University of Idaho College of Law

The University of Idaho, College of Law, is a cornerstone in the legal education system and has become renowned for The University of Idaho College of Law is a cornerstone in the legal education system and has become renowned for its affordability and commitment to upholding standards of excellence. Not only does the college work hard to provide its students with comprehensive, top-notch education, but it also strives to help them gain access to learning materials from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The college provides students with extensive legal resources, including research databases and access to libraries throughout the state. Its affordability and commitment to upholding standards of excellence. Not only does the college work hard to provide its students with comprehensive, top-notch education, but it also strives to help them gain access to learning materials from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The college provides students with extensive legal resources, including research databases and access to libraries throughout the state.

History

The University of Idaho College of Law has been providing public legal education since 1909 and, over the years, has made significant contributions to the economy of the state. The college is renowned for pioneering research in agriculture, engineering, and military sciences and continues to be on the cutting edge in various industries. Through high-quality educational opportunities that are easily accessible, the college aids in providing Idahoans with an advanced understanding of such areas as clean water, cybersecurity, healthcare, agronomics, and fire science. The College of Law also works hand-in-hand with partners to ensure that the state's citizens are provided with the best possible living conditions.

The University of Idaho is dedicated to providing its students with the best legal education, which is why it has established itself as a leader in public legal education. Through various programs and initiatives, such as internships, study abroad opportunities, and clinical experiences, the College of Law provides students with a solid academic foundation that helps them succeed in their future careers.

The University of Idaho, College of Law is committed to helping make a difference in the lives of all Idahoans. Through providing excellent legal education, the college works hard to ensure everyone has access to quality resources to help them make informed decisions about their future. The university strives for excellence and will continue to do so for many years.

Admissions

The University of Idaho College of Law is the state’s only ABA-accredited law school, offering a three-year Juris Doctor program with campuses in Moscow and Boise. For its 2025 admissions cycle, the school continues to emphasize accessibility: all first-year students pay in-state tuition regardless of residency, and many maintain that rate through regional tuition programs. The incoming class typically reflects moderate selectivity, with recent statistics showing about a 67 % acceptance rate and median LSAT and GPA benchmarks around 152 and 3.46, respectively.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	148-151-155	149-152-157
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.09-3.35-3.67	3.07-3.46-3.71
Acceptance rate	66.8%	67.2%
Applications received	639	714
Acceptances	481	480
Matriculants	160	163

For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, the University of Idaho College of Law demonstrated a consistent level of competitiveness and growth. The school received 714 applications, marking an increase from the 639 received the previous year. Out of these, 480 applicants were accepted, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 67.2%, which reflects a stable selectivity compared to 66.8% the year before. The entering class saw 163 matriculants, up slightly from 160 in 2023–2024, indicating a steady interest in the program. The middle 50% range of LSAT scores for admitted students rose modestly to 149–152–157, suggesting a slight uptick in academic competitiveness. Similarly, the GPA range for the 25th to 75th percentiles increased to 3.07–3.46–3.71, showing that incoming students continue to present strong academic profiles. These trends point to the University of Idaho College of Law’s ongoing appeal as an accessible yet academically rigorous institution within the region.

Cost of Attendance

2024–2025 Academic Year

Category	Idaho Residents	Non-Idaho Residents
Full-time Student Fees/Tuition	$25,100	$44,800
Room & Board (estimated)	$11,100	$11,100
Books & Supplies (estimated)	$1,300	$1,300
Subtotal: Base Costs	$37,500	$57,200
Transportation (estimated)	$1,250	$1,250
Miscellaneous & Personal (estimated)	$3,800	$3,800
Total Estimated Costs	$42,550	$62,250

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the University of Idaho College of Law remains committed to providing a high-quality, affordable legal education. Tuition and fees for Idaho residents are estimated at $25,100, while non-residents can expect costs of approximately $44,800. The total estimated annual cost of attendance—including tuition, housing, books, transportation, and personal expenses—ranges from about $42,550 for in-state students to $62,250 for out-of-state students.

This moderate increase from prior years reflects typical adjustments for inflation and cost-of-living changes while maintaining Idaho’s reputation as one of the most affordable public law schools in the region. Additionally, first-year students continue to benefit from the university’s in-state tuition policy for all incoming law students, helping reduce financial barriers to legal education.

Overall, the University of Idaho College of Law provides a strong value proposition, combining competitive costs, a rigorous academic program, and multiple campus options in Moscow and Boise, allowing students to tailor their law school experience to their professional goals.

The 2025 cost of attendance underscores the University of Idaho College of Law’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and affordability, offering one of the lowest tuition rates among ABA-accredited law schools in the western United States.

Application Deadline

The University of Idaho College of Law presents an electronic application process available through the LSAC Online Services website. Prospective law students are encouraged to apply as early as possible and by March 15, 2025, for priority consideration. Priority applicants receive first access to scholarship opportunities and campus location preferences where available.

Applicants who are unable to meet the priority deadline are still encouraged to apply before June 30, 2025. While scholarship and campus preference options may be more limited after the priority period, qualified applicants will still be considered for admission and offered available financial aid opportunities.

Application Requirements

The University of Idaho College of Law requires all applicants to complete several documents to be considered for admission. Those documents include the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), the University of Idaho College of Law has waived the application fee for all law school applicants, the Law School Admission Council Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report, a résumé, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a detailed addendum if any question on the Character and Fitness section is answered "Yes."

The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is essential in applying to the University of Idaho College of Law. The Khan Academy Official LSAT Prep offers prospective students a FREE resource to create a personalized LSAT practice plan with official LSAT exams. Visit khanacademy.org/prep/lsat to get started.

The University of Idaho, College of Law, requires applicants to submit a résumé not to exceed two pages and a personal statement not to exceed three pages. These documents should provide an in-depth look into the applicant's background, experience, and goals for attending law school.

Applicants must provide at least two letters of recommendation from a professor, employer, or other professional contacts who can provide insight into the applicant's academic and professional qualifications.

Financial Aid

The University of Idaho, College of Law, offers financial assistance for qualified students through Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loans and Graduate Plus Loans. To be eligible for these funds, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. Applicants must fill out their FAFSA form correctly and timely to ensure that funds are available when needed.

Idaho Law Scholarships

The University of Idaho, College of Law, offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to incoming and continuing students who demonstrate excellence in their academics and professional promise. All applicants will be considered for an Idaho Law scholarship when determining admission, and if chosen, the student will receive a Letter of Scholarship to inform them of their selection. Scholarships are typically renewable for up to three years, provided the student maintains good standing after each spring semester.

In addition to general merit-based scholarships, Idaho Law offers several specialized scholarships to students in particular areas of need. These include the Judge David W. Thompson Scholarship for Native American and Indigenous law students, the Women in Leadership Scholarship for women pursuing a Juris Doctor degree, and the Immigrant Rights Scholarship for individuals impacted by immigration law.

For more information on Idaho Law scholarships, please visit the University of Idaho College of Law website or contact our financial aid staff member. They are committed to helping all students achieve their educational goals through scholarship support.

Academics and Curriculum

After its hundredth anniversary in 2009, the College of Law introduced a Second Century Initiative to revitalize and diversify the school's academics. Boise is central to this plan: third-year students can now take advantage of clinical and doctrinal offerings in the state capital. Eventually, the school wants to create an expansive Idaho Law Learning Center to make the University of Idaho a true "two-location law school."

The law school, which has a small first-year class size of 114 but a student-faculty ratio of 15.6:1, advertises specialties in Environmental Law, Business Law, Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, and Native American Law. Four joint degrees are available, ranging from a JD/MBA in conjunction with Washington State University to a JD/MS/Ph.D. in Water Law, Management, and Policy.

3Ls have access to various clinics, focusing on Appellate Law, Small Business Law, Tax Law, Mediation, Immigration Law, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Victims' Rights. Students can also complete externships. The College hosts almost thirty student organizations and publishes an unconventional, multimedia critical studies journal (the crit) and a grade-on law review.

First-Year

As a first-year law student at the University of Idaho College of Law, you can decide where you want to complete your entire degree program. You can choose between the two campuses located in Moscow and Boise. All students who begin their legal studies at either location will take a similar course load during their initial year.

Legal Writing and Analysis and Legal Research

During your first year of Legal Writing and Analysis and Legal Research at the University of Idaho College of Law, you will be exposed to various approaches and skills related to legal writing. You will begin by working independently and in small groups to hone your ability to research legal issues, prepare persuasive legal memoranda, and learn how to reason effectively through a legal problem. You will also learn the fundamentals of oral advocacy and be encouraged to participate in moot court competitions and mock trials. Throughout the course, you will gain a greater understanding of how to apply legal reasoning to everyday situations and be able to evaluate arguments from multiple perspectives critically. As you progress through this program, you will develop the skills to represent yourself and others in a court of law successfully. With the knowledge and confidence you gain, you will be well-prepared to take on the rigors of legal practice.

Clinics

The University of Idaho, College of Law offers students the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience in the legal field through their clinical programs. Located in Moscow, the college provides two such options: the General Clinic and Immigration Clinic. During these clinics, law students will work with legal professionals on actual cases, gaining a practical understanding of procedural and substantive law.

The General Clinic allows law students to provide low-cost legal services to individuals and nonprofit organizations in the local community under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Students gain experience with tasks such as interviewing clients, drafting pleadings, negotiating settlement agreements, and litigating cases in court. This clinic also offers educational opportunities for students by pairing them with experienced legal professionals who can mentor them in practical law.

The Immigration Clinic provides legal assistance to immigrants and their families and educates them on their rights under the law. Law students can work with clients on all aspects of immigration proceedings, from helping them apply for visas to representing them at hearings before immigration judges. This clinic also provides students real-world experience preparing applications, researching and writing legal documents, and advocating for their clients.

Pro Bono Program

The University of Idaho, College of Law places a great emphasis on providing students with the opportunity to engage in public service. This is done through two separate initiatives: a mandatory pro bono program and an externship program for those interested in public service. The pro bono program requires every enrolled student to do at least 50 hours of legal work under the supervision of a licensed attorney. The ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct and Rule 6.1 do this.

The College of Law places an additional emphasis on public service through its Externship Program. Through this program, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working in legal settings that are focused on public service. These externships are available to those who wish to gain experience in different legal settings, from social justice and civil rights work to assisting victims of domestic violence or human trafficking.

Public Service Externships

Externships at the University of Idaho, College of Law, are an invaluable opportunity for law students to gain practical experience while still in school. Through these programs, students can work with public agencies, non-profit organizations, and state or federal judges while receiving credit towards their graduation. This provides a unique chance for students to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge. Furthermore, it gives them a competitive advantage when looking for employment after graduation.

At the University of Idaho College of Law, externships provide students with an unparalleled experience in real-world legal practice. Through work at their assigned sites, students learn to apply legal theories to practical contexts and gain interpersonal skills and professionalism from interactions with judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals. They also develop a more in-depth understanding of the court system and its processes. They understand how meaningful these experiences are for their student’s professional development and strive to ensure that their externship programs are highly beneficial for the individuals participating.

Field Placement

The University of Idaho College of Law offers an externship program that allows students to gain real-world legal experience. Through this program, students observe the day-to-day activities of a participating organization, engaging in professional interactions with their field placement supervisor along the way. Furthermore, they are given a chance to get involved in specific legal problems and the resolution of those issues.

In addition, externs are often asked to conduct research and provide other law-related assistance to their field placement supervisor. Those who have completed two-thirds of the required credits for graduation may qualify for a limited license to practice law, allowing them to appear in court and try cases in the externship.

By participating in this program, students are exposed to the practical reality of a law profession – something that can be highly beneficial for their future careers. This experience is invaluable and will help them develop skills that would otherwise remain untapped as they transition from academics to practice readiness.

The University of Idaho College of Law externship program ensures that students are armed with the knowledge and expertise to be successful in their future legal pursuits. It is a truly invaluable opportunity for aspiring lawyers to gain first-hand experience and make meaningful professional connections.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

For the 2025 reporting year, the University of Idaho College of Law continues to demonstrate strong employment outcomes and solid bar passage performance for its graduates. Among the most recent class of 140 graduates, approximately 90.7% secured employment within nine months after graduation, reflecting the school’s consistent success in preparing students for the workforce. Of those employed, 114 held full-time positions—either long-term or short-term—while 13 graduates pursued part-time roles. The majority of employed graduates found positions in Idaho, accounting for more than 70% of placements, with others working in neighboring states such as Washington and Nevada. Employment sectors remained diverse, spanning private law firms, government agencies, judicial clerkships, public interest organizations, and educational institutions.

The bar passage rate for 2024 graduates, serving as a benchmark for the 2025 cycle, stood at approximately 74.8% for first-time test takers. This figure aligns closely with national averages for ABA-accredited institutions. When considering the ultimate bar passage rate—those who pass within two years of graduation—the rate rises to nearly 80%. These outcomes underscore the University of Idaho College of Law’s commitment to academic excellence, professional readiness, and accessible legal education. Collectively, the employment and bar passage data for 2025 reflect the institution’s continued strength in fostering career success and preparing students for meaningful contributions to the legal profession.

Quality of Life

The University of Idaho, College of Law, is situated in the picturesque Palouse hills, and its campus is a sight to behold. Moscow is a small city, but it is conveniently located just eight miles from Pullman, which houses Washington State University. U of I plays in the Western Athletic Conference, providing entertainment through their Division-1 sports teams. The winters in Moscow can be chilly, but there are still plenty of nearby skiing opportunities to enjoy the cold season.

The College of Law is well-regarded in Idaho, with a strong focus on practical experience and service learning. U of I has an excellent faculty that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the legal profession. The school also offers a range of specialized programs, from family law to business law, to help students focus their studies. The College of Law is committed to providing an education that cultivates the highest ethical and professional standards for the legal field.

The University of Idaho College of Law welcomes students passionate about learning and seeking new challenges. Students will find a supportive environment where they can develop their knowledge of the law and engage in meaningful service experiences. Whether you are looking for an affordable, quality education or simply to immerse yourself in a fantastic atmosphere, U of I is the place for you.

Moscow or Boise

The University of Idaho College of Law offers an enriching, comprehensive education for those studying to receive their Juris Doctor degree. Students can complete all three years of the program in Moscow or Boise, two cities that both provide unique and expansive learning opportunities. Moscow is home to the college’s academic campus and provides students with an appropriate backdrop for their law studies. Students enrolled in the Moscow program can take courses that emphasize topics such as natural resources, environmental law, food systems, and public lands.

In Both Locations

The University of Idaho College of Law offers students various educational and extracurricular activities. For those living in Moscow, the Menard Building provides a home base for co-curricular activities like the Sherman J. Bellwood Memorial Lectures, which bring outside speakers to discuss topics relevant to law and legal practice. The Northwest Institute for Dispute Resolution is an excellent resource for students to learn and develop the skills necessary to compete in competitions and practice law in the real world.

Synopsis

As the only law school in its state, the University of Idaho- with its low tuition and cost of living- can be a good option for those who want to work in Idaho, especially for those with a public interest or government focus. However, potential applicants should be aware of a tough hiring market and low starting salaries, and applicants who need a cosmopolitan lifestyle should probably stay away.

Contact Information

Summary

Established	1909
Location	Moscow, ID
Dean	Aviva Abramovsky
2025 US News Ranking	141th
LSAT Median Score	152
GPA Median Score	3.46
Bar Passage Rate	74.8% (2025)
Employment Rate	N/A (2025)
Cost	"$26,700 (in-state, full-time), $45,936 (out-of-state, full-time)"
Average Debt	N/A
Application Deadline	N/A

Forum and Discussion

University of Idaho College of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums

Reference

https://www.uidaho.edu/law
Rank #141
LSD Law
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