University of Pennsylvania Law School

Penn Carey Law

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is one of the top law schools in the United States, according to US News & World Report. It is part of the University of Pennsylvania and is known for its rigorous academic program. Students at the school can choose to participate in several law journals, including the University of Pennsylvania Law Review, the oldest law review in the country. The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School was renamed on November 8, 2019, after the W. P. Carey Foundation donated $125 million. This is the largest private donation in the school's history.

History

Origins

The University of Pennsylvania Law School has a long and distinguished history dating back to 1790. James Wilson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and a Supreme Court Justice, delivered a series of lectures on law at the school, which President George Washington and his cabinet attended. Penn Law is now one of the most prestigious law schools in the world and is very competitive to get into.

Formal Establishment

Penn Law has been a leading law school in the United States since it was founded in 1850. Under the leadership of George Sharswood, the school began offering a full-time law program that quickly became highly regarded. In 1852, Penn Law added two more instructors and began granting the degree of LL.B. The school has continued to innovate in legal education, making it a top choice for students seeking to enter the legal profession.

In the early days of law in America, would-be lawyers typically apprenticed with an experienced attorney. This was often a paid position, generating income for many established lawyers. There were few law schools then; some were independent, while others were affiliated with a college or university. A law degree was not required to practice law, and courts often did not give weight to time spent in law school.

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School did not initially require students to have a college degree. College degrees were not seen as necessary for entrance into the school. The school also did not have any formal examinations for matriculation. This meant that admission into the school was based on the student's willingness to learn and ability to pay tuition rather than any academic achievement. Over time, though, the standards for admission into the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School changed, and it eventually became necessary for students to have a college degree to be accepted.

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School courses were mainly focused on legal specifics rather than general principles. The subjects covered property law, admiralty law, equity jurisprudence, and international and constitutional law. However, these courses were more theoretical than practical and did not cover the details of working as a lawyer. A course on "practice" became required only at the turn of the century, and it has since been irregularly included in the curriculum.

Rise to National Prominence

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Penn Carey Law solidified its status as a leading law school in the United States. Notable milestones include:

• 1925: Founding of the American Law Institute (ALI) by Dean William Draper Lewis, with the ALI headquartered at the Law School .

• 1969: Appointment of Martha Field as the first woman faculty member at the Law School .

• 2019: A transformative $125 million donation from the W.P. Carey Foundation led to the renaming of the school as the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School .

• 2025: The Law School was ranked 5th nationally by U.S. News & World Report, maintaining its position among the elite "T14" law schools .

Penn Carey Law continues to emphasize interdisciplinary education, offering numerous joint degree programs and fostering a commitment to public service through initiatives like the Toll Public Interest Center .

Admissions

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	168 - 172 - 174	168 - 172 - 174
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.66 - 3.92 - 3.98	3.77 - 3.93 - 3.99
Acceptance rate	9.7%	10%
Applications received	6518	6461
Acceptances	644	643
Matriculants	231	244

For the class entering in 2024-2025, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School maintained its reputation as a highly selective institution. The acceptance rate slightly increased to 10% from the previous year’s 9.7%, with 6,461 applications received and 643 offers extended. Of those accepted, 244 students ultimately matriculated, up from 231 in the prior cycle. The LSAT scores for the middle 50% of admitted students remained steady, ranging from 168 to 174, while the GPA range increased, reflecting heightened academic competitiveness. The 25th to 75th percentile GPA rose to 3.77 - 3.99, compared to the previous range of 3.66 - 3.98. Although the latest diversity statistics have not been explicitly updated, the law school has historically enrolled classes that include a significant proportion of first-generation college and professional school students, women, students of color, and students with advanced degrees. The LLM program continues to attract international applicants, with a legacy of over 1,250 applications from students in 70 countries and a typical class representing more than 30 nations. Penn Carey Law remains consistently ranked among the top 14 law schools in the nation and was ranked 5th by U.S. News & World Report in 2025, underscoring its sustained academic excellence and competitive admissions landscape.

Letters of Recommendation

As of the 2025 admissions cycle, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School maintains specific requirements for letters of recommendation and offers optional supplemental essays to provide applicants with opportunities to present a comprehensive view of their qualifications.

Applicants to the JD program are required to submit two letters of recommendation through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. While only two are mandatory, the admissions committee will accept up to four letters. These letters should ideally come from individuals who can attest to the applicant's academic abilities, such as professors, or from professional contacts like employers who can speak to the applicant's potential for success in a rigorous law school program. The admissions committee emphasizes the importance of insights into the applicant's intellectual capabilities, writing and analytical skills, and overall potential for success in legal studies.

To get some additional advice on obtaining letters of recommendation, click here.

Supplemental Essays

Supplemental Essays

In addition to the personal statement, Penn Carey Law allows applicants to submit one optional supplemental essay. The application provides several prompts, including:

• Diversity Statement: Discussing how the applicant's background, experiences, or perspectives would contribute to the diversity of the Penn Carey Law community.

• Defining Characteristics: Elaborating on personal attributes or experiences that define the applicant and align with the law school's core strengths.

• Teamwork Experience: Describing a situation where the applicant worked collaboratively in a team setting.

• Academic Performance Explanation: Providing context for any aspects of the applicant's academic record or standardized test scores that may require further explanation.

These essays offer applicants an opportunity to present additional facets of their candidacy and to address any areas of their application they wish to elaborate upon .

For more information on personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements.

Binding Early Decision Application

As of the 2025 admissions cycle, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School continues to offer a binding Early Decision (ED) program and maintains policies regarding transfers, waitlists, and deferrals.

Penn Carey Law's Early Decision program is designed for applicants who have thoroughly researched their law school options and determined that Penn Carey Law is clearly their first choice, regardless of financial considerations. The Early Decision program is binding. Applicants who wish to be considered for Early Decision must commit to matriculate at Penn Carey Law if admitted. If admitted, applicants must withdraw their applications from all other law schools and refrain from initiating new applications. Applicants who apply through the Early Decision program may apply to other law schools but may not have more than one binding Early Decision application.

To read a TLS article about deciding between ED and RD (or Regular Decision), click here.

Applicants should note that in recent years, application numbers for even the top law schools have been in free fall. In a buyer's market, applicants should be extremely wary of applying for early decision anywhere. Even if your heart is set on Penn, it would be well worth your while to compare and try to leverage scholarship offers from its peer schools.

Transfers, Waitlists, and Deferrals

Transfers

Penn Carey Law considers transfer applications from students who have completed the first year of full-time study at an ABA-accredited law school. Transfer applicants must have successfully completed all required first-year courses at their current institution. The application period opens on May 1, with a submission deadline of June 15. All supporting materials, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be received by June 30. Decisions are made on a rolling basis beginning in mid to late June. Transfer applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation, preferably from law professors, and a letter of good standing from their current law school. Please note that transfer applicants are not eligible for need-based financial assistance or application fee waivers.

Waitlist

The admissions committee at Penn Carey Law maintains a waitlist for applicants who may be considered for admission if space becomes available. Waitlisted candidates are encouraged to remain in contact with the admissions office and may submit additional materials, such as updated transcripts, letters of recommendation, or a statement of continued interest. The review of waitlisted applicants typically begins in May and can extend into the summer months.

Deferrals

Admitted students may request to defer their enrollment for one year by submitting a written request to the admissions office. Deferrals are granted on a case-by-case basis for reasons such as unforeseen personal circumstances, military service, or participation in structured programs like Teach for America. Two-year deferrals are less common and are typically reserved for specific commitments. Applicants seeking a deferral should submit their request as soon as possible after admission. To read a fantastic article about transferring, click here.

Public Interest Support

Penn Law makes an effort to enable students to pursue public interest-minded careers despite the financial burdens of legal education. Penn was the first nationally prominent law school to institute mandatory pro bono service and continues to encourage all students to consider the greater good in their careers.

The Toll Public Interest Scholars Program funds a few students in each class who demonstrate commitment to the public interest and provide as much grant assistance as the Levy Scholars Program. The program supports each scholar's public interest development through funded summer internships, seminars, and mentor relationships. As with other merit scholarships, no special application is required. The program covers the tuition for 1L year and two-thirds of the tuition for the next two years. Penn also offers guaranteed funding to all students working public interest internships over the summer-around 175 each year.

The law school also provides public interest support to recent graduates through its Toll Loan Repayment Assistance Program. Graduates in qualifying employment (legal work that primarily benefits the public interest, such as direct services or many government posts) can have part or all of their law school debt forgiven. "TolLRAP" covers annual loan payments up to $14,000 for those making less than $48,000 and dispenses decreasing aid for those making more. Adjustments are made for spousal income and dependent children.

Tuition and Living Expenses

As of the 2025–2026 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School's JD program is $116,132. This comprehensive figure includes tuition, mandatory fees, and estimated living expenses:

• Tuition: $78,348

• General Fee: $4,108

• Clinical Fee: $742

• Technology Fee: $1,294

• Housing: $16,264

• Food: $5,320

• Transportation: $960

• Personal Expenses: $1,784

• Books and Supplies: $2,650

• Health Insurance (if required): $4,662

Philadelphia's cost of living is higher than the national average but remains more affordable than other major northeastern cities like New York and Boston. Compared to peer institutions in smaller college towns, such as the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, living expenses in Philadelphia are approximately 24% and 18% higher, respectively.

For housing, students residing off-campus in University City can expect to pay between $750 and $900 per month for a studio apartment, with one-bedroom units typically costing $100 to $200 more. In Center City, high-rise studio rents start around $1,000 and can exceed $1,300, depending on the building and amenities. Options range from affordable brownstones to luxury apartments, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.

Additional expenses, including groceries, entertainment, and transportation, are notably higher than the national average but will vary based on individual lifestyles. Prospective students are encouraged to consult current housing listings and budget accordingly.

As always, check with potential housing options for the most updated rates. To learn more about obtaining a fee waiver, click here.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

As of the 2025–2026 academic year, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School continues to offer a comprehensive array of scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to support its diverse student body.

Scholarships and Grants

• Merit-Based Scholarships

All JD applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admissions process. These awards are based on a holistic review of academic achievements, leadership qualities, and life experiences. No separate application is required for consideration.

• Levy Scholars Program

This prestigious program offers full tuition and fees for three years, along with mentorship opportunities, specialized programming, and research assistant positions. It emphasizes interdisciplinary study and is awarded to students demonstrating exceptional academic and leadership potential.

• Toll Public Interest Scholars Program

Funded by a $50 million gift from the Robert and Jane Toll Foundation, this program provides full tuition and summer funding for all three years to students committed to public interest careers. It also offers substantive programming to support students' dedication to service.

• Silverman-Rodin Scholars Program

Established in 2004, this scholarship provides full tuition for the first year and half tuition for the second year. Selection is based on academic achievement and leadership.

• Dean’s Scholarships

These awards range from $9,000 to $120,000 in tuition coverage, recognizing academic excellence, leadership, service, and diverse life experiences.

• Additional Scholarships

Penn Carey Law offers various other scholarships, including the Franklin Endowed Merit Scholarship and the Owen J. Roberts Scholarship, each with specific eligibility criteria and award amounts.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Students seeking need-based aid must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile by March 1, 2025. Additional documentation, such as tax forms, may be required. International students are also eligible for need-based grants and must provide equivalent financial information.

Loans

Penn Carey Law participates in federal loans programs, including the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Graduate PLUS Loan. These loans can cover tuition, fees, and living expenses. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify. International students may access private loans with a U.S. co-signer.

• Loan Repayment Assistance

For graduates pursuing public interest careers, Penn Carey Law offers loan repayment assistance through programs like the Toll Loan Forgiveness Program. These initiatives aim to alleviate the financial burden of student loans for those serving in the public sector.

Student Body

As of 2025, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School continues to foster a vibrant and diverse student body, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.

Student Demographics

The Class of 2027 comprises 251 students, with a balanced representation of 50% women and 49% identifying as students of color. Approximately 28% of the class identifies as LGBTQ+. Notably, 12% are first-generation college students, and 33% are the first in their families to attend professional school. The class is geographically diverse, with students hailing from 33 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and international locations including Canada, China, and South Korea. Academically, students come from 119 undergraduate institutions, representing 59 different majors, 24% of which are in STEM fields .

Student Organizations

Penn Carey Law boasts over 100 student organizations and journals, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in various interests and causes. These groups host more than 200 events annually, ranging from conferences to public interest initiatives, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment .

Formation of New Student Groups

Students interested in establishing new organizations can seek official recognition by submitting a mission statement and a petition signed by at least twelve current students. Once recognized, these groups gain access to funding opportunities through the Council of Student Representatives (CSR) and the Dean's Speakers Fund, as well as access to school resources like meeting spaces and communication channels .

Publications

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is home to several legal journals, with the University of Pennsylvania Law Review being the oldest journal in the United States. Established in 1852 as the American Law Register, it was renamed its current title in 1908 and is highly cited by law professionals worldwide. The Penn Law Review articles document significant historical moments of the 19th and 20th centuries, such as the amendment of the 19th Amendment, World Wars I and II, the civil rights movement, and the Vietnam War. Other law journals include:

• University of Pennsylvania Journal of Constitutional Law, one of the top 50 law journals in the United States based on citations and impact.
• University of Pennsylvania Journal of International Law, formerly known as Journal of International Economic Law, formerly known as Journal of International Business Law, formerly known as Journal of Comparative Business and Capital Market Law
• University of Pennsylvania Journal of Business Law, formerly known as Journal of Business and Employment Law
• University of Pennsylvania Journal of Law and Social Change
• Asian Law Review, formerly known as East Asian Law Review, formerly known as Chinese Law and Policy Review
• Journal of Law & Public Affairs

Academics

Curriculum

First-year students take a traditional set of courses: civil procedure, contracts, property, torts, criminal law, and constitutional law. They also take two semesters of Legal Writing, which is graded on a pass/fail basis. The class includes large lectures and small "cohort" meetings of about 15 students. Penn first-years can choose two electives, one from a list of Regulatory offerings and the other from a Perspectives list of survey courses like Jurisprudence and Chinese Law.

Second- and third-year students freely select classes to complete the remaining required credits, and have a wide variety to choose from. Upper-level students can also take advantage of the university's other graduate offerings and a range of experiential learning opportunities. To graduate, all Penn Law students must complete at least 70 hours of pro bono service, take a professional responsibility course, and satisfy a senior writing and research requirement.

Joint Degree Programs

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is known for its joint degree programs, which allow students to earn two degrees in less than the usual amount of time. The school has established programs with many other academic departments, including the Wharton School of Business and the Fels Institute of Government. Undergraduate students at Penn can also take law school courses before graduation through the sub-matriculation program. In addition to the existing programs, students can create their custom joint degree program. The Levy Scholars Program encourages students to consider pursuing a joint degree. Some of the most common programs are:

• J.D./M.Bioethics, Department of Medical Ethics in the School of Medicine
• J.D./M.B.A. The Wharton School
• J.D./M.C.P., City & Regional Planning, Penn Design
• J.D./M.A./M.S. Criminology, Department of Criminology
• JD/M.S.Ed. Educational Policy or Higher Ed, Graduate School of Education
• J.D./M.E.S. Institute for Environmental Studies
• J.D./M.G.A., Fels Institute of Government
• J.D./A.M. Islamic Studies, Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
• J.D./M.A. International Studies, The Lauder Institute (Wharton) and School of Arts & Sciences
• J.D./M.A. Philosophy, Department of Philosophy
• J.D./M.P.H., Graduate Program in Public Health Studies, School of Medicine
• J.D./M.S.W., School of Social Policy and Practice
• JD/Ph.D. American Legal History, Department of History
• J.D./Ph.D. Communication, Annenberg School for Communication
• JD/Ph.D. Economics, Department of Economics
• JD/Ph.D. Philosophy, Department of Philosophy
• J.D./D.E.S.S., Global Business Law, Université Paris 1 Panthéon- Sorbonne Law School and the Institut d'Études Politiques (credits earned enable a graduate to apply for a French law license)
• J.D./B.A., or B.S. Submatriculation programs with The Wharton School, the Nursing School, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania

Study Abroad

Penn Law students have several opportunities to take their education overseas. Traditional, semester-long study-abroad programs allow students to take classes at law schools in Barcelona, Bangalore, Beijing, and Tokyo. Each program can be completed mostly or fully in English. Students who want a more immersive experience can spend their third year studying in Paris or Hong Kong. The Paris program, taught in English and French, confers a JD and Master in Economic Law degree. In Hong Kong, students take English-language courses and earn an LL.M. However, those who actually want to practice in Hong Kong will need additional training and certification.

Faculty

As of 2025, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School boasts a distinguished and interdisciplinary faculty, maintaining a student-faculty ratio of 4.8:1, which fosters a rigorous yet supportive academic environment.

Faculty Excellence and Interdisciplinary Scholarship

Penn Carey Law's faculty includes renowned scholars such as:

• Christopher S. Yoo: John H. Chestnut Professor of Law, Communication, and Computer & Information Science; founding director of the Center for Technology, Innovation & Competition; recognized for his work on technology law and network neutrality.

• Paul H. Robinson: Colin S. Diver Professor of Law; expert in criminal law and former member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

• Claire Finkelstein: Algernon Biddle Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy; director of the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law.

• Stephen R. Perry: John J. O'Brien Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy; director of the Institute of Law & Philosophy.

• Chris William Sanchirico: Samuel A. Blank Professor of Law, Business, and Public Policy; expert on tax law and policy.

Approximately 70% of the standing faculty hold advanced degrees beyond the JD, and more than a third have secondary appointments in other departments at the university, reflecting the school's strong interdisciplinary orientation.

Penn Carey Law offers over 35 joint-degree and certificate programs in collaboration with 11 other schools at the University of Pennsylvania, including the Wharton School, the Perelman School of Medicine, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science . Notably, the Carey JD/MBA Program allows students to earn both degrees in three years.

The law school also provides study abroad opportunities through partnerships with institutions such as Sciences Po in France and the University of Hong Kong, enabling students to gain international legal perspectives.

Student Activities

Clinics and Externships

Penn Law offers nine direct clinical experiences in which students can gain firsthand experience, as well as a Lawyering in the Public Interest seminar that combines readings, speakers, and court observations with students' law school public interest experience and discussions of issues faced by public interest lawyers. Penn students can directly represent clients in civil or criminal-defense cases; they can help small businesses through the Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic or disadvantaged kids through the Interdisciplinary Child Advocacy Clinic. The Legislative Clinic gives opportunities to policy-minded students, and the Mediation Clinic explores non-litigation methods of conflict resolution.

Penn's Supreme Court Clinic allows students to research and contributes to actual cases to be argued in front of the nation's highest court. Participants work in the clinic for a full academic year and take a one-semester seminar that complements the hands-on experience. Two former clerks to Justice Anthony Kennedy conduct the clinic, and faculty members teach the seminar with extensive experience arguing Supreme Court cases.

The Gittis Center for Clinical Legal Studies also facilitates externship placements with Philadelphia-area legal employers, ranging from public interest organizations and governmental agencies to law firms arguing federal cases. Oversight by externship supervisors and clinical faculty expands the value of these experiential opportunities.

Moot Court

Penn 2Ls compete in an intramural moot court competition, Appellate Advocacy II, which includes a written brief and oral arguments. The top performers from this competition are eligible for 3L positions, including competitive spots on the Keedy Cup or National Moot Court Competition teams and membership on the Moot Court Board. Penn students also enter several national and international competitions, for which they make their own teams.

Student Organizations

Along with moot court and journals, a wide range of interest- and affinity-based groups allow students to socialize and work with like-minded peers. Groups range from identity groups, such as the Black Law Students Association and Christian Legal Society; to serious special interests, like Penn Law for Reproductive Justice; to fun, activity-based organizations, like the Iron Chef Club and various intramural sports. Unsurprisingly, many groups have a cross-disciplinary focus (the Penn Law Association for Law and the Arts, Law and the Brain). Finally, students give back through well over a dozen pro bono projects, including direct service organizations like Advocates for the Homeless and outreach programs like Street Law, which teaches local children about constitutional and legal issues.

Facilities

As of 2025, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School continues to offer state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional employment outcomes for its graduates.

The Penn Carey Law campus comprises four interconnected buildings—Silverman Hall, Gittis Hall, Tanenbaum Hall, and Golkin Hall—arranged around a central courtyard to foster collaboration among students, faculty, and staff.

• Silverman Hall: This historic building houses the Levy Conference Center, faculty offices, classrooms, and administrative spaces.

• Gittis Hall: Features modern classrooms and faculty offices, supporting various lectures and symposia.

• Tanenbaum Hall: Home to the Biddle Law Library, law journals, administrative offices, and student spaces.

• Golkin Hall: Dedicated in 2012, Golkin Hall serves as the main entrance and includes a state-of-the-art courtroom, a 350-seat auditorium, seminar rooms, faculty and administrative offices, and a rooftop garden. The building has earned LEED Gold certification for its environmentally sustainable design.

These facilities are designed to promote interaction and support the law school's commitment to a collegial and interdisciplinary educational environment.

Penn Law Employment Outcomes

As of 2025, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School continues to demonstrate exceptional employment outcomes for its graduates, reflecting its commitment to preparing students for diverse legal careers.

Employment Outcomes for the Class of 2024

• Employment Rate: 99.22% of graduates secured full-time employment within ten months post-graduation, with 255 out of 257 graduates employed.

• Law Firm Placement: Approximately 72% of graduates entered law firm positions, with 68.42% joining firms of 251 or more attorneys.

• Judicial Clerkships: 11% of graduates obtained judicial clerkships, including positions at federal, state, and international courts.

• Public Interest: 7.8% of graduates pursued careers in public interest law, supported by fellowships and the school's robust public service programs.

Median Starting Salaries:

• Private Sector: $190,000
• Public Sector: $60,000

Bar Passage Rate

The first-time bar passage rate for Penn Carey Law graduates in 2024 was 96.7%, underscoring the school's rigorous academic preparation.

These outcomes reflect Penn Carey Law's dedication to fostering a comprehensive legal education that equips graduates for success across various sectors.

Private Practice

The immediate goal of most Penn Law students seems to be working for a big law firm. There are many reasons for this preference: prestige, high-level training and networks, exit options, the chance to work on interesting or high-stakes cases, and (perhaps most important) a paycheck large enough to pay down sizable student debt. The hiring process for large firms is also streamlined, with OCI and high offer rates for summer associates making biglaw the path of least resistance for students at elite schools.

Judicial Clerkships

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School provides excellent support to students seeking judicial clerkships, resulting in an impressive number of placements in recent years. From 2015-2020, 386 students and alumni secured clerkships at all levels, thanks to the help of staff and faculty.

Salaries

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School offers a competitive salary for its graduates. The 25th percentile salary is among the highest in the nation at $190,000. The school's graduates also have a strong chance of securing high-paying positions upon graduation.

First-year Summers

Summer internships are crucial for helping law students build legal resumes. Many Penn Law students spend their first summers interning for government entities or nonprofit organizations. The law school distributes public interest funding and work-study money to fund many of these experiences. Working as a research assistant for a professor (usually paid on an hourly basis) and interning for a judge (often unpaid) are also popular options. Penn 1Ls also spread out geographically during the summer, with many staying at Penn or working in nearby markets such as D.C., and others heading home to cities across the country or even finding opportunities overseas. One TLS member reported: "Everyone has a job [for 1L summer]. … I doubt most people are doing what they want,' but everyone is getting some sort of experience which is all that matters." Another writes, "Everyone seems to have gotten something legal by the time summer came around, usually with some sort of funding."

With the economic downturn, some of the most sought-after 1L jobs-summer associate positions with large firms-have become rare, though not unheard of. These internships represent a significant cost to the firms since 1L summer associates are often paid on the same scale as full-time first-year associates and are less likely to join the firm after graduation than 2L summer associates.

Housing

The University of Pennsylvania provides some furnished, on-campus housing to law students in the Sansom Place East high-rise, which also houses other graduate students and some undergrads. The building has single rooms (shared bathroom, no kitchen; approximately $750/month), single apartments (kitchen, living area, private bath; approximately $1,300/month), and double apartments (two bedroom apartments, kitchen, private bath; approximately $800/month per person). While the location and provided furniture are convenient, most students decide to live off-campus.

Those who decide to live off-campus choose between two neighborhoods: University City, the West Philadelphia neighborhood surrounding the campus, and downtown Philadelphia. Downtown-or "Center City"-begins about a mile east of campus, and many Center City neighborhoods are a reasonable walk's distance from UPenn. These areas provide a wide range of accommodations, as one TLS member attested:

University City is cheaper but Center City is "nicer." It really depends on what you're looking for. Some people want to live in brownstone walk-ups; others want to live in high rises with doormen. There are lots of options. You can spend anywhere from $500/month total to over $2,000. Philly is a pretty diverse place for housing. Also, people with families tend to live out in the suburbs and commute in.

Another TLS user and 1L ventures that a "plurality of [students] live between 20th and 24th in Center City." Living downtown, while farther away from campus, carries proximity to a greater number of restaurants, bars, cultural attractions, and entertainment options. More information about off-campus housing can be found on the university website.

Quality of Life

Living in one of the country's most populous metro areas, Penn Law students should not have trouble filling their free time. The area is steeped in history: The principal city of the late Colonial and early Federal periods, Philadelphia is home to landmarks such as Independence Hall. The University of Pennsylvania was founded by Benjamin Franklin, whose presence still looms large on the UPenn campus and the city as a whole.

The city boasts a wealth of cultural offerings from myriad art museums and galleries. The latter are open late once a month for First Friday, a celebrated Old Town tradition to an award-winning orchestra and the Academy of Music, which hosts ballet and opera companies. Sports fans can watch teams in all four major leagues. Culinary options from world-class fine dining to Philly's famous cheesesteaks and hoagies promise to please any palate, and various nightlife options abound.

Parts of Philadelphia have a bad reputation for safety: According to Business Insider, Philadelphia does rank among the top dozen U.S. cities for violent crime. However, the city ranks fairly low on property crime metrics, and many report that areas around campus frequented by Penn Law students have grown markedly safer in recent years. Still, prospective students may want to consider safety when choosing between housing options.

Winters can be cold and summers muggy, but Philadelphians enjoy pleasant spring and fall seasons. The city is centrally situated near other flagship cities on the eastern seaboard-Washington and New York can be reached in about two hours in light traffic, while Boston is a manageable half-days drive-convenient for those who want to get away for a weekend or visit friends.

Contact Information

University of Pennsylvania Law School
Admissions Office
3400 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Tel: 215-898-7400
Fax: 215-898-9606
Email: contactadmissions@law.upenn.edu

Summary

Established	1850
Location	Philadelphia, PA
Dean	Sophia Z. Lee
2025 US News Ranking	5th
LSAT Median Score	172
GPA Median Score	3.93
Bar Passage Rate	96.3% (2025)
Employment Rate	N/A(2025)
Cost	$80,592
Average Debt	N/A
Application Deadline	N/A

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Reference

University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
LSD.law
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