Seattle University School of Law

With a new building and a great location, the Seattle University School of Law will be an attractive option for many students hoping to practice in the Northwest.  Career prospects are weak, however, and prospective students should remember this as they make their final decision.

History

The Seattle University School of Law is an institution that is committed to providing equitable access to legal education while also ensuring a high academic standard. Established in 1972 as the University of Puget Sound (UPS) School of Law in Tacoma, Washington, it remained there until 1994, when Seattle University acquired it and moved it to its current home, Sullivan Hall, on the Seattle U campus.

The law school has always prioritized access to legal education for a broader range of students and encouraged practical skills such as legal writing and representing real clients. This is evident in its curriculum, which provides courses that develop these competencies. It also emphasizes the importance of academic rigor by setting a high standard for its students and faculty.

Admissions

Seattle University School of Law welcomes applicants for its 2025 admissions cycle with a strong commitment to social justice, experiential learning, and academic excellence. Located in the heart of Seattle, the school offers students unique opportunities to engage with a vibrant legal community and gain practical experience alongside their studies. With a supportive environment and a focus on preparing students to serve both local and global communities, Seattle U Law continues to attract those passionate about making a meaningful impact through the legal profession.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	152-157-160	153-157-160
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	" 3.14-3.51-3.71"	3.21-3.53-3.72
Acceptance rate	54.9%	53.2%
Applications received	1569	1687
Acceptances	820	898
Matriculants	213	207

For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, Seattle University School of Law received 1,687 applications and extended offers to 898 candidates, resulting in an acceptance rate of 53.2%. Of those accepted, 207 students ultimately matriculated. The entering class demonstrated strong academic credentials, with LSAT scores ranging from the 25th to 75th percentile between 153 and 160, and GPAs ranging from 3.21 to 3.72 within the same range. This profile highlights a selective admissions process while maintaining accessibility for a diverse pool of applicants.

Seattle University's rigorous admissions process makes it difficult for applicants to gain admission yearly. Still, the data show it is possible with hard work and dedication. The school's competitive atmosphere also helps ensure students are rigorously prepared for their law careers after graduation.

Application Dates

Seattle University School of Law invites prospective JD candidates to apply on a rolling basis for the 2025 admissions cycle. The application period begins on September 1 and closes on July 15. Students seeking consideration for Access Admission must submit their applications by January 1, while the priority deadline is March 1. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to maximize opportunities for review and scholarship consideration. Seattle U Law emphasizes its commitment to access to justice and supports students in achieving their goal of becoming lawyers.

Application Procedures

Applicants to the 2025 cycle must complete their materials through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The online application requires submission of a personal statement, résumé, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. The personal statement should be typed, double-spaced, and limited to two pages. Candidates must also submit an LSAT or GRE score taken within the last five years. An optional one-page addendum may be included to provide any additional context. While the application deadline is March 1, early submission is strongly encouraged. The $65 application fee will be waived for applications received by February 1. Seattle U Law’s admissions team looks forward to reviewing applications and encourages students to begin the process early.

The Seattle University School of Law admissions team looks forward to considering your application and encourages prospective students to start the process early!

Tuition and Financial Aid

Seattle University School of Law’s tuition for the 2025 academic year reflects its commitment to providing a high-quality legal education while also supporting students through financial aid opportunities. Tuition covers not only classroom instruction but also access to resources such as academic advising, career services, and experiential learning programs that prepare students for the practice of law. To help manage costs, Seattle U Law offers a variety of financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and federal student loans. Applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early in the admissions cycle to maximize eligibility for need-based assistance. The law school’s financial aid team is available to guide students through the process, ensuring they have the support and resources necessary to make their legal education affordable and attainable.

Financial Aid

As a Seattle University law student, you are likely to be eligible for several or all of the following programs:

Credit-based Loans

Alternative loan programs are available to help students who require additional financial assistance beyond what is offered through federal, institutional, and outside scholarships or employment. Grad PLUS loans are one such option, federally-funded credit-based loans with a few different benefits that make them attractive. For example, they often come with low-interest rates and flexible repayment options such as automatic withdrawal from one's bank account. Additionally, over time, Grad PLUS loans can be used to cover the entire cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses.

Government Student Loans

The Seattle University School of Law provides several financial aid options for needy students. The Unsubsidized Stafford loan is a federal loan available up to $20,500 per year at an interest rate determined by the government starting July 1st each year. This loan has a six-month grace period after graduation or when enrollment drops below half-time before repayment begins. Additionally, the Grad PLUS loan is a credit-based federal loan offered to students whose needs still need to be fully met by other government loan programs, scholarships, or employment income. This type of loan helps bridge any financial gaps that may be present. It’s important to note that private loans (also credit-based) can be taken out in addition to the Grad PLUS loan, but it’s not required.

Seattle U Law Scholarships

Seattle University School of Law offers a wide range of scholarships to eligible students with financial aid needs. These scholarships are awarded regardless of any separate application process, except for the Scholars for Justice Award, The Douglas R Nash Native American Law Scholarship, Law Librarianship Scholarship, and the Outlaws Civil Rights Scholarship.

Outside Scholarships

Outside Scholarships are monetary awards from sources outside of Seattle University or governmental agencies that can be used to offset a student's cost of education. These awards generally require the student to apply and may have specific criteria regarding who is eligible to receive them.

Work-study and Student Employment

Seattle University School of Law offers students a range of on-campus employment opportunities, either through need-based federal work-study or non-work-study. This allows students to engage in meaningful part-time jobs within the Law School or other departments and locations around Seattle University's campus.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

For the class of 2024, Seattle University School of Law achieved a record employment rate of 92% within 10 months after graduation, with 87% of employed graduates holding roles that require bar passage and another 9% in JD-advantage positions. Among those employed, 48% joined law firms, 22% entered public interest, 16% went into government, and 8% secured judicial clerkships.

In terms of bar passage, the first-time pass rate for the class of 2024 was 78.74%, compared to the ABA-weighted average of 82.24%, indicating a modest shortfall. Over a two-year window, the school reports its ultimate bar passage rate for prior graduating classes has ranged in the upper 80s to low 90s—for example, about 89.7% for the class of 2021—demonstrating that many who do not pass initially often succeed on subsequent attempts.

Academics

Seattle University School of Law is a popular educational option for aspiring legal professionals, offering students the chance to experience the city life of Seattle with access to numerous externship opportunities. It boasts a Top-40 clinical training program and an excellent legal writing program, ranked in the top three according to USNews specialty rankings.

The school has recently constructed a new, tech-friendly building, further enhancing the law school experience. Additionally, the school offers an array of clinical offerings and externship locations near downtown Seattle.

Despite its strong points, some things could be improved to attending this school. The grading curve is challenging, and the growing class size reduces students' access to professors. Furthermore, students have noted the administration's shortcomings in creating unnecessary and frustrating obstacles. Despite this, many students can gain a positive academic experience overall thanks to Seattle University School of Law's varied clinical offerings, excellent legal writing program, and location near downtown Seattle.

Quality of Life

Seattle University School of Law is an excellent choice for students seeking quality legal education. Located in Seattle, Washington, the school offered an urban environment alive with activity and culture and surrounded by opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The student body at Seattle University School of Law is diverse and welcoming, drawing in students from all backgrounds and ages. The faculty and staff at the law school are dedicated to helping students reach their full academic potential. The school is known for its rigorous curriculum and challenging grading curves, making it an excellent choice for aspiring lawyers who want to push themselves academically.

The Seattle University School of Law also offers students a unique learning experience as it is a Jesuit institution. It focuses on social justice and fosters an ethical legal system. This makes the school an excellent choice for those looking to make an impact in their local community or beyond.

Overall, Seattle University School of Law is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue a quality legal education with the opportunities to explore the unique culture of Seattle, Washington. It's an ideal place to grow academically, explore socially, and make a lasting impact.

Seattle University School of Law is an excellent option if you want to take your legal career to the next level. With its diverse student body, challenging curriculum, and emphasis on social justice, Seattle University School of Law will provide the tools you need to succeed.

Synopsis

Seattle is a great place to spend three years. What's more, the new building and the school's strong legal writing and clinical training programs demonstrate the school's ability to prepare its students for a wonderful legal career; starting such a career may prove to be a problem, however, as Seattle's weak career prospects will continue to be an issue.

Contact Information

Seattle University
School of Law
Admissions Office
901 12th Avenue,
Sullivan Hall
Seattle, WA 98122-1090

Phone: 206-398-4200
Email: lawadmis@seattleu.edu
https://law.seattleu.edu/admission/apply/jd-program-admission/

Summary

Established	1994
Location	Seattle, WA
Dean	Anthony E. Varona
2025 US News Ranking	127th
LSAT Median Score	157
GPA Median Score	3.53
Bar Passage Rate	74.6% (2025)
Employment Rate	32.5% (2025)
Cost	"$59,594 full-time, $37,973 part-time"
Average Debt	$131,943
Application Deadline	July 10, 2025

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

Seattle University School of Law
https://law.seattleu.edu/
Rank #127
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