Best Law Schools in Illinois (2026)
Compare all 9 ABA-approved law schools in Illinois by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is Chicago Law (#4 nationally).
Illinois is a major legal market with 9 law schools across 4 cities. Tuition ranges from $23,000 to $83,316, and the average bar pass rate is 83.1%.
9
ABA Schools
$50k
Avg. Tuition
160
Avg. LSAT
83.1%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 9 Law Schools in Illinois
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Chicago, IL
DeKalb, IL
Carbondale, IL
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Champaign, IL
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Illinois Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 9 ABA-approved law schools in Illinois. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Law | #4 | 173 | $83,316 |
| NIU Law | #4 | 152 | $25,000 |
| SIU Law | #4 | 150 | $23,000 |
| UIC John Marshall | #4 | 153 | $47,000 |
| Northwestern Law | #10 | 172 | $79,772 |
| Illinois Law | #35 | 166 | $38,000 |
| Loyola Chicago Law | #84 | 160 | $52,000 |
| Chicago-Kent Law | #94 | 160 | $53,000 |
| DePaul Law | #118 | 156 | $51,000 |
Practicing Law in Illinois
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in Illinois.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in Illinois, you must pass the state bar exam. Most Illinois law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for Illinois schools average 83.1%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for Illinois law graduates is 85.7% at 10 months post-graduation. Illinois is home to 5 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Chicago, Champaign, DeKalb, and other cities.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Illinois law schools ranges from $23,000 to $83,316 per year. Average student debt is $129k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across Illinois schools range from 150 to 173. Median GPAs range from 3.20 to 3.94. Acceptance rates vary from 12.73% to 65%.
Legal Specialties
Illinois law schools offer specializations including Law and Economics, Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, Antitrust Law, Tax Law, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
Illinois has 5 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 Illinois
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in Illinois.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in Illinois?
Illinois has 9 ABA-approved law schools located across Chicago, Champaign, DeKalb, Carbondale. The highest-ranked is Chicago Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in Illinois?
Median LSAT scores at Illinois law schools range from 150 to 173. The state average is 160. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 173 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in Illinois?
Annual tuition at Illinois law schools ranges from $23,000 to $83,316. The average is $50,232 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $129k.
What is the bar pass rate for Illinois law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across Illinois law schools is 83.1%. Rates range from 76% to 97.1%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to Chicago Law at 97.1%.
What are the best law schools in Illinois?
The top-ranked law schools in Illinois are Chicago Law (#4), NIU Law (#4), SIU Law (#4). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in Illinois with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the Illinois bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if Illinois is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in Illinois can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.