Lincoln Memorial University
At Lincoln Memorial University's John J. Duncan, Jr. School of Law, they are proud of their heritage and excited to help you build your future. Located in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, their law school is dedicated to providing students with the best educational environment possible. Their top-notch facilities and experienced faculty ensure they remain at the forefront of legal education.
Their curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and challenging educational experience, from their core classes in constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, and torts to their experiential learning opportunities such as clinics and externships. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom; they also offer a variety of student organizations, faculty mentoring opportunities, and research projects.
Contents
History
The beautiful Lincoln Memorial University Law School is a fantastic sight to behold. Located near the historic Old City and vibrant Market Square areas of Knoxville, it reminds us of the City's fascinating history. The main building was constructed in the 1840s and served as a Tennessee School for the Deaf until 1924, except for three years during the Civil War when it was used as a hospital. From 1925 to 1980, the property served as Knoxville's City Hall; from 1983 until 1993, it housed the Tennessee Valley Authority. Finally, in 2009, LMU Law opened its doors and has since provided students with top-notch legal education.
Admissions
Lincoln Memorial University welcomes undergraduate applicants for 2025 with a simple, student-centered admissions process. You’ll submit an official high school transcript or GED, and LMU remains test-optional through Fall 2026, so submitting SAT or ACT scores is completely up to you. The university reviews applications on a rolling basis, meaning your file is evaluated as soon as all materials are received. For students whose academic background may need additional support, LMU also offers a Cornerstone conditional admission program to help ease the transition into college.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 148-151-153 | |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.14-3.49-3.75 | |
| Acceptance rate | 57.5% | |
| Applications received | 621 | |
| Acceptances | 324 | |
| Matriculants | 145 | |
For the 2023 to 2024 admissions cycle, the law program reported a 25th to 75th percentile LSAT range of 148 to 153 and a GPA range of 3.14 to 3.75. The acceptance rate was 57.5 percent, with 621 applications submitted. Out of those, 324 applicants were accepted and 145 ultimately enrolled.
Application Requirements
The school seeks applicants who demonstrate strong promise for academic and legal practice success. It evaluates cumulative undergraduate GPA and either an Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score for admission to the fall 2025 classes. These quantitative measures are complemented by qualitative elements such as letters of recommendation, academic performance, extracurricular or co-curricular activities, service to the community, employment history, military service, a demonstrated work ethic and maturity, and a capacity to add to the diversity of the LMU Law community. Applicants must also disclose any character or fitness matters, in view of bar admission requirements in all U.S. jurisdictions.
Prospective students must be admitted through the Law School Admission Council’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and must hold or be in the process of earning a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized institution prior to matriculation. For the Part-Time/Hybrid program beginning Fall 2025, an application deadline of July 1, 2025 applies, with several earlier priority-consideration deadlines (December 6, 2024; February 17, 2025; May 1, 2025) for best consideration. The full-time program reviews files on a rolling basis.
Applicants should download and review the latest Admission Policies and Procedures Manual for detailed guidelines, including program prerequisites, matriculation, and transcript requirements.
Tuition
Lincoln Memorial University continues to offer a high-quality education for full-time students in 2025. A typical full-time student completes 30 credit hours each academic year, with 15 credits in the fall and 15 in the spring. For 2025, the cost of attendance for tuition and required fees is $44,700 per year, reflecting the current rate of $1,490 per credit hour. This investment includes access to extensive academic resources, including libraries, laboratories, and student support services. Students also benefit from career development assistance, counseling services, internships, and opportunities for on-campus employment. Combined with LMU’s strong faculty and active student community, these resources create an academic environment that supports every student in achieving their educational and professional goals.
Cost of Attendance
Below is a cost-of-attendance (COA) overview for LMU’s law (Juris Doctor) program for the 2025-26 academic year. These figures represent estimated direct (billable) and indirect (non-billable) costs for the full-time JD track.
| Component | Full-time JD Program | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $44,700 | Based on $1,490 per credit hour for 30 credit hours. |
| Fees | $350 | General program fees. |
| Health insurance | $3,811 | Estimated billed student health insurance. |
| Total direct costs | $48,861 | |
| Books and supplies | $2,250 | Estimated annual cost of books and materials. |
| Food | $7,500 | Estimated annual food expense. |
| Housing | $14,000 | Estimated off-campus housing expense. |
| Transportation | $5,100 | Estimated transportation and commuting costs. |
| Personal/miscellaneous | $1,600 | Estimated personal and miscellaneous expenses. |
| Loan fees | $2,500 | Estimated loan origination and related fees. |
| Total indirect costs | $32,950 | |
| Estimated total cost of attendance | $81,811 | Direct and indirect costs combined. |
Academics
Lincoln Memorial University Law School offers an excellent educational program that focuses on helping students become proficient, responsible, and ethical lawyers. By blending traditional legal education with innovative teaching methods, LMU Law provides a comprehensive curriculum to enable students to develop their knowledge of substantive law and critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. In addition to their rigorous classroom curriculum, students can participate in externships and internships, pro bono requirements, professionalism events, and other student-centered activities. These experiences are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen career path. With LMU Law’s diverse faculty and staff, you can be assured that you will receive the best training and education possible to equip you for a successful career. They are committed to producing alums who can help their clients and communities address problems that intersect with the legal system. Join them in achieving their mission of creating well-rounded lawyers mindful of their societal leadership position. Together, they can make a difference.
Grading System
At Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Law School, full-time and part-time students must meet a certain standard to maintain good academic standing. The traditional four-point system is used in their grading policy to measure their success. This system uses numerical values to assign letter grades, with one point equating to a “D” and four points equating to an “A.”
To remain in good academic standing, full-time and part-time students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.000 or higher. Furthermore, for required courses, the law school has implemented a grade curve to ensure students adhere to the grading policy.
The goal of LMU Law School is for all students to succeed and reach their academic potential by meeting or exceeding these standards. The school believes that this system will help students develop into well-rounded, successful individuals who can positively impact society. With the four-point system in place, LMU Law School is confident its students will meet these high expectations and fulfill their academic goals.
Quality of Life
Lincoln Memorial University is situated in the vibrant city of Knoxville, Tennessee. With its population of over 180,000 people, Knoxville has a range of amenities that appeal to visitors and locals alike. The historic downtown area is home to many unique stores, eateries, and coffee shops within walking distance from LMU Law.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a short drive from Knoxville. It provides miles of trails and breathtaking views of the Appalachian wilderness. Those interested in public service can also take advantage of the Highlander Research and Education Center. This organization has long been involved in social justice issues, such as civil rights and immigration reform.
Knoxville is conveniently located near several large cities, making it easy to travel to places such as Nashville, Louisville, and Atlanta. Plus, Knoxville's central location makes it easy for students at LMU Law to take advantage of internships and other opportunities in the surrounding states. With its vibrant city life, natural beauty, and proximity to other major cities, Knoxville is an excellent place for LMU Law students to study and gain valuable experience.
Contact Information
Lincoln Memorial University
601 West Summit Hill Drive,
Knoxville, TN 37902
Office of Admissions
Email: Law.Admissions@LMUnet.edu
Phone: 865.545.5303.
Summary
| Established | 2009 |
| Location | Knoxville, TN 37902 |
| Dean | Matthew R. Lyon |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 169th |
| LSAT Median Score | 152 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.44 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 60.9% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 27.6% (2025) |
| Cost | "$47,502 full-time,
$29,982 part-time" |
| Average Debt | $112,368 |
| Application Deadline | July 1, 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
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Reference
BCG Attorney's Advice for Associates
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
