Fordham Law School: An In-Depth Look at the Admitted Students Profile

Fordham Law School, a prominent institution within the graduate schools of Fordham University, attracts a large pool of applicants each year. Understanding the profile of admitted students is crucial for prospective applicants. This article provides a detailed analysis of Fordham Law's admissions statistics, academic expectations, and career prospects, offering insights for those aspiring to join its ranks.

Admissions Overview

Fordham Law School is selective. Based on the 2025 ABA 509 Report, Fordham Law School received 8,811 JD applications and extended 1,429 acceptance letters. Of those accepted, 433 chose to enroll. The Admissions Committee, comprising full-time faculty members, Assistant Deans, and the Director of Admissions, meticulously evaluates each completed application.

Academic Evaluation

The Admissions Committee undertakes a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's academic background. Key factors considered include:

Grade Trend: The trajectory of grades throughout the course of study is carefully examined.
Course Selection: The rigor and relevance of chosen courses are taken into account.
Grades in the Major: Performance in the applicant's major field of study is a significant factor.
Choice of Major: The selection of major is considered in the context of the applicant's overall academic goals.
School Attended: The reputation and academic rigor of the undergraduate institution are noted.
Time Frame: The duration within which the degree was earned is also considered.
Graduate and Professional Work: Academic work completed at the graduate and professional school level is carefully considered.

The committee strives to ensure fairness and equal treatment for all applicants throughout the selection process.

Key Statistics

For a competitive application to Fordham Law School, aspiring students should aim to meet or exceed the median statistics. The school's selectivity is also reflected in its acceptance rate, where a lower rate indicates greater competitiveness.

Read also: Fordham Law Overview

Academic Life and Grading System

The J.D. program at Fordham Law School extends over four academic years in the Evening Division, mirroring the requirements of the three-year Day Division. All required courses are taught by the full-time faculty, and Evening students are subject to the same grading system as their Day counterparts. Student grades are calculated on both a letter and a numerical scale. There are no official class standings. At the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, a student who attained a true weighted average of 3.538 or better made Dean's List for that year. Fordham Law School has a tradition of active student involvement in journals, moot court and organizations.

Tuition and Financial Considerations

Prospective students should be aware of the financial commitment involved in attending Fordham Law School. Law school tuition at Fordham Law School is $156k annually (calculated from semester costs).

Career Prospects and Placement

Fordham Law School has a strong track record in job placement. According to the National Law Journal, Fordham Law ranks 21st nationally in terms of placement of 2022 graduates in the National Law Journal's top 100 law firms.

Global Reach and Public Interest

Fordham Law School boasts a global network of graduates, with alumni found in 50 states and 96 countries around the world. The class of '25 performed over 116,917 hours of public interest work during their time at Fordham Law.