Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Washington DC that provides Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), or Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). You can use the following list to pick a school that fits your needs. These law schools in Washington DC are ranked based on the student reviews, alumni surveys, assessment of peer institutions, and official data reported by each law college. In addition, we also provide average LSAT scores, GPA and acceptance rates for each of these law schools in Washington DC.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Washington DC
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 13 | Georgetown University (Washington, DC) Acceptance rate: 26.6% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 167-171 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.44-3.8 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $46,865 per year Enrollment (full-time): 1,671 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 96.0%
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| 20 | George Washington University (Washington, DC) Acceptance rate: 27.2% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 161-168 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.43-3.9 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $45,750 per year Enrollment (full-time): 1,430 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 94.3%
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| 49 | American University (Washington) (Washington, DC) Acceptance rate: 27.6% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 159-163 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.22-3.59 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $45,096 per year Enrollment (full-time): 1,239 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 83.6%
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| 82 | Catholic University of America (Columbus) (Washington, DC) Acceptance rate: 32.8% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 151-160 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.28-3.45 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $41,830 per year Enrollment (full-time): 506 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 85.3%
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| 120 | Howard University (Washington, DC) Acceptance rate: 27.2% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 150-155 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 2.92-3.39 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $29,131 per year Enrollment (full-time): 427 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 85.7%
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| 189 | University of the District of Columbia (Clarke) (Washington, DC) Acceptance rate: 23.7% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 149-155 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 2.84-3.39 Tuition & Fees: N/A Enrollment (full-time): N/A Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 62.3%
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All Law Schools in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is home to some of the most prestigious and competitive law schools in the United States. As the nation’s capital, D.C. offers law students unparalleled access to government agencies, international organizations, public interest groups, and top-tier law firms. This unique proximity to the heart of the U.S. legal system makes D.C. an attractive destination for aspiring lawyers.
The law schools included here are:
- Georgetown University Law Center
- George Washington University Law School
- American University Washington College of Law
- Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law
- Howard University School of Law
1. Georgetown University Law Center
Overview
Georgetown University Law Center (GULC) is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the country. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Georgetown Law provides students with direct access to government agencies, courts, and international organizations. It is known for its diverse student body, extensive clinical programs, and world-renowned faculty. The school has a strong emphasis on public service, constitutional law, and international law.
Degree Programs
Georgetown Law offers a wide range of degree programs, catering to students with various academic and professional interests:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The traditional three-year law degree, with the option to specialize in areas such as international law, constitutional law, and tax law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)
- J.D./M.P.P. (Master of Public Policy)
- J.D./M.P.H. (Master of Public Health)
- LL.M. (Master of Laws): For students who already hold a law degree, Georgetown offers LL.M. specializations in areas such as tax law, international human rights, and national security law.
- S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science): A research-based degree for students interested in academic or advanced legal research careers.
Admission Requirements
- Average LSAT Score: 168
- Average GPA: 3.80
- Application Components:
- Completed application via LSAC
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation (2-3)
- LSAT or GRE scores
- Resume highlighting academic and professional achievements
- Optional diversity statement or addendum
Georgetown Law takes a holistic approach to admissions, looking for students with a strong academic background, leadership experience, and a demonstrated commitment to public service or advocacy.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of Georgetown Law are highly sought after by law firms, government agencies, and nonprofits. Their strong network and location in D.C. provide ample job opportunities:
- Private Sector: $190,000 (Big Law firms)
- Public Sector: $55,000 – $75,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $65,000 – $75,000
Many Georgetown graduates secure positions at top law firms, while others work in government, public interest law, or international organizations.
2. George Washington University Law School
Overview
George Washington University Law School (GW Law), established in 1865, is the oldest law school in Washington, D.C. It is known for its exceptional programs in intellectual property law, international law, and government contracts. Located just steps away from the White House and Capitol Hill, GW Law provides its students with unparalleled opportunities for externships, networking, and hands-on legal experience.
Degree Programs
GW Law offers a variety of degree programs to suit different academic and professional goals:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): GW Law offers full-time and part-time J.D. programs, with concentrations in areas such as intellectual property, national security, and international business law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)
- J.D./M.A. in International Affairs
- J.D./M.P.H. (Master of Public Health)
- LL.M. Programs: GW Law has one of the most extensive LL.M. programs in the country, with specializations in environmental law, intellectual property law, international law, and more.
- S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science): This program is aimed at students interested in academic careers or advanced research in the legal field.
Admission Requirements
- Average LSAT Score: 166
- Average GPA: 3.75
- Application Components:
- Completed application through LSAC
- Personal statement
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- LSAT or GRE scores
- Resume showcasing work experience, internships, and extracurricular activities
- Optional diversity statement or addendum
GW Law values students with a strong academic foundation, leadership skills, and a passion for public service or specialized areas of law.
Starting Salaries
GW Law graduates have strong employment outcomes, with many working in prestigious law firms, government agencies, and international organizations. Typical starting salaries are:
- Private Sector: $190,000 (at major law firms)
- Public Sector: $60,000 – $80,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $65,000 – $75,000
The proximity to government agencies and legal institutions provides students with extensive opportunities for internships, externships, and post-graduate employment.
3. American University Washington College of Law
Overview
American University Washington College of Law (WCL) is known for its commitment to human rights, international law, and public interest law. WCL is a diverse and inclusive law school that emphasizes practical experience through its various clinics and externship opportunities. It has a strong global focus and is well-regarded for its international law and human rights programs.
Degree Programs
WCL offers a broad range of degree programs designed to prepare students for both domestic and international legal careers:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The traditional three-year program, with a focus on public interest, international law, and civil rights.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.A. in International Affairs
- J.D./M.B.A.
- J.D./M.P.P. (Master of Public Policy)
- LL.M. Programs: WCL offers specialized LL.M. programs in areas such as international human rights law, environmental law, and gender law.
- S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science): This program is intended for students pursuing careers in academia or advanced legal research.
Admission Requirements
- Average LSAT Score: 159
- Average GPA: 3.50
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation (2-3)
- LSAT or GRE scores
- Resume detailing academic and professional background
- Optional diversity statement
WCL places a strong emphasis on social justice and public service, looking for applicants with a passion for advocacy, public interest, and human rights work.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of WCL find employment in a variety of sectors, with a significant number entering public interest law, government, and international organizations:
- Private Sector: $90,000 – $160,000
- Public Sector: $55,000 – $70,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $60,000 – $70,000
WCL graduates are particularly successful in securing jobs in public interest law, government, and international organizations due to the school’s strong focus on these areas.
4. Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law
Overview
The Columbus School of Law (CUA Law), part of the Catholic University of America, is a faith-based institution committed to educating students in a values-driven environment. CUA Law is known for its strong clinical programs, including the Innocence Project Clinic and the Interdisciplinary Program in Law and Religion. The school emphasizes a combination of academic rigor, practical legal training, and ethical practice.
Degree Programs
CUA Law offers a variety of programs tailored to different legal career paths:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A traditional three-year program with opportunities for specializations in areas such as securities law, communications law, and religious liberty law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.A. in International Affairs
- J.D./M.B.A.
- J.D./M.A. in Philosophy
- LL.M. Programs: CUA Law offers LL.M. programs in communications law and securities law.
Admission Requirements
- Average LSAT Score: 154
- Average GPA: 3.40
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation (2-3)
- LSAT or GRE scores
- Resume and optional diversity statement
CUA Law looks for applicants who demonstrate a commitment to justice, public service, and ethical practice.
Starting Salaries
CUA Law graduates often find employment in the D.C. area, particularly in government agencies, law firms, and nonprofit organizations:
- Private Sector: $85,000 – $130,000
- Public Sector: $50,000 – $65,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $55,000 – $65,000
CUA Law’s strong clinical programs provide students with the hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the legal profession.
5. Howard University School of Law
Overview
Howard University School of Law is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious historically Black law schools. Howard Law has a long history of promoting civil rights and social justice, with prominent alumni such as Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice. The school is known for its commitment to training students who will advocate for social change and justice.
Degree Programs
Howard Law offers a range of programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles in law, government, and public service:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): Howard offers a three-year J.D. program with a strong emphasis on civil rights, human rights, and public interest law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.
- J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration)
- LL.M. Programs: Howard Law offers LL.M. programs for international students and legal professionals seeking to specialize in civil rights law and social justice issues.
Admission Requirements
- Average LSAT Score: 154
- Average GPA: 3.30
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement focused on social justice and leadership
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- LSAT or GRE scores
- Resume highlighting public service and advocacy experience
Howard Law seeks students with a commitment to civil rights, social justice, and leadership in underserved communities.
Starting Salaries
Howard Law graduates find employment in a variety of sectors, including civil rights law, government, and private practice:
- Private Sector: $90,000 – $160,000
- Public Sector: $55,000 – $70,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $60,000 – $70,000
Howard Law’s strong focus on public interest law and civil rights makes it a leading institution for students passionate about social change.