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University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
The University of Maryland School of Law, located in downtown Baltimore, represents the best legal education offered in the state of Maryland. With a rich regional reputation and standing out in healthcare law and Environmental Policy, Maryland Law easily deserves its top 50 rankings. However, the school is not without flaws, and prospective students should consider factors such as quality of life and national (im)mobility.
Contents
Admissions
The admissions policy is designed to create a diverse learning environment that can benefit everyone. When students come from a variety of backgrounds, it leads to more exciting and enlightening classroom discussions. Diversity also better prepares students to assume leadership roles in a diverse society. They seek to enroll meaningful numbers of students from groups that have been historically discriminated against to ensure their ability to make unique contributions to the character of the School's educational and social environment.
For 2025 admissions, applicants can apply through the regular process or a Binding Early Decision Program, which requires a commitment to enroll if accepted. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate language proficiency, and all applicants are required to disclose any character or fitness concerns as part of the application. The school also offers a 3+3 Dual Degree Program with the University of Maryland, College Park, allowing eligible students to begin law studies early and streamline their path to a JD.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 156 - 163 - 164 | 154 - 163 - 165 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.42 - 3.76 - 3.88 | 3.33 - 3.73 - 3.86 |
| Acceptance rate | 29.5% | 30.8% |
| Applications received | 2548 | 2410 |
| Acceptances | 769 | 743 |
| Matriculants | 216 | 202 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, the middle 50% of incoming students scored between 154 and 165 on the LSAT, with undergraduate GPAs ranging from 3.33 to 3.86. Out of 2,410 applications received, 743 offers of admission were extended, resulting in an acceptance rate of 30.8%. Ultimately, 202 students chose to matriculate into the entering class.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for admission to the Juris Doctor program at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or expect to graduate during the current academic year. Maryland Carey Law will not review applications from students who are not in good standing or who have been dismissed from a law school within the past five years. Some students may be eligible to apply through our 3+3 Program in conjunction with the University of Maryland, College Park. Please click here for eligibility information to apply to our 3+3 Program.
Application Deadline
The application opens on September 1. The application priority deadline is April 1. However, so long as enrollment considerations allow, they will continue to accept completed applications until August 1.
Review Process
The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law admissions committee reviews applications on a rolling basis. The committee looks at applicants' academic records, work and educational experiences, and accomplishments to determine their academic potential. The committee also looks for applicants who will contribute positively to the law school community and enhance the professional development of their peers.
Waitlist
You may hear from the Admissions Committee that you have been added to our waitlist. Learn more about what that means on their Waitlist FAQ.
JD First-Year Application Checklist: The application fee for the Maryland Carey Law online application is $70. The fee may be paid by credit card through LSAC. A valid score from either the LSAT or GRE is required. The LSAT school code for Maryland Carey Law is 5765, and the GRE school code is 5765. Scores are valid for five years only. To learn more about obtaining a fee waiver, click here.
Two Letters of Recommendation
You are required to submit two letters of recommendation but no more than four. Letters of recommendation should come from instructors or people you have worked closely with during college or graduate study. If you have not had recent contact with such individuals, you may submit letters of recommendation from employers. Do not submit letters of recommendation from personal friends and relatives, as they will not be given weight in the admissions process.
Credential Assembly Service
Applicants must submit their application materials through LSAC's Credential Assembly Service. This includes their LSAT score(s) (if applicable), all official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other required application components. LSAC will compile these documents and deliver them as a Credential Assembly Service report to the law school.
Personal Statement
When writing your statement, be sure to provide the Admissions Committee with information about your experiences and why you are interested in attending law school. You may want to focus on particular circumstances or experiences that you have had that will make you a successful law student. It is essential to explain why the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is the best fit for you and what you hope to gain from your legal education. The personal statement should be no longer than 750 words, so be concise and clear when writing your statement. For personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements.
Resume
Submit a résumé or curriculum vitae detailing your education, employment, skills, honors, awards, and accomplishments. Upload the document as an attachment to the application form. To read some advice about creating a professional law school resume, click here.
Diversity Statement (Optional)
The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is committed to promoting diversity in legal education and in the profession as a whole. Toward that end, the Admissions Committee invites you to submit a statement explaining how you would contribute meaningfully to the diversity of the law school. For example, your statement may address how your background or experiences have prepared you to make a unique contribution to our law school community. Limit the length of the statement to approximately 250 words.
Admissions Interview
The admissions committee at Maryland Carey Law may request to interview applicants as part of the application review process. However, candidates are not able to request interviews. The admissions committee makes interview requests at its discretion.
Attachments
Please upload attachments through the "Attachments" tab. Attachments should include your personal statement, résumé or curriculum vitae, diversity statement (optional), information about a prior law school that you have attended, information in explanation of any character and fitness issue, and any other information relevant to your application.
Signature and Date
Please type your name and the date you are applying. Signing this application and transmitting it electronically certifies that its information is complete, accurate, and honestly presented. You also certify that any information submitted on your behalf is authentic, including letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and certifications. You understand and agree that any inaccurate, misleading, or omitted information will cause an investigation of misconduct in the admissions process, rescission of any offer of admission, or cause for disciplinary action, dismissal, or revocation of degree if discovered at a later date. You further agree to abide by the rules, policies, and regulations of the University of Maryland if you are admitted as a student.
Tuition and Expenses
For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is set as a flat rate for full-time, first-year JD students—approximately $18,915 per semester for Maryland residents and $27,922 for non-residents, with additional per-credit charges in later years. In addition to tuition, students are responsible for mandatory campus fees, which cover services such as student activities, technology, and health insurance. The overall cost of attendance also factors in living expenses, books, malpractice insurance, and loan fees, which are used to determine financial aid eligibility for incoming students.
Cost of Attendance
For the 2025 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law includes not only tuition and fees but also living expenses, books, malpractice insurance, and loan fees. These figures provide a realistic projection of what students can expect to spend during their studies and are also used to determine financial aid eligibility. The COA varies depending on residency status, with Maryland residents paying lower tuition compared to non-residents, while other expenses such as housing, transportation, and personal costs remain relatively consistent across the board.
| Expense Category | Maryland Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Full-Time) | $37,830 | $55,844 |
| Mandatory Fees | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Health Insurance | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Living Expenses | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Transportation | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Personal Expenses | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Loan Fees | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Total Estimated COA | $69,930 | $87,944 |
Financial Aid
The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is one of seven professional and graduate schools at The University of Maryland Baltimore. The University's Office of Student Financial Assistance administers financial aid for students at each school on campus, including the School of Law. The University's need-based financial aid program is designed to assist students with financial aid resources, including grant assistance, loans, and/or work-study. The School of Law's Office of Admissions oversees and awards merit-based scholarships and grants.
In order for any form of financial aid (scholarships, grants, work-study, or loans) to post on their accounts, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and identify "The University of Maryland, Baltimore" (code 002104) as a recipient institution.
Scholarship
- Merit-based scholarships are renewable so long as the recipient remains enrolled in good standing with regard to both character and academics. We do not offer conditional scholarships.
- Need-based grants awarded by the University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance, often described as University Grants, are renewable based on the timely submission of the FAFSA, the determination of financial need, and the availability of funds.
Law School Culture
In 2025, the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law continues to foster a culture that balances its historic legacy with forward-looking innovation. The school is recognized for its strong commitment to experiential learning through nationally respected clinical programs that immerse students in real-world practice. Its diverse and inclusive community welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds, encouraging collaboration, mentorship, and civic engagement. The culture emphasizes public service, leadership, and professional growth, supported by close faculty-student relationships and active alumni involvement. Traditions such as alumni gatherings, scholarship events, and hooding ceremonies highlight the strong sense of community and connectedness that define the Carey Law experience.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
For the Class of 2025, employment prospects at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law remain strong, reflecting the school’s tradition of preparing graduates for successful careers across a range of legal fields. Recent outcomes show that nearly all graduates secure meaningful employment or pursue further education within ten months of graduation, with the majority entering positions requiring bar passage or categorized as J.D. Advantage roles. Judicial clerkships continue to be a notable strength, with a significant share of graduates gaining placements at state, federal, and appellate courts. On the bar exam, graduates perform above national averages, with recent classes exceeding an 80% first-time pass rate compared to lower national benchmarks. These results highlight Carey Law’s emphasis on rigorous preparation, experiential learning, and strong employer connections, positioning the Class of 2025 for continued success in the legal profession.
| Category | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Overall Employment Rate | ~97% |
| Bar Passage Required Positions | ~75% |
| J.D. Advantage Positions | ~19% |
| Judicial Clerkships | ~37% |
| Further Education | ~2–3% |
| First-Time Bar Passage Rate | ~82% |
| National First-Time Bar Average | ~72% |
Quality of Life
In order to know what life will be like at Maryland Law, one has to know what life is like in Baltimore. Contrary to most people's expectations, Maryland Law is not in College Park like the undergraduate campus. It sits a half-hour north in Charm City. The question is "how much charm is there really in that city?" It depends.
Baltimore City Center is located in the heart of downtown Baltimore, close to the Inner Harbor and Camden Yards. It is within walking distance of the U.S. Immigration Court, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, U.S. District Courthouse, Maryland Attorney General’s Office, and the Circuit Court of Baltimore City. Additionally, there are seven professional schools on the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus nearby.
The Baltimore-Washington corridor is a major center for legal activity in the United States. It is easy to find externships in state and federal government agencies, nonprofit organizations and trade associations. Many transit options are available, including Amtrak and MARC trains, UMB shuttles, CityBus, Baltimore Link, and other MTA buses. The drive from the corridor to Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport is only 15 minutes.
As far as the student body is concerned, they seem to be a collectively happy and hard-working bunch. They study a lot, but "enjoy having their fun, too" as one 1L reported, "that is if we can manage to get away from our casebook."
Curriculum and Areas of Expertise
Undoubtedly, Maryland Law is best known for its programs in Environmental Law and Healthcare Law. Healthcare Law is especially strong, ranking second in the country according to US News. Perhaps this has something to do with the school's well-known journal on Healthcare Law & Policy. Environmental Law ranks 11th, ahead of such powerhouses as NYU and UCLA. This is no surprise, as Maryland's location in the Chesapeake Bay area-not to mention the proximity to Washington, DC, which is a hotbed for environmental advocacy-provides students with a plethora of opportunities for getting involved in local and national environmental issues.
Students often capitalize on the strength of these programs by earning a dual degree. The JD/MA in public policy is popular, as is the JD/MPH (Master's of Public Health). But the classroom is not the only place where students can satiate their desires for educational nourishment. There is a mandatory clinical program at Maryland, ensuring that all students enjoy the benefits of clinical experience. Also mandatory are the school's Moot Court program and the Public Interest program. Students looking for more can try out for the National trial team, though they should expect strong competition as it was ranked first in the country last year after winning the National Tournament of Champions in 2006.
Synopsis
Interested in Environmental Law or Healthcare policy? Even better, are you a Maryland resident? If so, Maryland Law may be the perfect school for you. If you don't think you could be happy in Baltimore, though, or if you want to work outside of the Mid-Atlantic region, this may not be your best choice.
Contact Information
MARYLAND CAREY LAW
Admissions Office
500 West Baltimore Street, Suite 130
Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1786
Phone: (410) 706-3492
Fax: (410) 706-1793
Email: admissions@law.umaryland.edu
https://www.law.umaryland.edu/
Summary
| Established | 1916 |
| Location | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Dean | Renée Hutchins Laurent |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 63rd |
| LSAT Median Score | 163 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.73 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 74.9% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 74.5% (2025) |
| Cost | "$38,213 (in-state, full-time),
$55,369 (out-of-state, full-time)" |
| Average Debt | $145,754 |
| Application Deadline | April 1, 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
https://www.law.umaryland.edu/
Rank #63
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Interview: with Donald Tobin, Dean and Professor of Law, the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
Forums: https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=4
