Arizona State University Law School: Ranking, Admissions, and Tuition - A Comprehensive Guide

Aspiring lawyers understand that a solid legal education is the foundation for a successful career. Whether your interests lie in corporate law, criminal law, or taxation, becoming a successful lawyer means knowing the law inside and out, and that all begins with a top law school. Arizona offers several outstanding law school programs, each with its own distinctive strengths, depending on individual career goals. This article provides an in-depth look into Arizona's leading law schools, focusing on their rankings, admissions processes, tuition costs, and key programs.

Top Law Schools in Arizona

Interestingly, there are only two ABA-accredited law schools in Arizona: Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law and James E. Rogers College of Law. Here are the two top law schools in Arizona that will provide students with an intellectually challenging atmosphere.

1. Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law

Ranking: #36 in the nation, #1 in the state
Acceptance Rate: 21.3%
Average Cost of Tuition: $29,037 (in-state); $51,359 (out-of-state)

Located in Tempe, Arizona, the Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law (ASU Law) is arguably the best law school in Arizona. ASU Law was founded in 1965 and renamed in 2006 after Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Not only is ASU Law highly regarded for its focus on community, but it is also the first law school in the country to be named after a woman. News & World Report and is committed to public service, social justice, and community-focused programs.

ASU Law offers a variety of programs designed to prepare the next generation of practicing attorneys for real-world settings. Since its beginning, ASU Law has been known to support the Navajo Nation legal community and integrate technology and practical experience into its curriculum.

ASU Law Key Programs:

J.D. (Juris Doctor)
LL.M. (Master of Laws)
M.L.S. (Master of Legal Studies)
Dual degree programs (i.e., J.D./M.B.A, J.D./M.P.H.)

ASU Law also offers law students 13 clinics where they can gain hands-on experience in real-world legal scenarios.

Read also: Arizona Education System

These clinics include:

Immigration Law & Policy Clinic
Lodestar Mediation Clinic
Civil Justice Clinic
Post-Conviction Clinic
Indian Legal Clinic
Public Defender Clinic
Lisa Foundation Patent Law Clinic
Prosecution Clinic
Technology Ventures Services Group

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, located in downtown Phoenix with additional locations in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and online, believes prestige and access can coexist to educate students and serve communities. ASU Law is reimagining legal education through innovation, inclusive excellence and a commitment to advancing justice.

ASU Law creates the next generation of lawyers and industry leaders, honoring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's legacy. Locations in Phoenix, Washington, D.C. No. Degree programsJuris Doctor (JD)The JD degree incorporates academic and practical learning to prepare students for legal practice. Master of Laws (LLM)The LLM is designed for those expanding legal knowledge or specializing in a field. Features flexible scheduling with fall and spring starts, full-time and part-time options, and on campus or online classes. LLM enrollment requires prior completion of a JD or foreign law degree.Master of Legal Studies (MLS)A legal master’s degree enhances careers with flexible part-time or full-time pathways, available online and on campus. Choose from 20+ areas of study to learn legal skills for careers in corporate compliance, health care, criminal justice, Indian gaming, intellectual property and many more.Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL)A master of human resources degree equips HR professionals with understanding of employment law and regulations. Available online or on campus, the program aligns with Society for Human Resource Management guidelines and prepares graduates for the SHRM-CP exam.Master of Sports Law and Business (MSLB)The Allan "Bud" Selig Sports Law and Business program is the only graduate program in the nation that blends sports, law and business studies, led by world-class faculty including MLB Commissioner Emeritus Selig. Supreme Court (and frequent visitor to the school) and honors her commitment to public service. ASU Law (which recently moved from Tempe to downtown Phoenix) makes it "a priority to keep tuition down while increasing the quality of education," evidenced by it having the highest bar passage rate in Arizona. Externships, internships, and clerkships are encouraged, and "the path to those opportunities is filled with various advisors and professors to answer questions and guide you on your way"; around 90 percent of students engage in voluntary public service. Arizona has "a tight-knit legal community that allows you get numerous opportunities and connections," and the school's alumni network spreads far and wide. There is a "strong focus on career services" and the administration "is frank and eager for student feedback." "If a student has any interest in practicing law in the Southwest United States, they would be crazy to not consider ASU," says one law student. Students say the "beautiful" new Beus Center for Law and Society (BCLS), and the new home of ASU Law, in Phoenix is great and feels like it's in the "center of the action." "It feels like going to school in a spaceship, because it's so high-tech," says one law student. The location allows for walking access to many big firms ("so it's possible to leave class and walk a couple blocks to a mixer at a law firm"), and the nearby courthouses make it so students can pop in and observe a trial in their free time. Light Rail access will take students into central Phoenix for "additional must-see locations and dining." The class is "big enough that even though it is competitive, it doesn't FEEL competitive," and "friends are easy to come by." There "aren't strong cliques or barriers," and even though people hang out in groups, "friend groups are always changing and merging and malleable." There is an "arguably TOO great" social life to be found here, though students who don't live near campus have may have a more difficult time attending events. The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is located in the bustling center of Phoenix, Arizona. It passes on the traditional spirit of American legal education to its graduates and equips them for an ever-changing legal marketplace through the many innovative features in its curriculum. The tuition fees at the law school are competitive, and it has a great track record of jumpstarting graduates toward an excellent career path. The law school opened in 1964 with the approval of the American Bar Association. It was previously located in Arizona State University's Armstrong Hall, and moved to ASU's Downtown Phoenix Campus in 2012. The new campus was co-sponsored by the city of Phoenix, which provided land and an additional $12 million in funding. The campus features futuristic architecture with many glass panels lining its walkways and bridges. The main building's namesake is Leo Beus, founder of Gilbert McGroder PLLC, a boutique law firm that concentrates on high stakes litigation, real estate, and zoning law. The school is adept at providing modern paths of learning. The Barrett and O'Connor Center provides courses centered on Washington, D.C., including the Capital Scholars program, the McCain Institute's Next Generation Leaders program, and many others. ASU Law's LLM Master of Laws degree can be customized to fit your needs. It allows you to explore the many law areas you can specialize in, or pick just one and become an authority in that field. When thinking of a good law school, consider how they stack up at the national level. The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law has been ranked No. News & World Report's annual survey of graduate schools, making them one of America's top law schools. It is also the 7th highest-ranked public law school and the highest-ranked law school overall in the state of Arizona. As such, it is no surprise that ASU has ranked highly in every category of the specialty rankings. Five of its programs enjoy a lofty spot in the top 25 across America. Over the past several years, Arizona State University's incoming classes have continually set the bar higher for median LSAT scores and GPAs. The scores for the 2021 tests were impressive, with a median LSAT of 164 and GPA of 3.81. Historically, the average rate of acceptance has been in the 38.75% - 40% range. With recently growing competition, this has shrunk in a very short time. Because ASU law is the 7th highest-ranking public law school in the country today, it is beginning to attract more capable students throughout the country and the world. Competition is growing intense. In 2021, a total of 5,700 students applied to the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, and 780 were accepted. Among the admitted students, 271 successfully enrolled full-time in the school. For the class of 2023, the average LSAT score of ASU law school students was 160, and the average undergraduate GPA was 3.51. This GPA is the average score of 361 pre-admitted and currently enrolled freshmen. The application process is currently ongoing. Many law schools conduct interviews to help them make a firm decision on whether to accept an applicant. Some law schools interview all admission prospects, while some like Harvard and Columbia, offer them by invite only. The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law is ranked 11th among all law schools and 3rd in the realm of public law schools in America for the potential high-quality, long-term, and full-time employment of its graduates. The school reaches out to law firms, corporations, and their contacts in the government to match the unique specializations of their graduates. They also host an assortment of events to jumpstart their students' careers, like corporate career fairs, on-campus interviews, and speed networking activities. Interest from local companies is booming, and smaller firms have become a constant participant in their career events. They're looking for great candidates to help in their small to medium-sized businesses, just as ASU's students are looking for a great starting point to their legal careers. ASU graduates enjoy diverse opportunities for employment. They enter various fields of practice in the United States and abroad to find meaning in their jobs, a six-figure salary, or a rare mix between the two. Enter an LSAT score to see your chances of getting into top schools. 111 E. in terms of the median LSAT score (163) among those applicants granted admission who enrolled as full-time students. in terms of highest tuition among full-time law students for its in-state tuition of $27,584. We rank from a total of 283 tuition rates from 194 law schools, ranking twice those law schools that have different in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. in terms of bar passage rate among first-time test takers (74.3%), and it outperforms by +10.5% the state of Arizona’s overall bar passage rate of 63.8%. For the 2024 JD application cycle, law school tuition at ASU Law was $102k annually (calculated from semester costs). Prospective law students should budget approximately $60k for the total annual cost of attending (including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses). After completing their JD program at ASU Law, graduates entering private law firms earn a median starting salary of $140,000. JD graduates pursuing public sector legal careers start at approximately $62,172. Additionally, 16.5% of graduates obtain prestigious judicial clerkships, and 8.9% pursue public interest law careers. of JD graduates were employed at jobs that required a JD within 10 months of graduation. For JD graduates from ASU Law, the bar exam pass rate is 86.6% on the first attempt.

2. University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law

Ranking: #55 in the nation, #2 in the state
Acceptance Rate: 30.38%
Average Cost of Tuition: $27,000 (in-state); $31,360 (out-of-state)

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law is in Tucson, Arizona. Rogers College of Law provides students with smaller program sizes, making it a great option for those who prefer an intimate learning environment.

Why Rogers College of Law Stands Out

The Rogers College of Law stands out for its focus on research, innovation, and public service. Committed to providing a top legal education, the school offers programs that cater to a spectrum of legal interests and aspirations. While the law school offers a range of specialized programs, its strengths lie in environmental law, intellectual property law, and international law.

The Rogers School of Law also offers unique opportunities to study abroad through international programs, where students can strengthen and broaden their global legal perspectives.

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Rogers College of Law Key Programs:

Advocacy
Business law
Environmental Law, Science, & Policy
Criminal Law & Policy
Internal Trade & Business Law
The Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy
Legal Writing
Juris Doctor Program
Tax Law & Policy

ASU Law isn't the only law school that offers exclusive clinical programs and externship opportunities. Roger's College of Law allows students to gain hands-on experience with real clients and cases.

The Roger College of Law Clinics include:

Arizona Attorney General’s Office Clinic
Child & Family Law Clinic
Immigration Law Clinic
Education Advocacy Clinic
Criminal Defense Clinic
Tribal Justice Clinic
Worker’s Rights Clinic
Domestic Violence Law Clinic

What Happened to Arizona Summit Law School?

For those who may or may not know, the Arizona Summit Law School (formerly the Phoenix School of Law) is no longer running. Open from 2005 to 2018, it is the only private law school in Arizona that was closed due to its low bar exam pass rates.

How to Get into Law School in Arizona: 7 Essential Tips

With only two law institutions in Arizona, the admissions process, as you can imagine, is highly competitive. But with some guidance and a solid strategy, you’re a shoo-in to practice Arizona law.

Here are some useful tips to use for your admission into law school:

Start Early and Research Schools: Start researching law schools as soon as possible because understanding what different law schools offer will help you make a decision. This means considering factors like location, reputation, and legal specialization. Some law schools have stronger reputations in some studies than others, so research is critical.
There's no specific major required to get into law school, which offers you flexibility in education. Take a look at the requirements for pre-law students to prepare for law school!
Maintain a High GPA: Because getting into law school is so competitive, the higher the GPA, the better. It’s one of the most important aspects of your application and probably one of the most determining factors of admissions. A competitive GPA will set you apart in the admissions process, especially for top-tier schools.
Prepare for the LSAT or GRE: The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the more commonly required standardized test for law school admission; however, a few schools take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) into consideration. These tests measure reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and critical thinking levels. You should start studying early and use prep courses, practice tests, and online resources to prepare. Consistent, focused study can help you improve your score.
Get Relevant Experience: Though it’s not required for law school, getting some legal experience can also make you a standout. Consider internships, jobs, or volunteer opportunities in the legal field or other areas that build skills transferable to law school.
Gather All Documents Required: Law schools require letters of recommendation from 2 or 3 people who can vouch for your work ethic, character, and passions. These letters should come from professors, employers, or others who know you well. Choose your recommenders wisely. Select people who can write strong, detailed letters about your academic abilities, work ethic, and personal qualities. Ideally, choose professors who know you well enough to speak to your intellectual capabilities and potential as a law student.

You will also need a personal statement. Find out how to write a personal statement for college here.

Read also: Understanding ASU Tuition

Prepare Your Resume: Law school applications will also require you to submit your resume. To be considered a high candidate, your resume should include your academic background, extracurricular activities, work experience, any leadership roles, volunteer work, and any honors or achievements.

Once you've completed your application, you'll be ready to submit it. Keep track of application deadlines so you don’t miss your opportunity to attend a top law school in Arizona.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Law School

When choosing a law school, you want to make sure you know what you’re investing your time and efforts into. Here are some factors to consider:

Location
Academic offerings
Cost of Tuition
Ranking
Career Support
Class body size

When you’re weighing your options, you may even want to visit some of your schools to get a sense of the campus life and culture. Join forums and speak with alumni or even current faculty or students. World News Report, the top-ranked and best law school in Arizona is the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. Students applying for ASU Law can expect a variety of programs designed to prepare future lawyers for their legal profession.

Choosing the Right Legal Specialization

The right specialization (i.e., environmental law, tax law, healthcare law, etc.) or area of study for you depends on your legal interests, academic leanings, and career goals. Whether you want to become a partner at a law firm or have your own private practice, your concentration in law needs to match the kinds of cases you want to work on in the future.

Affording Law School in Arizona

Yes, law school is expensive, but there are a few options students have that afford them the ability to attend a top law school in Arizona, such as financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Make sure you maintain a high GPA and excel on the LSAT and/or GRE.

Additional Programs and Centers at ASU Law

For over 35 years, the Center for Law, Science and Innovation has led the nation in exploring intersection of law, policy, science, and technology. A select number of students in each class are named Center Scholars and given enhanced opportunities to engage with faculty and outside partners on cutting-edge research and projects. The Center for Public Health Law and Policy explores fascinating and emerging global and domestic issues in public health law, policy, and ethics. The center brings students together leading scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to address critical challenges at the intersection of law, ethics, policy, and the public’s health. Its diverse group of scholars and partners seek to promote the role of law as a tool for improving the public’s health by conducting targeted legal and policy research, developing innovative tools and educational materials, generating extensive scholarship, and collaborating with public health and medical leaders. The center also hosts the Western Region Office of the Network for Public Health Law, supported primarily by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The Lodestar Center is a nationally recognized center of excellence in the field of dispute resolution. It provides opportunities to develop expertise in the processes through which most legal matters are resolved: negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. Established more than 30 years ago, the Indian Legal Program (ILP) has grown to become one of the most respected Indian law programs in the nation. Our nationally recognized faculty members are leading scholars in their fields, producing research and publications, as well as providing outreach and public service. The Master of Laws (LLM) program allows one year of post-JD study tailored to the scholarly and practice interests of participating students. Lawyers may pursue an LLM in Biotechnology and Genomics, Intellectual Property, or Tribal Policy, Law, and Government. The Academy for Justice envisions a criminal justice system where actual practices correspond with best practices and policy decisions are based on data and evidence. The International Rule of Law and Security (IRLS) program at ASU Law, developed in partnership with the McCain Institute for International Leadership and based in Washington, D.C. The Law and Sustainability program at ASU Law provides world-class instruction and meaningful research experiences that equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become influential leaders in the global sustainability movement. The program’s renowned faculty research and teach in every major area of sustainability policy, including climate change, water, energy, and environmental protection. In 2021, ASU Law expanded its Intellectual Property Law program by bringing on The McCarthy Institute. The institute sponsors student and faculty research projects from ideation through publication in peer-reviewed law journals. McCarthy Research Fellows pursue innovative and important solutions to pressing interdisciplinary problems at the intersection of trademarks, branding, and consumer behavior. The Allan “Bud” Selig Sports Law and Business program at ASU Law is a unique program, blending sports, law, and business and taught by experienced faculty, including MLB Commissioner Emeritus Allan “Bud” Selig. In addition to offering a Master of Sports Law and Business (MSLB) degree, students may choose to earn both a JD and MSLB in seven semesters through the program. This concurrent degree option gives students the full range of JD curriculum, preparing them for the legal industry while also allowing students to take advantage of the full scope of business courses offered through the SLB program. The Difference Engine is a university-wide center based out of ASU in California. The Difference Engine, pairs interdisciplinary entrepreneurship with the enthusiasm of ASU students and the thought leadership of ASU faculty and staff to fix our nation’s greatest inequalities.

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