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The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law
Columbus School of Law, the law school of the Catholic University of America, is ranked 94th by the US News and World Report. The law school was established in 1892 and is generally considered the fourth-best law school in DC, behind Georgetown, George Washington, and American University. Famous alumni of the Columbus School of Law include Senators Tom Harkin and Robert Patrick Casey, Jr.
Contents
Admissions
The Catholic Law admissions team is dedicated to helping applicants reach their goals. They proudly offer an automatic application fee waiver for anyone who applies through the LSAC before their preferred deadline. In addition, they strongly encourage prospective students to take advantage of their virtual resources—including information sessions, student panels, and faculty presentations.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 155 - 159 - 161 | 158 - 162 - 162 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.39 - 3.63 - 3.75 | 3.38 - 3.64 - 3.76 |
| Acceptance rate | 34.7% | 34.6% |
| Applications received | 1461 | 1256 |
| Acceptances | 465 | 435 |
| Matriculants | 114 | 125 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law received 1,256 applications and extended 435 offers of admission, resulting in an acceptance rate of 34.6%. Out of those admitted, 125 students matriculated, yielding a class size slightly larger than the prior year. The admitted students presented strong academic credentials, with LSAT scores ranging from the 25th to 75th percentile at 158–162 and undergraduate GPAs between 3.38 and 3.76, with a median GPA of about 3.64. These figures reflect a highly competitive applicant pool and demonstrate consistent selectivity while maintaining rigorous academic standards for the incoming class.
Application Deadline
Here’s the 2025 application deadline information for prospective J.D. applicants to The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law:
- The regular decision deadline for Fall 2025 admission is March 15, 2025.
- For international applicants, it is especially important to submit all materials by March 15, 2025, to allow sufficient time for visa processing and support from the International Student Services office.
- Additionally, the school notes that applicants who complete their application files by November 1 will receive a non-binding early decision notification before the New Year, although this is not a formal early decision or early admission program.
For the Fall 2025 J.D. admissions cycle at Columbus School of Law, the regular application deadline is March 15, 2025. International students are strongly advised to meet this date to ensure ample time for visa arrangements. Although not a formal early decision program, applicants who submit a complete application by November 1 may receive a decision before the New Year, offering a valuable opportunity for early feedback .
Application Process
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law offers an exceptional opportunity for prospective law students to pursue a legal education. To be accepted into this prestigious institution, several requirements must be met. Firstly, all applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an institution accredited by one of the regional associations and demonstrate satisfactory performance on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The preferred deadline to apply for admission is March 15, and first-year students begin their studies in the fall semester.
To ensure an application is complete, applicants must submit the following: a completed application form with a waived non-refundable application fee of $65; an official transcript from the undergraduate institution; two letters of recommendation; a statement of interest in the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law; and scores from the LSAT. Additional materials may be requested to make an informed admission decision.
The admissions process for The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is highly competitive, and students must meet a set of high standards to be considered for admission. This includes solid academic background, a commitment to legal study, leadership qualities, and interpersonal skills. In addition, the admissions process involves an interview and an evaluation of any extracurricular activities or work experience the applicant may have.
Transfer Applications
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law allows students to be admitted with advanced standing from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools. Once students have completed their first year at another law school, they can apply to transfer to The Catholic University of America. All applicants must possess a good standing with the original school and be eligible to continue their studies.
Tuition And Financial Aid
For the 2025 academic year, full-time J.D. students at Columbus School of Law face tuition and fees totaling $60,392, reflecting a 2.5% increase from the previous year. When considering room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other personal living expenses (estimated at around $26,278), the total cost of attendance approaches $86,670. Fortunately, the vast majority of students receive aid: approximately 91.9% are awarded grants or scholarships, with the average aid amounting to $28,608, effectively reducing the net cost of tuition and fees by nearly half. The law school’s Financial Aid Office offers tailored support across scholarship programs, steps for first-year students, veteran benefits like Yellow Ribbon, and guidance on budgeting—including resources like AccessLex and monthly payment plans.
Cost of Attendance
For the 2025 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for full-time J.D. students at the Columbus School of Law is as follows. Tuition and fees are set at $60,392, while living expenses, books, and personal costs bring the overall yearly cost close to $86,670. This estimate provides students with a comprehensive view of both direct (billed) and indirect (personal) expenses they should anticipate when budgeting for law school.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $60,392 |
| Room & Board | $19,010 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,720 |
| Transportation | $2,720 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,828 |
| Total | $86,670 |
This breakdown helps illustrate the financial commitment of attending Catholic Law in 2025. Importantly, because nearly 92% of students receive grants or scholarships, the average net tuition cost is significantly lower than the published rate, making financial aid a crucial factor in affordability.
Financial Aid
Law school can be a significant investment but one that yields lucrative rewards in the long run. The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law strives to make this journey more accessible by offering a wide selection of scholarships and loan options. With their financial aid initiative, you can make your dream of becoming an attorney more realistic than ever.
Alumni Scholarship
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law offers an Alumni Scholarship that can provide a first-year or transfer student up to $4,000 over their four years in law school. This award is funded through alum nominations and requires the submission of a completed Alumni Scholarship Recommendation Form to the Admissions Office. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, demonstrate financial need, and reflect a commitment to the Catholic mission of the school. The Law School Admissions Office will review all Alumni Scholarship Recommendation Forms submitted and award scholarships accordingly. Adjustments cannot be made after an admissions decision has been made.
Merit-Based Scholarships
At The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, all applicants for the J.D. program are evaluated for merit-based scholarship awards during the admissions process. No separate application is necessary, and these awards are typically communicated at the time of acceptance to the University. Generally, scholarship awards are renewed each year for the entire duration of the J.D. program, provided that all necessary conditions for renewal are met. Award amounts are distributed in six (or eight, for part-time enrollment) semester-based equal installments and may be used for summer sessions; however, the total amount awarded over the average duration of enrollment cannot exceed the amount that would have been awarded based on six (or eight) semester-based awards.
Veteran's Benefits (Yellow Ribbon Program)
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is a proud partner with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program helps to cover tuition and fees that exceed what is covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, allowing those who are 100% eligible for benefits under it to receive extra assistance for their education.
Law Preview Scholarships
Law Preview Scholarships from BARBRI is an incredible opportunity for incoming law students to jump-start their educational journey. Through the generous support of various schools, law firms, companies, and bar associations, these scholarships provide access to top-tier legal academics and attorneys who specialize in preparing first-year students for the rigors of law school. With the support of these sponsors, recipients will gain invaluable insights into the legal profession and build strong foundations to set them up for success as they start their careers. Some sponsors also provide mentorship opportunities throughout the student’s 1L year so they can stay connected with the legal community while continuing to learn and grow in their legal education.
Academics and Curriculum
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is a prestigious institution that offers students various legal programs. The academic rules listed on the school's website are enforced by the faculty and updated periodically to ensure they remain relevant. These rules provide clear guidance for students regarding their expectations and obligations as student body members. In addition, the school also allows for exceptions to these rules in extraordinary cases. The Dean or Academic Dean may grant exceptions if good cause can be shown. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with all academic regulations and follow them to ensure their successful academic careers at the school. This is essential to upholding the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law's commitment to providing a quality educational experience. Students must adhere to the school's regulations to ensure a positive and successful learning environment. In conclusion, The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law's academic rules provides guidelines and expectations for students while allowing for exceptions in extraordinary cases when a good cause can be shown. Students must familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure a successful academic experience.
First-Year Courses
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is committed to providing its students with a rigorous and comprehensive legal education. To ensure that their students have the necessary basic legal knowledge before moving on to more advanced topics, they have developed a required set of courses for both day and evening divisions.
For day-division students, the first-year curriculum includes seven required courses, three of which (Civil Procedure, Contracts, and Lawyering Skills) are taken over the entire academic year. Additionally, Constitutional Law is divided into two classes in the Spring of the first year and the Fall of the second year. Evening-division students must complete all seven required courses within the first two years of law school.
These courses are designed to provide students with the foundational legal knowledge they need to succeed in their future studies. The curriculum is rigorous and comprehensive, covering various topics such as torts, criminal law, civil procedure, contracts, and legal reasoning. With this solid base of legal knowledge, our students will be well-equipped to tackle the more advanced courses they will encounter later in their law school careers.
Practice Areas
For upper-level law students who want to focus their studies on a particular area of the legal field, The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law offers multiple options. Not only can students opt to pursue a practice area concentration, but they can also choose from one of several intensive certificate programs. In addition to these educational pathways, those already enrolled in a graduate program at Catholic University can take advantage of the joint degree programs available here.
- Centers
- Certificate Programs (Institutes)
- Concentrations & Other Practice Areas
- Joint Degree Programs
Practical Training
At the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, students are rigorously trained in the practicalities of law, allowing them to become competent in their craft upon graduation. Through clinics, externships, and moot court opportunities, students gain invaluable experience in the legal system. In addition to these tools, transition-to-practice capstone courses teach students the professional skills needed to succeed. The Catholic Law experience prepares students to become well-rounded legal professionals ready for a successful career. With this combination of classroom and experiential learning, their students emerge as lawyers with the confidence and know-how needed to excel in any area of law.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
JD graduates from the Catholic University Of America have many opportunities for success after graduation. According to data gathered by the National Association for Law Placement, those who work in the private sector have median earnings of $131,000 upon graduation. This is considerably higher than the average salary of $51,363 for those in the public sector.
Furthermore, most Catholic University Of America graduates (89.3%) pass the bar on their first try. This provides further evidence that students who receive their JD from this institution are well-prepared for the challenges of legal practice and have a good chance at success after graduating.
Regarding career paths, over half of the graduates (50%) go on to work for law firms, while 24.4% clerk for a judge and 3.5% go into public interest positions. This demonstrates that the Catholic University Of America's JD program provides students with a wide range of career options after graduation. Furthermore, it showcases the university's commitment to providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen fields.
Quality of Life
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is an excellent law school for those looking to make a successful and fulfilling future for themselves. With rigorous legal study, students can acquire the essential skills needed to succeed in their profession, such as developing sound legal analysis, improving legal writing proficiency, and honing their oral advocacy capabilities. Furthermore, the university's practical approach to legal education allows students to learn by doing and choose between various areas for academic emphasis. The school is connected with professors who are personally invested in their student's success, a close-knit group of classmates, and an extensive alum network. The easy access to many externships via the CUA/Brookland metro stop and convenient on-campus parking make the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law an ideal choice for those pursuing a law degree. Overall, it is an excellent place for students to gain the legal skills necessary for a successful career in today's competitive world.
By choosing The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, you make a wise investment in yourself and your future. With the many resources available to students, graduates will be well-equipped with the skillset necessary for success as a legal practitioner.
Convenient Facilities
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is an exceptional place to study law and further one's legal education. Located on 176 acres of park-like land in Washington D.C., the Law School building opened in 1994 and set the standard for modern law schools across the country. Its impressive facilities include high-tech classrooms, courtrooms, administrative offices, an auditorium, and a student lounge/cafeteria.
The Law School is easily accessible by the Brookland-CUA Metro Station on the D.C. Metro's red line, or students may choose to drive with a parking garage attached to the Law School building for their convenience. Security patrols are provided 24/7 to ensure a safe and secure environment. Additional features such as lockers, a student gym, and nearby cafeterias can be accessed by students on campus. Faculty offices and the Columbus Community Legal Services (CCLS) are also on-site.
In short, The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law provides an ideal setting to pursue a legal education. With its modern facilities, easy access, and secure environment, the Law School is an excellent choice for those looking to further their studies in this field.
Law Library
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is home to an extensive and inviting library that facilitates individual and collaborative study. The Law Library provides access to students for an impressive number of hours each week, offering reference assistance nearly 70 hours per week and staying open for over 100 hours in total. Inside, the library has been organized to provide work and social spaces, with seating for 502 people and several study/meeting rooms.
The library collection contains 468,000 volume equivalents and is kept up to date with the latest research databases, such as Westlaw Edge, Lexis Advance, and Bloomberg Law. In addition, it houses multiple collections in communications law, securities law, and public policy. Students can access study aids (online, print & audio), textbooks for required and staple courses, past and graded exams, and unlimited printing.
The staff of the Law Library is one of the best in the D.C. metro area, with librarians who are heavily trained both in Catholic Law and at other law libraries around the country. They are available to assist students with any questions or needs while in the library. The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law Law Library is an invaluable resource for all law students and provides an excellent environment for studying and learning.
Brookland
Monroe Street Market, located in the Brookland neighborhood near The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, is a vibrant and exciting place to visit or live. It's bustling with activity, from apartment buildings and the University's official Barnes & Noble bookstore to restaurants, art galleries, performance venues, and more.
In addition to the things to do within the neighborhood, students can also take advantage of all that D.C. offers with quick access outside Brookland on public transportation or by car. The Washington Post says it best: "Brookland is a great place for law school students to live and explore - both nearby and in the rest of the city." With its unique mix of culture, amenities, and convenience to the law school, Brookland is an ideal destination for CUA law students.
On-Campus Housing
Graduate and law students may be allowed on-campus housing, although it's not guaranteed. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, once the housing application opens on March 15, with spring-only applications available beginning September 15.
Here’s a breakdown of per-semester housing costs (which include utilities, laundry, internet, and cable TV) for the 2025–2026 academic year:
| Room Type | Residence Hall(s) | Approximate Cost per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Caldwell, Gibbons, Seton, Regan, Ryan | $5,575 |
| Single with bath | Gibbons, Centennial Village, Regan, Ryan | $5,620 |
| Double | Multiple halls (e.g., Gibbons, Ryan, etc.) | $5,290 |
| Double with bath | Gibbons, Centennial Village, Regan, Ryan | $5,960 |
| Triple | Gibbons, Flather, Regan, Ryan | $4,835 |
| Triple with bath | Gibbons | $5,645 |
| Quad with bath | Gibbons | $5,645 |
| Suite — Single | Opus, Millennium (Suite A) | $6,550 |
| Suite — Double or Suite B/C | Opus, Millennium | $6,030 |
| Apartment — Single | Millennium | $6,900 |
| Apartment — Double | Millennium, St. Lawrence Village | $6,580 |
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America offers a range of on-campus housing options to graduate and law students—though placement is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis starting March 15. Depending on your preference for living arrangements—from traditional singles and doubles to modern suites and apartments—semester costs range from $4,835 to $6,900. These charges include essential amenities such as utilities, internet, cable, and laundry, giving students a clear view of the overall housing investment for living on campus.
Off-Campus Housing
For the 2025 academic year, students at The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law who choose to live off campus face estimated annual housing costs of about $17,580, which averages to roughly $1,953 per month. Additional estimated expenses include $6,520 for food, $3,158 for transportation, $3,168 for personal and miscellaneous needs, and $1,950 for books and supplies. Altogether, the projected indirect cost of attendance for off-campus students is approximately $32,374 per year, excluding medical insurance if required. Importantly, the university’s financial aid policy treats off-campus and on-campus living costs as comparable, ensuring students receive equitable consideration for aid regardless of where they live.
| Category | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing (off-campus) | $17,580 |
| Food | $6,520 |
| Transportation | $3,158 |
| Personal/Miscellaneous | $3,168 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,950 |
| Total | $32,374 |
Synopsis
Catholic University's Columbus School of Law could be a very solid choice for someone looking to practice law in Washington DC or Maryland. Many of their specialty programs offer compelling opportunities for applicants with corresponding interests. On the other hand, potential applicants ought to consider the law school's high tuition very carefully against the relatively low possibility of getting a high-paying "biglaw" job.
Contact Information
Columbus School of Law
Physical Address:
Office of Admissions
Suite 340
3600 John McCormack Rd., NE
Washington, DC 20064
Mailing Address:
Office of Admissions
The Catholic University of America
Cardinal Station
Washington, DC 20064
Phone: 202-319-5151
Email: admissions@law.edu
https://law.edu/admissions/juris-doctor/index.html
Summary
| Established | 1897 |
| Location | Washington, DC |
| Dean | Stephen C. Payne |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 71th |
| LSAT Median Score | 160 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.64 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 84.5% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 69.7% (2025) |
| Cost | "$60,392 full-time,
$41,590 part-time" |
| Average Debt | $147,318 |
| Application Deadline | June 30, 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
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Reference
https://law.edu/
Rank #71
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