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University of Wyoming College of Law
The University of Wyoming College of Law has established a reputation for providing an exceptional legal education at an incredibly affordable price. Located in the picturesque Rocky Mountains near the bustling city of Denver, they offer many unique opportunities for their students to learn, grow, and succeed. Their programs are ranked among the best in the country, and our faculty provide an intimate family-like atmosphere that is impossible to find elsewhere.
The UW College of Law teaching focuses on legal writing, research, advocacy, and professional skills training in negotiation and dispute resolution. Their innovative approach to legal education has been praised by students and employers alike. They are committed to providing an exceptional level of practical and affordable education.
Contents
History
The University of Wyoming College of Law stands as a pillar of excellence in the Wild West, proudly representing the Cowboy Spirit. Located within the stunning Rocky Mountain range, this esteemed research institution was established in 1886 and has since established itself as one of the premier higher education options in the nation. With its faculty comprised of some of the most well-respected legal professionals, its cutting-edge academic curriculum, and the wide range of resources available to students, the University of Wyoming College of Law offers a unique perspective for prospective lawyers in the ever-changing legal world.
At the University of Wyoming College of Law, students are taught by experts in the field who will help them gain a deeper understanding of the law, legal procedures, and the fundamentals of professional practice. Through hands-on learning experiences and mentorship from faculty members, students acquire a strong law foundation and an expansive network of connections. With access to some of the nation’s most distinguished research libraries, students can explore their interests with ample resources at their fingertips.
Admissions
The University of Wyoming College of Law is an excellent option for quality legal education at an affordable price. With its convenient location, just a short drive away from Denver in the Rocky Mountains, the UW College of Law is highly regarded by students and faculty alike. The University of Wyoming College of Law is an excellent option for quality legal education at an affordable price. With its convenient location, just a short drive away from Denver in the Rocky Mountains, the UW College of Law is highly regarded by students and faculty alike.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 152-154-158 | 152-155-158 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.18-3.51-3.81 | 3.46-3.46-3.72 |
| Acceptance rate | 51% | 62% |
| Applications received | 481 | 376 |
| Acceptances | 265 | 233 |
| Matriculants | 81 | 77 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, the University of Wyoming College of Law reported some notable changes in its statistics compared to the prior year. The LSAT range for the middle 50% of admitted students remained nearly identical, at 152–155–158, showing consistency in the caliber of test scores among applicants. However, the GPA range for the same percentile group rose slightly, moving from 3.18–3.51–3.81 in 2023–2024 to 3.46–3.63–3.72 in 2024–2025, suggesting an academically stronger incoming class. The school also saw a decline in the total number of applications received, dropping from 481 to 376, yet the acceptance rate increased significantly from 51% to 62%. Out of 233 acceptances, 77 students ultimately matriculated in 2024–2025, which is slightly fewer than the 81 who enrolled the previous year. Overall, the statistics reflect a smaller applicant pool, a higher acceptance rate, and a class with stronger GPAs, highlighting both the evolving competitiveness and demographic shifts in the College of Law’s admissions process.
Application Process
The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) is the primary portal for aspiring law students to begin their journey through the law school admissions process. All applicants interested in enrolling at the University of Wyoming College of Law must create an account on www.lsac.org and submit their application through this platform. The LSAC site is also where applicants register for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). This is an essential component of the application process, as scores from the LSAT help determine a prospective student's acceptance.
When registering for the LSAT, applicants should be aware that they must create a profile with their personal information, including their address, email, phone number, and other pertinent details. In addition to the LSAT registration process, they should also explore the information available on the LSAC site regarding applying to law school. This includes materials such as an overview of the application timeline, detailed application submission instructions, and helpful tips for crafting personal statements.
Application Deadlines
The University of Wyoming College of Law offers a variety of options for students to apply for admission. The application period for the following Fall semester typically begins on October 1st, and they strongly recommend that applications be completed and submitted by April 30th to receive priority consideration. Applicants may submit their June or July LSAT scores, but these scores are only accepted for the following year's admission cycle.
They review applications on a rolling basis, making decisions as soon as possible after receiving all relevant materials and data. Those who submit their application before December 15th of the year before intended enrollment can receive an early admissions decision by January 30th.
Application Requirements
The University of Wyoming College of Law is a prestigious higher education institution that prepares students for a successful career in the legal industry. To gain admission to this esteemed college, candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate good moral character and be able to maintain it while enrolled.
The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is mandatory for all admitted candidates to the University of Wyoming College of Law, and the scores are valid for five years. You can register for the LSAT at www.lsac.org. Furthermore, each applicant must also register for LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) to ensure their application is complete. Registration for this service can be done at www.lsac.org too.
Letters of Recommendation
When applying for the University of Wyoming College of Law, prospective students must provide a strong reference letter from two sources. Generally, these should include one general reference letter and one academic reference letter; however, applicants who graduated from an undergraduate program several years ago may submit letters from employers or supervisors who can speak to their abilities and intellectual promise for the study of law.
Reference letters must provide information about the applicant’s qualities and skills to be successful in their legal studies, such as intelligence (analytical powers, rigor of thought, critical faculty, reasoning ability), independence of thought (originality, imagination, creative intelligence) effectiveness of oral and written communication, industry and motivation (persistence, self-discipline, study techniques), judgment and maturity (conscientiousness, common sense), and leadership ability. The letters should also include specific examples of how the applicant has demonstrated these qualities in their past experiences.
Personal Statement
The University of Wyoming College of Law is dedicated to providing students with the best legal education. For those interested in attending, there are several essential requirements to be aware of. Firstly, applicants must attach a personal statement to their electronic application. This essay should provide important information about yourself that the admissions committee can use in evaluating your application. This should include details about your qualities that would benefit the legal profession, law school classroom, and the community. Additionally, the essay should discuss any experiences or motivations for attending law school. The personal statement should typically be two to three pages in length and will be evaluated for both writing ability and content, so make sure to write it accordingly.
In addition to the personal statement, applicants must submit a personal resume. This up-to-date document should provide details about education, work experience, and other relevant qualifications.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The University of Wyoming College of Law continues to provide a strong legal education at an affordable cost, making it one of the most accessible law schools in the nation. Located in Laramie, the college offers different tuition rates for resident and non-resident students. For the 2025 academic year, resident tuition remains highly affordable at $17,544, while non-residents pay $35,664. Regardless of residency, students receive access to an excellent education supported by experienced faculty, advanced learning resources, and opportunities to apply knowledge through innovative technology and interactive case simulations. These resources ensure that students are well prepared for legal practice while keeping costs comparatively low.
Cost of Attendance
The total cost of attendance at the University of Wyoming College of Law includes tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other living expenses. For 2025, the estimated costs are as follows:
| Category | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $17,544 | $35,664 |
| Books & Supplies (est.) | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Room & Board (est.) | $12,500 | $12,500 |
| Other Expenses (est.) | $4,080 | $4,080 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $35,624 | $53,744 |
For Wyoming residents, the annual cost of attendance is approximately $35,624, while for non-residents, the cost is about $53,744. These figures account for both educational and living expenses, making the University of Wyoming one of the most affordable law schools for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The College of Law further enhances affordability through generous scholarship opportunities. Students may apply for:
- Merit-based awards up to $20,000 per year
- Need-based grants typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000
These financial aid packages help ensure that students can pursue their legal education without taking on excessive debt.
The University of Wyoming College of Law is proud to offer its incoming first-year class a chance to be considered for available Merit or Diversity Scholarships. Though many scholarship awards are granted at the time of acceptance, some are still awarded after acceptance has been granted. It's important to note that Transfer, Visiting, and International Students are not. Eligible for any scholarships. However, they have other options to help them finance their legal education. The college also offers a variety of loan programs that are available to all students. You may want to speak with a College of Law Financial Aid counselor for more information about these loans and other aid programs offered by the University. Furthermore, due to Wyoming's low cost of living, the University of Wyoming College of Law is one of the most affordable law schools in the nation. Finally, all students are encouraged to seek and apply for external scholarships through outside organizations. These might include private foundations or other entities offering scholarships to students pursuing legal studies.
The University of Wyoming College of Law in 2025 continues to provide a high-quality, affordable legal education, with costs well below national averages and strong financial aid options that make law school accessible for students from diverse backgrounds.
Accceptances
The University of Wyoming College of Law offers an application process on a rolling basis. This means that applicants can submit their materials at any time and still be considered for admission. Once accepted, applicants must make a non-refundable seat deposit of $500 to secure their position in the entering class. This deposit may be paid in two installments of $250 each or one full payment of $500. The deadlines for these payments are stated clearly in the acceptance letter sent to the prospective student.
This seat deposit will be applied toward the overall tuition and fees as soon as the student registers for classes. If accepted to UW's College of Law, it is essential to note that any seat deposit will not be refunded even if the student does not enroll at the university. Therefore, those who pay this fee should do so with confidence, knowing they have chosen wisely and plan on attending UW's College of Law.
Academics and Curriculum
University of Wyoming College of Law is an excellent place for aspiring lawyers to fulfill their academic ambitions. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12.4:1, students can expect highly personalized attention and instruction from professors. This low faculty-to-student ratio also helps to minimize academic attrition among first-year law students; the most recent figure for 1L attrition was about 5%.
At Wyoming Law, first-year students are exposed to the basic building blocks of legal studies--Contracts, Property, Torts, Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, Legal Research, and Writing and a one-unit class called "Introduction to Law." Grading curves are relatively straightforward, too, giving 1Ls a good chance of success.
In addition to the standard JD program, Wyoming Law offers three joint degree programs – JD/MBA, JD/MPA, and JD with a Masters's in Environment and Natural Resources. This makes it an attractive option for students interested in environmental or forestry law or those wishing to practice in the Mountain West area. However, Wyoming Law does not offer a part-time program for students who may need to juggle work and school.
Finally, the College of Law is home to a law review publication. It provides numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities such as moot court and many student organizations, allowing aspiring lawyers to hone their skills, network, and gain practical experience. With all these features, Wyoming Law is a great place to build your legal career.
Experiential Learning
The University of Wyoming College of Law offers students a unique learning experience beyond the traditional classroom. Through their wide range of for-credit clinics, practicums, and externships, as well as the Summer Trial Institute, law students can put their knowledge into practice in simulated legal settings.
Each experiential learning opportunity provides students with real-world experience and allows them to apply their legal education in real-life scenarios. These programs offer credits based on the work completed, allowing learners to tailor their course load to suit their needs. For example, clinics provide one-on-one mentoring with experienced attorneys and allow students to provide legal advice directly to clients while still being supervised by faculty advisors. Practicums allow students to hone their research skills while exploring complex topics such as criminal justice or environmental law. And through externships with area businesses and organizations, learners gain valuable insights into the field from within.
Clinics
The University of Wyoming College of Law provides a fantastic opportunity for its students to gain invaluable real-world experience in law practice through its Student Legal Clinics. Unlike other simulations, this program offers students actual caseloads from clients working with approved faculty from the College of Law. This unique program allows students to gain first-hand knowledge and understanding of legal processes and develop a greater understanding of how their practice will look one day.
Students can become more familiar with the day-to-day workings of cases in various legal disciplines—from criminal law to family law, civil litigation, and beyond through the Student Legal Clinics. Not only do they learn hands-on skills in tackling cases, but they also get to interact with clients on both sides—offering advice and help while still providing ethical guidance and representation. A faculty member supervises the student as they progress through each case, allowing them to build strong relationships rooted in trust and collaboration that can flourish over time.
Externships
The University of Wyoming College of Law offers its students an invaluable opportunity to gain practical legal knowledge through its comprehensive externship program. With the guidance of the school's two Externship Supervisors, Ashli Tomisich and Tim Crawford, students can select from various experiences and receive college credit for their work.
Many law students choose to use their externships as a way to gain invaluable experience in various areas of the law. This experiential learning can provide insights that traditional classroom courses often do not offer, such as familiarity with working within specific legal organizations or understanding the inner workings of certain aspects of the court system. Working under the supervision of experienced lawyers with real-world practice experience, students can develop a better understanding and more vital practical application skills concerning their legal knowledge.
In addition to gaining valuable skills and knowledge, working in an externship during law school also has other advantages. In addition to earning course credit for the hours worked, students have cited these opportunities as one of their most rewarding experiences in law school. Furthermore, many students have reported that employers highly value professional experience obtained through externships when hiring after graduation.
Externships are an excellent way for prospective attorneys to get hands-on training with real-world scenarios and apply their existing legal knowledge in unique settings – preparing them for successful careers once they leave law school. The University of Wyoming College of Law is proud to offer its robust externship program for its current and future attorneys.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
For 2025, the University of Wyoming College of Law continues to demonstrate strong outcomes in both employment prospects and bar passage rates for its graduates. A majority of students secure full-time, long-term positions requiring bar passage or offering a clear path within the legal profession within ten months of graduation. Employment opportunities are especially strong within Wyoming and surrounding states, with many graduates finding positions in private practice, government agencies, and judicial clerkships. The school’s smaller class sizes and close faculty mentorship provide students with strong networking advantages, contributing to a consistently high placement rate. In terms of bar passage, Wyoming graduates continue to perform competitively, with first-time takers achieving results near or above national averages. This reflects the quality of the academic program and the practical training offered throughout the curriculum. Together, these outcomes confirm that the University of Wyoming College of Law provides its students with the skills and opportunities necessary to transition successfully from legal education to professional practice.
Quality of Life
In addition to being the home of the University of Wyoming, Laramie (population 27,000) is also a major center of outdoor tourism due to its proximity to many of Wyoming's natural wonders. Students with an affinity for the outdoors, rural life, and the ability to tolerate cold winters will likely find Laramie an ideal place to live. On the other hand, those used to a more cosmopolitan lifestyle will have some adjusting to do. On the plus side, however, rent costs in Laramie scarcely compare to what one would pay in major cities like New York or San Francisco.
Synopsis
Although it's not the place for students interested in New York biglaw, Wyoming Law is a potentially excellent choice for Wyoming residents looking to take advantage of low in-state tuition and practice in their home state.
Contact Information
University of Wyoming
Admissions
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-5160
Email: admissions@uwyo.edu
http://www.uwyo.edu/law/admissions/
Summary
| Established | 1886 |
| Location | Laramie, WY |
| Dean | Julie Hill |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 117th |
| LSAT Median Score | 155 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.46 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 80.9% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 69.6% (2025) |
| Cost | "$18,322 (in-state, full-time),
$37,162 (out-of-state, full-time)" |
| Average Debt | $104,732 |
| Application Deadline | N/A |
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Reference
The University of Wyoming College of Law
http://www.uwyo.edu/law/
Rank #117
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