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University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law
The University of Utah College of Law is a public law school located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Salt Lake City. With a student body that is smaller than a single entering class of many law schools, Utah Law offers applicants the opportunity to study law in an intimate environment that allows students to establish close relationships with their classmates and professors. For Utah residents, who can attend the school at a relatively low cost due to its public standing, and also for applicants who hope to find employment in the state, the University of Utah College of Law is a great option.
Contents
History
The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law is a great place to attend law school. The college has excellent faculty, a diverse student body, and nationally-renowned programs in environmental law, health law, and criminal law & procedure. Additionally, the college is housed in a new building, recently earning an A+ rating from PreLaw magazine. This top-of-the-line structure is the latest home for the venerable school that opened its doors in 1913.
Since the beginning, the college has been about breaking down walls and pushing boundaries. That legacy continues today as our students explore innovative ways to tackle critical issues like climate change, addiction, technology commercialization, global mediation, and many others. To find out how to "Be Your Best Here," call 801-581-7479 or email admissions@law.utah.edu.
Admissions
The University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law offers a highly regarded legal education with strong outcomes in bar passage, employment, and affordability. For the 2025 admissions cycle, the law school remains competitive, with a median LSAT score of 165 and a median undergraduate GPA of 3.86. Applicants can apply through the Early Decision Program, which is binding and requires submission by October 25, 2024. Those admitted under this program must commit by November 15, 2024, and are not eligible to compare financial aid offers from other institutions. The Regular Decision deadline is March 10, 2025, and the school accepts LSAT scores through February 2025. University of Utah undergraduates may also be eligible for the Accelerated Admissions program, which waives the LSAT requirement for students with strong academic records (minimum GPA of 3.5, with preference for 3.9 or higher). The law school emphasizes a rigorous and supportive first-year curriculum with small-section, skills-focused courses that foster close interaction with faculty. More than 90% of incoming students receive merit-based scholarships, and Early Decision students are awarded financial aid packages valued at approximately $55,500 for residents and $72,000 for non-residents over three years. The College of Law is consistently ranked among the top public law schools in the nation and offers numerous upper-division electives, clinics, and specialized certificates to support students’ professional goals.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 160 - 164 - 166 | 161 - 165 - 167 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.65 - 3.85 - 3.95 | 3.7 - 3.86 - 3.95 |
| Acceptance rate | 31.9% | 24.8% |
| Applications received | 904 | 1159 |
| Acceptances | 273 | 287 |
| Matriculants | 95 | 105 |
For the 2024–2025 academic year, the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law saw a notable increase in both selectivity and application volume compared to the previous year. The LSAT scores for the incoming class ranged from 161 to 167, with a median of 165—an improvement over the prior year’s range of 160 to 166. Similarly, GPA scores also rose slightly, with the middle 50% of admitted students posting GPAs between 3.7 and 3.95, up from 3.65 to 3.95 in the previous cycle. The law school received 1,159 applications, a significant jump from 904 the year before. Despite this increase, only 287 applicants were accepted, yielding a more competitive acceptance rate of 24.8%, down from 31.9% the prior year. Out of those accepted, 105 students matriculated, compared to 95 the previous cycle. These statistics reflect the school’s growing appeal and its continued commitment to academic excellence.
LSAT score
The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law accepts LSAT scores that are five years or less old. Candidates who have not taken the LSAT must meet certain conditions to be eligible to apply. The College of Law's LSAT exemption policy can be found on the Admissions FAQs page.
Letter(s) of Recommendation
The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law requires you to have one letter of recommendation submitted on your behalf, but you may have up to three letters. Letters should come from people who know you well and can speak to your character, reasoning ability, communication skills, study habits, and maturity. Letters are submitted through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service.
Personal Statement
The Admission Committee is looking for students with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join the law college. In addition to academic ability, they are also looking for qualities such as leadership, maturity, organization, knowledge of other languages and cultures, sincere commitment to community service, and extraordinary accomplishment. The personal statement is an opportunity for you to discuss any experiences or events (positive or negative) that have shaped who you are today. You can also talk about what you will bring to the classroom discussions and law school community. Lastly, you can share your motivations for pursuing a legal education.
Tuition and Expenses
For the 2025 academic year, tuition and fees at the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law are $34,789 for Utah residents and $45,102 for non-residents, reflecting a modest increase from the previous year. When factoring in living expenses such as housing, food, transportation, books, and personal costs, the estimated total annual cost of attendance is approximately $62,594 for residents and $72,907 for out-of-state students. However, most students receive significant financial support—over 90% are awarded scholarships or grants. The average award amount is around $19,164, which reduces the typical net cost to approximately $43,430 for residents and $53,743 for non-residents. Overall, while the full cost of attending law school at S.J. Quinney in 2025 can approach $73,000, most students pay significantly less due to generous merit-based financial aid.
Cost of Attendance
The estimated cost of attendance for the 2025 academic year at the S.J. Quinney College of Law includes both tuition and living expenses. For Utah residents, annual tuition and fees total approximately $34,789, while non-residents pay around $45,102. When factoring in other necessary expenses—such as housing, food, transportation, books, and personal costs—the total estimated cost of attendance reaches about $62,594 for residents and $72,907 for non-residents. Despite these figures, the majority of students receive substantial financial aid, with more than 90% receiving scholarships or grants. The average scholarship amount is approximately $19,164, which brings the effective net cost down to around $43,430 for in-state students and $53,743 for out-of-state students. These figures reflect the law school’s ongoing commitment to providing a high-quality education at a relatively affordable cost, especially when compared to other nationally ranked law programs.
| Category | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $34,789 | $45,102 |
| Estimated Living Expenses | $27,805 | $27,805 |
| Total Cost (before aid) | $62,594 | $72,907 |
| Avg. Scholarship Aid | $19,164 | $19,164 |
| Net Cost (after aid) | $43,430 | $53,743 |
Financial Aid & Scholarship
- Merit-on-Entrance Scholarships
The S.J. Quinney College of Law offers merit-based scholarships to students admitted into the college. Awards range from $8,900 to $44,400, and the decisions are based on the applicant's academic record, including LSAT scores, undergraduate GPA, and potential for success in law school and the legal profession. In the 2020 entering class, 86% of students received a merit-based scholarship, and the average award was $24,870.
- Second- and Third-Year Scholarships
The S.J. Quinney College of Law offers scholarships and awards to students who have demonstrated academic excellence or interest in a specific area of law. These scholarships are given in recognition of the student's achievements and are meant to help further their education. Visit their website for more information on these scholarships and how to apply.
- Need-Based Scholarships
The S.J. Quinney College of Law offers a need-based scholarship program that helps students who can't afford to pay for school independently. The college considers how much the student and their family can afford to contribute before awarding any scholarships and other factors like scholarships received and family support. Students apply for scholarships after being admitted to the school.
Federal Student Loans
You must submit the FAFSA form if you want to be considered for a student loan from the University of Utah. The FAFSA form is available each year on October 1, and the University of Utah Title IV school code necessary to complete the form is 003675.
Other Financial Support
- Research Fellowship Positions
The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law offers Research Fellowships, allowing recipients to work closely with a faculty member on exciting research, writing, and service projects. Students receive an excellent educational experience, generous compensation, and a partial tuition waiver. A limited number of these positions and fellows must be prepared to work around 10 hours per week. The application process for Research Fellowship positions usually happens during the spring semester.
- Research Assistant Positions
The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law offers students the opportunity to work as research assistants for faculty. Research assistants are paid $15.00 per hour. Faculty make their own hiring decisions regarding research assistants.
- Summer Public Interest Fellowships
The S.J. Quinney College of Law offers a limited number of summer public interest fellowships to support students working in unpaid or underfunded positions. These fellowships can be found on the fellowships, scholarships, and awards page.
Academics and Curriculum
The University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law provides unmatched opportunities to study and engage in the law.
The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law offers variety and depth in its natural resources and environmental law course offerings. Besides several survey courses, the school offers seminars on advanced environmental topics. Courses and seminars are open to both JD and LLM students. Class sizes range from approximately 30 to 45 students for regular courses and 12 students for seminars. Clinical opportunities and skill courses are also available. Most courses are available regularly, though seminar topics may vary from year to year.
First Year Curriculum
The University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law has a unique program that gives students intensive writing experience and one-on-one meetings with faculty. In addition, first-year students always have at least one class in a small group setting of no more than 25 students. This helps to give them a strong foundation in the basics of the law and the legal system.
Before enrolling in the standard set of first-year law school requirements at Utah Law School, students partake in a rigorous four-day course that introduces them to legal studies and serves as a transition to the challenging first year of law school. During their second year, students choose from among foundational courses that continue their in-depth introduction to the law and prepare them for more focused courses in various areas of the law. In their third and last year at Utah Law, students can enroll in a year-long intensive course that focuses on an area of the law in which they are interested and can also choose from among 50 advanced elective courses. Clinical programs that allow students to gain real lawyering experience are also plentiful and are offered in such areas as Environmental Law, Health Law, Civil Law, and Criminal Law. Students can also participate in the efforts of the Utah Criminal Justice Center, a partnership between the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice and the University of Utah that aims to be a model for productive collaboration between academic and governmental institutions. For students with hopes of taking their legal education beyond American borders, the school offers the London Law Consortium, which consists of courses on the legal systems of England and of the European Union.
Upper Division Curriculum
The College of Law at the University of Utah is well-known for its balanced curriculum, which includes a variety of courses in both doctrine and practice. This allows students to gain in-depth knowledge in various legal areas and practical skills that can be applied in the real world. Additionally, there are many opportunities for students to specialize in specific law areas and gain hands-on experience through field placements and other experiential learning opportunities.
Diversity
Leaders of the University of Utah are committed to facilitating the intellectual development of our students, staff, and faculty. Over the past years, they have seen challenges in their learning environment threatening individuals' ability to thrive. These incidents are not isolated. There are signs of deep racial and gender biases that have been perpetuated in the country for hundreds of years. As leaders within the university community, they acknowledge the hurt and pain these bigotries and threats have caused, and any such threats will not be tolerated.
Research centers and programs
The S.J. Quinney College of Law's research centers and programs offer opportunities for faculty and students to collaborate on specialized research and community engagement and to study in niche areas of expertise. The Wallace Stegner Center for Land, Resources, and the Environment boasts one of the top environmental law programs in the nation. At the same time, the Center for Law and Biomedical Sciences brings law, ethics, sciences, and medicine together across the University of Utah's Tier-1 research programs. Our growing criminal and intellectual property law programs produce innovative research and provide an excellent education.
The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law offers a range of centers and programs that provide opportunities for students to get involved in interdisciplinary research collaborations. This includes special initiatives such as the Utah Project on Antitrust and Consumer Protection, which is dedicated to studying progressive antitrust and consumer protection law and policy. These centers and programs offer scholarships, fellowships, clerkships and internships, service project involvement, and participation in events that draw experts from around the globe.
Externships
The College of Law offers several externship opportunities each semester, which can be found on the online job board or through the Director of Externships. Students can apply for placements through the online job board, request to be matched at a placement, or locate their externship placement with the approval of the Director of Externships. In addition, the College of Law offers a year-long Criminal Process Externship open to third-year students. This externship is in a prosecutor’s or public defender’s office, and students must take the companion classroom course, Criminal Process, and qualify to appear in court under Rule 14-807.
Quality of Life
Salt Lake City is a great place to live and attend law school. The city has a lot of opportunities for legal practice, as well as for other industries. The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to get to class, as well as to the courts and other places you may need to go. If you love getting outside, you'll be happy to know that Utah is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the country. You'll be just 30 minutes from world-class skiing, hiking, and biking trails.
Housing is in Salt Lake City is generally very affordable, and most Utah Law students can find suitable and affordable housing in close proximity to the campus. Those who stray further from campus won't have many problems with transportation, as Salt Lake City's efficient light rail system allows students to get to and fro quickly. Although Salt Lake City is no Las Vegas in terms of nightlife, bars and pubs are plentiful throughout the town, and there are certainly enough to keep busy law students entertained during their scarce free time. The Student Bar Association also provides socialization opportunities to law students, who can attend weekly bar reviews that allow them to browse various bars throughout Salt Lake City with their fellow law students, as well as a variety of other events throughout the academic year. All this, added to the fact that crime and safety are usually not concerns for law students, makes for an enjoyable and affordable three years of law school for students at Utah Law. Obviously, because the majority of students at the University of Utah and residents in Salt Lake City are Mormon, anyone planning on attending the University of Utah should be comfortable with this and consider personally visiting the law school to confirm their choice.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
The University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law offers outstanding employment prospects and bar passage rates for its graduates. For the Class of 2024, the first-time bar passage rate stood at approximately 94.0%, one of the highest among public law schools nationwide. Over a two-year period, the ultimate bar passage rate rises to about 96.5%, reflecting the law school’s strong academic preparation. Employment outcomes are equally impressive. Around 94.3% of the Class of 2024 secured employment within ten months of graduation. Of the 88 graduates, 83 obtained jobs, with 82 placed in full-time, long-term positions and one in a part-time role. A significant number of alumni—about 82%—remain employed in Utah, although many also find opportunities in neighboring states such as California and Arizona. These results underscore the College of Law’s reputation as a top-value legal education provider, offering both high bar passage success and robust career placement.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| First-Time Bar Passage Rate | 94.0% |
| Ultimate Bar Passage Rate (2-Year) | 96.5% |
| Total Graduates (Class of 2024) | 88 |
| Employed Within 10 Months | 83 (94.3%) |
| Full-Time, Long-Term Employment | 82 |
| Part-Time Employment | 1 |
| In-State Employment (Utah) | 82% of employed graduates |
| Out-of-State Employment | 18% (mostly in CA, AZ, etc.) |
Synopsis
The University of Utah College of Law is among the most reputable law schools in the Mountain West region and offers a very low rate of in-state tuition. Thus, for residents of the state of Utah and applicants with hopes of finding employment in and around the state, the University of Utah College of Law is a great place to pursue a legal education. While personally visiting a law school is always recommended, this seems particularly true of applicants who are not familiar with the Mormon religion and/or Salt Lake City.
Contact Information
S.J. Quinney College of Law
Admissions Office
383 SOUTH UNIVERSITY STREET
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84112
801-581-6833
Email: admissions@law.utah.edu
Phone: (801) 581-7479
Summary
| Established | 1913 |
| Location | SALT LAKE CITY, UT |
| Dean | Elizabeth Kronk Warner |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 31th |
| LSAT Median Score | 165 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.86 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 94% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 74.1% (2025) |
| Cost | "$34,789 (in-state, full-time),
$45,102 (out-of-state, full-time)" |
| Average Debt | $80,642 |
| Application Deadline | March 10, 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
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Reference
https://sjquinney.utah.edu/
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