Best Law Schools in District of Columbia (2026)
Compare all 6 ABA-approved law schools in District of Columbia by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is UDC Law (#4 nationally).
District of Columbia is a major legal market with 6 law schools across 1 cities. Tuition ranges from $27,000 to $83,576, and the average bar pass rate is 81.0%.
6
ABA Schools
$57k
Avg. Tuition
161
Avg. LSAT
81.0%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 6 Law Schools in District of Columbia
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
District of Columbia Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 6 ABA-approved law schools in District of Columbia. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| UDC Law | #4 | 152 | $27,000 |
| Georgetown Law | #14 | 171 | $83,576 |
| GW Law | #25 | 167 | $67,000 |
| American WCL | #78 | 160 | $64,000 |
| Howard Law | #91 | 157 | $43,000 |
| CUA Law | #133 | 158 | $58,000 |
Practicing Law in District of Columbia
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in District of Columbia.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in District of Columbia, you must pass the state bar exam. Most District of Columbia law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for District of Columbia schools average 81.0%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for District of Columbia law graduates is 84.0% at 10 months post-graduation. District of Columbia is home to 2 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Washington.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at District of Columbia law schools ranges from $27,000 to $83,576 per year. Average student debt is $148k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across District of Columbia schools range from 152 to 171. Median GPAs range from 3.20 to 3.92. Acceptance rates vary from 20.1% to 48%.
Legal Specialties
District of Columbia law schools offer specializations including Clinical Training, Tax Law, International Law, Health Law, Public Interest, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
District of Columbia has 2 Elite-tier and 1 Select-tier schools. Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, and bar passage rates — not reputation surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions: Law Schools in District of Columbia
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in District of Columbia.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has 6 ABA-approved law schools in Washington. The highest-ranked is UDC Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in District of Columbia?
Median LSAT scores at District of Columbia law schools range from 152 to 171. The state average is 161. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 171 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in District of Columbia?
Annual tuition at District of Columbia law schools ranges from $27,000 to $83,576. The average is $57,096 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $148k.
What is the bar pass rate for District of Columbia law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across District of Columbia law schools is 81.0%. Rates range from 63% to 93.1%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to Georgetown Law at 93.1%.
What are the best law schools in District of Columbia?
The top-ranked law schools in District of Columbia are UDC Law (#4), Georgetown Law (#14), GW Law (#25). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in District of Columbia with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the District of Columbia bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if District of Columbia is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in District of Columbia can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.