Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Mitchell Hamline School of Law has established itself as a top-tier institution for legal learning and provides students with the highest quality educational opportunities. The school is renowned for its exceptional academic programs, esteemed faculty, and welcoming learning environment. These elements have earned Mitchell Hamline numerous accolades from its students and peers.
Contents
History
Mitchell Hamline School of Law is a premier legal, educational institution that takes pride in its long and established history of providing innovative and accessible legal education. Founded as the result of a union between William Mitchell College of Law and Hamline University School of Law in 2015, it has become the largest law school in the region. Students looking for a practice-based legal education on their terms have turned to Mitchell Hamline as a top choice for their studies.
The school offers its students a range of courses in the traditional areas of law and opportunities to pursue innovative and groundbreaking coursework such as entrepreneurship, technology, sustainability, and more. Through its interdisciplinary approach, Mitchell Hamline prepares students for a successful legal career in the 21st century.
Admissions
To apply to Mitchell Hamline School of Law, prospective students are required to submit their application through LSAC (Law School Admission Council). This process is convenient and cost-free as the school does not charge any kind of application fee.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 149-152-157 | |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 2.99-3.34-3.64 | |
| Acceptance rate | 64.9% | 60.4% |
| Applications received | -- | 1261 |
| Acceptances | -- | 761 |
| Matriculants | -- | 348 |
The Mitchell Hamline School of Law statistics for the 2024–2025 academic year show a competitive admissions profile. The 25th to 75th percentile range for LSAT scores is between 149 and 157, while the GPA range for admitted students falls between 2.99 and 3.64. This indicates that the school attracts a diverse group of applicants with varying academic strengths.
For the 2024–2025 class, the acceptance rate stands at 60.4%, reflecting a modest decline from the 64.9% acceptance rate recorded for the previous year (2023–2024). This suggests a slightly more selective admissions process compared to the prior cycle. In total, the school received 1,261 applications, out of which 761 were accepted. Of those admitted, 348 students chose to matriculate, meaning they officially enrolled in the programme.
These figures highlight Mitchell Hamline’s continued commitment to maintaining academic standards while providing access to a broad range of students. The decrease in acceptance rate and the steady LSAT and GPA ranges suggest that the institution is gradually becoming more competitive, possibly due to increased recognition and growing applicant interest.
Application Deadline
Mitchell Hamline School of Law now opens its application window for new first-year J.D. students on 1 October each year, and the final deadline to submit a fully completed application for the Fall 2026 entry term is 15 July 2026. Applications submitted by 1 June will receive stronger consideration for scholarship awards and priority placement in the incoming class. All applications must be submitted online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), and it’s in your best interest to apply early, ensuring your LSAT and credential assembly service materials are ready to maximise your chances of admission.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The LSAT is a standardized test that assesses the aptitude of aspiring law students. It evaluates applicants' ability to comprehend complex texts, reason logically, and analyze arguments, which are vital skills necessary for success in law. Additionally, this exam contains an unscored writing component designed to evaluate an applicant's writing style and organization. At Mitchell Hamline School of Law, they recognize the importance of the LSAT as an indicator of a student's potential for success in law school and beyond. They offer comprehensive preparation courses designed to equip students with the skills and strategies necessary for success on the exam. Their experienced faculty will guide you step-by-step through study plans, practice tests, and the fundamentals of legal analysis.
Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
To be considered for admission to Mitchell Hamline School of Law, you must register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) at LSAC.org and submit several documents as part of your application. These documents include official transcripts from any undergraduate and graduate schools you attended and letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your academic and professional record.
Once you have submitted all the required documents, you must then request a CAS report be submitted to Mitchell Hamline School of Law. This report will include your transcripts, letters of recommendation, LSAT score(s), and LSAT writing sample. These materials must arrive at the school before the application deadline to be considered for admission.
Transcripts
To apply as a student at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, it is necessary to provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. The transcripts must be sent to the Council for Access and Fairness (CAS) using the appropriate form provided by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It is important to note that Mitchell Hamline requires all applicants to have earned a bachelor’s degree before entering school.
Letters of Recommendation
The Mitchell Hamline School of Law requires two letters of recommendation for applicants to submit. These letters should be sent directly to the College Admission System (CAS) rather than the school itself, as they will not be accepted. Additionally, applicants may submit up to four letters of recommendation.
Personal Statement
When applying to Mitchell Hamline School of Law, it is essential to provide a personal statement to help the Admissions Committee make its decisions. This statement should be two to three pages long and include any relevant information that could help determine whether one deserves admission or a scholarship award. It is highly recommended to discuss why you think Mitchell Hamline is the right school for you and why you chose to apply for part-time or full-time enrollment, whether on campus or in the blended format.
Value Statement
Mitchell Hamline values being a leading law school in civic engagement, public service, social justice, and access to law school and the legal profession. Your values statement should be one to two doubled-spaced pages in length and explain what it means to you to attend a law school with these specific values.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Mitchell Hamline School of Law continues to be recognised as a leading institution for legal education, offering flexible programmes designed to meet the needs of students pursuing careers in law and public service. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the tuition rates are based on the number of credits taken per semester. Full-time J.D. students enrolled in 12 to 15 credits are billed at a rate of $27,650 per semester, while part-time J.D. students taking 8 to 11 credits are billed at $19,965 per semester. Students enrolled in fewer than seven credits during a semester, or taking J-Term or summer courses, are billed at a rate of $2,485 per credit.
Additional mandatory fees include a $200 technology fee and a $50 Student Bar Association fee each semester. There is also an Integrated Bar Readiness fee of up to $250 per semester, applicable for up to six semesters. The school has noted that tuition has typically increased by around 3.5 percent annually over recent years. Financial aid opportunities remain an important part of Mitchell Hamline’s commitment to accessibility, with a range of scholarships offered to recognise academic achievement, leadership experience, and community engagement. Many of these scholarships are structured as a fixed percentage of tuition, ensuring that they continue to cover future tuition increases throughout a student’s enrolment.
Cost of Attendance
In addition to tuition and fees, the total cost of attending Mitchell Hamline School of Law includes living expenses, books and supplies, transportation, and personal costs. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance is approximately $77,800 per year for full-time students. This figure includes about $55,300 for tuition and required fees, as well as around $22,500 in estimated living and personal expenses.
The school reports that students typically receive significant financial support through scholarships and grants. The average scholarship or grant amount is approximately $33,550, which can substantially reduce the out-of-pocket cost of attendance. After accounting for typical financial aid awards, the average net cost of attendance for many students is estimated at around $44,250 per year.
| Category | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition and mandatory fees (J.D.) | $55,300 |
| Living costs, books, transportation, and personal expenses | $22,500 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) | $77,800 |
| Average scholarships and grants | $33,550 |
| Estimated COA after scholarships | $44,250 |
For the 2025–2026 academic year, Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s total annual cost of attendance is estimated at about $77,800 before financial aid. With the average scholarship amount applied, students can expect to pay closer to $44,000 per year. This makes early application for scholarships and financial aid particularly beneficial for those planning to begin their law studies at Mitchell Hamline.
Financial Aid
Mitchell Hamline School of Law strives to provide a varied and generous scholarship program for students from all backgrounds. All first-year applicants are eligible for merit-based scholarships, and no additional application is required to be considered. Once accepted, applicants will be notified if they have been chosen to receive one of these awards.
- Merit Scholarships
Merit scholarships are based on a holistic assessment of the application and awarded upon admission for incoming students. Scholarships are intended to recognize applicants’ achievements and to provide financial support toward their future legal education at Mitchell Hamline. Mitchell Hamline automatically reconsiders scholarship awards for incoming students who switch their enrollment option prior to the first day of classes.
- North Star Scholarships
North Star Scholarships provide annual assistance to blended-learning students.
- Native Justice Scholarships
Native Justice Scholarships guarantee that recipients will pay no more than $40,000 in tuition for their J.D. – excluding summer and January term courses. Pro-rated scholarship amounts are available for J Term and Summer.
- Named Scholarships
Throughout the year, newly available "Named Scholarships" for continuing students will be announced in the Financial Aid section of The Docket.
Academics
Mitchell Hamline School of Law has a strong commitment to providing its students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with real clients, something that is invaluable in the legal field. This year alone, over 300 students took advantage of externships and more than 50 participated in residencies.
Classroom
At Mitchell Hamline, they go beyond the traditional approach to teaching law - fostering a deeper understanding of the law and its applications in the real world. Their approach starts in the first year, where foundational courses are coupled with skills training to help students learn how to think like lawyers. In their Contracts: Transactional Analysis course, for instance, students learn the fundamental cases, precedents, and modes of analysis related to contract law while also understanding how those principles are applied in practice.
They continue this approach into more advanced courses where students explore the fundamentals of transactional practice, negotiations, ethical decision-making, and appellate advocacy. Their faculty use their experience to provide real-world context and demonstrate the practical application of the law.
At Mitchell Hamline, they help students prepare for practice by teaching them the fundamental principles of law alongside skills that will serve them throughout their careers. Through hands-on learning, our students are better equipped to think critically about legal issues and understand how to apply the law in practice.
Clinical Program
At Mitchell Hamline School of Law, students gain invaluable real-world experience by working in 18 clinics as part of their legal education. These clinics expose their students to clients- single parents to small business owners.
- DIRECTORS AND STAFF
- BUSINESS LAW CLINIC
- CHILD PROTECTION CLINIC: POLICY
- CHILD PROTECTION CLINIC: REPRESENTATION
- CIVIL ADVOCACY CLINIC
- ECONOMIC INCLUSION CLINIC
- EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION MEDIATION REPRESENTATION CLINIC
- HEALTH LAW CLINIC
- IMMIGRATION CLINIC
- INNOCENCE CLINIC
- INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CLINIC: PATENTS
- INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CLINIC: TRADEMARK
- LAMP: LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO MINNESOTA PRISONERS
- MEDIATION CLINIC
- NATIVE LAW CLINIC: TRIBAL CODE DRAFTING
- REENTRY CLINIC
- STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER POSTCONVICTION CLINIC
- NONPROFIT TAX PLANNING CLINIC
- WRONGFUL CONVICTION AND SENTENCING CLINIC
Externships
Mitchell Hamline School of Law offers a range of externship opportunities that allow their students to gain real-world legal experience and earn credit outside of law school. Externships are available with some of the most esteemed organizations in the region, allowing their students to work alongside practicing attorneys and develop an understanding of the law in action.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
For the graduating class of 2023, Mitchell Hamline School of Law reported that 292 out of 331 graduates were employed, resulting in an overall employment rate of approximately 88.2 percent. Among those employed, about 47.7 percent secured positions that required bar passage, while roughly 22.4 percent obtained J.D.-advantage or J.D.-preferred roles—positions where a law degree is beneficial but bar admission is not required. A further 15.4 percent of graduates accepted other professional roles that did not clearly fall into those categories. These figures reflect a relatively strong employment rate, though fewer than half of graduates obtained positions directly requiring bar passage. This suggests that while most graduates find meaningful employment, not all pursue or secure traditional law-practice roles immediately after graduation. The school continues to emphasise its Career and Professional Development services, which help students prepare for job placement, identify alternative legal pathways, and connect with professional mentors to support their transition from law school to practice.
Bar Passage
According to the most recent data available for the 2025 reporting cycle, 379 Mitchell Hamline graduates took the bar exam for the first time, and 269 of them passed. This represents a first-time pass rate of about 71 percent, which is slightly below the national average of approximately 81 percent. The school’s two-year ultimate bar passage rate—which includes graduates who passed on subsequent attempts—was reported at 85 percent for the 2022 graduating class. These results indicate that while Mitchell Hamline’s bar passage performance remains respectable, it lags somewhat behind the national benchmark. This may reflect the diverse nature of its student body, including those enrolled in blended-learning and part-time programmes who balance studies with professional commitments. The school continues to provide academic support, bar preparation workshops, and faculty mentorship to help students strengthen their readiness for the exam.
Implications and Considerations
For students evaluating Mitchell Hamline’s outcomes, the data reveal a mixed but realistic picture. The overall employment rate is high, yet fewer than half of graduates secure traditional law-firm or courtroom roles immediately after graduation. However, a significant proportion of students find success in J.D.-advantage positions, which may suit those pursuing careers in compliance, policy, consulting, or business. From a broader perspective, these outcomes suggest that Mitchell Hamline offers solid professional prospects but may require students to be proactive in career planning and bar preparation. Those determined to practise law should take full advantage of the school’s support resources and bar-readiness programmes, while those exploring alternative legal careers can leverage the school’s strong professional network and flexible study options.
For the 2023–2024 cycle, Mitchell Hamline achieved an employment rate of about 88 percent, with nearly 48 percent of graduates in positions requiring bar admission. The first-time bar passage rate was approximately 71 percent, with an 85 percent ultimate pass rate. These figures show consistent but moderate outcomes, making Mitchell Hamline a good fit for students seeking either a traditional legal career or a broader professional path connected to the law.
Quality of Life
Mitchell Hamline School of Law is located in an ideal location for students looking to explore the Twin Cities and get an excellent legal education. Situated in the historic Summit Avenue neighborhood of St Paul, just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, it provides easy access to all the attractions these cities offer.
Mitchell Hamline School of Law is a highly regarded institution in the Twin Cities area, offering students an unparalleled educational experience. The campus provides countless opportunities for students to get involved and explore the local culture, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options located just a few blocks away on Grand Avenue. Multiple parks and trails are nearby, providing students with abundant outdoor spaces to explore. For those looking to network, numerous student organizations and alums events connect students with the thousands of Mitchell Hamline graduates who live and work in the area. Students can choose from a wide range of Mitchell Hamline School of Law courses, ranging from criminal justice to international law. They can attend lectures and seminars given by renowned scholars. Additionally, the school has an extensive library with many resources available to its students. Mitchell Hamline also offers fair tuition rates, scholarships, and other financial aid options for eligible students. With an excellent academic environment backed by plenty of extracurricular activities, Mitchell Hamline School of Law provides students with a top-tier educational experience.
Synopsis
Mitchell Hamline School of Law offers a unique blended-learning experience that allows students to benefit from distance learning and in-person instruction. This dual approach is designed to cater to the needs of each student, giving them the freedom and flexibility to complete their legal education on their own time. Through this innovative option, students can use the convenience and accessibility of online learning and the added value of traditional face-to-face interactions with professors and classmates.
Contact Information
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Office of Admissions
875 Summit Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105
Phone:
651-290-6476
1-888-962-5529
Fax: 651-290-6414
Email: @mitchellhamline.edu admissions @mitchellhamline.edu
Room 110
Mon–Fri
8 am–4:30 pm
Other hours by appointment.
Summary
| Established | 2015 |
| Location | Saint Paul, MN |
| Dean | Camille M. Davidson |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 154th |
| LSAT Median Score | 152 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.34 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 72.3% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 40.9% (2025) |
| Cost | "$53,430 full-time,
$38,580 part-time" |
| Average Debt | $113,743 |
| Application Deadline | 15 July-2025 |
Forum and Discussion
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Reference
LSD Law
Ranked 154
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
