University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law

Located in Sacramento, California, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law has plenty to offer. The academic program is solid, and the state-capital location presents invaluable opportunities for law students. Tuition is pricy, however, relative to starting salaries, and Pacific graduates are likely to be limited in their job search.

History

Located in the state capital of Sacramento, California, McGeorge School of Law has been an internationally renowned leader in legal education since its founding in 1924. Its commitment to public law, international law, and advocacy have earned an unmatched reputation for excellence.

The school's ability to offer degrees across various disciplines makes it an ideal choice for students seeking to develop a well-rounded skillset while specializing in one area. McGeorge's courses allow students to gain knowledge and practical experience in areas ranging from public law and international law to professional and clinical practice.

McGeorge School of Law is also dedicated to community service, preparing students to give back to their communities through public service projects and pro bono work. This commitment to social responsibility is reflected in its rigorous curriculum and extensive academic resources, providing students with the tools they need to become ethical, successful lawyers.

Overall, McGeorge School of Law offers a unique learning experience that combines theoretical and practical legal knowledge with a commitment to service and excellence. With its dynamic faculty, innovative curriculum, and opportunities for hands-on experience, the school is committed to helping students reach their highest potential.

Admissions

McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific welcomes applicants for its 2025 entering class with an admissions process that focuses on the whole person. Instead of narrowing in on numbers alone, the committee looks at your academic foundation, your lived experiences, the obstacles you’ve pushed through, and the motivations that brought you to law in the first place. Whether you’re pursuing the full-time program or the part-time evening option, you’re encouraged to present the fullest version of your story through your application materials, personal statements, and optional essays. The goal is to understand your potential to contribute to a collaborative, practice-ready legal community and to determine how well McGeorge aligns with the next chapter of your professional journey.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	152-155-158	152-155-158
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	2.94-3.40-3.63	3.13-3.52-3.77
Acceptance rate	55.3%	59.5%
Applications received	902	1154
Acceptances	553	477
Matriculants	196	105

For the 2025 entering class, McGeorge School of Law’s admissions data reflects a selective but accessible profile. Applicants typically fell within an LSAT range of 152 to 158 for the 25th through 75th percentiles, and incoming students held GPAs between 3.13 and 3.77 across that same middle range. The school received 1,154 applications for the cycle, ultimately extending offers to 477 candidates, which resulted in an acceptance rate of about 59.5 percent. From those admitted, 105 students chose to enroll, forming the new cohort for the 2024–2025 academic year.

Application Deadline

For the 2025 admissions cycle, McGeorge School of Law’s JD application typically opens on September 1 and remains available until the final deadline of June 1. Applicants aiming for the strongest consideration are encouraged to submit by the priority deadline, which is usually February 1. Submitting early ensures your materials are reviewed while more seats and scholarship opportunities are still available, giving you a smoother path through the admissions process.

How to Apply

To apply to McGeorge School of Law for the 2025 admissions cycle, you’ll follow a straightforward, step-by-step process designed to help the committee understand your academic background, personal story, and readiness for law school. You’ll begin by completing the JD application through the Law School Admission Council, where you’ll submit your personal information, academic history, and required written materials. McGeorge uses the Credential Assembly Service to collect and organize your transcripts and recommendation letters, so make sure those are requested early. You’ll also upload your personal statement, and you can include optional essays if you want to share more about your background, interests, or experiences that shaped your decision to pursue law. Once your LSAT (or approved alternative test, if applicable) is on file and all components are received, your application becomes complete and ready for review. From there, the admissions committee evaluates your full profile holistically, looking at your academic potential, life experiences, community contributions, and the strengths that set you apart.

Application Requirements

Here are the 2025 application requirements for McGeorge School of Law, presented in clear bullet points:

Completed JD application submitted through the Law School Admission Council
Official transcripts sent to LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service
At least one letter of recommendation (additional letters are welcome)
Personal statement that explains your path to law and your interest in McGeorge
Optional essays, such as diversity statements or addenda
LSAT score or an approved alternative (if qualifying for a test-flexible pathway)
Current resume outlining education, work experience, leadership, and community involvement
Application fee or an approved fee waiver

If you want, I can also format these into a full admissions section matching the style of your broader document.

Personal Statement

The statement should be four and a half pages, double-spaced, in 12 pt. font. An applicant's personal statement is a great chance to give an insight into who the individual is and what makes them stand out from other candidates.

Resume

Provide a Resume of full-time employment and other activities, starting with the most recent. Include dates, name(s) of an employer(s), and position(s) held. List the hours worked per week and academic honors received since entering college. List extracurricular activities, hobbies, and community service. Describe the nature and extent of employment during college and include volunteer work. Please include summers. Explain any periods after high school not accounted for by the preceding educational and employment history. However, all other high school information should be omitted.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants applying to the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law must submit two letters of recommendation directly to LSAC, with a maximum allowance of three. It is wise for applicants to reach out to professors, administrators, and other college personnel who have had the opportunity to assess their academic skills, time management, research, and analysis abilities.

For those who have been out of school, letters of recommendation from employers, business colleagues, and mentors can be submitted instead. Letters from family members and close personal friends are discouraged since they usually need to accurately assess the applicant's skills and potential for success in law school. These letters should focus on the applicant's skills and abilities relevant to their potential success in law school.

Applicants must submit strong letters of recommendation that accurately reflect their academic capabilities and other attributes, as they can be a critical factor in the admissions decision process. Applicants should provide all necessary information to writers to craft effective letters of recommendation.

Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and LSAT

For anyone wishing to apply to the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, it is necessary to register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) for both their Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Applicants must provide official transcripts from prior college and university coursework directly to LSAC, and the scores from the LSAT must be from administrations within five years before the year of enrollment. Additionally, applicants whose undergraduate degrees are not from educational institutions within the United States, its territories, or Canada must use LSAC's Credential Assembly Service for international document authentication and evaluation. All application files will not be reviewed until a law school report, including an LSAT score, has been received by the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

Transcript

To apply to the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, applicants must submit official transcripts from any college and university they attended. These transcripts should be sent directly to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Once received, LSAC will review each transcript and forward a report detailing their findings to the law school the applicant has designated.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the 2025–2026 academic year, McGeorge School of Law’s tuition structure reflects the standard block rate for full-time JD students, along with several required university fees that support student services and well-being. Full-time students pay a set annual tuition for enrolling in 12 to 17 units each semester. Additional costs such as the student government fee, mandatory health insurance unless waived, and the well-being fee are billed separately each term. These charges represent the direct, university-billed expenses students can expect, while personal living costs, books, housing, and transportation are calculated separately through the school’s estimated cost-of-attendance guidelines. This 2025 update provides a clear snapshot of what students will typically budget for when planning their law school investment.

Tuition and Fees 2025–2026
Program Division	Fall	Spring	Total (Academic Year)
Full-Time JD (12–17 units)	$31,339	$31,339	$62,678
Student Government Fee	$50	$50	$100
Health Insurance	$1,648–$1,797	$1,648–$1,797	$3,296–$3,594
Well-being Fee	$270	$270	$540

This tuition breakdown shows the core direct expenses that full-time JD students at McGeorge School of Law can expect for the 2025–2026 academic year. The largest cost is the full-time block tuition, which covers students taking between 12 and 17 units per semester. Because the rate is fixed within that range, students can plan their academic load without worrying about fluctuations in tuition from taking one or two extra units.

Several required university fees appear alongside tuition. The student government fee supports campus organizations, events, and student leadership programs. Health insurance is mandatory for anyone enrolled in six or more units unless they provide proof of comparable private coverage, which is why the cost appears as a range. The well-being fee funds mental health services, wellness initiatives, counseling resources, and other support programs that contribute to a balanced law school experience.

Together, these amounts reflect the primary university-billed costs students will encounter before accounting for personal living expenses such as housing, transportation, books, technology, and day-to-day needs. This breakdown offers a clear picture of what full-time students can expect when preparing their budget for the academic year.

Grants

McGeorge School of Law offers several grant options for students who demonstrate financial need, helping reduce the overall cost of pursuing a JD. These grants are awarded based on the financial information submitted through the FAFSA and are designed to support students whose resources don’t fully cover tuition and required fees. Eligibility is evaluated annually, which means grant amounts can shift from year to year depending on changes in household income or federal aid guidelines. Students who qualify may receive institutional need-based grants directly from McGeorge, along with federal aid such as the Federal Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant if they meet federal requirements. While specific award amounts vary, these grants play an important role in lowering out-of-pocket expenses and making legal education more accessible for students with demonstrated financial need.

Scholarships

McGeorge School of Law offers a wide range of scholarships for 2025 applicants, most of which are awarded based on academic promise, professional potential, and the strengths reflected in the overall application. These scholarships are primarily merit-based, meaning they’re determined by the quality of your academic history, your LSAT score or approved alternative, your personal statement, your leadership experiences, and the contributions you’re likely to bring to the McGeorge community. Awards range from partial tuition reductions to highly competitive full-tuition packages, and every admitted student is automatically considered without a separate application. Some students may also be eligible for specialized scholarships tied to areas of interest, service backgrounds, or leadership involvement. Award amounts are renewable each year as long as academic standing requirements are met, helping students maintain financial support throughout their JD program. Together, these scholarship options offer meaningful opportunities for incoming students to reduce educational costs and make law school more financially achievable.

Loans

Students attending McGeorge School of Law in 2025 can access several loan options to help cover tuition, fees, and living expenses. Federal loans remain the most common choice, offering predictable terms and flexible repayment plans. Many JD students rely on the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, which provides a fixed interest rate and doesn’t require financial need to qualify. Those who need additional funding can apply for the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan, which can cover remaining educational costs after other aid is applied. Credit checks apply, but the approval process is designed to be straightforward for graduate-level borrowers. Some students also explore private educational loans through banks or lenders; these loans vary in interest rates, repayment structures, and credit requirements. While private options can be helpful, most students compare them carefully against federal terms before committing. Together, these loan choices give students multiple pathways to finance their legal education while planning for long-term repayment.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan available for most JD students
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan for additional funding beyond the unsubsidized amount
Private educational loans offered through outside lenders with varying terms
Loans may be used for tuition, fees, books, housing, and personal expenses
Repayment options differ by loan type, with federal loans offering more flexible plans
Credit check required for Graduate PLUS and most private loans

Employment Prospects and Bar Passage

A strong legal education isn’t only about the classroom experience. Most applicants want to know how graduates perform once they enter the real world. For the 2025 cycle, McGeorge School of Law continues to show solid outcomes in employment and bar passage, giving prospective students a better sense of what to expect after earning their JD.

Employment Prospects

Recent graduate data shows that most McGeorge students secure work within ten months of completing their degree. A high percentage of graduates obtain full-time, long-term positions that either require passing the bar or recognize the value of a JD even when bar licensure isn’t mandatory. Many students move into roles across private practice, government, public interest, and corporate or compliance-based positions. While the majority achieve positive outcomes, results vary by individual focus, career preparation, networking, and how fully students use the school’s professional development resources. Overall, employment trends indicate steady placement strength and long-term career potential for new graduates.

Bar Passage

McGeorge’s recent first-time bar passage performance typically falls in the mid-60 to mid-70 percent range, reflecting steady results within the context of California’s historically challenging bar exam. First-time takers make up the bulk of each testing cohort, and many ultimately pass with continued preparation after the initial attempt. The school provides bar-prep programming, faculty support, and structured review resources to help students strengthen their test performance. Success on the bar exam remains closely tied to personal study habits, time management, and engagement with the school’s bar-readiness tools, making early preparation essential for any incoming 2025 student.

Academics and Curriculum

The Princeton Review gives the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law an "Academic Experience Rating" of 79 out of 100. The same website lists the school's specialties as Criminal law, Environmental law, Government Services, International law, Property law, Taxation, and Intellectual Property law. The specialization in International law is particularly obvious, as the school was tied for the 17th spot (with Stanford and Cornell, of all schools) on the USNews ranking of programs in International law.

Aside from these specialties, McGeorge Law School students complement their classroom experiences with clinical experience (Community Legal Services Clinic, Immigration Law Clinic, Legislative-Process, Strategy and Ethics Clinic…), journal staffing (McGeorge Law Review, Pacific McGeorge Global Business & Development Law Journal, California Initiative Review…) and even dual degrees (JD/MPA, JD.M.Acc., JD/MBA…).

Not all is well at McGeorge, however, as the school sports a mediocre student/faculty ratio, a competitive student body, and facilities-including, the library, that are in dire need of renovation. The above-mentioned specializations and resources, however, as well as the school's state-capital location, which gives students access to numerous opportunities in both government and business settings, seem to outweigh the negatives of the McGeorge Law School academic experience.

Legal Clinics

The University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law is highly committed to providing experiential learning opportunities for its students. Through their pioneering legal clinics, they offer quality pro bono representation to underserved community members and consistently help these individuals attain impressive victories in individual cases and across public policy areas. These clinics are beneficial not only for the clients but for the students as well. Through these clinics, student lawyers learn how to apply legal theory in practical contexts and develop professional lawyering skills that will serve them throughout their careers. Furthermore, they can grow as reflective practitioners who can keep learning from any situation.

The Community Legal Services (CLS) clinic at McGeorge has been serving the local community since 1974 and was even honored with the “Heroes of Human Services” award by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors in 2018. CLS offers various legal services, including immigration law, elder and health law, homeless advocacy, and bankruptcy. These clinics are invaluable to individuals who need legal assistance and students who get to hone their legal skills while providing an invaluable service. This is yet another example of how McGeorge is dedicated to producing qualified, compassionate, and ethical lawyers equipped to make a difference in today’s world.

Externships

Externships allow students to gain hands-on experience and academic credit through their internships. Although externships and internships require similar tasks, they differ in how it is recognized. Internships are not typically part of any educational curriculum and therefore do not offer credits. However, if a student has an existing internship that meets the criteria of an externship, they will obtain academic credit for their work.

The University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law offers externships to help students gain real-world experience and network with experienced professionals. Their Externships Office ensures that its students get the most out of their externships – guiding academic policies and criteria and helping find the right program for them. They also offer their students access to various resources to help them prepare for their externships and fully use their experience.

The Mock Trial Competition Team Program

The University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law's Mock Trial Competition Team Program is focused on equipping students with the necessary skills to become top-notch trial lawyers. Through individualized instruction, participants are taught persuasive advocacy techniques and how to appropriately apply the Federal Rules of Evidence in a court of law. These litigators hone their craft by participating in numerous local, regional, and national competitions throughout the year.

In these competitions, teams act as trial counsel for a fictional client. They file pretrial motions, present opening and closing statements, conduct direct and cross-examination of witnesses, and make persuasive arguments to the jury or judge. Through this experience, students gain invaluable insight into the legal system and what it takes to be a successful trial lawyer. By competing at the highest level, they also make lasting connections that can open doors to internships and job opportunities.

At the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, they are proud to offer their students an unparalleled opportunity for growth and professional development through their Mock Trial Competition Team Program. Their program is dedicated to developing the next generation of trial lawyers, and they are confident that their participants will be ready for success in any courtroom.

Moot Court

McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific provides its students with an outstanding moot court program. In these moot court competitions, students must demonstrate their written and oral advocacy skills by representing a case on appeal before a court of last resort or intermediate appellate court. This competition allows students to hone their legal knowledge by diving deep into an array of subject areas, such as International law, Constitutional law, Criminal procedure, and Intellectual property.

McGeorge School of Law sends teams to about 12 or more moot court competitions annually. Day students are eligible to participate in the competition during their third year, while evening students can get involved during their third and fourth years. Additionally, second-year students can apply for the position of research assistant, in which they must conduct legal research on the issues at hand and analyze relevant case laws or statutes.

When applying for moot court competitions, applicants are judged based on several factors, such as their grades from written and oral advocacy courses, law review work, and overall GPA. Those who succeed in the selection process become members of the Moot Court Honors Board for the following academic year. As part of this, they are typically expected to compete in two competitions and fulfill committee work that helps achieve the board's goals. This includes organizing and running First Year Moot Court Competitions which all first-year students can participate in during the spring semester.

Quality of Life

The campus is in the Oak Park area, with high crime and poverty levels. However, the cost of living there is lower than in many other parts of Sacramento, which can be attractive for students on a budget.

McGeorge does not have the same sense of community as some other law schools due to its large student body. However, students still have plenty of chances to form close relationships and make connections as ample social opportunities are available. Unfortunately, the campus is not located on the leading University of Pacific campus in Stockton, so there is no opportunity for law students to mingle with undergraduates. Nevertheless, Sacramento still has plenty of social and recreational outlets to explore. With its excellent climate and diverse culture, McGeorge School of Law is an idyllic spot for law students who want to learn and grow in a vibrant city.

The University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law is located in bustling Sacramento, California. The Mediterranean climate is mild and pleasant, perfect for activities outside of studying law. With its multitude of bars, parks, music venues, restaurants, and more, there's no shortage of ways to be entertained in this city.

Unfortunately, McGeorge's campus is located in the Oak Park section of Sacramento, an area with a sadly high crime rate and poverty levels. However, the cost of living in Oak Park is lower than many other parts of Sacramento, which can be attractive for law students on a budget.

Although McGeorge does not have the same tightly knit community as some other law schools due to its size, there are still plenty of social opportunities to meet people and form close relationships. Additionally, students who want to avoid the higher cost of living in Sacramento can look into it.

The University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law is great for law students to learn and grow in a vibrant city. Its mild climate and ample recreational outlets make it an ideal spot for law students looking to explore and make connections while working towards their degrees. Despite its location in the Oak Park section of Sacramento, which has a high crime rate and poverty levels, there are still plenty of social opportunities to meet people and form close relationships. Additionally, students who want to avoid the higher cost of living in Sacramento can look into living nearby for an affordable option.

Synopsis

McGeorge School of Law’s 2025 admissions profile offers applicants a practical understanding of what to expect from the program and the outcomes that follow. The school emphasizes a holistic review process, clear application requirements, and transparent cost information to help future students plan with confidence. Grants, scholarships, and loan options create multiple avenues of financial support, while employment results and bar passage data reflect steady, long-term opportunities for graduates who fully engage with the school’s academic and career resources. Together, these elements create a realistic picture of the academic experience, financial commitment, and professional path awaiting incoming students in the 2025 cycle.

Contact Information

University of the Pacific
McGeorge School of Law
Stockton Campus
3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211
Admissions: 209.946.2211

Sacramento Campus
3200 Fifth Ave.
Sacramento, California 95817
Admissions: 916.739.7105

San Francisco Campus
155 Fifth St.
San Francisco, California 94103
Admissions: 415.929.6491

https://www.pacific.edu/admission

Summary

Established	1924
Location	Stockton, CA
Dean	Michael Colatrella
2025 US News Ranking	163rd
LSAT Median Score	155
GPA Median Score	3.52
Bar Passage Rate	67.1% (2025)
Employment Rate	52.7% (2025)
Cost	"$60,852 full-time, $40,416 part-time"
Average Debt	$161,023
Application Deadline	June 1, 2025

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Reference

https://law.pacific.edu/law
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