University of Chicago Law School
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
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- Type
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- Student:Faculty
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- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Chicago Law is characterized by intellectual intensity and genuine community. The small class size (approximately 200 per entering class) creates a collegial environment where students know each other well. The school's culture emphasizes rigorous debate and intellectual challenge, with students expected to question assumptions and defend positions. This intensity can be demanding but produces graduates accustomed to sophisticated legal argument. The Law School building and its recent expansion provide modern facilities including classrooms, study spaces, a comprehensive law library, and the D'Angelo Law Library cafe serving as an informal gathering space. Student organizations span professional interests (moot court, law reviews, practice area clubs), identity groups, and social activities. The Chicago area offers extensive cultural amenities, from world-class museums to a renowned dining and music scene. Chicago's housing market offers reasonable options compared to coastal cities, with many students living in Hyde Park near campus or in nearby neighborhoods with good public transit access. The climate features cold, snowy winters and warm summers, requiring adjustment for students from milder climates. The intellectual demands of the program leave limited time for activities outside law school during the academic year, though summers provide opportunities for travel, work experience, and recovery. Most students describe the experience as challenging and transformative, though some note the intense culture may not suit everyone.
Location & Surroundings
The Law School occupies the Laird Bell Law Quadrangle on the University of Chicago's campus in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago's South Side. The campus provides a self-contained academic environment with gothic architecture, quiet quads, and excellent facilities within a major American city. Downtown Chicago lies about seven miles north, accessible by public transit, while the lakefront provides recreational opportunities adjacent to campus. Chicago offers world-class cultural institutions, a renowned dining scene, and vibrant neighborhoods with distinct characters. The city's legal market ranks among the largest nationally, providing extensive opportunities for summer employment, part-time work, and eventual careers. Major firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and public interest organizations all maintain significant Chicago operations. The climate requires preparation for harsh winters with temperatures regularly below freezing and substantial snowfall from November through March. Summers are warm and humid with temperatures often reaching the 80s and 90s. The cost of living is moderate for a major American city, with housing in Hyde Park and surrounding areas affordable by coastal standards. Public transportation via the CTA train and bus system connects the campus to downtown and other neighborhoods, though many students bring cars for convenience. O'Hare International Airport provides global connections, while Midway Airport serves domestic destinations.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $74,000, with fees, living expenses, and incidental costs bringing the total annual cost of attendance to approximately $105,000. Over three years, law school represents an investment exceeding $300,000 before interest. Chicago provides substantial scholarship support, with most admitted students receiving some merit-based aid. Full-tuition scholarships are available for exceptional candidates, while partial scholarships significantly reduce costs for many students. The school's loan repayment assistance program (LRAP) supports graduates pursuing lower-paying public interest careers by covering loan payments proportional to income. This program makes public interest careers financially viable despite high debt loads. Approximately 15% of graduates enter public interest or government positions, with the remainder primarily joining law firms. Career outcomes reflect Chicago's elite reputation. Over 90% of graduates secure legal employment within ten months of graduation. Median starting salaries for those entering private practice exceed $215,000 at major law firms, with the most prestigious placements commanding additional bonuses and advancement opportunities. Clerkship placement is exceptional, with approximately 30% of graduates clerking for federal or state appellate judges, including regular placements with Supreme Court justices. Major employers include elite law firms (Kirkland & Ellis, Sidley Austin, Skadden Arps), the federal government, and leading corporations. The alumni network provides lifelong career support through hiring, mentorship, and professional connections.
Campus Location
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