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University of St. Thomas School of Law
The University of St. Thomas School of Law is committed to creating a supportive environment that encourages collaboration, learning, and growth throughout the legal profession. Their unique approach to legal education empowers the next generation of lawyers to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. Students who want to shape the future of law in Minnesota and around the world will find an ideal home at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.
Contents
History
The University of St. Thomas School of Law is a prestigious institution in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, established in 1999. Recognized by the American Bar Association, it offers an unparalleled curriculum that focuses on developing professional skills, ethical values, and a holistic understanding of the legal field. The faculty, staff, and faculty strive to equip each of our students with the abilities vital to becoming a successful lawyer and leader.
At UST Law, they emphasize experiential learning, such as moot court competitions, clinical experiences, legal research projects, and externships. They also offer an International Program that allows students to gain international experience by studying abroad or participating in summer internships and externships. The faculty is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that prepares students for a successful future in the legal profession.
Admissions
The University of St. Thomas School of Law is a dedicated and vibrant legal institution located in the heart of Minnesota. They are passionate about providing a rigorous, top-notch education to our students. They offer an array of courses and programs that allow our students to explore their passions within the field of law. If you need more clarification 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 | - - | 152 - 156 - 161 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | - - | 3.47 - 3.64 - 3.81 |
| Acceptance rate | 65.5% | 64.4% |
| Applications received | 679 | |
| Acceptances | 437 | |
| Matriculants | 159 | |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, the University of St. Thomas School of Law reported the following statistics:
The middle 50% LSAT range for admitted students fell between 152 and 161, while the middle 50% GPA range was 3.47 to 3.81. The school received 679 applications, from which 437 students were accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 64.4%. Out of those admitted, 159 students matriculated to join the class.
In short, the data shows that the law school maintains a moderately selective admissions process with a solid pool of applicants and a competitive profile of incoming students.
Applications Deadline
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications for consideration to the University of St. Thomas School of Law between September 1 and August 1, as this school follows a rolling admissions system. This means that the earlier an applicant submits their application, the better their chances are of being accepted and awarded a scholarship. Furthermore, applicants who apply early may be eligible for special awards and scholarships not available after the deadline.
At the University of St. Thomas School of Law, they understand that each applicant is unique, so their admissions process takes into account various factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and other essential qualities. The admissions committee looks at each application individually and considers various characteristics when making admissions decisions.
Application Criteria
The University of St. Thomas School of Law focuses on individualized assessment when it comes to admissions. The Application Committee considers six criteria when deciding: LSAT score, undergraduate grades, writing skills, leadership potential, motivation, and demonstrated an aptitude for the school's mission. While LSAT scores and grade point averages are essential factors in the admissions process, the committee is eager to get to know applicants better by considering their activities, experiences, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. The final decision is based on a combination of all these criteria. The school's mission focuses on providing outstanding legal education and developing ethical leaders who serve the community with justice and compassion. With this in mind, applicants should make sure they are highlighting the qualities that demonstrate they would be an asset to the St. Thomas Law community and would help further its mission.
The University of St. Thomas School of Law is looking for students with solid academic backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership potential and motivation. Applicants should be sure to show the committee why they would be a good fit for St. Thomas, emphasizing their skills and experiences make them ideal candidates. With a holistic approach to admissions, applicants can showcase all their qualities to make a strong impression on the Admissions Committee and improve their chances of acceptance at this top-tier school.
LSAT Scores
The University of St. Thomas School of Law emphasizes the importance of LSAT scores but recognizes that they are only one factor when evaluating an applicant's qualifications. As a result, they prefer to consider LSAT scores taken within the last three years, and in no case will they consider one older than five years old. Additionally, the Admissions Committee will consider the highest score if an applicant has taken the LSAT multiple times.
To help applicants prepare for the LSAT, St. Thomas Law partners with Khan Academy to offer a free LSAT course that builds critical-thinking skills and prepares learners for success on both the exam and in law school. The course is tailored to each individual and can help applicants get the most out of their LSAT preparation. With this free, accessible resource, students have the tools they need to achieve the best possible score on the LSAT.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the 2025–26 academic year, tuition at St. Thomas Law is approximately $24,636 per term for the J.D. program. Financial aid is available through merit-based scholarships, grants, and loans, helping many students reduce their actual out-of-pocket costs.
Cost of Attendance
For the 2025–26 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for the University of St. Thomas School of Law—which includes tuition and fees, living costs, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses—is $76,739 annually. After accounting for average grants and scholarships of approximately $23,919, the net cost of attendance for many students is about $52,820. This structure reflects the institution’s efforts to make legal education more accessible through financial aid.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $49,272 tuition + $567 fees = $49,839 |
| Living Costs (average—covers room & board, etc.) | $26,900 |
| **Total Estimated Cost of Attendance** | **$76,739** |
| Average Grants & Scholarships | $23,919 |
| **Estimated Net Cost After Aid** | **$52,820** |
Scholarships
The University of St. Thomas School of Law has a generous scholarship program for students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence or have the potential to contribute significantly to the school's mission. The school does not set a predetermined number of scholarships to be awarded yearly but evaluates applicants for their academic achievements, individual perspectives, and life experiences. A diverse student body is a goal in awarding scholarships, and the funds are used to attract and reward individuals who bring something unique to the community. All scholarship decisions are based on merit, and all inquiries regarding eligibility should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid.
The University of St. Thomas School of Law is committed to providing financial assistance for students with demonstrated needs. They hope these programs will enable more students to attend the school and benefit from its rigorous legal education. The faculty, staff, and administration are dedicated to helping qualified applicants access the resources necessary for success in their program.
The President's Scholarship
The President's Scholarship, established in honor of Dr. Julie Sullivan, President of the University of St. Thomas School of Law, is the premier award presented to those students who demonstrate not only exceptional academic performance but also a strong alignment with the mission and values of the University and its affiliated law school. Recipients are rewarded with a full-tuition scholarship for the duration of their coursework. Graduating President's Scholars also benefit from various exclusive alum resources and unique opportunities.
The Dean’s Scholarship
The Dean's Scholarship at the University of St. Thomas School of Law is an exceptional opportunity for highly qualified applicants to receive financial support for their legal education. This award is bestowed by the Dean and is provided to students who have exhibited outstanding academic performance and a solid commitment to the school's mission and values.
The Access to Justice Scholars Program
The Access to Justice Scholars program at the University of St. Thomas School of Law is a prestigious initiative that provides scholarships and mentorship opportunities to individuals passionate about pursuing a legal career in small-town or rural settings. This exclusive program helps to support lawyers interested in serving areas often underserved by traditional legal services and provides a significant opportunity to help close the access-to-justice gap.
The program seeks to match successful applicants with experienced mentors who have a strong knowledge of small-town or rural practices. Awardees are granted up to a 75 percent tuition discount each year of the J.D. program. To apply for the Access to Justice Scholars program, applicants must submit an essay explaining their interest in and commitment to pursuing legal practice in a small-town or rural setting. All academically qualified applicants are invited to submit an essay with the application for admission. Those who appear most promising will be invited to interview with a faculty admissions committee.
The Access to Justice Scholars program at the University of St. Thomas School of Law is a unique initiative that provides aspiring lawyers with valuable resources and guidance while helping to improve access to justice in underserved communities. It is an essential step toward achieving more significant legal equity for all citizens, and recipients of this scholarship program have the potential to make a lasting impact on their community through their work as an attorney.
Academics and Curriculum
The University of St. Thomas School of Law has established a solid commitment to justice and morality in providing its students with an excellent academic experience. Their motto, "Inspire Justice," reflects their dedication to teaching the importance of social justice and ethical behavior. UST is ranked #1 in the nation for practical training and externships and has one of the most innovative clinics – the Federal Commutations Clinic, led by Professor Mark Osler.
In addition to its rigorous academic programs, UST School of Law also offers a variety of joint degree options, including J.D./M.B.A., J.D./M.S.W., LL.M. in compliance, J.D./Master's in public policy and leadership, and M.A. in Catholic studies. This allows students to receive a top-tier legal education while also developing their skills in business, social work, public policy and leadership, and religious studies.
The Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership in the Professions and the Terrence J. Murphy Institute for Catholic Thought, Law, and Public Policy also provide students with excellent opportunities to engage in hands-on experience and hone their leadership skills. UST School of Law strives for excellence in its student body with a small student-to-faculty ratio of 17.5-to-1 and only 7.9% attrition of their most recent class not making it back to the second year.
The University of St. Thomas School of Law is a top-tier law school that focuses on justice, ethics, and morality for those seeking to further their education in the legal field. The combination of practical training and externships, innovative clinics, and joint degree options allow the UST School of Law to provide students with a comprehensive legal education that reflects their commitment to justice and morality.
This is why the University of St. Thomas School of Law is considered one of the leading law schools in the nation. They are committed to providing an academic experience emphasizing justice, ethics, and morality and offering unique opportunities for students to develop their skills. With its strong focus on justice and ethics, the UST School of Law is an excellent choice for those seeking a top-tier legal education.
This is why students worldwide are drawn to the University of St. Thomas School of Law to receive an exemplary legal education focusing on social justice and ethical behavior. With its commitment to justice, morality, and practical learning experiences, the UST School of Law is an exceptional choice for those seeking to further their legal career.
Externships
The University of St. Thomas School of Law offers a unique Compliance Externship Program that allows students to gain invaluable real-world experience in the corporate ethics and compliance field. Through this elective program, participants will participate in supervised projects related to ethics and compliance, learning how to evaluate and complete tasks within this area. In addition to the hands-on experience, students will be exposed to the seven elements of an effective compliance program.
The Compliance Externship Program offers an excellent way for students to gain insight into the corporate ethics and compliance field while also developing essential skills that will help them in their future careers. Upon completing the program, participants will have gained valuable knowledge and experience that can help them stand out in the job market.
Legal Clinics
The Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services at the University of St. Thomas School of Law is an innovative program that unites law, psychology, and social work experts to help needy individuals. In this pioneering center, students from the law school are allowed to work alongside students from the University of St. Thomas School of Social Work and Graduate School of Psychology to provide legal aid and advice to underserved members of the Twin Cities community. By offering various services, such as health care assistance, political asylum guidance, and social justice advocacy, this comprehensive program strives to address and improve the lives of disadvantaged individuals in their local community. The St. Thomas legal clinics are made possible by a generous donation from Robins Kaplan LLP, which supports the clinic financially and provides invaluable resources to their students. Through this generous contribution, they can provide their community with much-needed legal aid and assistance to create a more equitable society.
- Appellate Clinic
- Bankruptcy Litigation Clinic
- Community Justice Project
- Criminal and Juvenile Defense Clinic
- Federal Commutations Clinic
- Immigration Law Practice Group
- Nonprofit Organizations Clinic
- Religious Liberty Appellate Clinic
- Special Education Clinic
- Trademark Clinic
Employment Prospects and Bar Passage Rate
The University of St. Thomas School of Law demonstrates strong employment outcomes and solid bar exam performance. For the Class of 2024, the first-time bar passage rate was approximately 78.7%, aligning closely with national averages. Employment outcomes remain notably robust: 89.9% of recent graduates secured full-time, long-term positions requiring a law license or where a J.D. is a significant advantage—so-called “gold standard” jobs. Additionally, overall employment for that class reached approximately 95.8%, with 136 of 142 graduates employed in any capacity within a short post-graduation window.
This data highlights St. Thomas Law’s emphasis on practical training, career readiness, and professional mentorship, ensuring graduates transition effectively into the legal workforce.
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| First-Time Bar Passage Rate (Class of 2024) | 78.7 % |
| “Gold-Standard” Employment Rate (Full-time, Long-term, JD-required or JD-advantage) | 89.9 % |
| Overall Employment Rate (any job) | 95.8 % |
Quality of Life
The University of St Thomas School of Law is excellent for aspiring lawyers. In 2021, The Princeton Review rated the school #8 on its Best Quality of Student Life list. This is a testament to the vibrant atmosphere and exceptional quality of life offered by the law school.
At St Thomas, students come from all walks of life with different points of view and backgrounds. This encourages meaningful dialogue between them on the pressing issues of the day. The university is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fosters belonging and supports social justice initiatives.
To help its students reach their full potential, St Thomas has over thirty active student organizations. These enable students to explore their interests and develop leadership, service, and communication skills. They can also participate in various speaker programs, volunteer activities, and social events.
In addition to emphasizing personal growth, St Thomas Law encourages its students to become active community members. By actively engaging with the world around them, they can help make a difference and truly understand the power of the law.
St Thomas Law School is ideal for those who want to pursue their legal aspirations while also experiencing meaningful dialogue, personal growth, and community engagement. With its diverse student body, myriad activities, and commitment to a quality life, St Thomas Law offers an unparalleled educational experience.
Synopsis
University of Saint Thomas School of Law has made a name for itself with national rankings in practical training, externships, best professors, and quality of life. It is a potentially very compelling choice, especially for Catholic students interested in practicing public interest law in or around the Upper Midwest.
Contact Information
University of St. Thomas, Minnesota
Admissions
2115 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55105 USA
Phone: 651-962-5000
https://www.stthomas.edu/admissions/
Summary
| Established | 1999 |
| Location | St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Dean | Dan Kelly |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 94th |
| LSAT Median Score | 156 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.64 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 78.7% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 48% (2025) |
| Cost | $49,272 |
| Average Debt | $94,820 |
| Application Deadline | August 1, 2025 |
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Reference
University of St. Thomas School of Law, Minneapolis, MN
https://www.stthomas.edu/law/
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