The easiest law schools to get into: 2023

Are you dreaming of courtroom showdowns, but your mediocre GPA is jeopardizing your hopes of getting into a good law school? That J.D. might not be out of reach after all.

While top law schools are highly selective, others are more willing to turn a blind eye to underwhelming LSAT scores – in fact, there are many law schools with acceptance rates between 60% and 70%. In this article, we list the easiest law schools to get into according to their mandatory American Bar Association (ABA) disclosures.

» Also read: What you need to know about the new bar exam.

Law school prerequisites: what you need to get into law school

Law schools generally look at 5 main factors when considering applicants:

• Undergraduate GPA – the average GPA for all students entering law school in 2022 was 3.59 according to the ABA.
• LSAT scores – The average first-year law student’s LSAT score in 2022 was 158.5.
• Letters of recommendation – Most law schools require 2 or 3 letters of recommendation.
• Life experience – You can list any relevant life experience in your CV. This could include work experience, volunteering, or college extracurriculars – being the debate club president could boost your chances.
• Motivation – Most law schools will ask you to write personal statements or letters of motivation about why you want to become a lawyer.

Note that one thing colleges don’t care much about is your undergraduate pre-law major.

In 2022, the median LSAT score for first-year law students in the 21 unselective colleges in this article was 152 – slightly lower than the average for all law schools, but not by much. That same cohort of law students had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.43. 

The 21 easiest law schools to get into

Below, we provide a list of the 21 law schools in the U.S. with the highest acceptance rates. Data comes from the colleges’ standard 509 reports, which they must publish each year to maintain ABA accreditation. These reports also contain information on average GPAs and LSAT scores. Bar passage statistics are from a separate yearly ABA-mandated report.

The information in this article pertains to the class that entered law school in 2022, which is the latest available data.

Besides the bar passage rate, we indicate the statewide average bar passage rate in parentheses for comparison (for the state where most of the schools’ graduates took the bar exam).

Knowing what percentage of students pass the bar exam after law school is important – after all, why go to a law school that’s not adequately preparing its students to pass the bar, even if it’s easy to get into?

We have also included information on the average earnings of a law school’s graduates 4 years after leaving school and their average debt on graduation. This information, which comes from IPEDS and College Scorecard, can help you make a smart financial decision about law school.

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1. University of North Dakota – 72.68%

• Average LSAT: 150
• Average GPA: 3.37
• Bar pass rate: 63.01% (71.80%)
• Average earnings: $70,092
• Average debt: $61,500
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 0.88

The University of North Dakota School of Law is part of a public university located in Grand Forks, ND. Founded in 1899, it is the only law school in the state, and it is one of the smallest law schools in the country by student population. It is home to the stately Thormodsgard Law Library.

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2. Drake University – 71.28%

• Average LSAT: 154
• Average GPA: 3.55
• Bar pass rate: 88.35% (81.67%)
• Average earnings: $71,685
• Average debt: $112,946
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 1.58

A private, not-for-profit university in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake University Law School is one of the 25 oldest law schools in the country. It features a unique first year trial practicum, in which all classes are held in a courtroom for a week. This allows students to observe a state or federal trial in real time. It also publishes the highly respected Drake Law Review.

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3. New England Law | Boston– 71.04%

• Average LSAT: 154
• Average GPA: 3.36
• Bar pass rate: 74.46% (79.53%)
• Average earnings: NA
• Average debt: NA
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: NA

Formerly known as the New England School of Law, this college is a private, not-for-profit university located in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. When it was founded in 1908, it was named the Portia School of Law after a character from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. For a long time, it was the only law school in the country exclusively for women. To this day, it is rated highly by students for the resources it provides to female students.

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4. Creighton University – 67.76%

• Average LSAT: 153
• Average GPA: 3.50
• Bar pass rate: 69.16% (79.43%)
• Average earnings: $70,516
• Average debt: $131,500
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 1.86

The Creighton University School of Law is a private, Jesuit-founded research university in Omaha, Nebraska. Its J.D. program takes an average of 3 years to complete, although there is also an accelerated program that takes just 2 years and a part-time program that takes 4. It also offers several joint programs, including an MBA/JD degree for those who want to combine law with business studies.

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5. University of South Dakota – 67.46%

• Average LSAT: 151
• Average GPA: 3.39
• Bar pass rate: 72.15% (79.53%)
• Average earnings: $67,978
• Average debt: $79,143
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 1.16

Located in Vermillion, South Dakota, the University of South Dakota School of Law (formerly the Knudson School of Law) is a public institution. It is the 2nd smallest accredited law school in the country, and the only law school in the state. Many notable public figures from South Dakota are graduates, including 8 governors and 13 members of Congress.

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6. Capital University – 67.45%

• Average LSAT: 151
• Average GPA: 3.33
• Bar pass rate: 72.99% (78.37%)
• Average earnings: $69,385
• Average debt: $104,324
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 1.50

A private, not-for-profit university in Ohio, Capital is one of the oldest Lutheran universities in the country. Capital University Law School is located in Columbus, although the college’s main campus is in Bexley. Students can take a joint J.D. plus MBA, MSN, or Theology master’s program. It is home to a Family and Youth Law Center and a Center for Dispute Resolution.

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7. Roger Williams University – 67.27%

• Average LSAT: 150
• Average GPA: 3.33
• Bar pass rate: 49.61% (71.10%)
• Average earnings: $72,785
• Average debt: $12,1500
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 1.67

This private, not-for-profit university is located in Bristol, Rhode Island. It is one of only the few law schools where students can focus on maritime law, and it is the only law school in the state. The school guarantees that students receive hands-on experience.

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8. Quinnipiac University – 67.03%

• Average LSAT: 152
• Average GPA: 3.56
• Bar pass rate: 64.41% (72.68%)
• Average earnings: $71,826
• Average debt: $88,946
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 1.24

Quinnipiac University is a private, not-for-profit institution of higher learning in Hamden, Connecticut. It was founded in 1929. Its School of Law was accredited in 1992. There are 3 programs available at Quinnipiac Law: a JD program, JD/MBA double degree program, and an LLM in Health Law. After their first year, students can take advantage of externship or clinic opportunities. Its law library is a notable architectural building.

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9. University of Idaho – 66.77%

• Average LSAT: 152
• Average GPA: 3.36
• Bar pass rate: 63.06% (70.97%)
• Average earnings: $70,913
• Average debt: $101,282
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 1.43

The University of Idaho, a public research university, has a College of Law with campuses in Moscow and Boise, ID. 4 concentrations are available: Native American Law, Natural Resources and Environment Law, Business Law and Entrepreneurship, and Intellectual Property and Technology Law. It is the only fully accredited law school in Idaho. The curriculum involves pro bono work, legal clinics, and externships. It publishes 2 law journals: Idaho Critical Legal Studies Journal and Idaho Law Review.

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10. Loyola University New Orleans – 66.67%

• Average LSAT: 152
• Average GPA: 3.39
• Bar pass rate: 71.43% (73.47%)
• Average earnings: NA
• Average debt: NA
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: NA

This private, Jesuit university is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was originally founded as Loyola College in 1904. Its College of Law is in the historic Audubon Park District of the “Big Easy.” One of a handful of law schools that educates students in both Civil Law and Common Law, it publishes the Loyola Law Review.

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11. University of Illinois Chicago – 66.44%

• Average LSAT: 152
• Average GPA: 3.36
• Bar pass rate: 52.27% (75.01%)
• Average earnings: NA
• Average debt: NA
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: NA

Located in Chicago’s Near West Side, near the Chicago Loop – Chicago’s financial district – the UIC School of Law is a public law school that offers day and night classes for full-time and part-time students. Until recently, it was referred to as the John Marshall School of Law. Classes are taught in small groups. In addition to its J.D. program, it offers 7 LL.M. programs for students who want to specialize in 1 area of law. To graduate, students must earn 3 experiential learning credits, which guarantees that graduates have practical experience before they enter the workforce.

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12. University of Montana – 66.09%

• Average LSAT: 154
• Average GPA: 3.43
• Bar pass rate: 83.34% (73.21%)
• Average earnings: $66,479
• Average debt: $69,239
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 1.04

The University of Montana is a public research university situated in scenic Missoula. It is home to the Alexander Blewett III School of Law, Montana’s only law school. Available concentrations include Native American law, business and tax law, and trial advocacy, and dispute resolution. The Montana Law Review is the school’s official law journal. It is home to the William J. Jameson Law Library.

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13. Widener University – Delaware – 65.69%

• Average LSAT: 150
• Average GPA: 3.26
• Bar pass rate: 51.6% (70.47%)
• Average earnings: $75,456
• Average debt: $132,980
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 1.76

Widener University Delaware Law School, a private law school in Wilmington, Delaware, was founded in 1975. It has legal clinics for environmental law, criminal defense, and civil law. Students are encouraged to take on pro bono work through the public interest research center. Widener University – Delaware publishes 4 law reviews: The Delaware Journal of Corporate Law, The Widener Law Journal, and The Widener Law Review, as well as the Widener Journal of Law, Economics, and Race.

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14. University of St. Thomas, Minnesota 65.48%

• Average LSAT: 156
• Average GPA: 3.63
• Bar pass rate: 86.81% (84.91%)
• Average earnings: $73,326
• Average debt: $80,292
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 1.10

This private Catholic university is located in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Its law school, University of St. Thomas School of Law, is located in downtown Minneapolis. Its facilities include a large law library, a chapel, and a moot court room. To gain firsthand experience, students participate in mentor externship programs with judges and lawyers. The university offers several combined degrees, including a JD/MBA.

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15. Mitchell | Hamline – 64.91%

• Average LSAT: 152
• Average GPA: 3.3
• Bar pass rate: 71.60% (80.24%)
• Average earnings: $74,950
• Average debt: $103,549
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 1.38

Another private law school in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, Michell Hamline School of Law is situated in Saint Paul. It was formed as the result of a merger between Hamline University School of Law and William Mitchell College of Law. It is well known for its Dispute Resolution Institute, Health Law Institute, and Indian Law Program. It offers joint degrees wherein students can earn a Master of Business Administration, Master of Fine Arts in Writing, Master in Public Administration, or Master in Nonprofit Management while they work towards their JD. The college is home to the Mitchell Hamline Law Review, Cybaris, and the Mitchell Hamline Journal of Public Policy and Practice.

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16. Indiana University – Indianapolis – 64.85%

• Average LSAT: 154
• Average GPA: 3.58
• Bar pass rate: 73.87% (75.17%)
• Average earnings: $81,333
• Average debt: $85,825
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 1.06

Indiana University’s Robert H. McKinney School of Law is part of Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis. It is a sister institution to IU’s other law school: the Maurer School of Law. IU McKinney has produced 2 Vice Presidents of the United States: Dan Quale and Mike Pence. The college was an early adopter of online classes, and many JD courses are available online asynchronously. The college is home to several centers of excellence: the Center for Intellectual Property Law and Innovation, the William S. and Christine S. Hall Center for Law and Health, and the Center for International and Comparative Law.

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17. Western New England University 63.54%

• Average LSAT: 150
• Average GPA: 3.43
• Bar pass rate: 67.16% (78.45%)
• Average earnings: NA
• Average debt: NA
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: NA

A private university located in Springfield, Massachusetts, it is home to the Western New England School of Law, which was established in 1919. The University offers part-time day or evening programs, as well as joint degree programs like the J.D./M.B.A. and J.D./M.S.A. Students can choose between concentrations in Business Law, Criminal Law, Estate Planning, Gender and Sexuality Studies, International and Comparative Law, Public Interest Law, and Real Estate. Numerous externships and clinics are available.

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18. University of Akron 62.87%

• Average LSAT: 153
• Average GPA: 3.45
• Bar pass rate: 73.87% (78.64%)
• Average earnings: $63,751
• Average debt: $70,624
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 1.11

Located in Akron, Ohio, the University of Akron School of Law was founded in 1921. It offers a traditional 3-year J.D. program, a part-time program, and an LL.M. Students can specialize in business, criminal law, intellectual property, international law, labor and employment, litigation, public law, and tax law. It publishes 3 journals: Akron Intellectual Property Journal, Akron Law Review and the Akron Tax Journal.

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19. Samford University – 62.15%

• Average LSAT: 155
• Average GPA: 3.62
• Bar pass rate: 83.69% (81.30%)
• Average earnings: NA
• Average debt: NA
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: NA

Samford University is a private Baptist-affiliated university in Homewood, Alabama. It is home to the Cumberland School of Law, founded in 1847. It has produced 2 U.S. Supreme Court Justices, 1 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and many members of congress, governors, and judges. It offers a J.D. program as well as a Master of Comparative Law (M.C.L.) designed for foreign lawyers who want to learn about the U.S. legal system. Students are taught using the Socratic method. The institution houses the Lucille Steward Beeson Law Library and the Center for Biotechnology, Law, and Ethics.

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20. Mississippi College – 61.92%

• Average LSAT: 150
• Average GPA: 3.38
• Bar pass rate: 65.38% (74.74%)
• Average earnings: $61,274
• Average debt: $146,952
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 2.40

This private, Baptist affiliated university is located in Jackson, MS. Besides being the oldest college in the state of Mississippi, it is the 2nd oldest Baptist institution of higher learning in the U.S. Its School of Law is 1 of only 2 law schools in the state. Students can choose between a common law course and a certificate in Louisiana civil law. It publishes the Mississippi College Law Review and has a popular Moot Court program, as well as several study abroad programs – being one of the first U.S. law schools to arrange study abroad in Cuba. A vast majority of graduates complete an externship or work part time before graduating.

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21. Oklahoma City University – 61.92%

• Average LSAT: 148
• Average GPA: 3.43
• Bar pass rate: 57.34% (69.17%)
• Average earnings: $48,927
• Average debt: $136,203
• Debt-to-earnings ratio: 2.78

A private university in Oklahoma City, OCU is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. OCU Law is home to the Chickasaw Nation Law Library, where any visitors can peruse its 300,00+ volumes. 3 publications are issued by OCU Law: Oklahoma City University Law Review, Oklahoma Tribal Courts Reports, and Conference on Consumer Finance Quarterly Report. Students can opt for several joint degrees, including a J.D./M.B.A. The law school is also home to the Oklahoma Innocence Project, which specializes in rectifying wrongful convictions.

Should you go to a law school that’s easy to get into?

Law school can lead to a lucrative career, but it may not be for everyone. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers make an average of $135,740 per year. Job growth is expected to be 8% in 2022-2032, which is faster than average.

High salaries are one factor that makes law such an appealing field.

However, not all lawyers bring home 6-figure paychecks. According to the BLS, the lowest paid 10% of lawyers earn $66,470.

» Also read: Where are all the women lawyers?

The mean earnings for the law schools on our list (for the ones we have data on, as indicated) are only $69,417 per year. Meanwhile, attendees’ total average debt at graduation is $101,675 – ranging from $61,500 at the University of North Dakota to $146,952 at Mississippi College.

And this only includes student debt from law school – loans taken out to pay for undergrad weren’t factored in. Note that the easiest law schools to get into are not necessary the cheapest law schools.

For the law schools in this article, the average debt-to-earnings ratio was 1.50.

Think twice about going to a law school that is not providing good economic outcomes for its students.

You may have laudable reasons for wanting to go to law school – you might want to become a public defender, ensuring the country’s most vulnerable residents have access to justice.

But remember that given the high price of law school and the ensuing student debt, earning a low salary as a lawyer – or worse, dropping out of law school or failing to pass the bar exam – could suffocate you with toxic debt you can’t pay off.

Also read: The best JD MBA programs

Choosing the law school that’s best for you

If you’re determined to be a lawyer, you should consider a variety of factors in your search for the perfect law school – not just a high acceptance rate. Some factors could include the following:

• Bar passage rate
• Median earnings (you can look this up on College Score Card)
• Graduation rate
• Location

We can help you find the perfect law school by filling out a brief questionnaire below.

Closing argument

Not all law schools are highly selective, and if you have a decent undergrad GPA and an okay LSAT score, you stand a pretty good chance of being accepted somewhere.

However, law programs don’t always open the door to well-paying jobs at top law firms. If you’re thinking about going to a school with a high acceptance rate, remember that most lawyers with these alma maters are graduating with a hefty student loan burden. Make sure the college you’re considering will give you the tools to achieve financial security after you’ve passed the bar exam.