New York City is a global hub for education, culture, and commerce, and its universities are no exception. The city is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, offering top-notch law programs that attract students from across the globe with the opportunity to learn from some of the most esteemed legal scholars and practitioners in the field.
Below, we have listed the top five most prestigious schools in the area, that year on year attract the best and brightest students eager to pursue a career in law, and more often than not go on to pursue their dreams.
1. Columbia Law School
Columbia University is ranked fourth in the nation and is one of the coveted T14 law schools. As the best law school for commercial and corporate law and the third best for constitutional and international law. Columbia Law alumni are highly sought after by employers, particularly those in BigLaw.
Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia offers students a world-class faculty, a wide-ranging and extensive curriculum, substantial hands-on legal experience, and unrivalled career opportunities.
The university has a highly selective acceptance rate of 11.4%. The median GPA of past accepted students is 3.84, and their median LSAT score is 174. It is also important to note that Columbia charges the highest tuition fees out of all the law schools in New York.
Columbia Law School offers a variety of scholarships and fellowships for both domestic and international students.
*Note that the availability and specific criteria for these scholarships change over time. Learn more about the different scholarships and fellowships here.
2. New York University School of Law
New York University School of Law is another top-ranked law school in New York City, rated as number seven. Its corporate, criminal, and tax law programs are ranked first in the country, and its clinical training and intellectual property law program is ranked third, while the commercial law program is ranked fourth, and environmental and constitutional law programs are ranked fifth.
With over 100 faculty members, 16 areas of study, 300 legal courses, 30 legal centers, and 80 student groups, NYU Law is a highly respected and prominent university that is considered an intellectual powerhouse in legal education. One of the unique features of NYU Law is its Global Law School Program, which allows students to spend a semester studying law at one of NYU's partner universities around the world.
NYU Law accepts 14.5% of its applicants, and the small percentage of accepted applicants typically have a median LSAT score of 172 and a median GPA of 3.86.
NYU School of Law provides a diverse range of scholarships to both prospective and enrolled students. As part of their application for admission to the Law School, incoming students are automatically considered for the primary source of scholarship aid, which is the Dean's Awards. Additionally, they can apply for the specialized scholarships submitting separate applications. After matriculating, current students are eligible to apply for other forms of financial assistance and programmatic support. Learn more about NYU’s scholarships offered here.
3. Cornell University
Cornell University ranks 12th in the nation. It is the final T14 law school in New York and is one of the oldest and most distinguished programs in international and comparative legal education. Cornell's curriculum and experiential learning approach are so impressive that it ranks as the number one law school for job placement at large law firms. With small class sizes, the university fosters close relationships between students and professors, facilitating a strong sense of community and connection. This environment provides students with numerous connections for growth and development.
Cornell has an acceptance rate of 15.6%, a median GPA of 3.86, and a median LSAT score of 171.
The university awards $12 million in institutional aid annually to new and returning students. Most Law School students receive a scholarship, and they are generally three-year awards. Read more about Cornell's scholarships here.
4. Fordham University School of Law
Fordham University School of Law is located in the heart of Manhattan and ranks 37th in the nation but third for its part-time law program. The school offers a wide range of courses, including intellectual property law, international business law, and public interest law. Fordham Law is also home to several centers and institutes, including the Center on Law and Information Policy and the Fordham Corporate Law Center. What makes Fordham Law unique is its emphasis on preparing its students for the real world, including its multiple clinics and internship opportunities.
Focused on ensuring students hone their critical legal skills before entering the legal field, Fordham's experiential education includes 18 renowned and unique clinics specializing in various areas of law.
To gain admission to Fordham, students must maintain a 3.7 GPA and score 166 on the LSAT. Only about 17.7% of all applicants meet Fordham's standards.
Upon admission, all students are automatically considered for merit scholarships, which are awarded based on their LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs. These scholarships are guaranteed for up to three years (four years if enrolled in the part-time evening program) if the student meets the academic requirements. Typically, the value of these merit scholarships varies from $5,000 to $45,000 per year. Read more about Fordham’s available scholarships here.
5. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University
Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University holds the 52nd position in the national ranking, while its part-time program ranks 21st. The university is located in Greenwich Village and is known for its innovative approach to legal education. Well-known for its programs in alternative dispute resolution, corporate law, intellectual property and information law, public service law, and legal theory. Cardozo Law is also home to several centers and institutes, including the Jacob Burns Center for Ethics in the Practice of Law and the Center for Real Estate Law and Policy.
A distinct feature of Cardozo is that its professors ensure to know their students' names, making it a student-centered institution. Cardozo is committed to providing students with the necessary resources, support, and connections to pursue their interests and passions, creating opportunities for career growth.
With an acceptance rate of 30.8%, Cardozo is moderately selective compared to other law schools on this list. A GPA of 3.74 and an LSAT score of 164 could increase students' chances of acceptance.
Upon admission, all students are evaluated for merit-based scholarships. Additionally, there are other scholarship and fellowship opportunities that students can choose to apply for here.
In addition, there are other scholarships outside of the Law Schools for which students can apply. Read about more scholarship opportunities here.
And there you have it - the top law schools in New York City, attracting the best and brightest worldwide! There’s no doubt that securing a spot at one of these schools will ensure a high-class education and strong opportunity to work at a top-tier law firm.
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