Columbia Law School
General Info
Columbia Law School, located in the New York City borough of Manhattan, is one of the professional schools of Columbia University, a member of the Ivy League, and one of the leading law schools in the United States. Columbia is and has historically been one of the world's elite, and most selective law schools. For the past decade, Columbia has consistently been ranked among the top five law schools and is currently ranked 5th by U.S. News & World Report. Columbia Law School has a large number of distinguished alumni including two Presidents of the United States and six Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States. Furthermore, Columbia Law School has graduated a number of prominent figures in the business world, with more current members of the Forbes 400 having attended Columbia than any other law school.
Contact information
- (Website) https://www.law.columbia.edu/admissions
- (Admissions Dean) admissions@law.columbia.edu
- (Location) New York, NY
Columbia Law School Admissions
Columbia Law School is considered a Moderately Competitive law school, which accepts only 22% of its applicants. Comparatively, Columbia is Significantly Higher than the average cost for law school.
| Applications | Offers | Matriculated | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2028 | 5716 | 1251 (21.89%) | 388 (6.8%) |
| 25% | Median | 75% | |
| GPA | 3.59 | 3.70 | 3.81 |
| LSAT | 168 | 171 | 173 |
Tuition And Financial Aid
| In-State Resident | Non-Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | $62,700 | $62,700 |
| Part Time | N/A | N/A |
Living Expenses
- Living on-campus: $22,942
- Living off-campus: $22,942
- Living at home: $6,895
Important Dates
- Early Decision 1: 11/15
- Early Decision 2: N/A
- Regular Decision: 02/15
- Application Fee: $85
Columbia Law School Admissions Predictor Tool
Columbia Law School COMPARISON TOOL
Columbia Law School
Columbia Law School Community
Columbia Law School is considered to have a Highly Favorable student to faculty ratio. The average class size for 1L sections is approximately Above Average compared to other law schools. Student diversity at Columbia is Average.
Student body
Faculty Statistics
- Full Time: 153
- Part Time: 173
Faculty
- # Female Faculty: 134
- # Minority Faculty: 37
Ratio
7.6 Students
1 Faculty
Housing Options
- On Campus Housing: Yes
- Graduate Housing: Yes
- Law Specific Housing: Yes
Columbia Law School Curriculum
The size of 1L sections affects the quality and consistency of teaching in law schools. Generally with smaller 1L section sizes, students receive more individualized attention. Columbia Law School 1L section size is 37% larger than law schools in New York and 50% larger than all PRIVATE law schools.
1L Section Size Comparison
Positions Available in Advanced Courses
- Simulation Courses: 489
- Faculty Supervised Clinics: 190
Students Involved in Advanced Activities
- Field Placements: 272
- Law Journals: 638
- Moot Court/Mock Trials: 0
Attrition Rates
- First Year: 0.3%
- Second Year: 0.5%
- Third Year: 0.0%
- Fourth Year: 0.0%
Columbia Law School Employment
Deciding to attend law school requires a large financial investment with the goal of securing employment upon graduation. The Columbia Law School class of 2023 had an employment rate of 98% with 0% pursuing an additional degree.
Employment Comparison
In 2023, 75.2%% of students reported their employment status 9-months after graduation.
Type of Employment
- Law Firms: 79.0%
- Business: 4.0%
- Government: 5.0%
- Public Interest: 7.0%
- Academia: 0.0%
- New York: 67%
- District of Columbia: 9%
- California: 8%
Bar Passage Rates
- Reporting: 75.2%
- First Time Takers: 471
- Average School: 92.4%
- Average State: 78.6%
- Pass Difference: 13.8%
Top Bar Jurisdiction
- New York: 78.6%
- Passed: 327 of 354 (92.4%)
- State Average: 78.6%
- Difference: 13.8%