University of South Dakota School of Law

The University of South Dakota School of Law was founded in 1901 and has been ABA-accredited since 1923. It is located in Vermillion, a small town in the southeast corner of the state, and is the only law school in South Dakota.

History

The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law is a legal education institution with a long tradition. With over a century of history, it has been providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful attorneys since 1901. It was approved by the American Bar Association in 1923 and has since been accredited by the Council of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. The Law School is also a member of the Association of American Law Schools since 1907.

Students at USD Knudson, School of Law benefit from a unique combination of a practical curriculum and an engaging learning environment. With solid job placement rates and competitive tuition, students can make the most of their investment in higher legal education.

Admissions

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	146 - 149 - 155	148 - 150 - 153
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.22 - 3.56 - 3.75	3.06 - 3.44 - 3.74
Acceptance rate	64.0%	69.0%
Applications received	250	303
Acceptances	160	209
Matriculants	7	12

University of South Dakota School of Law received 303 applications for the 2022 admissions cycle, and 209 were offered admission. Of those, 79 accepted the offer, equating to a yield rate of 37.80%. This resulted in the 1L class size being 79 students. Regarding LSAT scores, those accepted had a median score of 150, with the 25th percentile being 148 and the 75th percentile is 153. GPA-wise, the median was 3.44, with a range of 3.06 to 3.74 between the 25th and 75th percentiles.

University of South Dakota School of Law is an attractive option for prospective law students looking for a school with a deep-rooted history and strong reputation. The average admissions rates, LSAT scores, and GPAs demonstrate the school's commitment to academic excellence. Those accepted can be confident that they will receive an outstanding education from a prestigious institution.

How to Apply

The University of South Dakota School of Law takes applications from September 1st for the following year's admission. The school is looking for prospective students from all disciplines, including but not limited to political science, English, foreign languages, sciences, engineering, mathematics, and the arts. The admissions committee at USD considers various criteria when making their decisions, such as LSAT or GRE scores, undergraduate GPA, graduate or other academic accomplishments, professional experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Attention is also given to applicants' writing skills and any community activities they may have been involved with. The admissions committee strongly encourages applicants to submit all available information in their application package to give them the best chance of being accepted.

Application Process

To attend the University of South Dakota School of Law, prospective students are required to go through an application process. This involves registering with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and creating an account with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Both steps are essential for applicants to access relevant application materials and information. Once the LSAC and CAS accounts have been established, applicants must provide the necessary documentation to complete the application. This includes an online application, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, official transcripts from any undergraduate or graduate degrees held by the applicant, and other documents that may be required.

Admission Materials

The University of South Dakota School of Law requires potential students to submit various materials as part of their application process. Through the Credential Assembly Service, applicants will have their reports compiled, which include all necessary documents and materials to be considered for admission. It is essential to carefully read and understand the graduate catalog for more detailed instructions on submitting all application materials. Successful applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their academic and professional development, so your attention to detail in the application process is highly encouraged.

Admission Test (LSAT or GRE)

To apply and be admitted to the University of South Dakota School of Law, all applicants must submit either an LSAT or GRE score. They strongly recommend that you take the admission test by February of the year you apply. If the June LSAT is taken, the application must still be submitted by July 1 to be considered for admission. The admissions committee will consider the highest score when evaluating your application for admission.

Letters of Recommendation

If you are considering attending the University of South Dakota School of Law, you must submit at least two letters of recommendation with your application. One of these recommendations should come from an academic source who can provide insight into your capabilities and potential as a law student. This could be a professor, instructor, or another university-affiliated mentor who can comment on your critical thinking, writing skills, and overall academic performance. Additionally, a letter of recommendation from a professional contact may help showcase the real-world experience that could benefit your legal studies. This could include an employer or supervisor who has worked closely with you and can speak to your work ethic and abilities as an employee.

Transcripts

To be considered for admission to the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, applicants must submit official transcripts from their undergraduate studies and any previously earned graduate credits and degrees. These documents must be provided in English or with a translation; this enables USD Knudson School of Law to have on official file transcripts verifying all academic credits and degree(s) conferred. Depending on the perceived need, USD Knudson School of Law can require credential evaluations from third-party organizations such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES). These credentials must be obtained for a student to receive an admission decision. In addition, all transcripts must come from institutions with regional accreditation for that degree. Failure to provide this paperwork can result in a delayed or denied decision on the application. As such, it is essential to meet all required document submission deadlines and make sure the necessary paperwork is submitted to ensure the timely processing of an application. By providing complete and accurate transcripts and other documents, applicants can maximize their chances of being admitted to the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law.

Personal Statement

You must submit a one- to a two-page personal statement with the application through the CAS.

Tuition and Financial Aid

At the University of South Dakota School of Law, they take great pride in providing an excellent legal education while also maintaining affordability. Their tuition rates are among the most competitive in the nation, and even though costs have risen over recent years, they have kept their tuition prices low. They understand that obtaining a legal degree can be expensive, so they strive to make it financially accessible for all their students.

Their school also offers need-based scholarships, grants, and other types of financial aid for those who qualify. They are committed to helping their students achieve their educational goals without financial burden. Their knowledgeable staff will assist you in exploring all the possibilities to get the most out of your legal education.

Tuition

The University of South Dakota School of Law is a highly esteemed institution of learning, offering a solid education in legal studies. Those attending full-time can expect to pay for tuition based on their residency status. For South Dakota residents, tuition costs for the academic year (fall and spring semesters) total $16,793. Minnesota residents can expect to pay $25,135, and non-residents will pay a tuition rate of $36,333 for the academic year. The school also offers various scholarships and financial aid programs to help make education more affordable. The University of South Dakota School of Law is ideal for those seeking an incomparable legal education.

Financial Aid and Scholarship

Admission to the University of South Dakota School of Law is within reach for those willing to take advantage of available financial aid and scholarship options. Applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be done as soon as possible, with the university's federal code of 003474 included on the application. It is important to note that USD's priority deadline for filing the FAFSA is April 1.

In addition, all admitted students are automatically considered for internal scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are awarded based on various factors, such as merit and need. Initial offers for these scholarships will be made after a student is admitted.

If you have any questions regarding financial aid or scholarship opportunities, please get in touch with law@usd.edu for assistance. The University of South Dakota School of Law is committed to making an affordable legal education available to every student. They look forward to helping you become a successful lawyer.

Academics and Curriculum

The University of South Dakota School of Law offers its students an innovative and comprehensive legal education. After completing their first year, or 1L, students are only required to take five additional courses: Evidence, Constitutional Law, Legal Profession, one of five practical skills courses, and one of three code courses (Commercial Law, Federal Income Tax, or Business Associations). Students can also participate in a journal, which requires them to write a paper as part of a course. The school has an impressive 1L attrition rate; the 1L attrition rate was 4.5% for the class entering 2007 and 0% for the class entering 2008.

USD School of Law also offers joint degree programs that allow students to earn a J.D. and a non-law M.A., M.S., or M.B.A. These joint degree programs are available for the following disciplines: Accounting, Education Administration, English, History, Public Administration, Political Science, Psychology, and Sustainable Development Law. Through these programs, students receive academic credit for non-law classes in addition to their J.D. courses, allowing them to complete both degrees faster than if they pursued each degree separately. The joint degree programs also allow students to specialize in a particular field of law or become more marketable by supplementing their legal training with knowledge in another area. The school also offers a joint degree program with Vermont Law School, allowing students to earn a Master of Studies in Environmental Law alongside the J.D. Additionally, the school has an impressive variety of competitive internships and externships at the local, state, and federal levels.

The University of South Dakota School of Law also offers an Indian Law Program. This program is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the complex legal issues facing Native Americans in South Dakota and beyond. Students take courses such as Federal Indian Law, Indian Criminal Jurisdiction, Indian Civil Jurisdiction, Indian Gaming, Economic Development, Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and Native American Natural Resources Law. Additionally, students may participate in the Elderlaw Forum, which conducts legal outreach to people 55 and older; the Public Interest Network, which awards grants to students working on public interest projects; the Access to Justice low-income legal clinic; and the Innocence Project of South Dakota. These initiatives allow USD's Indian Law Program to provide students with comprehensive legal education and make them well-rounded, marketable attorneys.

USD School of Law also offers several journals that provide its students with publication opportunities and the chance to hone their writing skills. These include the South Dakota Law Review, published three times a year and focused on local issues, the Sustainability and Climate Change Law Journal, the Energy Law Journal, the Sports and Entertainment Law Journal, and the Access to Justice Law Journal. Through these journals, USD students can gain valuable experience in legal research, writing, editing, and publishing while researching current legal issues in their field of interest.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

University of South Dakota School of Law graduates has a long and successful history of passing the bar on their first attempt. Studies have shown that 75.5% of University of South Dakota law school graduates pass the bar on the first try, a rate much higher than the national average. After passing the bar, many graduates go directly into the legal profession. 40.8% of University of South Dakota law school graduates go directly to work for law firms, while 24.5% clerk for a judge. 12.2% of graduates pursue their passion by going into public interest work such as pro bono services or government positions.

Regarding salary expectations, JD graduates from the University of South Dakota can expect to make a median salary of $57,000 upon graduation if they work in the private sector. If working in public positions or pro bono services, graduates can expect to make around $54,658. Of course, salaries will vary depending on experience and location.

The University of South Dakota School of Law offers students an excellent opportunity to receive a quality legal education and pursue their dreams in the legal field. Graduates have seen great success in their chosen profession, with many finding high-paying jobs in law firms or government positions. With so many successful graduates, the University of South Dakota School of Law is worth considering when looking for a law school.

Quality of Life

The University of South Dakota is situated in Vermillion, a small rural town in the state's southeast region. Its population is just over 10,000 people, and it's mostly surrounded by farmland for miles. The university campus is a short distance from downtown, making it easy to get around without needing a car. However, traveling outside the area is impossible without a vehicle due to its rural location. The closest cities are Sioux City (40 miles southeast), Sioux Falls (60 miles north), Omaha (142 miles south), and Minneapolis (300 miles northeast). The nearest commercial airport is the Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, which primarily serves flights to and from Minneapolis.

Downtown Vermillion is south of the university and offers students very few entertainment or dining options. However, a Walmart about one mile from the law school provides necessary supplies and amenities. The area's attractions are proudly showcased on downtownvermillion.com. Although small in size, this rural town has the potential to be an excellent place for students of the University of South Dakota School of Law.

Synopsis

The University of South Dakota School of Law is a great choice for aspiring attorneys. With its excellent faculty, low attrition rate, and various joint degree programs and internships, USD School of Law provides an outstanding legal education that will prepare students to become successful lawyers. With its Indian Law Program and numerous journals, USD's School of Law also helps students gain valuable knowledge and experience in their chosen specialty. For these reasons, USD School of Law is an excellent choice for anyone pursuing a legal career.

Contact Information

University of South Dakota
Admissions
414 E. Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
877-COYOTES
Phone: 877-269-6837
E-mail: Law.School@usd.edu
https://www.usd.edu/Admissions-and-Aid

Summary

Established	1901
Location	Vermillion, SD
Dean	NEIL FULTON
2022 US News Ranking	133
LSAT Median Score	150
GPA Median Score	3.44
Bar Passage Rate	76% (2022)
Employment Rate	63% (2022)
Cost	$16,793 Resident $25,135 MN Resident $36,333 Nonresident
Average Debt	$53,920
Application Deadline	July 1, 2023

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Reference

https://www.usd.edu/Academics/Colleges-and-Schools/knudson-school-of-law
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LSAC Guide
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University of South Dakota School of Law

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