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Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law is a premier legal institution that offers students the chance to explore their educational and professional passions. With its diverse selection of courses, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities, Cleveland-Marshall provides a holistic education experience that prepares students for success in their chosen career path.
Contents
History
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law is the product of a merger between two-night law schools - the Cleveland Law School, founded in 1897, and the John Marshall School of Law, established in 1916. The two schools eventually combined forces in 1946 to form Cleveland-Marshall Law School. In 1969, it joined Cleveland State University as the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.
Since its earliest days, the Cleveland Law School and John Marshall School of Law have had law libraries. The former boasted a “large library” in its description of its facilities as early as 1905, while the latter’s 1919 bulletin proclaimed an “excellent law library.” By the 1946 merger, the collection had grown to 45,000 volumes.
Today, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law’s library boasts over 500,000 titles and provides a wealth of resources for students looking to succeed in law school. The library houses an extensive collection of print and electronic materials; offers research assistance, legal writing support services, and access to online databases; and provides students with the tools necessary to succeed in their studies. In addition, the library has an extensive collection of open-access resources for those who want to conduct research without having to pay expensive subscription fees. With its commitment to learning and excellence, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law’s library is a great asset for learning the law.
Admissions
If you’re searching for an excellent legal education, look no further than Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. With its exciting downtown location and commitment to social justice, the college can provide a unique, hands-on experience that will give you the skills necessary to excel in your field. If you're unsure about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 152-155-157 | 152-155-157 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3-3.42-3.72 | 3.02-3.43-3.73 |
| Acceptance rate | 48.5% | 36.3% |
| Applications received | 1006 | 1199 |
| Acceptances | 361 | 435 |
| Matriculants | 148 | 190 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law received 1,199 applications, an increase from 1,006 the previous year. Out of these, 435 applicants were accepted, yielding an acceptance rate of 36.3%, which is notably lower than the prior year’s 48.5%, indicating heightened selectivity. The enrolled class grew as well, with 190 matriculants compared to 148 the year before. The academic profile of admitted students remained steady, with LSAT scores in the 25th–75th percentile range holding at 152–155–157. However, the GPA range shifted slightly upward, from 3.3–3.42–3.72 in 2023–2024 to 3.02–3.43–3.73 in 2024–2025. Overall, the data shows a larger applicant pool, more competitive admissions, and an increase in the size of the incoming class.
Application Requirements
To begin their studies at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university before starting classes. Those who still need to finish their undergraduate degree can apply for admission; however, the degree must be bestowed before enrollment in law school commences.
You must complete and submit an official application before July 1. Getting your application in early can help ensure that you can take advantage of any scholarships or other opportunities for which you may be eligible.
Letters of Recommendation
When applying to the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, it is suggested that applicants provide at least two letters of recommendation. At least one of these letters should come from a college or university professor if the applicant has recently been enrolled in a post-secondary institution. To assist with this process, there is a service provided by the Law School Admission Council specifically for submitting letters of recommendation. This service helps ensure that all necessary information is included in the letter and allows applicants to easily upload the documents to their application portal. For additional advice on obtaining letters of recommendation, click here.
Personal Statements
Provide an original Personal Statement that is your work and represents your best writing. There is no specific topic that should be addressed; this is an opportunity for you to share with the Admissions Committee the information about you that you believe will assist the Committee in its decision. The Statement could include, among other things, what influences in your life have led you to seek admission to law school and CSU College of Law specifically. Suppose you have overcome unusual or challenging life circumstances, including hardship, disadvantage, discrimination, or disability, or have exceptional circumstances that you would like the admission committee to consider. In that case, you are encouraged to describe those circumstances either in your Statement or as an attached Supplemental Addendum to your application. For personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements.
Resume
This school may be right for you if you want an outstanding legal education. To apply, a current resume must be included and attached to your electronic application. It is essential that your resume is well-crafted and showcases your academic and professional skills. Include any relevant experience, internships, or volunteer work demonstrating an ideal candidate for the program. Additionally, it would help if you highlighted any awards, honors, certificates of achievement, or other successes you have achieved in your legal studies. This will give the admissions committee a comprehensive understanding of who you are and your commitment to the profession. Having an effective resume is key to a successful application process. Make sure it accurately reflects your best qualities and highlights why Cleveland-Marshall College of Law can help you reach your goals in the legal field.
Character and Fitness
When applying to Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, you must provide accurate disclosure of all academic and non-academic probationary, suspension, exemplary, or disciplinary actions taken against you by any college or university. This would include any pending criminal charges against you and those for which a conviction or diversion has been granted. This includes all felonies, misdemeanors, or traffic offenses. Please accurately disclose such information is likely to affect your admission eligibility and could ultimately lead to academic probation or dismissal from the college.
In addition, when submitting your application, you will also be required to submit a Character and Fitness statement detailing any further information not included in your application which may be relevant to the Admissions Committee. This includes any further suspensions, probation, warnings, or sanctions taken against you by any college or university and any additional criminal charges, convictions, or diversions granted.
LSAT
To pursue a legal education at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, prospective students must complete the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) by April of the year they plan to enroll. This test is essential to the admissions process and will be considered when evaluating applications. The LSAT is a standardized examination to assess comprehension, reasoning, and logical thinking skills. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) offers it at various locations worldwide. Cleveland-Marshall College of Law will consider only the highest LSAT score when assessing applications. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to spend ample time preparing for this important exam to demonstrate their best academic potential. Once an LSAT score has been established and submitted to the college, applicants can proceed with the admissions process. Cleveland-Marshall College of Law is committed to providing access to quality legal education for all accepted students.
CAS
Registering for the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is essential in applying for Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. This service is a central repository where applicants can submit their LSAT score(s), academic transcripts, and Letters of Recommendation to simplify the process. When an application is received, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law will request your law school report from the LSAC. It is important to note that all credentials must be submitted through this service for your application to be considered.
Transfers
Cleveland State University's College of Law provides an opportunity for law students from a variety of backgrounds and institutions the chance to move their education to the next level. Transfer applicants can apply for admission into the full-time or part-time program, depending on their availability and preferences.
To be considered for admission, transfer students must be in good standing at their current law school and have completed at least one full academic year of coursework, including legal writing. Admission decisions for transfer students are based primarily on their prior law school performance, but undergraduate grades and LSAT scores will also be considered.
Application Deadline
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law offers two Early Decision options for J.D. applicants, allowing them to apply and potentially receive a decision before the Regular Admissions deadline. For the 2025 admissions cycle, the Early Decision I application deadline is November 15, 2024, with applicants notified by December 15, 2024, and a deposit deadline of December 29, 2024. The Early Decision II deadline is January 1, 2025, with notifications sent by January 31, 2025, and a deposit deadline of February 14, 2025.
All applications continue to be reviewed holistically to evaluate each applicant’s qualifications and their potential for success in law school. The Admissions Committee considers academic performance, LSAT scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements as part of the review process.
The Regular Admissions deadline for 2025 is July 1, 2025, and applicants will be notified promptly after this date. All required materials must be submitted before the stated deadlines to ensure timely review.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law is an institution that offers a comprehensive legal education to those who wish to pursue a career in the legal field. The tuition fees for Ohio residents and Non-Ohio residents are different. For Ohio residents, the total tuition fee is $29,452.80, whereas, for Non-Ohio residents, it is $29,552.90. The tuition fees cover all tuition-related costs, including books and supplies.
Apart from the tuition fees, students may also be required to pay other expenses such as living expenses, transportation costs, and technology fees. The College offers numerous financial aid packages and scholarships that help reduce the burden of educational costs. Additionally, the College offers a variety of payment plans and installment options to assist students in paying for their tuition.
The College also provides various degree programs, including traditional law degrees and specialties such as intellectual property law and tax law. These courses are suitable both for those who wish to pursue a career in the legal field and those who wish to pursue a graduate degree.
Cost of Attendance
The estimated cost of attendance at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 2025, including living expenses, is approximately $20,472 per year in addition to tuition. This covers housing, food, healthcare, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Overall, Cleveland’s cost of living remains more affordable compared to other U.S. law school locations, making the College an attractive choice for aspiring legal professionals.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the annual estimated costs for 2025:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (Ohio Residents) | $29,452.80 |
| Tuition (Non-Residents) | $29,552.90 |
| Housing & Utilities | $10,500 |
| Food & Meals | $4,200 |
| Health Insurance | $2,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500 |
| Transportation | $1,200 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,072 |
| Total (Ohio Residents) | $49,924.80 |
| Total (Non-Residents) | $50,024.90 |
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law remains one of the more affordable options for legal education in 2025. With strong financial aid opportunities, flexible payment plans, and a manageable cost of living in Cleveland, it continues to provide excellent value for students pursuing legal careers.
Financial Aid
Attending law school can be a very rewarding experience, but it will require an investment of both time and money. You may want to apply for financial aid to help cover the cost of your law school education. The first step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Doing so allows you to receive gift aid (scholarships and grants) and self-help programs (Federal Work-Study and loans).
At the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, the typical financial aid package usually includes $20,500 in unsubsidized Stafford loans plus GradPlus up to the total cost of attendance. Unlike undergraduate loans, law students are automatically deemed independent for federal loans, and the packages do not have a need-based expected family contribution.
To ensure that you can receive financial aid each year, it is essential to fill out the FAFSA annually. Doing so will allow you to take advantage of any changes in your eligibility or the availability of resources. If you take the time to apply for financial aid, there is a good chance you can lower your overall tuition cost and gain access to a variety of aid sources that will make attending law school much more affordable.
Scholarship
The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to its students to help make legal education more affordable. Both internal and external scholarships are available so all applicants can be considered for financial aid. Internal scholarships are awarded based on an applicant's academic merits, including GPA and LSAT score, as well as other personal and professional attributes. Scholarships are awarded competitively as part of the admission process, with awards ranging up to $20,000. Scholarship recipients must maintain good academic standing (2.25 GPA) to keep their scholarships for six semesters (for full-time students) or eight semesters (for part-time students). Furthermore, the law school also offers merit- and need-based external scholarships, which private donors or organizations fund. These scholarships may have their unique eligibility criteria, so it is essential to read through all scholarship information before applying to determine if you are eligible. With various resources available, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law is committed to making legal education an accessible, achievable goal for all students.
External Scholarship
External scholarships are financial awards managed and granted by organizations or institutions outside the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Such awards can be significant, ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. The scholarship applications will require specific criteria based on the awarding body, so students must be aware of this when submitting their applications.
The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law encourages students to explore and apply for external scholarships. Doing so can help reduce the overall cost of tuition, giving students greater access to higher education. Applicants should research the organizations offering these awards to ensure they meet their criteria and can provide the necessary documents to complete the application process.
Internal Scholarship
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law offers several internal scholarships to qualified applicants. These scholarships are awarded competitively based on the applicant's undergraduate grades, LSAT scores, and other personal or professional attributes. The scholarship amount may vary depending on the individual's academic performance.
Once awarded, these scholarships are guaranteed for six full-time and eight part-time semesters, provided the student maintains a GPA of 2.25 or better. These scholarships can be very helpful in making law school more affordable, so all applicants should apply early and complete the necessary paperwork to receive any money that may be available to them.
Law Dean's Leadership Fellows Program
The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Dean's Leadership Fellows Program is a prestigious program designed to recognize and reward outstanding first-year law students from the College of Law. The selection process for being chosen as one of the Dean's Leadership Fellows is highly competitive, based on numerous criteria such as academic achievement, leadership potential, commitment to active participation in the Program, and a demonstrated commitment to our values of Learn Law. Live Justice.
Academics and Curriculum
The Cleveland State University College of Law has produced academically and professionally well-prepared attorneys for decades. The Juris Doctor program offered by the CSU College of Law provides students with a rigorous course of study designed to build exceptional critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and legal writing skills. The curriculum has been continuously updated to ensure that CSU College of Law graduates remains at the forefront of practice-ready legal professionals.
Dual-Degree Program
The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law offers students the opportunity to earn both a J.D. and a Master's degree through six dual-degree programs that can be completed in four years of full-time study or over a more extended period for part-time students. Students typically kick off their studies by taking classes in law school for the first year, then move on to courses from the other program(s) in their second year. The third and final years may include classes from both programs. Alternatively, students who have already been accepted into a Master's program may start law school during their second year of study instead.
The dual degrees offer several distinct advantages, such as providing students with specialized knowledge that is valuable in corporate, government, and non-profit settings. It also gives them a competitive edge over other job applicants.
The application process for dual degree programs is separate for each program, and admission to one does not have any bearing on admission to the other. Students must apply to both the law school and the relevant graduate program independently and indicate that they are pursuing a dual degree on each application.
Pro Bono
The Pro Bono Program is one of many ways that Cleveland-Marshall College of Law equips its students with the necessary tools and resources for future success. Students can make a difference in the community while refining their leadership and public service skills. This program also helps foster an understanding of legal issues and how they could be addressed to benefit society. The Pro Bono Program provides students with invaluable experience and knowledge to help them succeed in their chosen fields.
Experimental Learning
The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University is dedicated to providing experiential learning opportunities for its graduates, preparing them for successful careers in the legal field. Through the college's engaged learning requirement, every student must participate in at least one externship or clinic experience before graduation. By doing so, students gain the hands-on experience they need to excel in their legal careers.
Externships
Externships allow students to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their law school education. Students can work for various organizations, including private firms, government agencies, courts, and non-profit organizations. Through these externships, students gain valuable insight into the legal profession and develop strong connections within the Cleveland legal community.
Clinics
Clinics offer students the opportunity to practice law in a supervised environment. Students work with real clients and can attend court hearings; they often have access to moot courts, mock trials, and other simulated courtroom experiences. Students gain valuable legal experience through these clinics and strengthen their courtroom skills.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
In 2025, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law graduates achieved strong employment outcomes, with approximately 86% of the class employed within ten months of graduation. Of these, nearly three-quarters secured full-time, long-term positions that required bar passage, while an additional 9% entered J.D.-advantage roles. The majority of graduates found opportunities within Ohio and neighboring states, reflecting the College’s strong regional ties, though some also pursued positions at national firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments. Cleveland-Marshall’s Career Services Office played a vital role in this success by offering individualized career counseling, networking events, résumé and interview workshops, and on-campus interviews, all of which helped students transition into the legal job market effectively.
Bar Passage (2025)
Graduates of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law continued to demonstrate competitive bar exam performance in 2025. On the July 2025 Ohio Bar Exam, the school reported a first-time passage rate of 81%, slightly above the statewide average of 79%. This consistent performance underscores the College’s commitment to preparing students for professional success. Cleveland-Marshall provides comprehensive bar support, including faculty-led review sessions, access to commercial bar preparation resources, and personalized mentoring. These initiatives ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the bar exam and enter the legal profession with confidence.
Quality of Life
The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, part of the Cleveland State University family, provides its students with a wealth of amenities. For example, they have access to a modern fitness and recreation center with equipment and facilities for physical activity and unique lifestyle programming. Additionally, CSU|LAW has an extensive campus safety network to help keep students safe and secure.
For those who wish to live near campus, the Campus District neighborhood has been revitalized with modern lofts and apartments, along with a variety of restaurants, green space, and groceries within easy walking distance.
The law school has an impressive art collection, modern technological enhancements to aid student learning and development, and a familial support network that has become an essential part of many students' educational experiences. Cleveland-Marshall College of Law is committed to offering its students the best possible environment for learning and growing. With all these resources available, it's no wonder CSU|LAW has become one of the top law schools in the nation.
Library
The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Library is an invaluable resource for current and future law students, providing a wide range of educational opportunities and resources to help them succeed. From the 50-seat computer lab to the 25 group study rooms with access to updated research materials, the library offers a space where students can engage in thoughtful academic pursuits. The Judy and Robert H. Rawson, Jr. Learning Commons is a forward-thinking space that encourages collaborative learning through interactive technologies, allowing students to share information using their devices. With access to a comprehensive collection of research materials and an array of innovative educational tools, the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Library is an invaluable asset for students working toward a successful legal career.
Synopsis
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, part of the esteemed Cleveland State University, offers an excellent legal education. Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, close to courts and law firms, the college’s location can give its students an invaluable edge regarding real-world legal experiences. The college also has a long-standing commitment to social justice and opportunities for students to engage in meaningful reform actively.
In addition to its advantageous location, the college offers a comprehensive bar passage program, strategic partnerships with the BARBRI bar preparation company, and innovative technologies and study options. Cleveland-Marshall College of Law also has several scholarship programs for students who maintain good academic standing, and non-Ohio residents can pay in-state tuition.
The college is dedicated to the success of its students, providing strong student-centered attention from faculty and robust leadership education programs. The college also has an excellent alum network with immeasurable support – ideal for those starting their legal career.
Contact Information
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Cleveland State University
Admissions Office
1801 Euclid Avenue, LB 138
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Phone:
(216) 687-2304
(866) 687-2304
Email: law.admissions@csuohio.edu
https://www.law.csuohio.edu/applytoday
Summary
| Established | 1946 |
| Location | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Dean | LEE FISHER |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 117th |
| LSAT Median Score | 155 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.43 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 66.4% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | N/A (2025) |
| Cost | "$30,648 (in-state, full-time),
$30,748 (out-of-state, full-time)" |
| Average Debt | $74,882 |
| Application Deadline | July 1, 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
https://www.law.csuohio.edu/
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