Best Law Schools in Iowa (2026)
Compare all 2 ABA-approved law schools in Iowa by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is Drake Law (#4 nationally).
Iowa has 2 ABA-approved law schools across Iowa City and Des Moines. Average tuition is $40,454 and the average bar pass rate is 85.8%.
2
ABA Schools
$40k
Avg. Tuition
159
Avg. LSAT
85.8%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 2 Law Schools in Iowa
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Practicing Law in Iowa
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in Iowa.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in Iowa, you must pass the state bar exam. Most Iowa law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for Iowa schools average 85.8%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for Iowa law graduates is 88.0% at 10 months post-graduation. Iowa is home to 1 elite-tier school with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Iowa City, Des Moines.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Iowa law schools ranges from $31,000 to $49,908 per year. Average student debt is $108k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across Iowa schools range from 156 to 161. Median GPAs range from 3.56 to 3.69. Acceptance rates vary from 51% to 60.17%.
Legal Specialties
Iowa law schools offer specializations including Legal Writing, Clinical Training, Corporate Law, Public Interest Law, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
Iowa has 1 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 Iowa
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in Iowa.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in Iowa?
Iowa has 2 ABA-approved law schools located across Iowa City, Des Moines. The highest-ranked is Drake Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in Iowa?
Median LSAT scores at Iowa law schools range from 156 to 161. The state average is 159. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 161 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in Iowa?
Annual tuition at Iowa law schools ranges from $31,000 to $49,908. The average is $40,454 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $108k.
What is the bar pass rate for Iowa law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across Iowa law schools is 85.8%. Rates range from 81.5% to 90%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to Iowa Law at 90%.
What are the best law schools in Iowa?
The top-ranked law schools in Iowa are Drake Law (#4), Iowa Law (#35). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in Iowa with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the Iowa bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if Iowa is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in Iowa can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.