University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law offers an unparalleled opportunity for students and graduates to build a successful legal career. With its esteemed reputation and cutting-edge curriculum, Detroit Mercy Law provides its alums with diverse opportunities to pursue a variety of roles in the legal field. These include positions at renowned law firms, highly sought-after judicial clerkships, and positions in government, business, and public interest organizations across the United States and Canada.

History

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law has been a cornerstone of legal education in the city since 1912, when it became the first law school in Michigan to receive ABA accreditation. With over a century of history and excellence, UDM has produced over 125 judges who have served on the Michigan bench, an Ohio Supreme Court justice, a former Michigan attorney general, three former mayors of Detroit, and more than half the state's prosecuting attorneys. UDM is proud to maintain its tradition of producing leaders in law whose impact continues to be felt across the United States.

UDM aims to provide graduates with an exceptional legal education through rigorous coursework and experiential learning opportunities. UDM law students have access to state-of-the-art technology, a mentorship program with successful alums, externship programs with federal and state courts, and corporate and public interest employers. With its location in the heart of Detroit's burgeoning business district, UDM provides unparalleled access to various legal opportunities.

UDM is committed to providing an outstanding learning experience for its students, and it is proud to be one of the nation's most respected law schools. With a strong tradition of excellence and access to some of the best resources in legal education, UDM provides students with a well-rounded foundation for their future legal careers. For students looking to make a difference in the legal profession, UDM is an ideal choice.

Admissions

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law invites prospective students to apply to its esteemed legal education program. Applicants can complete their application on the LSAC website, which is free. Detroit Mercy Law provides an excellent learning experience for its students, as they can explore various aspects of the law in a challenging yet supportive environment.

If you're unsure about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	151-154-156	151-154-156
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.11-3.46-3.67	3.22-3.55-3.73
Acceptance rate	56.1%	47.7%
Applications received	1103	1186
Acceptances	576	566
Matriculants	215	218

For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, the incoming class data shows a competitive yet accessible profile. Applicants typically fell within the LSAT range of 151–156 across the 25th to 75th percentiles, which remained unchanged from the previous 2023–2024 cycle. The GPA range for admitted students shifted slightly higher compared to the prior year, moving to 3.22–3.55–3.73, suggesting a modest rise in academic performance among admitted candidates.

The admissions pool saw 1,186 total applications for the 2024–2025 class, a slight increase over the previous cycle’s 1,103 applicants. Out of these, 566 students were accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 47.7%, which is notably more selective than the 56.1% acceptance rate for the 2023–2024 class. Despite the lower acceptance rate, the number of matriculants increased slightly to 218 students, up from 215 the previous year, indicating strong enrollment interest.

Overall, these statistics highlight a consistent LSAT profile, an upward trend in GPAs, and a tightening admissions process that reflects growing competition for seats while still maintaining a stable class size.

Application Deadline

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is dedicated to providing students with a high-quality legal education. Students can submit their applications for admission beginning on September 1. Those who apply by the February 1 priority scholarship deadline will be given priority scholarship consideration. In addition, those who apply by April 15 will receive priority consideration for admission.

Bachelor’s Degree

Students interested in attending the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law must first obtain a bachelor's degree. This can be done by applying to law school while still in their final year of undergraduate studies or after receiving their degree. Regarding what type of bachelor's degrees are accepted, the school welcomes applicants with a wide range of degrees, including liberal arts, education, criminal justice, business, and STEM. The school also encourages students to maintain a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher for admission; however, they will also consider other aspects of the application. All in all, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law welcomes applicants with a range of bachelor's degrees and GPAs. The school is dedicated to helping students achieve their dreams of becoming a lawyer. With the guidance and support of the faculty, staff, and alums, you can take your first steps toward a successful legal career.

LSAT

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law requires applicants to have a recent LSAT score within the past five years. Aspiring students must have an LSAT score within the 15th percentile of test administration to be considered for admission. To be as competitive as possible, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law encourages applicants to strive for a score in the 50th percentile or better. However, they will consider various applications when considering all application elements. For those planning to take the LSAT, you may submit your application before taking and receiving your LSAT score. The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law will complete and hold the application until scores are released.

CAS Report

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is dedicated to providing applicants with the best possible educational experiences. To ensure that all candidates have access to the same opportunities, each applicant must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and submit their scores, transcripts, and TOEFL scores (if applicable) through LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

TOEFL scores are required from applicants who earned their undergraduate degree outside the US, its territories, or Canada. Applicants should contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for TOEFL registration at www.toefl.org and request that ETS send their TOEFL scores to LSAC (their TOEFL code is 0058).

Applicants who have completed more than one year of post-secondary work outside of the US, its territories, or Canada must use CAS to authenticate and evaluate international transcripts. Transcripts for less than one year of study may be sent directly to Detroit Mercy Law.

Letters of Recommendation

For admission to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, two letters of recommendation are mandatory and must be submitted via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). One of the required letters must be from a college professor or someone with relevant knowledge and experience in the subject area if the applicant has been out of college for an extended period. Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s academic abilities and work or volunteer experience.

Personal Statement

The personal statement is an excellent chance for the Admissions Committee to gain insight into who you are and what unique qualifications you can bring. This statement should be at least two pages and include your name and LSAC account number on each page. This statement provides an opportunity to explain why you chose to pursue a legal education and how the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law can help you meet your professional goals and interests.

Addenda

Suppose a University of Detroit Mercy School of Law student has had academic or criminal issues. In that case, they must submit an additional supplement to provide context and details surrounding the issue. This document should be no more than one page long unless extenuating circumstances warrant an exception. The addendum should include the date of the issue, a brief explanation of what happened and why it occurred, and any relevant outcomes. This extra information is essential for the admissions committee to consider when making their decisions, so students should assemble an accurate and informative document. By providing this additional information, students can help ensure that the admissions committee understands all the relevant details and can make an informed decision.

Cost of Attendance

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the tuition and fees at Detroit Mercy Law are projected at $49,322. When combined with estimated living expenses such as housing, food, transportation, books, supplies, and personal costs, the total cost of attendance (COA) is approximately $69,869. These figures reflect a standard budget that assumes typical living arrangements. The law school also offers a “Thrifty Budget” for students who live more frugally, which can reduce indirect costs. Actual expenses may vary depending on credit load, personal spending habits, and individual living situations.

2025–2026 Estimated Cost of Attendance – University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

Cost Component	Amount (USD)	Notes
Tuition & Fees	$49,322	Direct cost charged by the law school
Books & Supplies	Included in COA	Estimated cost for academic materials
Housing & Food (Room & Board)	Included in COA	Estimated cost based on off-campus living
Transportation & Travel	Included in COA	Budgeted cost for commuting and other travel
Personal / Miscellaneous Expenses	Included in COA	Covers incidental living costs
Total Estimated COA	$69,869	Sum of tuition plus all other estimated costs

Academics

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is an excellent institution for aspiring lawyers, with a robust academic program and ample resources. First-year law students take the same core courses, such as civil procedure, contracts, property, torts, and legal theory. The average class size is around 58 students, making it small enough to foster relationships with professors and classmates while providing a diverse learning environment. With 66 full-time faculty members and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14.1:1, UDM provides its students with personalized attention and guidance.

In addition to the core courses, students can choose from over 75 electives in various areas of legal study. UDM also offers co-curricular activities such as internships, clinics, externships, and research projects that provide hands-on experience in legal fields. Moreover, students can earn a dual degree from UDM's business school or a Canadian law degree from the University of Windsor School of Law in Ontario.

Although the academic program is rigorous, current students laud the quality of instruction and full-time faculty members. However, it's important to note that 26 percent of first-year students do not return for a second year due to the immense workload and competitive grading curve. There is no doubt that UDM Law School provides excellent legal education, so aspiring lawyers should weigh the pros and cons before making their decision.

Ultimately, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is an excellent choice for those pursuing a legal career. With its small class size, diverse course load, and ample resources, UDM provides students with a comprehensive legal education that will prepare them for their future endeavors.

Quality of Life

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is a well-known institution that provides a comprehensive legal education to its permanent residents of Detroit. While the school does not offer houses, the city has various affordable living options. Many houses in the area can be purchased for as low as $10,000 - making it a great place to live while attending school. The campus is located in the heart of Detroit. It is generally safe during the day, though it can become dangerous at night - so it's always important to use common sense when traveling throughout the city.

The surrounding neighborhood offers little entertainment or modern amenities. Still, there are bars and restaurants nearby, and the Student Bar Association puts on several academic and social events throughout the year. Additionally, Canada is just a short train or car ride away for those looking to travel internationally. Overall, UDM School of Law provides its students with an excellent legal education that prepares them for the realities of their chosen profession.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

Recent graduating classes from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law have shown strong outcomes in securing legal and professional employment. For the 2024 graduating class, approximately 93 percent of graduates found employment in legal or professional roles within ten months of graduation. Among these, about 89 percent secured full-time, long-term legal positions, which is slightly above the national average for law schools.

Looking at a broader snapshot, out of 177 recent graduates, 165 were employed, with 160 in full-time roles and 5 in part-time positions. Of those employed, 141 were in bar passage-required jobs, while 19 held J.D.-advantage positions, which are roles where a law degree provides significant benefits even if bar admission is not required.

Graduates most commonly enter private practice, especially in Michigan-based law firms, followed by opportunities in business and industry, government service, public interest organizations, and judicial clerkships. Overall, these trends suggest that Detroit Mercy Law graduates generally have favorable prospects for obtaining legal employment, particularly within the Michigan region and nearby states.

Bar Passage Performance

Bar passage results for Detroit Mercy Law have been mixed in recent years. For first-time takers in 2023, the first-time bar passage rate was about 59.2 percent (77 out of 130 first-time takers passed). This figure falls below the average for many peer law schools and state bar averages, highlighting a challenge for some students in passing the bar on their first attempt.

However, the ultimate bar passage rate—which reflects the percentage of graduates who pass the bar within two years of graduation—paints a more positive picture. For example, the class of 2021 achieved an ultimate bar passage rate of 89.5 percent, demonstrating that most graduates do succeed with persistence and adequate preparation.

While the initial bar passage rate shows room for improvement, the longer-term success rates indicate that a large majority of Detroit Mercy graduates eventually pass the bar exam and can pursue licensed legal careers.

Synopsis

UDM is situated in a troubled hub of the Midwest, in a state with uncertain job prospects. Its regional value is strong, but students should be wary about taking on $107,000 in interest-bearing debt for a potential median salary of $50,500. Many people hope that Michigan will bounce back, and students who attend UDM may be a part of the region's recovery. Despite economic fluctuations, the school's reputation is as good as any other Tier 4's. It can be a satisfactory choice for those who want to live and work in Detroit.

Contact information

University of Detroit Mercy Law School
Admissions Office
651 East Jefferson Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 596-0264
Email: udmlawao@udmercy.edu
www.law.udmercy.edu

Summary

Established	1912
Location	Detroit, MI
Dean	Nicholas J. Schroeck
2025 US News Ranking	134th
LSAT Median Score	154
GPA Median Score	3.55
Bar Passage Rate	59.2%(2025)
Employment Rate	N/A (2025)
Cost	"$47,658 full-time, $36,570 part-time"
Average Debt	N/A
Application Deadline	N/A

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Reference

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
https://law.udmercy.edu/
LSD Law
Rank #134
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