University of North Dakota School of Law

Established in 1899 and accredited in 1923, the University of North Dakota School of Law is the only ABA-accredited law school in North Dakota. The law school is located in Grand Forks, about seventy-five miles from the Canadian border. Some of UND's most notable alumni include US Representatives Earl Pomeroy and Edward Devitt; H.F. Gierk II, chief judge of the US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; and several chief justices of the North Dakota Supreme Court.

History

The University of North Dakota School of Law is a historic institution established in 1899, the first professional school within UND. At the time, they were led by Guy H. Corliss, the then-Chief Justice of North Dakota's Supreme Court. John E. Blair, a Harvard Law graduate, served as the school's first full-time instructor, secretary, and curriculum director. In 1904, under new dean Andrew Bruce, the admission requirements were lowered to only two years of high school education; despite this change, nearly all students passed their courses, which led to a jump in enrollment.

Since these early days, the University of North Dakota School of Law has become a premier educational institution renowned for its commitment to providing excellent legal education grounded in the principles of justice and fairness. The school emphasizes practical learning experiences that give students the knowledge and skills to practice law effectively. In addition, UND Law regularly hosts prominent speakers who address topics relevant to contemporary practice. By providing students with the guidance and resources they need to succeed, UND Law has become a leader in legal education.

Today, the University of North Dakota School of Law continues this commitment to excellence, developing innovative programs that prepare students for success in today's legal profession. Through its faculty, staff, and alum network, UND Law provides a supportive environment for legal education, ensuring that students receive the instruction they need to reach their professional goals. As UND Law continues its mission of excellence and innovation, it remains a cornerstone of quality legal education in the Midwest.

Admissions

The University of North Dakota School of Law offers a supportive and practical environment for students pursuing a legal education. For 2025 admissions, the school accepts both LSAT and GRE scores and follows a rolling application process. It emphasizes academic excellence, community involvement, and hands-on learning through clinics and externships, preparing students for meaningful legal careers in various fields.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	146-150-153	147-150-154
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.12-3.37-3.79	3.19-3.46-3.76
Acceptance rate	72.7%	52.2%
Applications received	379	450
Acceptances	235	235
Matriculants	81	81

For the 2025 admissions cycle, the University of North Dakota School of Law reported steady academic strength and selectivity. The middle 50 percent of admitted students scored between 147 and 154 on the LSAT, with undergraduate GPAs ranging from 3.19 to 3.76. The acceptance rate was 52.2 percent, reflecting a more competitive process compared to the previous year. Out of 450 applications received, 235 students were accepted, and 81 ultimately enrolled. These figures highlight a consistent class size and a continued focus on attracting academically strong candidates.

Application Deadlines

The University of North Dakota School of Law has a set time frame for applications that all prospective students must adhere to. The deadline for completing application files is April 1st of the year before the applicant's desired enrollment period. After this date, applicants may be accepted until July 15th; however, these individuals may face rejection due to many students already admitted. To ensure the review process is started, all applicants must submit a non-refundable $35 application fee with their materials. Please do so to ensure a complete application and timely processing.

Acceptance

The University of North Dakota School of Law requires incoming students to begin their studies at the start of the Fall Semester. To guarantee their place in the program, all admitted students must make a non-refundable acceptance deposit of $300 to reserve their spot. The money is returned when all tuition fees are paid in full, and the School follows the guidelines of the Law School Admission Council by not requiring this deposit before April 1. New students need to note that if they do not make their acceptance deposits in time, their place in the program may be forfeited and offered to another student. Therefore, all applicants need to read the rules regarding acceptance deposits and make sure they submit payment promptly. The University of North Dakota School of Law provides an excellent education. They encourage all accepted students to take advantage of this opportunity by submitting their acceptance deposit as soon as possible.

Credential Assembly Service CAS

The University of North Dakota School of Law requires that all applicants register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). This service is administered by the Law School Admission Council and provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating and submitting law school applications. When registering, students must provide their undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores. The CAS will compile this information into a single report sent to all law schools to which an applicant has applied. This streamlines the application process and ensures that law schools receive accurate, consistent information about applicants. Registration with the Credential Assembly Service is essential to successfully apply to the University of North Dakota School of Law.

LSAT

The Law School Admission Council administers the LSAT, a mandatory examination for applicants who want to be admitted to the University of North Dakota's School of Law. This test is not intended to measure an applicant's knowledge in any subject but their aptitude for legal study. The LSAT is offered four times annually, with applicants encouraged to register for an administration. This will ensure the score is reported to the school before April of each year. This allows applicants time to have their application files reviewed by the admissions committee before they fill up with other applicants. Taking and performing well on the LSAT is vital to gain admission into the University of North Dakota's School of Law.

Transfers

Transferring to the University of North Dakota (UND) School of Law requires that students meet specific criteria related to their cumulative grade point average (GPA). Upon completion of one entire semester at UND, the student's GPA will be calculated, and a class rank will be assigned. This calculation will factor in the credits earned at their previously attended institution and any credits earned at UND. The GPA calculation is based on a 4.0 grading scale.

In addition, to be eligible for admission to the School of Law's J.D program, transfer students must either complete the first-year curriculum or have taken substantially equivalent courses and passed them successfully during their studies elsewhere. Any courses that have yet to be taken, or are deemed not substantially equivalent, must be completed at UND after admission.

The transfer student process is designed to ensure successful integration into the UND School of Law and best prepare students for their careers in law. The University's goal is to provide an equal opportunity for all qualified students to pursue an excellent legal education.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The University of North Dakota School of Law continues to uphold its reputation for academic excellence and affordability. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition rates are based on state residency and are charged per semester. UND Law remains committed to providing accessible legal education through reasonable tuition, diverse financial aid options, and strong institutional support for students pursuing law degrees.

Cost of Attendance

For full-time J.D. students, tuition and estimated living costs for the 2025–2026 academic year are outlined below. In addition to tuition, students can apply for grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and emergency aid programs designed to help manage expenses.

Cost Component	North Dakota Residents	Non-Residents
Tuition & Fees (per semester)	$9,785	$18,643
Estimated Annual Books, Supplies, Room & Board, Personal Expenses	$18,482	$18,482

Overall, the University of North Dakota School of Law offers an affordable path to a professional legal education. With generous financial aid opportunities and a strong focus on student success, UND Law ensures that aspiring legal professionals can pursue their goals without excessive financial burden.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is essential to affording higher education, and it comes in many different forms. Scholarships are one of the most popular types of financial assistance for aspiring students, as they are gifts that don’t have to be paid back. Grants also fall into this category, though they tend to focus more on specific needs such as childcare or disability services and are usually need-based.

Loans

Loans are another type of financial aid that must be repaid with interest. They can come from the federal government, state governments, colleges, or private lenders. Employment is also a form of financial aid in which students work either on or off campus to earn money to pay for college expenses.

Grants

A grant is a monetary award that does not need to be repaid, though if the student decides to leave school earlier than expected, they may have to give back some of the money. Grants are awarded depending on an applicant's financial situation, and to determine eligibility for grants, applicants must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The University of North Dakota School of Law offers a variety of grants to help make pursuing an education more accessible and attainable. These grants are available to both undergraduate and graduate students at UND. Grants can be need-based, merit-based, or even subject-specific. They are designed to provide financial assistance to those who may otherwise be unable to cover tuition costs. Applying for grants can open up more opportunities and make it easier to pursue an education. The UND School of Law is dedicated to helping students succeed, so they have invested in various grant programs that offer financial support. If you are interested in applying for grants at UND, contact the Financial Aid Office for more information. They can guide the different options and help you determine what type of grant best suits your needs. With grants, students can get closer to realizing their educational dreams.

Academics and Curriculum

At the University of North Dakota School of Law, first-year law students are immersed in a rigorous program of study. Classes for 1Ls feature large lecture classes with up 83 students total. The faculty-to-student ratio is 14.4 to 1, as the school has 21 professors on staff. Each law student follows the same schedule of courses in the first year, which typically includes civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, legal process, property, and torts.

Though the workload is demanding, students report that it's manageable. Their peers say that the University of North Dakota School of Law professors is brilliant, accessible, and friendly. With the support of faculty members and their peers, students at the University of North Dakota School of Law can excel in a legal education that prepares them for their future careers.

Joint Degree Programs

Joint degree programs at the University of North Dakota School of Law and the UND School of Graduate Studies offer an opportunity for students to complete two prestigious degrees in a shorter amount of time. With just eight semesters, students can combine their studies to gain deeper insight into various legal subjects. Applicants must be admitted to the law school and the graduate studies program to be eligible for this program.

The joint degree programs offered at UND include a Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA), a Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences (JD/MSHES), and a Juris Doctor/Master of Social Work (JD/MSW). With the JD/MBA program, students understand business and law comprehensively. The JD/MSHES program focuses on legal issues in human health, the environment, and natural resources. Finally, the JD/MSW program enables students to learn about legal topics related to social work practice.

The joint degree program at the University of North Dakota offers students a unique and advantageous opportunity to earn two valuable educational credentials in a condensed amount of time. With just eight semesters, they can gain a comprehensive understanding of both law and their chosen field, setting them up for success in their career pursuits.

Experimental Learning

At the University of North Dakota School of Law, students have numerous experiential learning opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience in legal studies. These experiences allow students to develop a comprehensive set of skills deemed as "practice-ready" for when they graduate. As part of their curriculum, each student must complete six credit hours through externships, simulation courses, skills competitions, and other programs.

At UND Law, students can gain invaluable experience in various fields, such as criminal law, by participating in the Innocence Project. This program allows students to investigate wrongful convictions and advocate on behalf of those who were wrongfully convicted. The experience allows our students to understand the complexities of criminal law, such as challenges in gathering evidence, developing witness testimonies, and constructing legal arguments.

UND Law also offers simulation courses that enable students to understand common legal issues encountered by practicing lawyers. These courses provide students with the opportunity to hone their skills in the areas of trial preparation, negotiation, and mediation. Through each of these simulations, students can apply the fundamentals they have learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios.

EXternships

At the University of North Dakota School of Law, students have numerous experiential learning opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience in legal studies. These experiences allow students to develop a comprehensive set of skills deemed "practice-ready" for graduation. As part of their curriculum, each student must complete six credit hours through externships, simulation courses, skills competitions, and other programs.

At UND Law, students can gain invaluable experience in various fields, such as criminal law, by participating in the Innocence Project. This program allows students to investigate wrongful convictions and advocate on behalf of those who were wrongfully convicted. The experience allows our students to understand the complexities of criminal law, such as challenges in gathering evidence, developing witness testimonies, and constructing legal arguments.

Quality of Life

The University of North Dakota School of Law is an excellent choice for those interested in studying law. It provides the community and amenities of a college town, such as brand-new housing options for on-campus and off-campus living. The cost of living in North Dakota is relatively low, making it easy to remain within budget. When considering Grand Forks, it is essential to note that the temperatures can drop below zero during the winter. However, despite the cold weather, crime in Grand Forks is practically nonexistent.

Many student organizations at UND Law create a great social atmosphere for students on campus. Additionally, there are several bars nearby that students can easily access. These establishments provide a great opportunity for students to socialize and unwind after long days of studying or attending classes.

Overall, the University of North Dakota School of Law is a great option for law students looking for an excellent educational experience in a safe and affordable environment. With its vibrant campus life, cold weather, and low cost of living, UND Law provides a unique educational experience that can prepare its students for success.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

For recent graduates of the University of North Dakota School of Law, employment outcomes show steady progress and practical opportunities for students entering the legal field. The majority of graduates from the Class of 2023 secured full-time, long-term legal employment within ten months of graduation, often in law firms, government positions, or public interest roles. The school’s Career Services Office supports this transition through personalized coaching, resume and cover letter guidance, mock interviews, and job placement resources designed to connect students with regional and national employers.

Bar Passage

Bar passage rates continue to reflect the school’s academic rigor and the challenges of the North Dakota exam. For the July 2025 bar exam, 46 UND Law graduates sat for the test, and 28 passed, yielding an overall pass rate of 61 percent and a first-time pass rate of 68 percent. In the February 2025 exam, 18 graduates took the test, with 7 passing—an overall pass rate of 39 percent and a first-time pass rate of 50 percent. These results highlight the importance of consistent preparation and participation in the school’s bar support programs.

Graduates of the University of North Dakota School of Law benefit from a supportive environment, a strong professional network, and accessible resources that enhance both career placement and bar exam readiness. Success depends on early engagement with career development services and a disciplined approach to bar preparation.

Synopsis

The law school boasts a combination of rock-bottom tuition prices for residents and a decent in-state reputation. Salaries may not be high for graduates, but the average amount of student debt does not dwarf them. Since the cost of living in the state is low and the likelihood of getting a job is high, any debt incurred from law school should not be completely unmanageable. Students who want to work in North Dakota should have a few reservations about applying to UND.

Contact Information

University of North Dakota School of Law
Office of JD Admissions
215 Centennial Drive, Stop 9003
Grand Forks, ND 58202
(701) 777-2047
admissions@law.und.edu
http://www.law.und.nodak.edu

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

LSD Law
Ranked 161
Guide to Fee Waivers
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