University of South Dakota School of Law

The University of South Dakota School of Law was founded in 1901 and has been ABA-accredited since 1923. It is located in Vermillion, a small town in the southeast corner of the state, and is the only law school in South Dakota.

History

The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law is a legal education institution with a long tradition. With over a century of history, it has been providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful attorneys since 1901. It was approved by the American Bar Association in 1923 and has since been accredited by the Council of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. The Law School is also a member of the Association of American Law Schools since 1907.

Students at USD Knudson, School of Law benefit from a unique combination of a practical curriculum and an engaging learning environment. With solid job placement rates and competitive tuition, students can make the most of their investment in higher legal education.

Admissions

The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, established in 1901 and fully accredited by the ABA, offers an affordable and accessible path to a legal education with both full-time and flex-time J.D. programs. Admission is handled through LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service, with applicants able to submit LSAT, GRE, or JD Next scores, and requirements include transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The school has a reputation for small class sizes, practical training, and an attractive tuition structure—especially with its LSAT-based out-of-state tuition waiver—making it a competitive yet cost-effective choice for aspiring lawyers in 2025.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	148-151-154	149-152-155
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.18-3.56-3.72	3.15-3.55-3.87
Acceptance rate	67.5%	65.6%
Applications received	302	366
Acceptances	230	240
Matriculants	79	82

For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, the incoming class profile reflects steady competitiveness with slight gains over the prior year. The 25th–75th percentile LSAT range rose to 149–155 (from 148–154), while the GPA range tightened upward to 3.15–3.87 (from 3.18–3.72), showing an increase in academic selectivity. The acceptance rate remained consistent at about 65.6%, nearly identical to the previous year’s 67.5%, despite a noticeable increase in applications—366 compared to 302 the year before. Of those accepted, 82 students matriculated, a slight rise from the prior year’s 79. These figures highlight a modestly more competitive admissions environment while maintaining accessibility and manageable class sizes.

How to Apply

The University of South Dakota School of Law takes applications from September 1st for the following year's admission. The school is looking for prospective students from all disciplines, including but not limited to political science, English, foreign languages, sciences, engineering, mathematics, and the arts. The admissions committee at USD considers various criteria when making their decisions, such as LSAT or GRE scores, undergraduate GPA, graduate or other academic accomplishments, professional experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Attention is also given to applicants' writing skills and any community activities they may have been involved with. The admissions committee strongly encourages applicants to submit all available information in their application package to give them the best chance of being accepted.

Application Process

To attend the University of South Dakota School of Law, prospective students are required to go through an application process. This involves registering with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and creating an account with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Both steps are essential for applicants to access relevant application materials and information. Once the LSAC and CAS accounts have been established, applicants must provide the necessary documentation to complete the application. This includes an online application, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, official transcripts from any undergraduate or graduate degrees held by the applicant, and other documents that may be required.

• Register with LSAC
• Register for CAS

Admission Materials

The University of South Dakota School of Law requires potential students to submit various materials as part of their application process. Through the Credential Assembly Service, applicants will have their reports compiled, which include all necessary documents and materials to be considered for admission. It is essential to carefully read and understand the graduate catalog for more detailed instructions on submitting all application materials. Successful applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their academic and professional development, so your attention to detail in the application process is highly encouraged.

Admission Test (LSAT or GRE)

To apply and be admitted to the University of South Dakota School of Law, all applicants must submit either an LSAT or GRE score. They strongly recommend that you take the admission test by February of the year you apply. If the June LSAT is taken, the application must still be submitted by July 1 to be considered for admission. The admissions committee will consider the highest score when evaluating your application for admission.

Letters of Recommendation

If you are considering attending the University of South Dakota School of Law, you must submit at least two letters of recommendation with your application. One of these recommendations should come from an academic source who can provide insight into your capabilities and potential as a law student. This could be a professor, instructor, or another university-affiliated mentor who can comment on your critical thinking, writing skills, and overall academic performance. Additionally, a letter of recommendation from a professional contact may help showcase the real-world experience that could benefit your legal studies. This could include an employer or supervisor who has worked closely with you and can speak to your work ethic and abilities as an employee.

Transcripts

To be considered for admission to the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, applicants must submit official transcripts from their undergraduate studies and any previously earned graduate credits and degrees. These documents must be provided in English or with a translation; this enables USD Knudson School of Law to have on official file transcripts verifying all academic credits and degree(s) conferred. Depending on the perceived need, USD Knudson School of Law can require credential evaluations from third-party organizations such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES). These credentials must be obtained for a student to receive an admission decision. In addition, all transcripts must come from institutions with regional accreditation for that degree. Failure to provide this paperwork can result in a delayed or denied decision on the application. As such, it is essential to meet all required document submission deadlines and make sure the necessary paperwork is submitted to ensure the timely processing of an application. By providing complete and accurate transcripts and other documents, applicants can maximize their chances of being admitted to the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law.

Personal Statement

You must submit a one- to a two-page personal statement with the application through the CAS.

Tuition and Financial Aid

At the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, the institution continues to emphasize affordability while delivering a high-quality legal education. For the 2025 academic year, full-time students from South Dakota—or nonresident students scoring 150 or higher on the LSAT—pay $16,793 in tuition, while out-of-state students pay $36,333. In addition to tuition, students also pay a law school program fee of $3,348 and general activity fees of $1,689, bringing the total direct cost of attendance to approximately $21,830 for residents and $41,370 for nonresidents. The school also provides need-based scholarships, grants, and federal aid options to help make education more affordable, with all admitted students automatically considered for merit awards.

University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law – 2025 Cost of Attendance (Full-Time)

Cost Component	SD Resident / 150+ LSAT Rate	Out-of-State Rate
Tuition (Fall + Spring)	$16,793	$36,333
Law School Program Fee	$3,348	$3,348
General Activity Fees	$1,689	$1,689
Total Direct Costs (Tuition + Fees)	$21,830	$41,370

Financial Aid and Scholarship

Admission to the University of South Dakota School of Law is within reach for those willing to take advantage of available financial aid and scholarship options. Applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be done as soon as possible, with the university's federal code of 003474 included on the application. It is important to note that USD's priority deadline for filing the FAFSA is April 1.

In addition, all admitted students are automatically considered for internal scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are awarded based on various factors, such as merit and need. Initial offers for these scholarships will be made after a student is admitted.

If you have any questions regarding financial aid or scholarship opportunities, please get in touch with law@usd.edu for assistance. The University of South Dakota School of Law is committed to making an affordable legal education available to every student. They look forward to helping you become a successful lawyer.

Academics and Curriculum

The Knudson School of Law offers a rigorous and flexible J.D. curriculum designed to prepare students for careers within South Dakota’s federal, state, and tribal legal systems. The program requires 90 credit hours for graduation. In the first year (1L), students take a core set of foundational courses—such as contracts, torts, civil procedure, property, criminal law, legal research & writing, and related doctrine classes. In upper years, students must complete required courses in Constitutional Law, Evidence, Professional Responsibility, at least one code course, a bar-preparation course in the third year, and satisfy experiential learning and upper-division writing requirements. All students participate in USD’s experiential learning program—through clinics, externships, or practicums—to gain practical, supervised legal experience.

USD also supports concurrent (joint) degree programs, offering students the chance to earn the J.D. alongside a master’s degree in fields such as English, History, Psychology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Professional Accountancy, Educational Leadership, or Sustainability. Additionally, there is a dual-degree partnership with Vermont Law School for environmental law, energy regulation, or related policy degrees. The school also maintains a 3+3 program that allows undergraduate students to accelerate into the J.D. program, completing a bachelor’s degree plus J.D. in six years rather than seven.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

The USD Knudson School of Law continues to demonstrate strong outcomes in bar passage and graduate employment. For the Class of 2024 and 2025, first-time bar pass rates in South Dakota reached 80%, outperforming many regional peers. In 2025, out of 38 graduates taking the South Dakota bar, 29 passed (a 76.32% rate), while in other jurisdictions the pass rate was lower—reflecting the challenges of multistate testing. Over the last few years, ultimate (within two years) bar admission rates have ranged in the low-to-mid 90s for graduates. The law school actively supports students’ career placement through its Office of Career Services, leveraging a network of alumni, clerkships, internships, and public service opportunities to place graduates in roles across 25 states. Many graduates find employment in South Dakota’s legal market, while others pursue positions in governmental agencies, judicial clerkships, private practice, public interest work, or corporate roles.

Quality of Life

The University of South Dakota is situated in Vermillion, a small rural town in the state's southeast region. Its population is just over 10,000 people, and it's mostly surrounded by farmland for miles. The university campus is a short distance from downtown, making it easy to get around without needing a car. However, traveling outside the area is impossible without a vehicle due to its rural location. The closest cities are Sioux City (40 miles southeast), Sioux Falls (60 miles north), Omaha (142 miles south), and Minneapolis (300 miles northeast). The nearest commercial airport is the Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, which primarily serves flights to and from Minneapolis.

Downtown Vermillion is south of the university and offers students very few entertainment or dining options. However, a Walmart about one mile from the law school provides necessary supplies and amenities. The area's attractions are proudly showcased on downtownvermillion.com. Although small in size, this rural town has the potential to be an excellent place for students of the University of South Dakota School of Law.

Synopsis

The University of South Dakota School of Law is a great choice for aspiring attorneys. With its excellent faculty, low attrition rate, and various joint degree programs and internships, USD School of Law provides an outstanding legal education that will prepare students to become successful lawyers. With its Indian Law Program and numerous journals, USD's School of Law also helps students gain valuable knowledge and experience in their chosen specialty. For these reasons, USD School of Law is an excellent choice for anyone pursuing a legal career.

Contact Information

University of South Dakota
Admissions
414 E. Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
877-COYOTES
Phone: 877-269-6837
E-mail: Law.School@usd.edu
https://www.usd.edu/Admissions-and-Aid

Summary

Established	1901
Location	Vermillion, SD
Dean	NEIL FULTON
2025 US News Ranking	127th
LSAT Median Score	152
GPA Median Score	3.55
Bar Passage Rate	67.3% (2025)
Employment Rate	91.4% (2025)
Cost	"$16,794 (in-state, full-time), $36,334 (out-of-state, full-time)"
Average Debt	$86,999
Application Deadline	July 1, 2025

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Reference

https://www.usd.edu/Academics/Colleges-and-Schools/knudson-school-of-law
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