Home » Law Schools » Rankings and Profiles »
University of Georgia School of Law
The University of Georgia School of Law is among the finest law schools in the South and is widely considered to be one of the 50 best law schools in the nation. Students at the school can look forward to excellent job prospects in the region, especially in the growing legal market of the city of Atlanta. Applicants interested in securing employment in this region should give the school serious consideration, while residents of the state of Georgia, who can enroll at bargain rates, should place the school near the top of their lists.
Contents
History
The University of Georgia School of Law is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious law schools. Founded in 1859, it is the second oldest school or college at the University of Georgia, the birthplace of public higher education in America. The law school has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. Senators, a Vice President of the United States, and a Supreme Court Justice. The school is consistently ranked as one of the top law schools in the country and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Law Schools.
The University of Georgia School of Law offers a rigorous legal education that prepares its graduates for successful careers in the legal profession. The school offers various courses in all areas of law, and its faculty is nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarship and teaching. The school also strongly commits to public service, and its graduates are legal, business, government, and academia leaders.
The University of Georgia School of Law is located in Athens, Georgia, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city home to the University of Georgia and many other colleges and universities. Athens is also a center for the arts, with a lively music and nightlife scene. The city is just a short drive from Atlanta, the state capital of Georgia, and is convenient to some recreational and cultural attractions.
Admissions
The University of Georgia School of Law is accepting applications for Fall 2025 admission through June 1, 2025. All supporting documents, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be submitted by June 30, 2025. Applicants interested in priority merit scholarship consideration are encouraged to apply by February 1, 2025. The admissions process is rolling, with decisions beginning in late fall and continuing through early summer. Seat deposits are due in two phases: April 15 and June 1. Applicants must submit a valid LSAT or GRE score, with the final acceptable administration being June 2025. The admissions committee uses the highest reported score, and GRE scores must be sent using UGA’s LSAC code. A bachelor’s degree is not required at the time of application but must be completed before enrolling. 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 | 159 - 169 - 170 | 159 - 169 - 170 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.56 - 3.83 - 3.95 | 3.62 - 3.91 - 3.97 |
| Acceptance rate | 14.8% | 14.5% |
| Applications received | 3027 | 1998 |
| Acceptances | 447 | 720 |
| Matriculants | 158 | 232 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, UGA Law received 3,640 applications, admitted approximately 14.5% of applicants, and enrolled 527 first-year JD students. The median LSAT score for admitted students was 169, with a 25th to 75th percentile range of 159 to 170. The median undergraduate GPA was 3.91, with a middle range of 3.62 to 3.97. Tuition and fees for the 2024–25 academic year remain steady at $19,460 for Georgia residents and $39,596 for non-residents.
UGA Law employs a holistic admissions process that evaluates academic records, standardized test scores, personal statements, resumes, letters of recommendation, and life experiences. While there is no strict cutoff for LSAT or GPA beyond minimum requirements set by the University System of Georgia, competitive applicants typically exceed the medians. Applicants with LSAT scores around 159 and GPAs near 3.6 remain viable candidates, although higher metrics increase competitiveness. Early applications are encouraged, particularly for scholarship consideration, as files are reviewed in the order they are completed.
Acceptance Rate
The 2025 acceptance rate for the University of Georgia School of Law was approximately 14.5%, based on an applicant pool of around 3,640 students, of whom 527 received offers of admission and approximately 170 ultimately enrolled.
Application Fee
The University of Georgia School of Law requires all applicants to pay a $50 non-refundable application and processing fee. This fee must be paid online when applying through LSAC.org. The fee is used to cover the costs of processing applications and is not refundable. For more about obtaining a fee waiver, click here.
Standardized Test
All applicants to the University of Georgia School of Law’s JD program must submit a reportable score from either the LSAT or GRE, unless they are applying through the UGA Scholars program. For Fall 2025 admission, applicants must take their standardized test no later than the June 2025 administration, although earlier test dates are encouraged for optimal review and scholarship consideration. If an applicant has taken both the LSAT and GRE, the LSAT score must be reported even if the GRE score is higher. GRE scores must be submitted using UGA Law’s LSAC code 4814. The admissions committee considers all valid scores but places emphasis on the highest score when making admissions decisions.
LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
For Fall 2025 admission to the University of Georgia School of Law, all JD applicants are required to register with and use the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS). CAS compiles your academic transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, and professional), standardized test scores (LSAT or GRE), and letters of recommendation into a comprehensive Law School Report, which is then sent to UGA once your application file is complete. To get started, applicants must create a secure LSAC JD account, submit their test scores, and ensure that transcripts and letters are forwarded to LSAC. Transcript processing typically takes about two weeks, while electronically submitted letters are usually processed immediately and paper letters within five business days. The CAS subscription costs $215, and each CAS Report sent to a law school costs $45. International applicants have their transcripts authenticated and evaluated through CAS, and this service is included in the registration fee. Applicants with financial need may apply for an LSAC fee waiver, which can cover the CAS fee and up to six CAS Reports.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required for applicants. These letters should ideally be no more than two years old. They should come from professors, employers, or others who can speak to the applicant's ability to succeed in a professional program. Employer references will be accepted if the applicant has been out of school for several years. The LSAC letter of recommendation form must be used by applicants using the LSAC letter of recommendation service. This form is available on LSAC.org. For additional advice on obtaining letters of recommendation, click here.
Resume
Submit a resume detailing your education, employment, skills, honors, awards, and accomplishments. Upload the document as an attachment to the application form. For advice about creating a professional law school resume, click here.
Tuition and Financial Support
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the University of Georgia School of Law has set tuition at $19,460 for Georgia residents and $39,596 for non-residents, reflecting a modest increase from the prior year. When factoring in estimated living expenses, books, supplies, transportation, and personal costs, the total cost of attendance is approximately $37,980 for in-state students and $58,116 for out-of-state students. However, the majority of students receive financial support, with about 85% benefiting from merit-based grants or scholarships. The average scholarship award is approximately $12,938, effectively reducing the net cost to around $25,042 for residents and $45,178 for non-residents. Scholarships are awarded automatically based on admission applications and do not require a separate application or continued academic performance. Additional financial aid is available through the FAFSA, and applicants are encouraged to apply by June 1, 2025. The law school also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program to provide further support for eligible veterans receiving Post‑9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Cost of Attendance
For Georgia residents, estimated total costs range from $38,414 (on-campus) to $45,354 (off-campus). For non-residents, total costs range from $60,132 (on‑campus) to $67,072 (off‑campus). These figures include tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal/miscellaneous expenses.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $18,044 | $38,944 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,836 | $1,836 |
| Room & Board (On-Campus) | $12,084 | $12,084 |
| Room & Board (Off-Campus) | $17,986 | $17,986 |
| Transportation | $2,346 | $2,346 |
| Personal/Miscellaneous | (Included above) | (Included above) |
| Total (On-Campus) | $38,414 | $60,132 |
| Total (Off-Campus) | $45,354 | $67,072 |
Authentic Scholarships
The University of Georgia School of Law is committed to offering a world-class, hands-on education that preparing students for success in the legal field. The school offers a variety of scholarships to incoming students based on academic achievement, potential for success in law school, and other factors. These scholarships make it possible for talented students to pursue their dreams of a legal education, regardless of their financial background. The University of Georgia School of Law offers scholarships to its students funded by endowments and gifts from alumni and friends of the legal community. These scholarships help defray the cost of a student's legal education and allow students to connect with the donors who have funded their particular scholarship. In many cases, these donors become a source of support and guidance for the students.
Financial Assistance
- FEDERAL LOANS
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for a Federal Direct Loan. This loan is available to law students enrolled at least half-time. You can borrow up to $20,500 per year. You will have to pay the interest on the loan from when it is disbursed until you repay it. You can pay the interest while in school or let it accrue (capitalize).
- GRADUATE PLUS LOANS
Graduate Plus Loans are available to law students enrolled at least half-time. Financial need is not a requirement, but a student must not have an adverse credit history (bankruptcy, tax liens, etc.) to be approved for the Graduate PLUS Loan. The maximum annual loan amount is based on the student's cost of attendance minus other aid received.
Information and application materials may be obtained by contacting the University of Georgia Office of Student Financial Aid. With the exception of short-term emergency loans to enrolled students, all student loans are administered by the University of Georgia Office of Student Financial Aid.
Academics & Curriculum
Like most top law schools, Georgia Law students enroll in a required set of courses during their 1L year, which is thought to be the most academically rigorous year at the law school. After completing first-year requirements, students are free to choose from among 126 elective courses at the law school, and can also take courses at other schools and colleges at the University of Georgia for credit towards their JD degrees. Interdisciplinary opportunities are also available in the form of several joint degree programs available to law students, including the traditional JD/MBA and the less common JD/MEd in Sports Studies. Students looking for more practical training can take advantage of Georgia Law's several clinical opportunities, among them the Criminal Defense Clinic and the Family Violence Clinic, and can also participate in the school's acclaimed and decorated Moot Court and Mock Trial teams. Lastly, students interested in taking their legal educations beyond American borders will have plenty of opportunity to do so through Georgia Law's various study abroad programs, which take place in Oxford, Brussels and several other cities.
Student Body
The University of Georgia School of Law has an average enrollment of 600 students. Of those enrolled, 73% receive some form of scholarship aid. This aid is especially important for first-generation college graduates and military veterans, who make up 100% of the school's population. The University of Georgia is committed to making sure that all students have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.
World Class Faculty
The University of Georgia School of Law has many highly accomplished faculty members who have been recognized with awards such as the Fulbright Scholars and American Law Institute Young Scholars Medal. In addition to their academic achievements, many faculty also serve as consultants to legal institutions, foreign governments, and corporations. This ensures that students at the school benefit from the latest real-world legal expertise.
Quality of Life
There seems to be an almost universal admiration of Athens among students at Georgia Law School. The college town houses a variety of restaurants and bars, the latter of which is often home to live musical acts to suit a wide range of musical tastes. Athens has a very active live music scene and has helped launch such famous bands as REM and the B-52's. Aside from nightlife, students at Georgia can participate in the hoopla surrounding the university's storied football program, and can also participate in the various functions and events hosted by the law school. It seems safe to say that Georgia Law students will run out of free time, especially during their 1L year, before they run out of ways to pass that free time in Athens. In terms of housing, students are typically able to find suitable apartments for less than $500 per month, and most tend to live off-campus. The city's public transportation system is said to be convenient and efficient in getting students to campus, although parking on campus is not a problem.
All this, combined with Athens' proximity to Atlanta (75 miles), and the University of Georgia's beautiful and spacious campus, makes for a promising quality of life for students at Georgia Law School.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
For the 2025 graduating class from the University of Georgia School of Law, 98.0% of JD graduates secured full-time, long-term roles that required bar passage or were J.D.-advantage positions within ten months of graduation, demonstrating a strong employment outlook. Specifically, 94–95% of these graduates obtained full-time, bar-required jobs. UGA Law also excelled in bar exam performance: for the July 2024 Georgia bar exam, its first-time takers achieved a passage rate of over 90%, significantly outperforming other Georgia law schools by about nine percentage points. This high level of performance continued with the February 2025 bar exam, where UGA Law again led the state in overall pass rates. Additionally, the law school reports an ultimate bar passage rate of approximately 98.9% for graduates who passed within two years of completing their degree.
The Career Development Office at UGA Law plays a vital role in these results by offering comprehensive resources such as job boards, practice-specific guides, clerkship preparation, and recruitment events. These tools help place students across diverse legal sectors, including private practice, government service, public interest roles, and judicial clerkships. The school’s consistent success in both employment and bar passage underscores its reputation as a top-value public law school.
Synopsis
The University of Georgia School of Law provides its students a fine legal education at a reasonable cost, followed by excellent job prospects in Atlanta and the state of Georgia as a whole. At the same time, the charming city of Athens promises Georgia Law students a high quality of life and a low cost of living, a combination sure to make for an enjoyable three years at the law school. Without a doubt, residents of Georgia and applicants wishing to land employment in Georgia should give the school serious consideration.
Contact Information
University of Georgia School of Law
J.D. Office of Admissions
Harold Hirsch Hall
Athens, GA 30602
706.542.7060
ugajd@uga.edu
http://www.law.uga.edu/jd-admissions
Summary
| Established | 1859 |
| Location | BAthens, Georgia |
| Dean | Usha R. Rodrigues |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 22nd |
| LSAT Median Score | 169 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.91 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 91.6% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 90.2% (2025) |
| Cost | "$19,460 (in-state, full-time),
$39,596 (out-of-state, full-time)" |
| Average Debt | $73,836 |
| Application Deadline | June 1, 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
University of Georgia School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
https://www.law.uga.edu/
Rank #22
LSD Law
LSAC Guide
How to Learn to Do Well on a Law School Exam
Success in Law School - A Unique Perspective
The Guide to Law School Loans
Guide to Fee Waivers
Forums: https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=4
