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The University of Alabama School of Law
Although a glance at popular law school rankings reveals a relative dearth of top-tier law schools in the Southern United States, several excellent schools in the region continue to offer good legal educations and promising job prospects. Among these schools is the University of Alabama School of Law, which has firmly established its reputation as a top-tier law school. Given the school's exceptionally low resident and non-resident tuition rates, enrolling would be a wise investment for applicants with hopes of studying and finding employment in Alabama and its neighboring states.
Contents
History
The University of Alabama School of Law was founded in 1872, making it the first law school in Alabama. The school's first professor, Henderson M. Somerville, went on to become an Alabama Supreme Court Justice. William L. Thorington served as the school's first dean from 1897 to 1908. Throughout the years, the school has occupied parts of Woods, Manly, Barnard, and Morgan Halls, as well as all of Farrah Hall (named for Albert J. Farrah, Law Dean from 1913 to 1944). The school's current facility, the Law Center, was designed by Edward Durrell Stone and completed in 1978. As of 2000, the University of Alabama School of Law had graduated more than 8,300 students and was ranked among the Top 50 law schools in the United States.
The University of Alabama School of Law was accredited by the American Bar Association in 1926. It offers a broad curriculum taught by well-qualified faculty, and high academic standards ensure an outstanding student body. Student academic achievement is recognized by admission to the Order of the Coif, selection to the staff of three journals published by the Law School, participation in six moot court competitions, four national trial competitions, and numerous awards. The Law School’s alums include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo L. Black (Class of 1906), seven state governors, nine U.S. Senators, thirty-one U.S. Representatives, and numerous state legislators, academics, leaders of the bar, and corporate executives. Loyal alums and friends provide private support through the Law Alumni Association, the Farrah Law Society, and the Law School Foundation.
Admissions
For Fall 2025, Alabama Law expects around 1,422 applicants, offering admission to approximately 378, yielding an acceptance rate of 26.6%, with about 116 matriculating—a yield of 30.7%. Enrolled students posted a median LSAT) of 165 (with the middle 50% range from 158 to 168) and a median undergraduate GPA of 3.95 (25% to 75% range from about 3.68 to 4.00). Alabama Law accepts both LSAT and GRE scores (the LSAT is given preference), and GRE-only submissions are permitted, but all valid LSATs must be reported if taken.
Applications open on LSAC starting September 1, 2024, with a regular decision deadline of July 15, 2025; decisions are issued on a rolling basis, and applicants may receive expedited review and scholarship consideration if they apply early.
Alabama Law also features specialized admissions pathways:
- The Alabama Scholars Program and HBCU Scholars Program offer streamlined applications (letters of recommendation and personal statements waived) for eligible students with UGPA ≥ 3.95, with decision timelines of about 10 business days following a completed CAS application.
- The ABA-approved 503 Alternative Admissions Program for UA-Tuscaloosa seniors (UGPA ≥ 3.95, ACT/SAT ≥ 85th percentile) also features an expedited review path without LSAT or LOR requirements.
Applicants must submit their CAS report including transcripts, test scores (LSAT or GRE), resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation—unless they qualify for one of the streamlined programs.
Tuition for the 2024–25 academic year (likely unchanged for Fall 2025) was approximately $25,317 per year for Alabama residents and $47,537 for non-residents; about 94% of full-time students receive scholarships averaging $22,000, covering roughly 46% of tuition costs.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 159 - 167 - 168 | 158 - 165 - 166 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.63 - 3.95 - 4.0 | 3.64 - 3.95 - 4.0 |
| Acceptance rate | 25.8% | 26.6% |
| Applications received | 1634 | 1422 |
| Acceptances | 435 | 378 |
| Matriculants | 124 | 116 |
For the Class of 2024–2025, the University of Alabama School of Law received a total of 1,422 applications. Out of these, 378 applicants were accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 26.6%. From those admitted, 116 students enrolled, producing a matriculation rate of 30.7%. The LSAT scores for the middle 50% of admitted students ranged from 158 to 166, with a median likely around 165. Meanwhile, the GPA range for the 25th to 75th percentile of admitted students spanned from 3.64 to 4.00, reflecting a highly competitive academic profile. Compared to the previous year, application volume decreased slightly, while academic standards and yield remained strong.
Acceptance Rate
For the 2025 admissions cycle at The University of Alabama School of Law, the acceptance rate was 26.6%. This figure reflects a highly selective admissions process, with 378 applicants admitted from a pool of 1,422 total applications. Despite receiving fewer applications compared to the previous year, the school maintained a competitive admissions profile, indicating its continued commitment to academic excellence and selectivity.
Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) Scores
The University of Alabama School of Law has an Alternative Admissions Program that does not require applicants to take the LSAT. However, if you have taken the LSAT or will take the LSAT, the Law School will consider your score in making its decision. Although the LSAT is not required to apply through the 503 Alternative Admissions Program, a score may be necessary for an applicant to apply to another law school as an incoming first-year student or to transfer to another law school after the first year.
Transfer Application
The University of Alabama School of Law is great for transfer students. The school has a smooth transition process for transferring into the school and moving to Tuscaloosa. There are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved on campus, including joining student organizations, journals, trial advocacy, moot court competition teams, clinics, and social activities. If you're looking for a great law school to transfer to, Alabama Law is a great choice. To read a fantastic article about transferring, click here.
Tuition
For the 2025 academic year, tuition at The University of Alabama School of Law remains competitive and affordable compared to many peer institutions. Alabama residents can expect to pay approximately $25,317 per year, while non-resident students face an annual tuition of around $47,537. The law school is also known for offering substantial financial support, with about 94% of full-time students receiving scholarships, which often cover a significant portion of tuition—averaging around $22,000 per recipient. This makes Alabama Law an attractive option for students seeking a high-quality legal education at a relatively lower cost.
| Residency Status | Annual Tuition | Scholarship Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Alabama Resident) | $25,317 | Avg. $22,000 (94% receive aid) |
| Out-of-State (Non-Resident) | $47,537 | Avg. $22,000 (94% receive aid) |
Scholarship and Financial Aid
The University of Alabama School of Law offers scholarships to first-year applicants. Students can apply for loans through the school's financial aid office. To be considered for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible. The FAFSA can be completed online at fafsa.ed.gov.
Academics & Curriculum
Like most law students, 1Ls at the University of Alabama School of Law enroll in required courses such as Contracts, Torts, and Legal Writing. Many current students and recent graduates of the school have opined that the first year of law school at Alabama is by far the most academically rigorous, which is perhaps fairly common. During their second and third, and probably more enjoyable, years at Alabama, students are for the most part free to choose from among 150 elective courses in rounding out their legal education. The fact that a large majority of these courses contain less than 25 seats ensures that students at the University of Alabama Law School will have an opportunity to establish close connections with the professors who teach courses in their areas of interest. Aside from 1L requirements and electives, students must also enroll in one seminar unless they have submitted a publishable article to one of the school's law journals. Clinical opportunities are available as well, such as the Elder Law Clinic and a Capital Defense Clinic in which students assist the council representing death-row inmates. Lastly, Alabama offers students interested in taking their legal education beyond American borders the opportunity to do so through two study abroad programs in Australia and Switzerland, respectively. Students participating in these summer programs can earn up to five credits towards their JD degree.
Quality of Life
The collegial atmosphere of Tuscaloosa and the city's low cost of living combine to provide a good quality of life for students of the University of Alabama School of Law. Most apartments range in rent from $500 to $900, allowing students flexibility in choosing living options because law students usually do not live on the university campus. As far as nightlife and entertainment options, the school has all the symptoms of a college town, with its countless number of bars and affordable and eccentric restaurants. Alabama Law School also does its part in providing social opportunities for students, such as golf tournaments, formal events, and the yearly tradition of a race to the courthouse in which students, often clad in shorts, dress shirts, and ties, chase an ambulance from their campus to the city courthouse. Also, renovations recently completed at the law school have improved facilities and technology, bringing the law school up to speed with the rest of the University of Alabama's impressive campus, to which law students enjoy access. Safety is rarely an issue for students, as the less reputable areas of Tuscaloosa are not near the law school and can be easily avoided. It is safe to say that University of Alabama Law School students will enjoy their stay in Tuscaloosa.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
Graduates of the University of Alabama School of Law enjoy strong employment prospects and consistently solid bar passage rates. For recent graduating classes, more than 90% of students secured full-time, long-term, JD-required or JD-advantaged employment within 10 months of graduation. Many graduates obtain positions in law firms, judicial clerkships, government agencies, and corporate legal departments, with a growing number also pursuing public interest work. Alabama Law’s reputation in the Southeast—especially in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida—translates into a wide professional network and competitive placement in regional markets.
In terms of licensure, the bar passage rate for Alabama Law graduates typically exceeds both the state and national averages, reflecting the school’s strong academic preparation. For example, first-time takers often achieve pass rates above 90%, particularly in the state of Alabama where most graduates sit for the bar. These outcomes demonstrate the school’s effectiveness in equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for legal practice and career success.
| Category | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Employment Rate (Full-Time, JD-Required/Advantaged) | 90%+ |
| Common Employment Sectors | Law Firms, Clerkships, Government, Public Interest, Corporate |
| Primary Employment Regions | Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Southeast U.S. |
| First-Time Bar Passage Rate | 90%+ |
| Bar Exam Location (Most Graduates) | Alabama |
Synopsis
Applicants hoping to practice law in the Southern U.S. should give the University of Alabama School of Law lengthy consideration. One of the best schools in the region, Alabama provides students a good legal education complimented by great job prospects at a much lower cost than similarly ranked schools.
Contact Information
University of Alabama School of Law
Admission Office
Box 870382 101
Paul W. Bryant Drive,
East Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Phone: (205) 348-5440
Email: admissions@law.ua.edu
https://www.law.ua.edu/admissions/
Summary
| Established | 1872 |
| Location | East Tuscaloosa, AL |
| Dean | William S. Brewbaker III |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 31th |
| LSAT Median Score | 165 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.95 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 91.3% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 84.6% (2025) |
| Cost | "$25,317 (in-state, full-time),
$47,537 (out-of-state, full-time)" |
| Average Debt | $63,225 |
| Application Deadline | N/A |
Forum and Discussion
The University of Alabama School of Law Discussions
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Reference
https://www.law.ua.edu/
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