanting to be a lawyer and examples of traits they possess that would benefit them in law school and beyond. This includes any extracurricular activities or service-related work they have been involved in. By doing so, applicants will give the Admissions Committee a better understanding of their foundations for attending law school and how they will contribute to the CUNY Law community. The Admissions Committee looks forward to seeing applicants' statements that reflect their commitment and dedication to positively engaging in progressive discourse at the CUNY School of Law!
Recommendation Letters
Two letters of recommendation are necessary to successfully apply for admission to the CUNY School of Law. The admissions committee is particularly interested in gaining insight into the applicant's experience, aptitude, and ability. To this end, it is best to seek out two knowledgeable individuals about your work, accomplishments, and activities who can provide detailed commentary in one or more of the areas that are particularly relevant to the admissions process.
Examples of individuals who can provide such insight include professors, employers, supervisors, and volunteer coordinators. Personal references from family members or friends are not considered helpful and should not be requested. Letters from relatives cannot be accepted as part of the application process.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Choosing the right law school often comes down to more than just academics—it’s also about financial planning. At CUNY School of Law, students can choose between part-time and full-time programs, each designed to provide flexibility, quality legal education, and affordability for both New York State (NYS) and out-of-state residents.
For the Spring 2025 term, tuition and fees are as follows:
The part-time program for NYS residents is $5,782.60 for 9–11 credits. For non-residents, tuition and fees total $9,456.75 for the same credit range.
The full-time program for NYS residents is $8,437.90 for 12–16 credits. For non-residents, tuition and fees are $13,758.25 for 12–16 credits.
A program adjustment fee of $18 applies after the first official day of classes.
The CUNY School of Law remains committed to providing an accessible legal education that supports every student’s financial situation. Whether you’re balancing work with a part-time course load or committing full-time to your studies, tuition is structured to meet diverse needs and ensure that affordability never compromises academic excellence.
Cost of Attendance
Understanding the total cost of attendance helps students plan ahead for tuition, living expenses, and other educational costs. At CUNY School of Law, transparency in financial planning is a core value. The following table outlines estimated annual expenses for the 2024–2025 academic year, including both full-time and evening (part-time) programs for in-state and out-of-state students.
CUNY offers the same tuition rate for both full-time and evening students based on residency, ensuring that every student—regardless of schedule—receives a fair and consistent cost structure. Financial aid options such as merit-based scholarships, need-based awards, and loan repayment assistance programs are available to help manage educational expenses.
| Expense Category | Full-Time (In-State) | Full-Time (Out-of-State) | Evening (In-State) | Evening (Out-of-State) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $8,437.90 | $13,758.25 | $5,782.60 | $9,456.75 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Housing & Meals | $17,200 | $17,200 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Transportation | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $30,837.90 | $36,158.25 | $25,982.60 | $28,656.75 |
CUNY School of Law continues to uphold its mission of offering affordable, high-quality legal education with an emphasis on accessibility and public service. The updated 2025 tuition rates and expense estimates demonstrate the school’s ongoing effort to make law school financially achievable without compromising academic or professional standards.
The Luis Sanjurjo Endowed Scholarship
The Luis Sanjurjo Scholarship was established at the CUNY School of Law in 2012 in honor of Professor Sanjurjo and his dedication to diversity within the legal profession. A civil rights leader in the South, a generous soul, and a professor at Medgar Evers College, Professor Sanjurjo championed CUNY students. The scholarship is awarded to those who have attended an undergraduate City University of New York institution and embody the values of Professor Sanjurjo.
The scholarship was made possible through an endowed fund established by Thomas and Hon. Bryanne Hamill ’90 hope recipients will follow in Professor Sanjurjo’s footsteps and continue his legacy of public service. The recipients of the Luis Sanjurjo Scholarship will be awarded a one-time scholarship of $2,500 to put towards tuition and other eligible expenses at CUNY School of Law.
Academics
The CUNY School of Law has long been heralded as a leader in progressive legal education due to its unique and integrated curriculum. This curriculum combines traditional coursework, such as the study of substantive areas of law, with a "lawyering program" that helps students learn the practical skills required for competent legal practice. These skills include problem-solving, legal research, communication and writing, counseling, negotiation and alternative dispute resolution procedures, and recognizing and resolving ethical dilemmas.
The Law School also provides several opportunities for students to develop their legal writing skills. The Writing Center offers one-on-one and group tutoring, while the New York City Law Review and Moot Court provide further practice. Additionally, the Academic Support Program offers a Summer Law Institute, facilitated study groups, and an academic support course for those who may need extra help. Through the School's commitment to preparing students for success in practice, CUNY School of Law is equipping its graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex legal matters.
Clinics
CUNY Law is an outstanding institution for legal education, offering top-of-the-line clinical programs that provide students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience. Through experiential learning, students can build their professional skills and serve those in need. Every student at CUNY Law has the chance to participate in a clinical program, giving them a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and hone their public interest lawyering skills.
With faculty members who are leading experts in the field of social justice lawyering, CUNY Law is at the forefront of teaching students how to be successful advocates. Their community partners and clients help us create positive change, making CUNY Law an excellent place for students to learn how to be successful change-makers. Their clinical programs allow students to get an in-depth look at the field of public interest lawyering and make a real impact on their communities.
CUNY Law Review
The City University of New York School of Law is a highly esteemed institution that provides its students with an opportunity to engage in meaningful and impactful legal scholarship. The CUNY Law Review is a student-run publication that is devoted to producing public interest research, engaging with the public interest legal community, and furthering student excellence in writing, legal analysis, and research. It is one of the most respected student-run publications in the legal field, and lawyers, judges, and scholars worldwide cite its articles.
The CUNY Law Review contains many materials that focus on public interest law topics such as immigration, housing rights, poverty law issues, consumer law, civil rights, criminal justice reform, and much more. The articles in the CUNY Law Review are written by students from a variety of backgrounds who bring different perspectives to their work. Each article provides readers with an original perspective that challenges traditional legal thinking and encourages discussion about fundamental world topics.
Moot Court
CUNY School of Law's Moot Court Board is an excellent opportunity for students to hone their legal skills in writing and oral advocacy. The board is managed by law students who have extensive experience competing against other law schools in various moot court competitions. During these events, participants are expected to write compelling legal briefs and deliver persuasive arguments in simulated appellate settings.
The board is comprised of a wide range of individuals, from first-year law students to recent graduates. No matter one's level of experience, the Moot Court Board provides an opportunity for all members to gain valuable insight into law practice and sharpen their legal skills. Members gain a better understanding of the rule of law, appellate procedure, and procedural rules by participating in moot court competitions.
Quality of Life
Located in the heart of Queens, CUNY School of Law is an ideal place for aspiring law students to further their education and learn the fundamentals of the profession. With convenient access to all that New York City has to offer, students can enjoy the benefits of living in one of the world's most vibrant cities while remaining close to campus.
CUNY Law offers a variety of programs and activities to complement its rigorous academic environment. From student-run organizations such as the Law Review, Moot Court Board, and the Student Bar Association to extracurricular events like the Legal Aid Clinic and Career Nights, students have plenty of options to hone their skills outside the classroom. CUNY even offers an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program for law students who want to pursue the business side of the legal profession.
The faculty at CUNY Law is renowned for its commitment to providing students with a top-notch educational experience. The professors are experts in their fields, often working as lawyers or judges outside the classroom. They strive to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the law while helping them cultivate their professional skills and navigate career opportunities.
CUNY School of Law is a great place to pursue a law degree. Its excellent faculty and abundant resources provide an ideal environment for budding lawyers. Whether you're looking to hone your legal skills, work with experts in the field, or simply experience the vibrant culture that New York City has to offer, CUNY School of Law is an excellent choice.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
For 2025, CUNY School of Law continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to graduate outcomes and professional readiness. Employment prospects for its graduates remain robust, particularly in public interest and government sectors, which align closely with the school’s mission of social justice and community advocacy. Within ten months of graduation, a significant majority of CUNY Law graduates secure full-time, long-term positions that require bar passage or offer a direct pathway to legal careers. Many alumni pursue roles in legal aid organisations, public defender offices, nonprofit advocacy groups, and municipal or state government positions—reflecting the school’s deep integration into New York’s civic and legal landscape.
The bar passage rate for the 2024–2025 cycle continues to show steady performance. Graduates have maintained an overall pass rate of approximately 75–80%, comparable to the statewide average. CUNY School of Law places particular emphasis on bar preparation support through structured review programmes, faculty mentoring, and dedicated workshops to help students transition successfully from law school to practice.
Overall, CUNY School of Law’s 2025 employment and bar passage outcomes reinforce its reputation as a public-interest–focused institution that equips graduates with the skills and values necessary to thrive in law and policy roles. The consistent bar performance and solid job placement rates highlight the school’s balance between academic rigour and real-world impact, particularly for those seeking to serve marginalised communities and advance equitable justice.
Synopsis
Despite its Tier 4 ranking, CUNY has carved out a niche in New York's public-interest market. Its low cost of attendance, quality of life, and employment prospects make CUNY an excellent choice for students who wish to practice public-interest law in New York and graduate with minimal debt. Students considering lower-ranked schools would be well-justified in placing CUNY near the top of their lists.
Contact Information
CUNY SCHOOL OF LAW
Admissions Office
Room 4-105
2 COURT SQUARE
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101-4356
Phone: (718) 340-4210
Email: [mailtoadmissions@law.cuny.edu admissions@law.cuny.edu]
https://www.law.cuny.edu/admissions/
Summary
| Established | 1983 |
| Location | LONG ISLAND CITY, NY |
| Dean | Natalie Gomez-Velez |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 156th |
| LSAT Median Score | 154 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.44 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 55.9% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 49% (2025) |
| Cost | "$16,013 (in-state, full-time),
$26,203 (out-of-state, full-time)" |
| Average Debt | $90,970 |
| Application Deadline | May 15, 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
CUNY School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
https://www.law.cuny.edu/
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