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Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 11/26/24
It can be challenging to figure out which law school in Illinois is the best for you. Here, we’ll give you the inside scoop on the best law schools in Illinois to help you decide!
There are many branches of law where lawyers can see the positive impact they make in the world. The ability to provide legal services for clients in need means they’ll have a chance to improve their outcomes in all fields like criminal law, intellectual property, health policy, and many more.
Not only does Illinois have top prestigious law schools, but the state also has schools that emphasize flexibility, which can be a huge benefit if you have a family or career. Whether you’re interested in breaking into big law or combining law and tech, Illinois law schools have something for everyone.
Let's go through the top facts about Illinois-based law schools!
It’s important to remember that each school on this list caters to different kinds of students. Although no one school can excel in every metric, each school has a slightly different approach to how they teach law. At any rate, they all offer a solid path to obtaining your juris doctor (JD) degree.
Source: US News
Illinois is home to nine accredited law schools. Some of which are internationally renowned institutions. Schools like UChicago and Pritzker are frequently rated within the top ten schools in the country. There are also a variety of flexible options that can be tailored to different interests.
Ranked as the third-best law school in the US, there’s no denying the prestige that comes from being a UChicago law alumnus. You’ll need a highly impressive GPA to be on par with the 3.94 median of all applicants. This is complemented by the median LSAT score of 173.
The first-time bar passage also far exceeds the averages from other states: 97.1% compared to just 79.1%. In 2019, the ultimate bar passage rate reached 99.5%.
At UChicago Law, you’ll have a well-rounded education. Your studies in law will be integrated with exciting topics like natural science, humanities, and social science.
Graduates from the JD program also go on to have impressive career prospects, with the class of 2021 enjoying a 99% percent employment rate within ten months of graduation. They also had a median private sector salary of $225,000, making it one of the best law schools in Illinois. UChicago is also one of the most expensive law schools.
Take our interactive quiz below to find out how likely you are to get into the University of Chicago Law School.
The University of Chicago Law School consistently achieves high bar passage rates. The first-time bar passage rate for the recent class was 97.1%, with 201 out of 207 graduates passing the exam. This performance places the school among the top law schools in the nation for bar exam success.
The University of Chicago Law School reports a median private sector salary of $225,000 for the recent graduating class, while the median public sector salary is $63,000.
Northwestern University’s Pritzker Law School is something that every aspiring lawyer in Illinois should take note of. The law school is one of the first to offer a two-year JD. Even more impressive, students can choose to pursue a combined JD-MBA with the Kellogg School of Management. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for part-time study, this isn’t an option here.
Coming in at number ten in best law schools, Pritzker looks for top students hoping to kickstart their law careers. The median GPA stands at 3.95, and the median LSAT is at 172. Altogether, the acceptance rate is 15%.
When it comes to the bar, 91.6% of Pritzker students pass it the first time around. For the year 2019, the ultimate bar passage rate hit 98.7%.
With five legal journals and 30-plus student organizations to join, there’s no doubt you’ll be able to find your place and carve a niche at this Chicago law school.
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law has consistently demonstrated strong bar passage rates. For the recent class, the first-time bar passage rate was 91.6%, with 240 out of 262 graduates passing the exam. This performance is notably higher than the average pass rate for graduates from ABA-accredited law schools, which was 78.56% in the same period.
Graduates of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law earn a median private sector salary of $215,000 and a median public sector salary of $63,000, based on data from the recent graduating class.
Coming in at number 43 for best law schools is UIUC. With an acceptance rate of 34.7%, UIUC is a bit easier to get into than Pritzker or UChicago. For all program entrants, the median undergraduate GPA is 3.94. This is matched with the 165 median LSAT score. The first-time bar passage sits at 95%.
UIUC is fairly old compared to other law schools in the country, founded in 1867. The school doesn’t offer specific degree concentrations and instead favors Illinois’ areas of strength, which include fields such as criminal law, public interest, business and law, and environmental law.
Even more exciting, UIUC has an incredible range of joint degree programs, such as political science, human resources and industrial relations, journalism, and computer science.
Notably, in recent enrollment, only 37% of students were Illinois residents. The school also has a thriving student life, with more than 30 student organizations and 100 lectures and events annually.
The University of Illinois College of Law has demonstrated strong bar passage rates in recent years. In the latest admissions cycle, first-time takers achieved a 95% pass rate.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Law, graduates from the recent class earn a median private sector salary of $100,000 and a median public sector salary of $60,000.
For those interested in part-time law studies in Chicago, Loyola University Chicago School of Law may be exactly the school you’re looking for. Ranked at number 18 for part-time law, LUC is renowned for its healthcare law specialty program and for being one of the best part-time law schools in Illinois.
To get into law school at LUC, you’ll want to maintain a 3.6 GPA during undergrad and score 160 on your LSAT. 83.56% of Loyola students pass the bar the first time around, and the school holds a 43.9% acceptance rate.
Loyola Law School offers great flexibility with its weekend JD program. This is an accommodating option if you have a busy work schedule or family obligations. You’ll be able to mix online learning with in-person classes roughly every other weekend.
Loyola University Chicago School of Law has demonstrated consistent bar exam performance in recent years. For the recent class, the first-time bar passage rate was 83.56%, with 188 out of 225 graduates passing the exam. This rate is higher than the average pass rate for graduates from ABA-accredited law schools, which was 77.93% during the same period. Additionally, the ultimate bar passage rate for the Class of 2020 was 93.72%, indicating that nearly all graduates passed the bar exam within two years of graduation.
Loyola University Chicago School of Law graduates from the recent graduating class report a median private sector salary of $80,000 and a median public sector salary of $60,000.
Another solid option for part-time study is the Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law, which ranks at number 12 in part-time law. The Chicago-Kent College of Law has one of the best part-time evening JD programs in the country, making it a fantastic choice for Illinois law schools.
To be a competitive applicant, you’ll want to have at least a 3.67 GPA to be on par with the median of all entrants. As for the LSAT, a score of 159 will be commensurate with the other matriculates. With a 50% acceptance rate, 84.08% pass the bar on their first try.
Chicago-Kent College of Law stands out for its highly distinguished trial advocacy program and legal research and writing curriculum. You’ll also enjoy the option of many unique certificates to further your education, including exciting fields such as intellectual property and criminal litigation.
Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology consistently demonstrates strong bar exam performance. For the recent class, the first-time bar passage rate was 84.08%, with 169 out of 201 graduates passing the exam.
The average salary for graduates of the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Chicago-Kent College of Law is around $80,000 per year with those in the public sector earning a median of $60,000.
Law school at DePaul can provide a wonderful opportunity for those who want to launch their law careers in Chicago. Ambitious and academically inclined students should take special note of their unique joint degree programs, which include options like a JD/MBA and a JD/MS in computer science.
Holding a 43.6% acceptance rate, DePaul Law School accepts a diverse host of students. The median GPA and LSAT scores of program entrants rest at 3.59 and 157, respectively. On their first attempt, 75% of students passed the bar, with a 78.3% ultimate passage rate in 2021.
Their juris doctor program is flexible, offering both evening programs and part-time options. Additionally, if you’re interested in law for serving those less fortunate, DePaul’s mission to help vulnerable populations in the city may align with you.
DePaul University College of Law's bar passage rates have varied in recent years. For the recent class, the first-time bar passage rate was 75%, with 105 out of 140 graduates passing the exam. This rate is slightly below the national average for ABA-accredited law schools, which was 77.2% during the same period.
For graduates of DePaul University College of Law, the class reports a median private sector salary of $75,000 and a median public sector salary of $60,000.
Being the only public law school in Chicago, UIC Law offers a legal education that no other school can match. This is because the University of Illinois Chicago is the biggest university in the city. The school offers flexibility, including a part-time evening JD program.
UIC Law is a modestly competitive law school in Illinois, with a median undergraduate GPA of 3.39 and a median LSAT score of 152. The acceptance rate sits at 69.53%, and 59.19% pass the bar on their first try. If you’re considering applying for part-time study, the median GPA and LSAT are slightly lower, at 3.26 and 151.
You’ll also be able to customize your education with several different JD concentrations at UIC Law. These include exciting fields such as intellectual property law, international human rights law, and health equity law and policy. You’ll also have time to hone your skills with experiential learning externships and community legal clinics.
The University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (UIC Law) reported a first-time bar passage rate of 59.19% for the recent class, with 161 out of 272 graduates passing the exam. This rate is below the average first-time pass rate for ABA-accredited schools, which was 78.14%. The ultimate bar passage rate for the Class of 2021 was 80.51%, indicating that over four-fifths of graduates passed the bar exam within two years of graduation.
The University of Illinois Chicago School of Law reports a median private sector salary of $70,000 and a median public sector salary of $60,000 for its graduates.
Named a best-value law school by National Jurist, NIU Law gives students a range of options to leverage their legal education. Being the only public law school in the greater Chicago area, NIU prioritizes affordability for all students. Whether you’re from the state of Illinois or an out-of-state resident, you’ll enjoy the same tuition and fees.
To meet the median student profile stats-wise, you’ll want to have a GPA of 3.43 and an LSAT score of 150. At NIU law, 59.55% of students pass the bar their first time around. In terms of acceptance rate, 54.5% of those who apply get in. All things considered, NIU Law would be considered a moderately competitive school.
NIU Law is dedicated to committing itself to its mission statement. The school prides itself on preparing legal professionals who aid the public while developing close and professional relationships. What’s more, the school offers a unique accelerated JD program, where students can earn a law and undergraduate degree in only six years.
NIU Law has experienced fluctuations in its bar passage rates over recent years. For the recent class, the first-time bar passage rate was 59.55%, with 53 out of 89 graduates passing the exam. This rate is below the average pass rate for Illinois law schools, which stands at approximately 77%. In contrast, the ultimate bar passage rate for the Class of 2021 was 86.57%, indicating that a significant majority of graduates passed the bar exam within two years of graduation.
Graduates of Northern Illinois University College of Law earn a median private sector salary of $65,000, while those in the public sector earn a median of $55,000.
Ranked number 16 for affordability when considering average debt from law school, SIU Law is an inclusive choice for everybody. By prioritizing a tight-knit atmosphere, students will be able to thrive in a more intimate setting–getting to know their peers and professors. The school also offers a generous single tuition rate for all domestic students.
The median undergraduate GPA for students at SIU Law rests at 3.3. As for LSAT scores, the median achieved by program entrants is 149. On their first attempt, 65.7% of students pass the bar, and the school holds a 60.5% acceptance rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is eight to one.
SIU Law offers many 3+3 accelerated law programs with select partner schools. In addition, SIU law students have a selection of concurrent degree programs to choose from. These include options like an MD/JD and a Master’s in electrical and computer engineering.
SIU Law has experienced fluctuations in its bar passage rates over recent years. For the recent class, the first-time bar passage rate was 65.7%, with 44 out of 67 graduates passing the exam. This rate is below the average pass rate for Illinois law schools, which stands at approximately 77%. The ultimate bar passage rate for the Class of 2021 was 76.3%, indicating that a significant majority of graduates passed the bar exam within two years of graduation.
Finally, the Southern Illinois University School of Law reports that graduates earn a median private sector salary of $60,000 and a median public sector salary of $55,000.
Make sure to check out our free Juris Education Law School Quiz tool to find out which law schools are the perfect match for you!
Have additional questions about Illinois law schools? Give our FAQs a read for some additional information!
Illinois has nine law schools that are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA):
There are six accredited law schools in Chicago, Illinois:
UChicago is the best law school in Illinois, ranking number three in the country. The school lets in just 14.2% of those who apply.
University of Illinois--Chicago is the easiest law school in Illinois, with an acceptance rate of 69.5%. The median GPA required for admissions is 3.39, and the median LSAT score is 152, making them some of the lowest compared to other schools.
UIC and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are the best pre-law schools in Illinois. UIC offers a dedicated pre-law program, while the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has pre-law advising services.
All things considered, pre-law majors or schools may not matter that much. However, taking some pre-law classes to help you prepare for law school can work in your favor.
It can be helpful to think about which branches of law you are naturally curious about. Exposure to different areas will help you decide what aspects of law school are most important to you.
No matter your aspirations, attending a law school in Illinois can lead to a meaningful legal career. Even if you don’t get into your first choice, all schools are diverse enough to help you succeed no matter your area of interest. And don’t forget that being happy in your legal career will always be more important than prestige or money.
Some may see themselves pursuing law to help those less fortunate. Others may want to be at the cutting edge of law and technology. Illinois can be where you start your law journey to make an impact that makes a difference in the world.
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