Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Pennsylvania
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 8 | University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) Acceptance rate: 17.4% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 166-171 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.58-3.93 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $50,718 per year Enrollment (full-time): 805 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 96.0%
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| 60 | Temple University (Beasley) (Philadelphia, PA) Acceptance rate: 38.0% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 158-163 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.16-3.56 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $19,788 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $32,718 per year Enrollment (full-time): 722 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 92.2%
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| 74 | University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA) Acceptance rate: 36.5% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 157-161 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.14-3.66 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $27,892 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $34,666 per year Enrollment (full-time): 701 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 84.1%
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| 77 | Pennsylvania State University (Dickinson) (University Park, PA) Acceptance rate: 30.4% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 156-161 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.31-3.77 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $38,614 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $38,614 per year Enrollment (full-time): 596 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 74.3%
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| 104 | Villanova University (Villanova, PA) Acceptance rate: 48.8% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 157-161 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.36-3.69 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $37,780 per year Enrollment (full-time): 725 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 78.5%
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| 119 | Drexel University (Mack) (Philadelphia, PA) Acceptance rate: 34.8% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 157-161 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.09-3.66 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $36,051 per year Enrollment (full-time): 447 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 77.9%
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| 155 | Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA) Acceptance rate: 55.1% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 151-155 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.12-3.62 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $33,752 per year Enrollment (full-time): 448 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 78.9%
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All Law Schools in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to several prestigious law schools that offer a wide range of programs and opportunities for aspiring legal professionals. These schools provide comprehensive legal education, diverse clinical experiences, and strong alumni networks, preparing students for successful careers in various sectors.
The law schools covered here are:
- University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
- Temple University Beasley School of Law
- Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
- Duquesne University School of Law
- Penn State Law
- Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law
- Widener University Commonwealth Law School
1. University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
Overview
The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School (Penn Law), located in Philadelphia, is one of the top-ranked law schools in the United States. Established in 1850, it consistently ranks among the top 10 law schools nationwide. Penn Law is known for its interdisciplinary approach to legal education, offering students the opportunity to take courses across various Penn departments, including Wharton School of Business. The school emphasizes leadership, public service, and global engagement, making it a popular choice for students aspiring to high-level legal careers.
Degree Programs
Penn Law offers a wide range of degree programs:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The three-year J.D. program offers a rigorous legal education with opportunities to specialize in areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, and international law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration, Wharton)
- J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration)
- J.D./M.P.H. (Master of Public Health)
- LL.M. (Master of Laws): For international students or those seeking advanced legal education.
- Clinical Programs: Penn Law offers extensive clinical programs where students gain hands-on experience in:
- Civil Practice Clinic
- Criminal Defense Clinic
- Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic
Admission Requirements
Penn Law has highly competitive admissions, seeking students with strong academic performance, leadership experience, and a commitment to public service.
- Average LSAT Score: 170
- Average GPA: 3.89
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume
- Optional diversity statement
Starting Salaries
Graduates of Penn Law are highly sought after by top law firms, corporations, and government agencies, both in the U.S. and globally.
- Private Sector: $190,000 (Big Law)
- Public Sector: $60,000 – $80,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $65,000 – $75,000
2. Temple University Beasley School of Law
Overview
Temple University Beasley School of Law, located in Philadelphia, is known for its strong emphasis on practical legal training, including trial advocacy and experiential learning. Founded in 1895, Temple Law is a nationally recognized leader in trial advocacy, consistently ranking among the top programs in the country for litigation and advocacy. The school offers a diverse range of clinical programs, externships, and trial competitions, preparing students for hands-on legal practice.
Degree Programs
Temple Law provides several degree options for students:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The standard three-year program, with an emphasis on trial advocacy, litigation, and transactional law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)
- J.D./M.P.H. (Master of Public Health)
- LL.M. in Trial Advocacy: A one-year program designed for practicing attorneys looking to enhance their trial skills.
- Clinical Programs and Externships:
- Trial Advocacy Clinic
- Immigration Clinic
- Tax Law Externship
Admission Requirements
Temple Law seeks applicants with strong academic backgrounds, leadership experience, and a passion for legal advocacy. The school has a competitive admissions process.
- Average LSAT Score: 161
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume
Starting Salaries
Temple Law graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes, particularly in litigation, criminal defense, and corporate law.
- Private Sector: $85,000 – $130,000
- Public Sector: $55,000 – $75,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $60,000 – $70,000
3. Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Overview
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, located just outside of Philadelphia, is known for its strong focus on ethics, leadership, and practical legal training. Founded in 1953, Villanova Law offers a supportive learning environment with small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. The school is highly regarded for its business law, corporate compliance, and tax law programs.
Degree Programs
Villanova Law offers a variety of degree programs:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that integrates legal theory with practical skills training. Students can specialize in areas such as corporate law, tax law, and litigation.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Villanova School of Business)
- J.D./LL.M. in Taxation
- LL.M. in Taxation: A specialized program for students interested in tax law, corporate compliance, and estate planning.
- Clinical Programs:
- Civil Justice Clinic
- Health Law Clinic
- Federal Tax Clinic
Admission Requirements
Villanova Law has a competitive admissions process, looking for students with strong academic performance, leadership skills, and a commitment to public service.
- Average LSAT Score: 160
- Average GPA: 3.5
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume
Starting Salaries
Villanova Law graduates are well-prepared for careers in law firms, corporations, and government agencies, particularly in the Philadelphia legal market.
- Private Sector: $80,000 – $120,000
- Public Sector: $50,000 – $65,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $55,000 – $65,000
4. Duquesne University School of Law
Overview
Duquesne University School of Law, located in Pittsburgh, is a Catholic law school with a long history of emphasizing ethics, professional responsibility, and public service. Established in 1911, Duquesne Law offers a student-centered environment with small class sizes, personalized faculty attention, and a focus on practical skills training.
Degree Programs
Duquesne Law offers several degree programs:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The core three-year program focuses on legal theory, ethics, and practical skills. Students can specialize in areas such as energy law, healthcare law, and family law.
- Joint Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.
- J.D./M.S. in Environmental Science and Management
- LL.M. for Foreign-Trained Lawyers: A program designed to help international attorneys understand U.S. law and prepare for the bar exam.
- Clinical Programs and Externships:
- Civil Rights Clinic
- Urban Development Clinic
- Judicial Externship Program
Admission Requirements
Duquesne Law seeks applicants with a commitment to ethics and professional responsibility, along with strong academic credentials and leadership potential.
- Average LSAT Score: 152
- Average GPA: 3.3
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume
Starting Salaries
Duquesne Law graduates typically pursue careers in law firms, public interest organizations, and government agencies, particularly in Western Pennsylvania.
- Private Sector: $70,000 – $100,000
- Public Sector: $50,000 – $65,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $55,000 – $65,000
5. Penn State Law
Overview
Penn State Law, located on Penn State’s University Park campus, offers students access to a world-class research university and a collaborative learning environment. The law school is known for its strengths in energy and environmental law, international law, and intellectual property law. Penn State Law also offers a unique focus on technology and entrepreneurship, with numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary learning.
Degree Programs
Penn State Law offers a variety of degree programs:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program with a focus on legal theory, professional skills, and interdisciplinary learning. Specializations include intellectual property law, energy law, and international law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.
- J.D./M.I.A. (Master of International Affairs)
- LL.M. (Master of Laws): A program designed for foreign-trained lawyers who want to gain expertise in U.S. law.
- Clinical Programs:
- Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic
- International Sustainable Development Clinic
- Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic
Admission Requirements
Penn State Law seeks students with strong academic records, leadership experience, and a passion for public service and interdisciplinary work.
- Average LSAT Score: 160
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume
Starting Salaries
Penn State Law graduates find employment in various sectors, including corporate law, public interest, and government, with many staying in Pennsylvania or moving to major legal markets across the U.S.
- Private Sector: $80,000 – $125,000
- Public Sector: $55,000 – $75,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $60,000 – $70,000
6. Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law
Overview
Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, located in Philadelphia, offers an innovative legal education that integrates traditional coursework with experiential learning. Founded in 2006, Drexel Law is known for its strong co-op program, which allows students to gain substantial work experience while earning academic credit. The school emphasizes professional skills and interdisciplinary learning, making it an attractive option for students interested in technology, health law, and corporate compliance.
Degree Programs
Drexel Law offers the following degree programs:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The three-year program emphasizes experiential learning through the co-op program, clinics, and simulation-based coursework.
- Joint Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.
- J.D./M.P.H.
- LL.M. in Health Law: A specialized program for students interested in health law and policy.
- Co-op Program and Clinical Offerings:
- Health Law Clinic
- Criminal Litigation Clinic
- Corporate Law Co-op Placements
Admission Requirements
Drexel Law seeks students with a strong academic background, leadership potential, and a passion for experiential learning.
- Average LSAT Score: 157
- Average GPA: 3.4
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume
Starting Salaries
Drexel Law graduates benefit from the school’s emphasis on practical training, with many securing positions in law firms, healthcare organizations, and corporate legal departments.
- Private Sector: $80,000 – $120,000
- Public Sector: $50,000 – $65,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $55,000 – $65,000
7. Widener University Commonwealth Law School
Overview
Widener University Commonwealth Law School, located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is known for its focus on government law, environmental law, and public service. Founded in 1989, the school provides students with a personalized legal education that emphasizes practical skills and ethical responsibility. Widener Commonwealth is deeply connected to the legal and governmental communities in Pennsylvania’s capital, offering students ample opportunities for externships and networking.
Degree Programs
Widener Commonwealth offers the following degree programs:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program focused on government law, environmental law, and trial advocacy. Students can also pursue concentrations in business law and criminal law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.
- J.D./Master of Public Health
- LL.M. in Environmental Law: A one-year program for students interested in environmental regulation, policy, and litigation.
- Clinical Programs and Externships:
- Environmental Law Clinic
- Government Law Externships
- Judicial Externship Program
Admission Requirements
Widener Commonwealth seeks students with strong academic records, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service.
- Average LSAT Score: 150
- Average GPA: 3.2
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume
Starting Salaries
Widener Commonwealth graduates often pursue careers in government, environmental law, and public interest, with many working in state government and non-profit organizations.
- Private Sector: $60,000 – $90,000
- Public Sector: $45,000 – $65,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $50,000 – $60,000