Duquesne University School of Law
Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University was one of the oldest law schools in Pittsburgh. The school was named after Thomas R. Kline, a prominent Pittsburgh lawyer, and philanthropist. It is a private law school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. The school also offers a variety of clinics and externship opportunities for its students. It has a solid commitment to public service and pro bono work. The school offers a variety of resources and programs to help its students get involved in public service. It is home to several centers and institutes, including the Center for Health Law Studies, the Center for Law and Social Justice, and the Institute for Entrepreneurial Law.
The Thomas R. Kline School of Law is consistently ranked as one of the top law schools in the country. The school is known for its excellent academic programs, commitment to public service, and outstanding faculty.
Contents
History
The Duquesne University School of Law was founded in 1911 after a protracted court battle. The school was started to provide practical lawyers training and help financially struggling students. The law school was less expensive and complicated to establish and maintain than other professional schools on campus. The first class had just 27 students and graduated 19 in 1914.
Today, the law school is one of the largest in Pennsylvania, with an enrollment of over 700 students. The school offers a variety of programs and hands-on learning opportunities to prepare students for careers in the legal profession.
The Duquesne University School of Law has a long tradition of serving the community and the profession. The school has produced many leaders in the legal field, including judges, lawyers, and law professors. The school is also home to several clinics and centers that provide legal services to the community and research pressing legal issues.
The Duquesne University School of Law is committed to providing quality legal education to its students. The school offers a variety of programs and services to help students succeed in their studies and prepare for their careers. The law school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.
Admissions
Duquesne University provides opportunities for students to pursue their goals and interests. We have a Catholic Spiritan tradition that upholds equity and opportunity, and we are committed to helping students achieve their goals. The faculty and staff are passionate about providing the best possible experience for their students, and they are proud to provide top-quality education. The goal is to help students become leaders who strive for goodness in the world.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 153 - 156 - 158 | 154 - 156 - 159 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.20 - 3.55 - 3.75 | 3.2 - 3.57 - 3.83 |
| Acceptance rate | 56.3% | 56.1% |
| Applications received | 911 | 1072 |
| Acceptances | 505 | 601 |
| Matriculants | 169 | 167 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, Duquesne University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law continued to attract strong interest from prospective students. A total of 1,072 applications were received, reflecting notable growth compared to the previous cycle. Out of these, 601 applicants were accepted, and 167 ultimately matriculated to begin their legal studies. The admissions profile highlighted a balanced range of academic backgrounds, with LSAT scores for the entering class generally falling between 154 and 159 and GPAs ranging from 3.2 to 3.83. These results reflect the school’s commitment to admitting students who demonstrate not only academic potential but also alignment with its mission of ethical leadership and service. Overall, the 2025 incoming class embodies both the competitive nature of the law school admissions process and the institution’s dedication to cultivating a diverse, high-achieving student body.
Acceptance Rate
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, Duquesne University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law reported an acceptance rate of 56.1%. This figure reflects a competitive yet accessible admissions process, demonstrating the school’s commitment to selecting a well-qualified pool of applicants while still providing meaningful opportunities for individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The acceptance rate highlights the balance Duquesne strives to maintain—ensuring academic standards remain high while fostering an inclusive community that reflects its mission of preparing ethical and service-oriented legal professionals.
Tuition and Expenses
Planning for law school goes beyond the admissions process—it also requires a clear understanding of the financial commitment involved. At Duquesne University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law, tuition and related expenses are structured to reflect the resources, opportunities, and support available to students throughout their legal education. The school provides detailed cost of attendance information each year so that students can make informed decisions, explore financial aid opportunities, and prepare for both academic and personal expenses during their studies.
Cost of Attendance
For students enrolled in the Juris Doctor (J.D.) program, the cost of attendance is divided between full-time (Day Division) and part-time enrollment. Here’s how these costs align:
| Cost Component | Full-Time (Day) | Part-Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $58,898 | $45,264 |
| Law School Fee | $1,220 | $1,220 |
| Housing & Food | $24,318 | $24,318 |
| Books | $1,440 | $1,440 |
| Personal Expenses | $3,030 | $3,030 |
| Transportation | $1,018 | $1,018 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $89,924 | $76,290 |
| Computer Allowance Loan (One-Time) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Estimated Direct Loan Fee | $500 | $500 |
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University establishes differing cost thresholds depending on enrollment status. Full-time (Day) J.D. students should expect an all-inclusive annual cost of approximately $89,924, incorporating tuition, mandatory fees, living expenses, books, and transportation. Meanwhile, part-time students receive a reduced tuition but share the same ancillary expenses, resulting in a total cost of around $76,290. Additionally, a one-time computer allowance loan of $2,000 is available to qualified students, and an estimated $500 federal loan fee may apply upon borrowing. These figures offer a comprehensive financial framework for planning your legal education journey.
Financial Aid
The Duquesne University School of Law offers a variety of financial aid options to its students, including scholarships, loans, and grants. You can apply for and receive financial aid up to the maximum cost of attendance for your program. However, you are not required to use all of the financial aid available to you - it is recommended that you only borrow what you need. In addition, the school provides programming and services through its partnership with Max by AccessLex. MAX by AccessLex is a personal finance program designed specifically for law students. The program includes interactive online lessons, webinars, in-person workshops, one-on-one counseling, and more. The goal of MAX is to help law students make smart financial decisions and address any weaknesses they may have. The Duquesne University School of Law also provides individual student loan advising sessions each semester. These services are in addition to those offered by the University's Financial Aid Office.
Scholarships
Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University is committed to making legal education affordable. Over the last several years, the Duquesne Kline School of Law has increased scholarships substantially.
Merit Scholarships
The Duquesne University School of Law offers merit-based scholarships to incoming students. These scholarships are guaranteed for three years in the full-time program or four years in the part-time program as long as the student remains in good academic standing. The scholarships are awarded to the most qualified applicants based on their records of achievement, aptitude for the study of law, and general background. Scholarship notifications typically occur three weeks after admission.
Academics
Undoubtedly, the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University is one of the best law schools in the country. Their achievements and rankings illustrate the breadth of our excellence. They seek the best and brightest students to join our community of scholars, and they prepare them for success every step of the way.
The alums have achieved top leadership positions in government and business and have excelled in private practice. They are proud of the number of graduates who have attained judicial office in Pennsylvania, New York, California, and many other states.
Finally, one factor that distinguishes the law school is the fact that it is part of Duquesne University, a Catholic institution dedicated to moral, ethical, and spiritual values. In an era when ethical concerns are among the legal profession's most important questions, Duquesne Kline School of Law reflects the University's unique emphasis on justice and service to others. Those values are outlined here in their Learning Outcomes and Performance Criteria.
Faculty
At Duquesne University, our law faculty are genuine teacher-scholars. They are constantly making important contributions to their fields and are committed to teaching and mentoring students. The faculty's curiosity and tenacity make their classrooms exciting places to be, and they are equally enthusiastic about your future. They trust in your potential and take the time to mentor you.
Mentors
With an average class size of 28 students and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students by name, invite them to participate in research projects and assist them in securing internships.
Co-Curricular Programs and Activities
The University Honors College provides residents with many benefits, including large rooms and visits from faculty and campus leaders. Additionally, the college sponsors many programs that provide residents with opportunities for growth and enrichment. These programs usually connect with various departments around campus.
Some examples of Honors College programs offered are:
- Extra Perk: This weekly event offers Honors College students a free breakfast with various faculty and staff around Duquesne, providing an intimate setting to get to know other departments outside of the classroom.
- Major Advice: Fall semester program, geared towards freshmen, occurs about a week before early registration begins. This program entails inviting successful upperclassmen in every program to attend and share their knowledge of courses, registration, professors etc. to first-year students and new members of the Honors College.
- Midnight Bus Trip: A bus trip is scheduled (typically in the fall) to the midnight release of various films such as The Hunger Games series and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
- Global Perspectives/Cultural Dinners: During the dinner, international students and staff from a particular part of the world will speak informally about their culture and experience while attendees enjoy authentic food from the speakers' home country.
- All-You-Can-Read-Buffet: Students are challenged to take a daylong break from phones and social media to focus on solely reading books in this all-day competition. Meals are provided to students as they try to outlast each other and take part in discussions about their reading selections.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
Duquesne University's Kline School of Law continues to excel in preparing students for both the bar exam and their legal careers. Graduates from the Class of 2024 achieved an exceptional 94.9% employment or graduate study rate as of March 17, 2025, with 91.7% securing full-time, long-term positions in roles requiring bar passage or offering a JD advantage—well above the national ABA average of 87.1%. Their strong employment outcomes reflect the law school’s effective career services, extensive alumni network, and early, personalized guidance.
On the licensure side, the School’s July 2024 Pennsylvania first-time bar passage rate stood at 88.72%, outpacing the statewide average of 82.56%. Including repeat takers, the overall pass rate reached 84.83%, significantly above Pennsylvania’s overall rate of 76.69%. Duquesne has also earned national recognition for its bar prep success—ranking 6th nationally among law schools for bar passage.
Below is a summary presented as a wiki-style table (MediaWiki markup) that you can use on a wiki page:
| Outcome Metric | 2025 Result | Comparison / National Context |
|---|---|---|
| Employment or Graduate Study (March 17, 2025) | 94.9 % (149/157) | Above national average |
| Full-time, Long-term Jobs (Bar Passage Required or JD Advantage) | 91.7 % (144/157) | ABA average: ~87.1 % |
| First-time Bar Passage (July 2024, Pennsylvania) | 88.72 % | Pennsylvania average: 82.56 % |
| Overall Bar Passage (Including Repeat Takers) | 84.83 % | Pennsylvania average: 76.69 % |
| National Bar Passage Prep Ranking | 6th in nation | National recognition for bar passage success |
Quality of Life
At Duquesne University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law, students come from all different backgrounds and walk of life. They join together as a family to learn in a rigorous academic setting. In their free time, many students become involved in one of the thirty student-run organizations on campus. Each organization is unique and allows students to explore their personal and professional interests. Leadership opportunities abound at law school, and students have many opportunities to develop their skills. Whether practicing for a simulated trial or advocating for a cause they care about, students can find an activity that interests them. This makes their law school experience unique and allows them to personalize their journey.
Create a Balance
The student life team at our law school does many things to help students maintain a healthy mind, work, and body balance. One way they do this is by offering stress relief and wellness activities, such as yoga, in the meditation room. They also regularly hold lunchtime sessions, networking events, and affinity group get-togethers to keep students connected and help them unwind. In addition, the team organizes a variety of annual activities that cater to students' personal and professional interests. These activities include the PILA Auction, the Hanley Bowl law student flag football game, the Barristers' Ball, and the Katie Westbrook 5K Race & Dog Walk.
Working Together
The staff is open to helping their students find their passions in pursuing law. They work together to help them navigate their personal and professional paths. They lend helping hands and ears to students as they pursue their passions in the law.
Duquesne University's campus is a safe and lively place to be. The Union offers students a place to hang out, get a coffee, and access student services. The Power Center has top-of-the-line fitness facilities, a ballroom, and conference spaces. The Fieldhouse is home to the Duquesne basketball teams and hosts events for the community. Admissions is located in the Administration Building on the first floor.
Synopsis
Duquesne University School of Law is a top Catholic university that provides a well-rounded education. The school is founded by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit and is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the United States. The school offers excellent academics with personal attention from award-winning professors. The students at Duquesne want more than just a degree; they want to expand their academic knowledge and skills while learning more about themselves.
Contact Information
Duquesne University School of Law
Office of Admissions
Administration Building
600 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Email: admissions@duq.edu
Phone: 412.396.6222
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Summary
| Established | 1911 |
| Location | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Dean | April M. Barton, J.D. |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 92nd |
| LSAT Median Score | 156 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.57 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 83.3% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 57.7% (2025) |
| Cost | "$57,666 full-time,
$44,588 part-time" |
| Average Debt | $108,630 |
| Application Deadline | April 1, 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
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Reference
Duquesne University School of Law
LSD Law
Rank#92
LSAC Guide
How to Learn to Do Well on a Law School Exam
Success in Law School - A Unique Perspective
The Guide to Law School Loans
Guide to Fee Waivers
