Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Michigan
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 10 | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) Acceptance rate: 21.4% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 167-170 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.59-3.87 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $46,830 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $49,740 per year Enrollment (full-time): 1,149 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 92.2%
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| 83 | Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) Acceptance rate: 31.8% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 152-160 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.22-3.74 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $35,640 per year Enrollment (full-time): 716 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 87.6%
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| 112 | Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) Acceptance rate: 47.0% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 155-159 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.11-3.65 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $26,118 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $28,548 per year Enrollment (full-time): 462 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 84.1%
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| 182 | Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Lansing, MI) Acceptance rate: 80.1% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 143-151 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 2.61-3.35 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $34,340 per year Enrollment (full-time): 737 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 63.2%
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| 185 | University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit, MI) Acceptance rate: 42.8% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 147-156 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 2.92-3.4 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $36,050 per year Enrollment (full-time): 556 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 73.2%
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All Law Schools in Michigan
Michigan is home to several esteemed law schools, each offering a wide range of legal education opportunities for aspiring attorneys. These schools provide rigorous academic programs, ample experiential learning opportunities, and strong connections to the legal profession both locally and nationally.
1. University of Michigan Law School
Overview
The University of Michigan Law School, located in Ann Arbor, is one of the most prestigious law schools in the United States. Established in 1859, it is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the country. Michigan Law is renowned for its academic rigor, diverse student body, and a global alumni network that spans the legal, corporate, and governmental sectors. The school emphasizes a combination of theoretical learning and practical legal training, providing students with a comprehensive legal education.
Degree Programs
The University of Michigan Law School offers a variety of degree programs aimed at preparing students for successful legal careers:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that provides students with a strong foundation in legal theory and practical skills. Students can specialize in areas such as constitutional law, international law, environmental law, and corporate law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A one-year program designed for lawyers who want to gain advanced legal training in U.S. law.
- Doctor of the Science of Law (S.J.D.): A research-intensive program for those pursuing academic careers in law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.: Joint degree with the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
- J.D./M.P.P. (Master of Public Policy): Joint degree with the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.
- J.D./M.U.P. (Master of Urban Planning): For students interested in the intersection of law and urban development.
Specializations and Focus Areas
Michigan Law offers students the opportunity to specialize in several legal fields:
- International Law: The school has a strong focus on international legal issues, with a broad selection of courses in human rights, international trade, and diplomacy.
- Environmental Law: Given Michigan’s rich natural resources, environmental law is a key area of study, with courses in sustainability, climate change law, and natural resource management.
- Business Law: Michigan Law offers comprehensive business law courses covering corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and securities regulation.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the University of Michigan Law School is highly competitive. The admissions committee seeks students with excellent academic credentials, leadership experience, and a commitment to public service or a career in law.
- Average LSAT: 171
- Average GPA: 3.84
Other factors considered in the admissions process include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement detailing their motivations for pursuing law and their reasons for choosing Michigan Law.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from academic or professional mentors.
- Resume: Highlighting work experience, leadership roles, internships, and extracurricular activities.
Starting Salaries
University of Michigan Law School graduates are highly sought after by top law firms, corporations, and government agencies, both nationally and internationally.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $190,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $65,000
2. Wayne State University Law School
Overview
Wayne State University Law School, located in Detroit, is one of the leading public law schools in Michigan. Founded in 1927, Wayne Law is known for its focus on public interest law, urban law, and its commitment to serving the Detroit community. The school’s location provides students with opportunities to engage in hands-on legal training through externships, internships, and clinics in one of the largest urban centers in the U.S. Wayne Law is also known for its affordability and strong bar passage rates.
Degree Programs
Wayne Law offers several degree programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its students:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that prepares students for legal practice in a variety of fields. Wayne Law offers concentrations in public interest law, business law, and criminal law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A one-year program for lawyers seeking advanced training in taxation, labor law, or corporate law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.: Joint degree offered with Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business.
- J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration): For students interested in public policy and law.
Specializations and Focus Areas
Wayne Law offers specializations in key areas of legal practice:
- Public Interest Law: Wayne Law has a strong focus on public interest work, offering courses and clinics that allow students to work on civil rights, social justice, and pro bono cases.
- Urban Law: Given its location in Detroit, the school offers unique courses in urban development law, housing policy, and municipal law.
- Business and Commercial Law: Students interested in corporate law can take courses in business transactions, commercial law, and taxation.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Wayne State University Law School is competitive, with the admissions committee evaluating applicants based on academic performance, leadership potential, and commitment to public service.
- Average LSAT: 156
- Average GPA: 3.45
Other admissions factors include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement discussing their interest in law, career goals, and why Wayne Law is the right choice for them.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from professors or employers.
- Resume: Highlighting professional experience, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities.
Starting Salaries
Wayne Law graduates have strong job prospects in the Detroit legal market, particularly in public service, business law, and criminal law.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $85,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $55,000
3. Michigan State University College of Law
Overview
Michigan State University College of Law, located in East Lansing, is a dynamic law school with a strong emphasis on practical legal education and interdisciplinary studies. Established in 1891 as the Detroit College of Law, it became affiliated with Michigan State University in 1995. MSU Law is known for its innovative programs in intellectual property, business law, and food law. The school offers students access to the vast resources of a major research university and a supportive learning environment.
Degree Programs
MSU College of Law offers a variety of degree programs for students interested in a broad range of legal careers:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that prepares students for legal practice in both private and public sectors. Students can focus on areas such as intellectual property law, food law, and criminal law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A specialized program for lawyers looking to deepen their expertise in intellectual property law, food law, or international law.
- Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.): A program designed for non-lawyers who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of legal issues related to their fields.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.: Joint degree with Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business.
- J.D./M.P.P.: Joint degree with Michigan State’s Public Policy program.
Specializations and Focus Areas
MSU Law allows students to specialize in several key areas of law:
- Intellectual Property Law: MSU Law is known for its strong intellectual property law program, with courses in patent law, copyright law, and technology law.
- Food and Agriculture Law: MSU Law offers a unique specialization in food law and policy, focusing on issues related to food safety, sustainability, and regulation.
- Criminal Law: Students interested in criminal law can take courses in criminal procedure, evidence, and trial advocacy.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Michigan State University College of Law is competitive, with the school seeking students with strong academic performance, leadership skills, and a passion for legal practice.
- Average LSAT: 154
- Average GPA: 3.40
Other admissions requirements include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their interest in law, career goals, and reasons for choosing MSU Law.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from academic or professional sources.
- Resume: Highlighting leadership experience, work history, internships, and community involvement.
Starting Salaries
MSU Law graduates have strong employment outcomes, particularly in intellectual property law, business law, and criminal defense.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $95,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $60,000
4. University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
Overview
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, located in downtown Detroit, is a private Catholic law school founded in 1912. Detroit Mercy Law is known for its commitment to social justice, public service, and ethical legal practice. The school’s urban location provides students with unique opportunities to engage in experiential learning through its extensive clinic programs and externships with local courts, law firms, and government agencies.
Degree Programs
Detroit Mercy Law offers several degree programs to prepare students for a wide range of legal careers:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program designed to provide students with a broad-based legal education. Students can specialize in areas such as business law, criminal law, and immigration law.
- Dual JD (Canada/U.S.): A unique program offered in partnership with the University of Windsor, allowing students to earn a dual degree in both U.S. and Canadian law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A program for lawyers seeking advanced legal training in specific areas of law.
Specializations and Focus Areas
Detroit Mercy Law offers students the ability to specialize in various fields of legal practice:
- Immigration Law: Detroit Mercy Law has a strong focus on immigration law, with courses and clinics that allow students to work on cases involving asylum, deportation, and immigrant rights.
- Business Law: Students interested in corporate law can take courses in business organizations, mergers and acquisitions, and securities regulation.
- Criminal Law: The school offers a robust criminal law curriculum, including courses in criminal procedure, evidence, and trial practice.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Detroit Mercy Law is competitive, with the school looking for students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership, and a commitment to public service.
- Average LSAT: 151
- Average GPA: 3.22
Other admissions requirements include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement explaining their reasons for pursuing a law degree and how Detroit Mercy Law fits into their career plans.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from academic or professional references.
- Resume: Highlighting work experience, leadership roles, and volunteer activities.
Starting Salaries
Detroit Mercy Law graduates are competitive in both the U.S. and Canadian legal markets, particularly in immigration law, public service, and business law.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $75,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $55,000
Experiential Learning Opportunities in Michigan Law Schools
All four law schools in Michigan emphasize experiential learning, providing students with real-world legal experience through clinics, externships, and internships.
University of Michigan Law School
- Legal Practice Program: Focuses on legal writing, research, and oral advocacy.
- Michigan Innocence Clinic: Students work on exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals.
- Environmental Law and Sustainability Clinic: Offers students practical experience in environmental law cases.
Wayne State University Law School
- Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Clinic: Students work on civil rights cases and policy issues.
- Environmental Law Clinic: Focuses on environmental justice and regulatory matters.
- Public Interest Externships: Students can work with government agencies, non-profits, and advocacy organizations.
Michigan State University College of Law
- Immigration Law Clinic: Students represent immigrants and asylum seekers in legal proceedings.
- Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurial Law Clinic: Provides legal services to startups and entrepreneurs.
- Food Law Externships: Opportunities for students to work with food industry regulators and advocacy organizations.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
- Veterans Law Clinic: Provides legal assistance to military veterans.
- Criminal Trial Clinic: Students work on real criminal defense cases.
- International Intellectual Property Clinic: Focuses on intellectual property law across international borders.
Bar Passage Rates
Bar passage rates reflect how well law schools prepare students for the bar exam. All Michigan law schools offer bar preparation resources and support to help students succeed.
- University of Michigan Law School: 95% bar passage rate.
- Wayne State University Law School: 85% bar passage rate.
- Michigan State University College of Law: 80% bar passage rate.
- University of Detroit Mercy School of Law: 77% bar passage rate.
Tuition and Financial Aid
University of Michigan Law School
- In-state tuition: Approximately $64,000 per year.
- Out-of-state tuition: Approximately $67,000 per year.
- Financial Aid: Offers merit-based scholarships and need-based grants.
Wayne State University Law School
- In-state tuition: Approximately $34,000 per year.
- Out-of-state tuition: Approximately $37,000 per year.
- Financial Aid: Offers scholarships, need-based grants, and loan programs.
Michigan State University College of Law
- Tuition: Approximately $46,000 per year.
- Financial Aid: Offers merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
- Tuition: Approximately $46,000 per year.
- Financial Aid: Offers merit-based scholarships and need-based aid.