University of Minnesota Law School

ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S TOP PUBLIC LAW SCHOOLS, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve the complex social, economic, and business issues of our time. Its exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century.

Though a law school may not be ideal for all applicants, the University of Minnesota Law School exhibits many characteristics that one would search for in an ideal law school. Aside from boasting nearly perfect employment and bar passage rates, the school offers one of the most extensive clinical programs in the country, as well as a law library that is among the largest in the nation. Further, the school's location in Minneapolis, often mentioned as one of the most livable cities in America, promises law students an enjoyable and exciting atmosphere to study law.

History

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Law School is the oldest law school in Minnesota. The school was originally located downtown, near the city's courthouse and government buildings. In 1924, the law school moved to its current location on the university's Minneapolis campus. The University of Minnesota Law School offers a full-time J.D. and part-time and evening programs. The school employs 46 full-time faculty members and operates on an annual budget of $32 million. The University of Minnesota Law School is consistently ranked as a "Top Tier" law school by U.S. News & World Report. It currently ranks 21st among U.S. law schools according to the 2022 Rankings. You can find here the University of Minnesota Law School timeline.

Admissions

The University of Minnesota Law School is a competitive institution with a selective admissions process for its J.D. program. For the 2025 entering class, the law school received approximately 2,442 applications for around 195 seats, resulting in an acceptance rate of about 34.9%. The median LSAT score for admitted students was 169, with the middle 50% range falling between 162 and 170. The median undergraduate GPA was 3.88, with a range between 3.63 and 3.95. The application process begins on September 1, with an Early Decision deadline of December 31 and a regular decision priority deadline of March 1 for scholarship consideration. Final regular decision applications are accepted through June 1. Applicants must submit all materials through the LSAC, including the application form, personal statement, resume, letters of recommendation, LSAT scores, undergraduate transcripts, and a $75 application fee. The law school values not only academic achievement but also character, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to the legal profession. The J.D. program begins in late August and is known for its rigorous yet collaborative academic environment.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	162 - 168 - 169	162 - 169 - 170
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.62 - 3.85 - 3.93	3.63 - 3.88 - 3.95
Acceptance rate	37.2%	34.9%
Applications received	2100	2442
Acceptances	835	853
Matriculants	214	189

For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle at the University of Minnesota Law School, the entering class statistics reflect a highly competitive environment. The middle 50% LSAT range for admitted students was 162 to 170, while the middle 50% GPA range was between 3.63 and 3.95. A total of 2,442 applications were received, of which 853 applicants were accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 34.9%. Out of those accepted, 189 students matriculated into the program. These figures highlight the law school’s continued emphasis on academic excellence and selectivity in its admissions process.

Applicants with less impressive numbers should highlight other characteristics mentioned in the Dean's description of an ideal applicant. Generally, the successful emphasis of any diversity that an applicant may bring to a law school's student body is seen as a potential equalizer. The personal statement is usually the means of conveying this diversity. The personal statement also allows applicants to explain why they wish to attend the University of Minnesota. The school asks students to address this matter in their personal statement. By highlighting diversity and articulating strong reasons for wanting to study law at Minnesota, applicants can maximize their chances at admission regardless of the strength of their scores and grades.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate for the University of Minnesota Law School’s 2025 entering class was 34.9%. Out of 2,442 applicants, 853 were offered admission. This reflects the school’s continued commitment to maintaining a selective admissions process, admitting only about one-third of those who applied. The competitive acceptance rate underscores the importance of strong academic credentials and a well-rounded application for prospective students.

Application Form

All applicants must submit their application electronically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

Application Fee

The nonrefundable application fee is $75 and is paid via credit card through LSAC when applying. Applicants who cannot afford to pay the fee may fill out the Fee Waiver Request form. To learn about obtaining a fee waiver, click here.

Character and Fitness

The University of Minnesota Law School requires all applicants to answer two questions related to their character and fitness. All states require bar exam applicants to establish that they are of good character and fit to practice law. Applicants should research the character and fitness requirements for the state they intend to practice, which are available on the National Conference of Bar Examiners website.

Registration with Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

You must first register for the Credential Assembly Service through the Law School Admission Council's website. The service will collect and store your academic transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation. The CAS will then create a summary of your transcripts and send it to each law school you apply to. There is no fee waiver for the CAS report.

Transcripts

Once registered with CAS, applicants must contact every previous college or university attended (even if a degree was not earned) to request a transcript be sent directly to CAS. Universities and other educational institutions should send transcripts to:

Law School Admission Council
CAS
P.O. Box 2000-M
Newtown, PA 18940-0993

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

All applicants must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and submit their scores as part of their application. The LSAT score is considered current for five years. The highest score will be used if an applicant has multiple LSAT scores. International students must also complete a post-secondary degree at an English-speaking institution or submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test. For more information, visit the TOEFL website.

Letter of Recommendation

At least one letter of recommendation is needed and must be submitted through CAS. The Law School will accept a maximum of two letters. These letters should come from somebody in an academic setting who knows the applicant well and can vouch for their ability to do well in a competitive professional program. If an applicant has been out of college for more than two years, letters from an employer may be submitted instead. Letters from family, friends, or personal acquaintances are not encouraged. For additional advice on obtaining letters of recommendation, click here.

Personal Statement

The University of Minnesota Law School seeks students with a diverse range of backgrounds and talents. The personal statement allows applicants to share information about their abilities, motivation, and experiences and demonstrate their writing ability. In the statement, applicants should highlight significant achievements and professional goals and explain why they are interested in pursuing a law degree. It is also helpful if applicants discuss specific reasons for wanting to attend the University of Minnesota Law School. Those interested in doing so may attach a supplemental statement. For personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements.

Résumé

The University of Minnesota Law School asks that applicants include a detailed resume with their application. This resume should contain information on the applicant's work history during and after college and any academic or professional honors they have received. Other information included in the resume are co-curricular activities, community service, or hobbies and interests. There is no page limit for resumes.

Addenda

The Admissions Committee at the University of Minnesota Law School values diversity and is interested in hearing about your unique perspective and experiences. Suppose you have anything you would like to share that would give the Admissions Committee a better understanding of who you are as an individual. In that case, they encourage you to do so in a supplemental statement. This is your opportunity to discuss any significant absences or breaks in your academic history, any obstacles or adversity you have overcome, or any other matters that you feel are important for the Admissions Committee to know. They welcome your input and look forward to learning more about you through your supplemental statement. For more information about writing addenda, click here.

Tuition and Expenses

Graduate students in the J.D. program can expect tuition for the nine‑month academic year (September to May) to be $48,528 for Minnesota residents and $58,344 for non-residents. In addition to tuition, all students are required to pay university and law school fees totaling $2,386, along with loan origination fees of approximately $740, and plan for around $1,700 for books and supplies. Living expenses include an estimated $19,108 for housing, $2,350 for transportation, and $4,000 for personal and miscellaneous costs. When all these elements are combined, the overall cost of attendance is about $78,812 for residents and $88,628 for non-residents (excluding optional health insurance, which runs an additional ~$3,590 but may be waived).

Cost of Attendance

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the estimated Cost of Attendance at the University of Minnesota Law School varies based on residency. Minnesota residents can expect a total annual cost of approximately $78,812, while non-residents face an estimated cost of $88,628. These totals include tuition of $48,528 for residents and $58,344 for non-residents, mandatory fees of $2,386, loan fees of about $740, books and supplies estimated at $1,700, housing and food at $19,108, transportation at $2,350, and personal expenses around $4,000. Health insurance is also estimated at $3,590 but may be waived if the student has comparable coverage. These figures represent the standard cost expectations for a nine-month academic year and help students plan accordingly for their legal education.


Category	Minnesota Resident	Non-Resident
Tuition	$48,528	$58,344
Fees	$2,386	$2,386
Loan Fees	$740	$740
Books and Supplies	$1,700	$1,700
Housing and Food	$19,108	$19,108
Transportation	$2,350	$2,350
Personal/Miscellaneous	$4,000	$4,000
Total (without insurance)	$78,812	$88,628
Optional student health insurance ($3,590) is not included and may be waived.

All students are required to have health insurance. The student health plan cost is $3,468. This is not included in the cost of attendance estimate because this fee is waived for students using their own health insurance.

Scholarships

Scholarships are based on admission applications and are awarded at the time of admission. Admitted students are reviewed for a scholarship at the time of admittance; no separate application is required. For questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Law School Admissions Office at jdadmissions@umn.edu.

Review the Scholarship Policy.
Law School scholarships range from $5,000 to full tuition.
Law students are not eligible for federal or state grants. However, you may qualify for gift aid by researching and applying for outside grants and scholarships. See the One Stop Scholarships page for more information.

Loans

Applying for financial aid for law school at the University of Minnesota is done through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). To be considered for federal loans, applicants must complete the FAFSA after October 1st, preceding the fall semester they plan to attend. Additional information can be found on the One Stop: Receiving Financial Aid website.

Complete the FAFSA online form after you have completed your federal tax return. The federal school code for the University of Minnesota is 003969.
Law students are considered for two federal loans: the unsubsidized loan (annual limit $20,500) and the Grad Plus loan (no annual limit, but cannot exceed the cost of attendance).
Loans are awarded to help meet educational costs that are not met by other aid, such as scholarships or earnings.

Transfer Students

The University of Minnesota Law School is always looking for talented transfer students to join its community. Transfers can take full advantage of the school's many resources, including rigorous coursework taught by experienced faculty, experiential learning opportunities through clinics and internships, and participation in moot courts and law journals. With a network of successful alumni, transfer students can be sure to find the support they need to succeed. To read a fantastic article about transferring, click here.

Academics & Curriculum

With many nationally and internationally recognized scholars among its faculty, the University of Minnesota enjoys a strong academic reputation. Despite the impressive credentials of this faculty, the school has a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students and recent graduates of Minnesota have found the professors to be highly accessible and willing to go to great lengths to accommodate the needs of students.

The University of Minnesota Law School offers a curriculum that allows students to elect courses in their first year. First-year law students at Minnesota can choose from courses like business essentials for lawyers, international law, civil procedure, legislation and regulation, and their mandatory first-year courses. After the first year, there are three required courses that second and third-year students must take, on top of a writing requirement. Most of the courses in the second and third year are chosen by the students themselves, who can elect to focus on one of the school’s formal legal concentrations – which include business law, health law, bioethics, human rights law, or labor and employment law – or explore other areas. It’s also possible for students to complete a dual degree or joint degree through other schools at the University of Minnesota, like a J.D./MBA through the Carlson School of Management.

The University of Minnesota Law School offers a variety of clinical courses that provide students with real-world experience. More than half of all law students at the school take advantage of these opportunities before graduating. The school has many research centers and institutes, including the Institute on Metropolitan Opportunity and the Human Rights Center. The law school also boasts a unique mix of student-edited, faculty-edited, and student-and-faculty-edited law journals. Finally, there are more than 35 student organizations to get involved with, covering a wide range of interests.

The law school offers the sixth-largest law library in the nation, with over one million volumes, and is open to students 24 hours a day. The library and school facilities underwent a major expansion and renovation in 2001. The law school building is named after its most famous alumni, Walter F. Mondale, former Vice President and the 1984 Democratic presidential candidate.

Quality of Life

Students at the University of Minnesota Law School enjoy a high quality of life, as do most residents of the Twin Cities area. Minneapolis is known to be a safe, clean and charming city, yet it still offers most of the amenities usually associated with big-city life. The city boasts an ever-growing art scene, as well as restaurants, bars, and nightclubs for all tastes. In addition, the weekly bar review is popular among law students, allowing them to meet and socialize with classmates while touring the bars of Minneapolis. For the sports fan, three major sports teams, the Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves, call Minneapolis home, and the school itself fields competitive teams in many sports the law school itself even fields an ice hockey team, the Fighting Mondale's. Although the school does not offer on-campus housing for law students, ample affordable housing is available near the law school, and bus lines are available to take students to and fro.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

For the Class of 2025, the University of Minnesota Law School continues to demonstrate strong employment prospects and solid bar passage outcomes. Historically, over 90% of graduates secure full-time, long-term employment requiring bar passage or offering a J.D. advantage within 10 months of graduation. The law school has a robust network in both the Twin Cities and nationally, with alumni securing positions in law firms, government, public interest, and corporate legal departments. In terms of bar performance, Minnesota Law graduates consistently exceed the state average, with recent first-time bar passage rates typically ranging from 90% to 95%. The school’s comprehensive bar prep support and rigorous curriculum ensure that graduates are well-prepared for licensing exams across multiple jurisdictions. These outcomes reflect the law school’s strong reputation, the quality of its academic training, and the depth of its career services programming.

Synopsis

With its highly reputable faculty and the breadth of its clinical program, the University of Minnesota Law School offers students a challenging and unique legal education. Further, the school's excellent reputation throughout the northern Midwest and near-perfect employment and bar passage rates ensure that graduates can reap the fruits of their labor after graduation. The fact that such a school is located in the Twin Cities, consistently considered among the most livable areas in the nation, is icing on the cake.

Contact Information

University of Minnesota Law School
J.D. Admissions
N130 Walter F. Mondale Hall
229 19th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0401
Phone: 612-625-3487
Fax: 612-625-2011
E-mail: jdadmissions@umn.edu

Summary

Established	1888
Location	Minneapolis, MN
Dean	William McGeveran
2025 US News Ranking	20th
LSAT Median Score	169
GPA Median Score	3.88
Bar Passage Rate	89.6% (2025)
Employment Rate	NA (2025)
Cost	"$50,914 (in-state, full-time), $60,730 (out-of-state, full-time)"
Average Debt	$108,084
Application Deadline	June 1, 2025

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

https://law.umn.edu/
Rank #20
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

Interview: Joan Howland, Associate Dean at the University of Minnesota