Saint Louis University School of Law

Saint Louis University School of Law is an exemplary institution offering its students many resources and opportunities. Founded 175 years ago, it is deeply rooted in Catholic and Jesuit education traditions. As a result, its students benefit from a curriculum steeped in faith-based values while learning the law's intricacies.

More than just a traditional law school, Saint Louis University School of Law offers business and civil litigation concentrations, four dual-degree programs, three centers of excellence for further study, and unparalleled public service opportunities. Additionally, its students are exposed to an array of professional skills training with the assistance of faculty members who are practitioners in their fields.

History

Saint Louis University School of Law is a highly respected and renowned institution established in 1843 - making it the oldest law school west of the Mississippi River. For over 175 years, SLU LAW has provided students with an exceptional educational experience that combines rigorous instruction from esteemed faculty, comprehensive course offerings, and a wide range of clinical and professional skills experiences.

The school's location in downtown St. Louis also gives students a chance to experience firsthand how the law functions by having direct access to some of the best legal firms, corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations in the area. This dynamic learning environment encourages engagement and involvement with local communities and upholds SLU LAW's long-standing tradition of public service.

At SLU LAW, learning is a passion, and individuals are supported throughout their journey to becoming outstanding lawyers. The school offers students the opportunity to pursue their legal career goals in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Saint Louis University School of Law provides a world-class legal education, whether you study full or part-time. With a solid curriculum and diverse resources, SLU LAW prepares students to achieve their fullest potential in law.

Admissions

Saint Louis University School of Law, established in 1843 and reestablished in 1908, is the oldest law school west of the Mississippi River. Located in the heart of downtown St. Louis at Scott Hall, it combines a Jesuit-rooted mission with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and hands-on training. Under the leadership of Dean Twinette L. Johnson, the school continues to focus on preparing students for both the practice and service of law. SLU Law offers a range of program pathways, including full-time and part-time J.D. programs, dual-degree opportunities, and a two-year J.D. track for foreign lawyers, giving students flexibility to align their legal education with their career goals. For the 2025 admission cycle, applications open on September 1, with reviews beginning in November and the first decisions released by December 1. Those seeking merit-based scholarships, including the competitive 1843 Full Tuition Scholarship, are encouraged to apply by February 1.

Statistics

For the 2024–2025 class, Saint Louis University School of Law reported that the middle 50% of admitted students scored between 153 and 160 on the LSAT, while their GPAs ranged from 3.37 to 3.88. The school’s acceptance rate stood at 62%, with 785 applications received. Out of those, 487 applicants were admitted, and ultimately 189 students matriculated to begin their studies. This profile reflects the competitive yet accessible nature of SLU Law’s admissions process for the 2025 entering class.

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	152 - 155 - 160	153 - 156 - 160
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.31 - 3.59 - 3.81	3.37 - 3.64 - 3.88
Acceptance rate	61.2%	62%
Applications received	790	785
Acceptances	489	487
Matriculants	177	189

Saint Louis University School of Law offers students a great opportunity to pursue their legal dreams while providing an excellent learning environment that will lead them toward success. With its competitive admissions process, it is clear that only highly qualified applicants are accepted into this prestigious institution.

By attending Saint Louis University School of Law, students will have the opportunity to further their legal education and gain valuable skills that will benefit them long into the future. Saint Louis University School of Law is a great choice for those looking for an excellent law school.

Application Requirements

Saint Louis University School of Law is one of the top law schools in the United States. For those interested in applying to the SLU LAW program, specific requirements must be met before an application can be processed. The first requirement is to fill out and submit the SLU LAW Application online. This application will include general information such as contact information, educational and work history, and any extracurricular activities or honors. The second requirement is to fill out and submit the LSAC Law School Report. This report assesses an applicant’s academic credentials and undergraduate performance to determine their eligibility for admission into SLU LAW.

Application Timeline

At Saint Louis University School of Law, the admissions process typically begins on September 1st when applications become available to submit. While they will consider all applications received after this date for the upcoming fall term, it is strongly encouraged that applicants try to get their applications in as soon as possible. As their admissions committee begins to review these documents in November, they will begin sending out decisions as early as December 1st.

They also accept applications on a rolling basis, which means the earlier your application is received, the better your chances of being accepted and possibly even receiving merit-based scholarships like our 1843 Full Tuition Scholarship. To be considered for such awards, they strongly recommend that applicants submit their completed applications before February 1st.

Letters of Recommendation

Saint Louis University School of Law expects prospective students to submit at least two letters of recommendation through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. However, we will also accept up to four letters, as they help us better understand the applicant's intellectual capacity, motivation, character, and academic performance.

Personal Statement

The Personal Statement is an invaluable opportunity for applicants to express themselves beyond what conventional application materials can provide. It gives the Admissions Committee a deeper insight into each applicant's characteristics and goals, allowing them to get to know each candidate more personally. The Personal Statement should include previous academic achievements, career history, and potential future ambitions.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition at Saint Louis University School of Law is estimated at about $55,260 for full-time Juris Doctor students and around $40,320 for part-time students. When factoring in living expenses, books, transportation, and other costs, the total cost of attendance ranges between approximately $77,500 and $82,300, depending on housing and lifestyle choices. To help make law school more affordable, SLU Law provides extensive financial support, with nearly all full-time students receiving some form of grants or scholarships. The average award is about $24,000, which significantly reduces tuition costs. In addition to merit-based scholarships, the school also offers need-based aid, federal loan programs, and work-study opportunities, giving students a variety of ways to manage expenses while pursuing their degree.

Cost of Attendance

Category	Full-Time Students	Part-Time Students
Tuition	$55,260	$40,320
Fees	Included	Included
Living Expenses	$18,000–$22,000	$18,000–$22,000
Books & Supplies	$1,800	$1,200
Transportation	$2,200	$2,200
Personal Expenses	$2,200	$2,200
Estimated Total	$77,500–$82,300	$64,000–$68,000

Saint Louis University School of Law is committed to helping each of its students get the financial aid they need to further their education. To determine the amount of aid a student may be eligible for, the Office of Student Financial Services considers the estimated cost of attendance for each academic program. This figure is based on student survey data and current tuition rates and is subject to review each year.

Attendance costs include the estimated cost for books and supplies, along with personal expenses such as transportation costs and miscellaneous fees. Additionally, it may include room and board if the student opts to live off-campus. The budget is designed to help students determine what they can afford to pay for their education and how much aid they may need.

Saint Louis University School of Law wants its students to succeed, which is why the Office of Student Financial Services works diligently to provide students with the information needed to make informed decisions about their educational expenses. They hope to help their students better understand their financial needs and make the most of their educational experience by providing a cost-of-attendance breakdown.

Scholarship Opportunities

SLU LAW offers need-based grants, loan forgiveness programs, and external scholarship opportunities. No matter the financial situation, SLU LAW is dedicated to helping make legal education possible for its students. The Financial Aid Office works with every student to ensure their education is as cost-effective as possible. SLU LAW also provides many resources like workshops and loan counseling to help students manage their financial obligations. Legal education at SLU LAW is an investment in your future. The school's commitment to providing a quality education, coupled with its various scholarship programs, grants, and loan forgiveness opportunities, make it one of the most affordable law schools in the country. With the help of SLU LAW, students will find a way to finance their legal education and open the door to countless career opportunities. By choosing SLU LAW, you can rest assured that you are making a sound investment in your future. The commitment to providing quality legal education and various scholarship and loan forgiveness options make it one of the most affordable law schools in the country. With the help of SLU LAW, you can find a way to finance your legal education and open the door to countless career opportunities. SLU LAW is dedicated to helping make legal education possible for its students. The Financial Aid Office works with every student to ensure their education is as cost-effective as possible. With the help of SLU LAW, you can invest in your legal education and look forward to a successful career.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

For the Class of 2024, Saint Louis University School of Law reported strong employment outcomes, with 159 out of 173 graduates securing full-time positions within ten months of graduation. A majority entered law firm practice, while others pursued judicial clerkships, public interest work, and government roles, reflecting the school’s broad career placement opportunities. On the licensure side, SLU Law continues to deliver consistent results. The first-time bar passage rate for the most recent cohort is approximately 87 percent, with a notable 94.6 percent success rate on the Missouri bar exam, marking the highest in more than a decade. In addition, the overall two-year bar passage rate stands at just over 95 percent, underscoring the school’s effectiveness in preparing its graduates for professional practice and long-term success.

Academics and Curriculum

Saint Louis University School of Law is excellent for those interested in law study and those wanting to pursue dual-degree programs. The school prides itself on its respectful, friendly atmosphere, which extends to the classrooms, where students are encouraged to engage with one another.

The university offers a wide range of courses, from the traditional basics to more specialized areas such as health law and international and comparative law. The Center for Health Law Studies is highly acclaimed in its field, as evidenced by its USNews&World Report ranking – it stands first in the nation.

SLU also has several clinics where students can gain practical experience, including the Judicial Process Clinic and Criminal Public Defender Clinic. This allows students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice and gain invaluable experience while also assisting those in need.

The school offers an array of dual-degree programs for those pursuing their studies beyond the law. These include JD/MBAs and JD/Masters of Health Administration. This is an ideal option for those looking to expand their expertise and qualify for a broader range of professional roles.

Saint Louis University School of Law is an excellent choice for prospective students who want to study law or participate in a dual-degree program. The relaxed atmosphere encourages meaningful discourse, while the wide range of courses and specialized clinics make it an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the law. The school is also highly acclaimed in its field, making it an excellent choice for students serious about their studies.

Quality of Life

Saint Louis University School of Law is located in the vibrant downtown area of St. Louis, Missouri, which provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to gain real-world experience by being close to various law firms, government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations. In addition, the school's location just steps away from the City of St. Louis Civil Courts Building and the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse, allows students to observe law in action as part of their studies.

SLU LAW expects a lot from its students and provides excellent support. The school offers intensive academic programs to prepare students for law practice, providing them with the necessary resources and knowledge to succeed. Faculty members are highly dedicated to teaching and mentoring, while innovative curriculums ensure that students gain expertise in their chosen areas of study. With its well-respected reputation, SLU LAW allows students to connect with the legal community locally and nationally.

By attending Saint Louis University School of Law, students can expect to be challenged and inspired while they learn how to become successful lawyers. With its vibrant downtown location and excellent academic program, SLU LAW is the ideal destination for those seeking a top-notch legal education. Through this school, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a fulfilling career in law.

Saint Louis University School of Law is constructing a brand new building, estimated to cost between $30 and $35 million. Fundraising efforts are underway, and once complete; construction is expected to commence sometime around 2010. However, this should not be taken as a definite timeline for those applying for admission to the school, as the plans for the new premises remain largely undecided.

The school is located in St. Louis' Midtown neighborhood and serves as an oasis of culture in an otherwise chaotic city. Fox Theater and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra are some of the most popular attractions in the area. At the same time, sports lovers can find plenty to cheer for in the form of the legendary St. Louis Cardinals baseball team or the much-maligned St. Louis Rams football team. While certain parts of the city may not be considered safe, there are plenty of secure and vibrant areas to explore and enjoy.

In short, Saint Louis University Law School is a great option for those looking for quality legal education in an exciting city. With plans for a brand new building underway and plenty of things to do and see, St. Louis can be an ideal home for aspiring lawyers. Keep an eye on the project's progress, but don't let it be the deciding factor when choosing your law school home.

Synopsis

Saint Louis University Law School is a good choice for anyone who wants to live and practice law in Missouri.  Nevertheless, the tuition is steep for a school of its caliber, and careful cost-benefit analysis must be performed before one decides to attend.

Contact Information

Saint Louis University
School of Law
Admissions Office
100 N. Tucker Blvd., Suite 986
St. Louis, MO 63101-1930

Phone: 314-977-2800
Email: admissions@law.slu.edu

https://www.slu.edu/law/admissions/index.php

Summary

Established	1843
Location	St. Louis, MO
Dean	Twinette Johnson
2025 US News Ranking	94th
LSAT Median Score	156
GPA Median Score	3.64
Bar Passage Rate	86.7% (2025)
Employment Rate	77.3% (2025)
Cost	"$52,570 full-time, $38,150 part-time"
Average Debt	$102,452
Application Deadline	N/A

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Reference

Saint Louis University School of Law
https://www.slu.edu/law/index.php
Rank #94
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