The University of Iowa College of Law

Boyd Law Building

The University of Iowa College of Law is currently ranked as the 28th best law school in the United States by U.S. News and World Report in 2022.

It is a public law school located in Iowa City, Iowa. It was established in 1865 and became the first public university college of law in the United States. The University of Iowa College of Law has produced many notable alumni, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley. The college offers three types of law degrees: the Juris Doctor (JD), the Master of Laws (LLM), and the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). It also offers several dual degree programs in conjunction with other colleges at the University of Iowa, such as the JD/MBA and JD/MA. The University of Iowa College of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). The oldest law school in continuous operation west of the Mississippi River, and has earned itself a reputation as one of the finest law schools in the Midwest. Further, the school's location in Iowa City, one of the Midwest's better-known college towns, allows students to tackle their rigorous legal studies in a lively environment suited to academic pursuits.

History

The University of Iowa College of Law has a long and proud history. Founded in 1865, it is one of the oldest law schools in the United States. Located in Iowa City, Iowa, the school is part of the University of Iowa, a large public university. The College of Law offers Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Laws (LLM) degrees.

The school has a strong tradition of public service, and its graduates have gone on to hold high-level positions in government, the judiciary, and private practice. Many of the school's alums have made significant contributions to the legal profession and the world. The University of Iowa College of Law is a respected institution that has educated many great lawyers and leaders.

The University of Iowa College of Law strongly commits to public service and pro bono work. The college offers several clinics, including an immigration clinic, a family law clinic, and a criminal defense clinic. The college also operates the Iowa Legal Aid Society, which provides free legal services to low-income Iowans.

Admissions

The University of Iowa Law School is fairly selective, admitting approximately two-thirds of applicants. The school's admissions process is highly competitive, as most applicants have strong undergraduate grades and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores. The average LSAT score for admitted students is 164, while the median score is 165. The 75th percentile score is 169, while the 25th percentile score is 160. The average GPA for admitted students is 3.68, while the median GPA is 3.72. The 75th percentile GPA is 3.83, while the 25th percentile GPA is 3.54 As medians generally do not change significantly from year to year, applicants with numbers near or above these medians stand a good chance at admission to the law school.

Hope is not lost, however, for applicants with numbers below the typical medians of the University of Iowa Law School, as the school has a "numbers-plus policy" in its admissions process. According to this policy, the school aims to look beyond numerical statistics when reviewing applications and seeks out applicants that could potentially enrich the school's environment. In particular, factors such as work experience, the overcoming of adversity, and diversity in the cultural background are taken into consideration by the school. Applicants can highlight any of these factors through the personal statement and other parts of the application to improve their chances of admission into the school.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	156 - 161 - 163	160 - 163 - 164
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.44 - 3.64 - 3.78	3.5 - 3.69 - 3.83
Acceptance rate	60.3%	42.5%
Applications received	1061	1461
Acceptances	640	621
Matriculants	252	304

Acceptance Rate

The University of Iowa's College of Law had 1,461 people apply during the 2022 application cycle. Of those who applied, 621 were offered admission. Of that offered admission, 153 accepted and ended up attending the school. This means that the yield rate for those offered admissions was 24.64%

Application Fee

To make the JD application process as easy as possible, the University of Iowa College of Law has waived the application fee this year for the three-year program. This means you will allow the school to learn more about you and your achievements by applying free of charge. Additionally, waiving the fee sets the stage for you to learn more about the school as you work through your decision-making process. It won’t cost you anything to apply, and doing so could very well set a process that transforms your life in motion. To learn more about obtaining a fee waiver, click here.

Credential Assembly Service (CAS, LSAC)

The College of Law participates in the Credential Assembly Services (CAS) and requires its prospective students to register for this service through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). LSAC exists to serve both the law schools and the candidates for admission.

LSAT

All applicants must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) administered by LSAC no later than June of the year they are applying. Please remember that Iowa is on a rolling admission, so early applications are highly encouraged.

Letter of Recommendation

The College of Law requires applicants to submit at least two letters of recommendation. Recommendations from professors or others who can comment on your critical thinking, writing skills, and potential for success in law school are particularly welcome. The College participates in the letter of recommendation service offered by LSAC as part of the CAS subscription. For additional advice on obtaining letters of recommendation, click here.

Transcript

For the CAS report, applicants are responsible for submitting an official transcript to LSAC from each college or university they have attended. In addition, every applicant who accepts admission to Iowa Law must file official transcripts showing the conferral of a degree with the University's Office of Admissions.

Personal Statement

A personal statement is required for all applicants. The application form (which can be found on the website) contains complete instructions regarding the personal statement. The personal statement should be two to three pages in length and address the following topics:

- Why you wish to study law - Why you want to study at the University of Iowa - What has been your most significant accomplishment - How you would contribute to our law school community and the legal profession - Describe any life experiences that indicate your drive, determination, motivation, and leadership characteristics.

The personal statement is an important part of the application as it allows the applicant to explain more about themselves and their motivations for wanting to study law. This also allows the admissions committee to get to know the applicant better as a person, something that is highly valued at the University of Iowa College of Law.

By addressing the topics above, applicants can give the admissions committee a better understanding of who they are and what drives them. It is encouraged for applicants to be creative and honest in their responses, using this as an opportunity to let their personality shine through. For personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements.

Tuition and Financial Support

The University of Iowa College of Law provides an ideal environment for studying law. The college is small enough that your professors will get to know you well but large enough to be nationally renowned and offer opportunities for success. Iowa Law produces highly skilled and successful lawyers who display a high level of professionalism. With an Iowa Law degree, you will be a trusted counselor for your clients, colleagues, and community.

Cost of Attendance

JD 2022-23 Estimated Cost of Attendance
Billed Expenses
	Resident	Non-Resident
Tuition	$28,045	$47,880
Mandatory Fees	$2,107	$2,107
Other Estimated Expenses
Books & Supplies	$1,800	$1,800
Housing & Meals	$13,376	$13,376
Personal	$3,078	$3,078
Transportation1,2	$1,254	$1,254
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance	$49,660	$69,495

The University of Iowa College of Law is dedicated to ensuring that your tuition dollars are a wise investment in your future. They work to keep costs down, and all JD students can qualify for in-state tuition during their second and third years through our Research Assistant program. The commitment to affordable law school has earned us the Best Value ranking from the National Jurist for five years.

Scholarships and Fellowships

The University of Iowa College of Law offers scholarships for those admitted into the JD program. All US citizens and permanent residents admitted as first-year students must participate in a scholarship interview to be considered for these scholarships. Notifying whether or not you have received a scholarship will be sent via email and letter after the interview.

Merit Tuition Scholarships

The University of Iowa College of Law offers scholarships based on academic achievement. To be eligible for renewal of the scholarship for the second and third year, the recipient must maintain good academic and professional standing at the university. Good academic standing is a cumulative grade point average of 2.1 or above. Good professional standing requires that the student behaves ethically and responsibly by university and law school policies and all local, state, and federal laws. For complete details, see https://dos.uiowa.edu/policies/code-of-student-life/.

Iowa Law School Foundation Scholarships

The University of Iowa College of Law is fortunate to have a scholarship program supported by the generosity of alumni and friends through the Iowa Law School Foundation. Scholarships provide crucial financial assistance to law students, and they are grateful for the donors who make them possible. During the academic year, they will provide more information about the people and funds behind your scholarship. You will be asked to write a letter of thanks to the donors responsible for your scholarship. They will work with you to coordinate that effort during your time at Iowa Law. Thank you for your interest in and support of the University of Iowa College of Law.

Law Opportunity Tuition Fellowships

The University of Iowa College of Law is committed to providing opportunities for legal careers to persons historically underrepresented in the legal profession. The University established the Law Opportunity Tuition Fellowship Program to provide access to law school for such individuals. The criteria for awarding the fellowships are educationally and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and academic merit. Renewal for the second and third years requires that the fellowship recipient remains in good academic and professional standing at the College of Law. Good academic standing requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.1 or above. Good professional standing requires ethical and responsible conduct as a member of the law school community, following University and law school policies, including compliance with all local, state, and federal laws. The fellowship provides access to law school for those who may not have had the opportunity to attend otherwise. Fellows must maintain good standing to continue receiving the benefits of the program. Fellowships are awarded based on criteria such as disadvantaged backgrounds or academic merit. To keep receiving the fellowship, recipients must follow University and law school policies. These policies are in place to ensure that fellows are conducting themselves ethically and responsibly. Compliance with local, state, and federal laws is also required. For complete details, see https://dos.uiowa.edu/policies/code-of-student-life/.

Outside Scholarships

ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund The scholarship fund will award $5,000 of financial assistance annually to each scholarship recipient attending an ABA-accredited law school. Twenty awards will be made to first-year students and may be renewable for two additional years, resulting in financial assistance totaling $15,000 during each student's time in law school. For more information and to apply, visit ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund.

Academics & Curriculum

The University of Iowa Law School enjoys an excellent academic reputation in the Midwest and prides itself on the "student-centered" nature of its academics. The school lives up to this title with small classes and accessible faculty and allows students to explore interdisciplinary topics in their second and third years. Iowa also tends to first-year students by ensuring that at least one class per semester consists of 30 or fewer students. Also, after passing standard first-year requirements, Iowa students can choose from over 200 course titles to complete their legal education.

Although the school's curriculum is solid across the board, Iowa's international law program is especially reputable throughout the Midwest and beyond. More than one-third of the school's faculty members teach courses or conduct research in international law. The school provides students with study-abroad opportunities in London, France, and Germany. To further accommodate those students wishing to take their law education across borders, Iowa allows its students to receive credit for participating in study-abroad programs hosted by other ABA-approved law schools.

Law School Culture

The first year of the Iowa Law program provides a personal connection and attention to develop a strong intellectual foundation for legal thinking and writing. With a low student-faculty ratio, Law school professors take pride in modeling the kind of highly collaborative, rigorously professional behavior that prepares you to serve as a counselor to their clients. You’ll also get intensive, individualized instruction from their legal writing faculty—Iowa is one of the few law schools in the nation with a full-time faculty dedicated solely to your growth as a legal writer.

First Year (1L)

The University of Iowa College of Law has a model for the structure of the 1L courses that groups common law classes together for the first semester and legislative law classes together in the second semester. The classes you will take during your first year at Iowa Law will focus on the doctrinal courses that every 1L student takes in the United States. This includes Contracts, Torts, and Property Law during the Fall semester, then Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Law in the Spring. Students will also take Legal Analysis, Writing & Research during both semesters and will have the opportunity to take an elective course during the Spring. This model aims to provide students with a solid foundation in both the common law and legislative law so that they can be prepared to practice law in any area.

Journals

The University of Iowa College of Law places great importance on its students. Seven student-run programs help train them in various professional skills. In addition, there are over 20 recognized student organizations within the law school. These organizations improve the opportunities available to students and organize volunteer projects to give back to the community.

Iowa is pleased to be home to four student-edited journals. A majority of Iowa students write for a journal during their second year of law school and many of them accept board positions during their third year.

Clinical Law Program

In the Law Clinic at Iowa Law, students act as attorneys, not interns. They learn necessary skills that cut across practice areas, from client interviewing and case theory development to cultural competence and resilience. Students are primarily responsible for representing their clients at all stages of the legal process and learn to use and trust their legal judgment.

The Law Clinic functions like a single law firm with six distinct practice groups: Federal Criminal Defense, Civil & Employment Litigation, Estate Planning, Law & Policy in Action, Immigration, and the Community Empowerment Law Project. The Legal Clinic is unique in that students can choose to focus on one area of law or explore different interests by participating in two practice groups.

Quality of Life

Especially for those wary of big-city life, Iowa City is an idyllic college town and promises to provide a high quality of life. Because Iowa City largely revolves around the University of Iowa, students typically find the city both a serene setting to study and a lively place to unwind and momentarily escape schoolwork. Housing in Iowa City is ample and cheap, traffic and parking problems are almost non-existent, and safety is rarely an issue. Like other college towns, Iowa City's nightlife is dominated by college students, and there are plenty of clubs, bars and restaurants to choose from. Also, much of the University of Iowa's social scene during the fall semester revolves around the school's football team, providing law students the opportunity to tailgate before football games and to generally enjoy the raucous atmosphere of Big Ten football. In sum, Iowa City promises to be a great and inexpensive place to attend law school and should add to the luster of the University of Iowa Law School.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

Graduates from the University of Iowa College of Law who enter the private sector can expect to make a median salary of $100,000 upon graduation. Of those who go into the private sector, 58.3% go to work for law firms, and 21.2% clerk for judges. Only 11.4% of graduates go into public interest. However, 93.6% of University of Iowa graduates pass the bar on their first try.

As one of the most reputable law schools of the Midwest, the University of Iowa College of Law provides students with excellent job prospects throughout the region, namely in the Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, and Kansas City markets. Students searching for jobs outside of the Midwest, especially on the East and West coasts, generally have much more difficulty finding employment, as most firms that visit the law school to conduct on-campus interviews are based in the Midwest. Iowa's expanding alumni network spreads across the nation, and the school's career services officers are said to be dedicated and energetic. Overall, nearly 95% of Iowa graduates are employed within 9 months of graduation in a typical year, slightly more than half of whom accept job offers from private law firms and receive first-year salaries of $100,000 at the median. Ninety-nine percent of those seeking employment (and not enrolled in an advanced degree program) find some within nine months.

Synopsis

For those interested in studying and working in the Midwest, the University of Iowa College of Law is an excellent place to attend law school. The school's student-centered academics ensure that each student can tailor the legal education to his or her unique interests, while its location in Iowa City ensures that students can pursue this legal education in a setting that is both serene and lively. With excellent job prospects in the major Midwestern markets, the school also makes sure that students are able to get the most out of their law education after graduation.

Contact Information

University of Iowa College of Law
320 Melrose Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: (319) 335-9095 or 1-800-553-4692 ext. 9095.

Email: law-admissions@uiowa.edu
https://law.uiowa.edu/admissions/contact-us

Summary

Established	1865
Location	Iowa City, IA
Dean	Kevin K. Washburn
2022 US News Ranking	28th
LSAT Median Score	163
GPA Median Score	3.69
Bar Passage Rate	94% (2022)
Employment Rate	69% (2022)
Cost	$68,264
Average Debt	"$28,045 (Resident) $47,880 (Non-Resident)"
Application Deadline	May, 1 2023

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

https://law.uiowa.edu/
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