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Loyola University Chicago School of Law
The mission of Loyola University Chicago School of Law is to provide students with the education and skills necessary to become responsible and compassionate lawyers in an increasingly diverse world. The school also aims to prepare graduates who will be ethical advocates for justice and equity and lead efforts to dismantle the legal, economic, political, and social structures that generate and sustain racism and all forms of oppression. Additionally, the school seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the law, legal institutions, and systems of oppression through a commitment to transformation, intersectionality, and anti-subordination in its teaching, research, scholarship, and public service.
Loyola University Chicago is the right choice if you're looking for a top-ranked university with a global reputation. Loyola has everything you need to succeed with its excellent academic programs, diverse student body, and range of campus locations.
Contents
History
Loyola University Chicago was founded in 1870 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) as St. Ignatius College. The first campus was on Chicago's near South Side, where St. Ignatius High School is now located. In 1908, Loyola was moved to the Lake Shore Campus on Chicago's North Side.
Prominent Chicago lawyers established the Lincoln College of Law in early 1908, hoping to affiliate with St. Ignatius College. That hope was realized later that same year, when St. Ignatius College was reorganized into Loyola University, and the Lincoln College of Law became the Loyola University Law Department.
Admissions
The city of Chicago provides many opportunities for professional advancement. It is home to many of the nation's top trial and transactional lawyers. You'll have access to important connections with colleagues and Loyola law alumni who have stayed on to become some of the city's most successful lawyers.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 157 - 160 - 162 | 157 - 160 - 163 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.37 - 3.60 - 3.77 | 3.6 - 3.6 - 3.75 |
| Acceptance rate | 41.7% | 43% |
| Applications received | 3115 | 3287 |
| Acceptances | 1368 | 1414 |
| Matriculants | 273 | 264 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, the data shows a modest but notable shift compared to the previous year. The middle 50% LSAT range remained steady at the lower end (157) but nudged slightly higher at the top, reaching 163. GPA percentiles also reflected stability, with the 25th percentile rising to 3.6 while the 75th percentile held at 3.75. The acceptance rate increased slightly to 43%, up from 41.7% the year before, with 3,287 applications received. Out of these, 1,414 applicants were admitted, resulting in 264 students ultimately matriculating. This balance of steady applicant quality with a small rise in acceptance rate highlights Loyola’s consistent admissions standards while maintaining a competitive selection process.
Application Deadline and Fee
They accept applications for their full-time and weekend JD (part-time) programs beginning October 1 for the fall term. The Admissions Committee begins application file review in December, and they release decisions on a rolling basis beginning in early January. You can use the online application form through the Law School Admission Council to apply to law school. There is no application fee to apply.
Application Requirements
Applicants must register with the CAS and submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. The CAS report will include your LSAT score(s), LSAT Writing, letter(s) of recommendation, and official transcripts. The CAS report fee cannot be waived.
Letter of Recommendation
To be accepted into law school, you will need one letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your ability to complete law studies. This person could be a professor, employer, or someone familiar with your academic or professional achievements. Ensure to provide them with all the information they need to write a strong letter on your behalf.
LSAT
The LSAT is a test that all applicants must take to be considered for admission to law school. The test is administered by LSAC several times a year, and your highest score from the past five years will be considered.
Personal Statement
For a personal statement, The school wants to know your motivation for continuing your schooling, your career aspirations, and how you believe our program will help you meet your goals. Your two-page statement can be submitted through the online application. For more information on personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements.
Resume
A current resume or curriculum vitae can be uploaded through the online application. To read some advice about creating a professional law school resume, click here.
Character and Fitness Question
Applicants for admission to law school must complete a character and fitness questionnaire. If you answer affirmatively to questions on the questionnaire, you must provide a detailed explanation, or your application will be considered incomplete.
Qualification for Admission to the Bar
It would be best if you met a particular character, fitness, and other qualifications to be admitted to the bar. This includes passing a bar examination and meeting the requirements of the jurisdiction in which you are seeking admission. You can learn more about the specific requirements for each jurisdiction by contacting the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Transcript
If you have completed any postsecondary work outside of the United States or Canada, you must submit your transcripts to LSAC for authentication and evaluation. This includes transcripts from any school where the instruction was in a language other than English.
TOEFL or IELTS
The TOEFL or IELTS score report is required for international students whose first language is not English to demonstrate their ability to communicate in English. The minimum acceptable scores on the TOEFL and IELTS exams are 100 and 7.0, respectively. This requirement is waived for students who have completed a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree program or are citizens of countries where the language of instruction is English.
Law school can be a major investment in your future. That's why it's important to know where to seek help when paying for school. Loyola University Chicago School of Law has identified the types of financial aid that may be available to you.
Tuition and Financial Aid
In the 2024–2025 academic year, Loyola University Chicago School of Law’s tuition was approximately $56,200, with the total cost of attendance (COA)—including living expenses, books, and personal costs—amounting to roughly $89,828. Importantly, about 95% of students received grants or scholarships, reducing their average net COA to around $59,828.
Loyola Law provides a variety of financial aid opportunities, including merit-based scholarships automatically considered during the admissions process, need-based awards, fellowships, and federal loan options. Students apply for federal aid through the FAFSA, which also helps determine eligibility for certain institutional support. Specialized scholarship and fellowship applications for first-year students are usually due in mid-March.
Cost of Attendance
For the 2024–2025 academic year, the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) at Loyola University Chicago School of Law is about $89,828. This figure includes tuition of approximately $56,200 along with additional expenses such as fees, books, housing, transportation, and personal costs. While this represents the full sticker price, it’s important to note that the vast majority of students—roughly 95%—receive some form of grants or scholarships, which substantially lowers the average net cost of attendance to around $59,828. Loyola’s financial aid packages are designed to make legal education more accessible, with options ranging from merit-based scholarships and need-based aid to federal loans and fellowships.
| Category | 2024–2025 Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $56,200 |
| Fees & Books | $1,774 |
| Living Expenses | $26,070 |
| Transportation & Personal | $5,784 |
| Total COA | $89,828 |
| Average Net COA (after aid) | ~$59,828 |
Types of Aid & Resources
Completing your education is an investment in your future. We want to provide you with information and resources to help you make the most of that investment. They encourage all students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The earliest you can submit the FAFSA is October 1st, the year before when you’ll receive aid. Loyola’s code is 001710. After the Student Award Report is confirmed, Loyola sends you verification, which outlines the amount of aid awarded based on your Expected Family Contribution. The award may include federal loans, scholarships, and work-study.
Loans
There are different types of loans available to help cover the cost of law school. Federal loans generally offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options compared to private or alternative loans. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA form to determine eligibility for federal aid. Private and alternative loans remain an option for students needing additional funds.
Scholarships and Fellowships
Scholarships and fellowships are available for first-year law students at Loyola University Chicago. Awards are given to qualified students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, service, and potential for excellence in the study of law. First-year awards are based on factors including LSAT scores, writing ability, and community involvement.
| Scholarship/Fellowship | Description | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Scholarships | Awarded at the time of admission to full- or weekend JD students with strong academic records, diverse backgrounds, and capacity for the study of law. Merit awards are renewed automatically for students in good standing. | Varies |
| The Bernstein Scholarship Series | Awarded to admitted, U.S. citizens enrolling full-time who demonstrate financial need. | Varies |
| Circle of Advocates of the Joseph W. Bernstein Scholarship Fund | Awarded to full-time admitted students with achievements in debate, moot court, or mock trial, and who have demonstrated need. | At least $5,000 |
| Judge William J. Campbell Public Interest Scholarship | Awarded to full-time admitted students with proven public interest experience and demonstrated need. | $4,000 |
| Loyola Community Service Scholarship | Awarded to incoming students based on commitment to public service, academic ability, and leadership potential. Eligible activities include AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Teach for America, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, or active military duty. A minimum of one year of service is required. | $5,000 (first year) |
| Martin J. Healy, Jr. Scholarship | Awarded to full-time JD students who are the first in their family to receive a college degree. | Varies |
| Mark & Charlene Novak Scholarship | Awarded to a student who is a member of a trade union, or the child of a trade union member. | Varies |
| John J. Piderit, S.J./Theodore G. Munz, S.J./Loyola Academy Scholarship | Awarded to full-time students who are graduates of Loyola Academy and demonstrate financial need. | Varies |
| Child and Family Law Fellowships | Awarded to admitted students chosen through an application process who are interested in child and family law. Application and interview required. | $20,000 over 3 years |
| Health Law Fellowships | Awarded to admitted students chosen through an application process with an interest in health law. | Varies |
| Intellectual Property Fellowships | Awarded to admitted students, through an application process, with demonstrated interest in intellectual property. | $2,500 |
Academics & Curriculum
The first-year law students at Loyola Chicago take Civil Procedure, Property, Torts, Legal Writing, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, and Legal Writing classes. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14.5 to 1, so the classes are not too large. They offer specialties in Business Law, Child and Family Law, and Health Law. Additionally, students may pursue a joint degree such as a JD/MBA or a JD with a master's in political science.
Loyola Chicago is known for its strong trial advocacy program. Consequently, they have a perennially formidable moot court team that does exceptionally well in the well-known Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition. This nationwide competition has scholarship prize money, and Loyola Chicago teams have won it nine times since its inception in 1993. Students with a strong interest in trial advocacy and participation in moot court should consider this particular strength of Loyola Chicago's overall program.
Faculty
The full-time JD program courses will be taught by experienced and qualified professors who are experts in their field. The coursework will cover various legal topics and benefit students who want to pursue a career in law.
Clinical Programs
Loyola's clinics allow students to learn in a hands-on environment while giving back to the community. Jesuit philosophy promotes helping others, and the clinics offer a way for students to do just that. The clinics offer various services, allowing students to gain experience in many different areas. This is a valuable resource for students, allowing them to explore different career paths. The clinics are an important part of Loyola's curriculum and help prepare students for future careers.
Quality of Life
When it comes to the quality of life for law students in downtown Chicago, there are many great options for things to do. There are plenty of social and cultural activities and entertainment and sports options. In addition, there are lots of museums nearby. If you're looking for an urban environment with plenty of activities to keep you busy, then downtown Chicago is a great place to be. However, it's worth noting that the winters can be quite harsh, so make sure you're prepared for that.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
In 2024, Loyola University Chicago School of Law graduates demonstrated strong outcomes in both bar exam performance and job placement. The first-time bar exam pass rate in Illinois was approximately 82.7%, reflecting the results in the school’s most common jurisdiction. Among all graduates who sat for the bar, the overall first-attempt pass rate was about 83.6%, with 188 out of 225 candidates passing.
On the employment front, Loyola Law also reported competitive results. For the Class of 2023, the employment rate within ten months of graduation was around 91.2%. Another data source cites an employment rate of 86.9%, based on 205 out of 236 graduates securing jobs. The slight difference reflects variations in reporting methods, but both indicate that Loyola consistently achieves strong placement for its graduates.
Highlights at a Glance
| Category | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Bar Passage Rate (2024) | ~83.6% overall first-time pass rate (82.7% in Illinois) |
| Employment Rate (Class of 2023) | ~91.2% employed within 10 months of graduation |
| Alternative Employment Estimate | ~86.9% (based on conservative reporting) |
Synopsis
For students willing to pay high tuition and compete for a high-class rank to secure employment, Loyola Chicago can be a rewarding experience. There is a problem with getting applicants placed due to the intense competition for Chicago's many legal jobs.
Contact Information
Loyola University Chicago
School of Law
Admissions Office
Philip H. Corboy Law Center
25 E. Pearson Street,
Chicago, Il 60611
312.915.7120
312-915-7170
Email: law-admissions@LUC.edu
https://www.luc.edu/law/admission/apply/
Summary
| Established | 1870 |
| Location | Chicago, Il |
| Dean | Michèle Alexandre |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 79th |
| LSAT Median Score | 160 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.6 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 83.6% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 64.6% (2025) |
| Cost | "$57,170 full-time,
$42,520 part-time" |
| Average Debt | $121,613 |
| Application Deadline | May 1, 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
Loyola University Chicago School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
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Reference
https://www.luc.edu/law/
Rank #79
LSD Law
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