Best Law Schools in Louisiana (2026)
Compare all 4 ABA-approved law schools in Louisiana by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is Loyola New Orleans Law (#4 nationally).
Louisiana has 4 ABA-approved law schools across New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Average tuition is $40,118 and the average bar pass rate is 70.4%.
4
ABA Schools
$40k
Avg. Tuition
154
Avg. LSAT
70.4%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 4 Law Schools in Louisiana
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
New Orleans, LA
Baton Rouge, LA
New Orleans, LA
Baton Rouge, LA
Louisiana Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 4 ABA-approved law schools in Louisiana. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola New Orleans Law | #4 | 152 | $48,638 |
| Southern Law Center | #4 | 146 | $17,834 |
| Tulane Law | #55 | 160 | $67,000 |
| LSU Law | #75 | 156 | $27,000 |
Practicing Law in Louisiana
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in Louisiana.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in Louisiana, you must pass the state bar exam. Most Louisiana law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for Louisiana schools average 70.4%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for Louisiana law graduates is 82.0% at 10 months post-graduation. Louisiana is home to 2 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in New Orleans, Baton Rouge.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Louisiana law schools ranges from $17,834 to $67,000 per year. Average student debt is $118k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across Louisiana schools range from 146 to 160. Median GPAs range from 3.15 to 3.55. Acceptance rates vary from 43% to 62.9%.
Legal Specialties
Louisiana law schools offer specializations including Maritime Law, Environmental Law, Energy Law, International Law, Public Interest Law, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
Louisiana has 2 Elite-tier schools. Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, and bar passage rates — not reputation surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions: Law Schools in Louisiana
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in Louisiana.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in Louisiana?
Louisiana has 4 ABA-approved law schools located across New Orleans, Baton Rouge. The highest-ranked is Loyola New Orleans Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in Louisiana?
Median LSAT scores at Louisiana law schools range from 146 to 160. The state average is 154. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 160 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in Louisiana?
Annual tuition at Louisiana law schools ranges from $17,834 to $67,000. The average is $40,118 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $118k.
What is the bar pass rate for Louisiana law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across Louisiana law schools is 70.4%. Rates range from 55.24% to 81%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to LSU Law at 81%.
What are the best law schools in Louisiana?
The top-ranked law schools in Louisiana are Loyola New Orleans Law (#4), Southern Law Center (#4), Tulane Law (#55). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in Louisiana with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the Louisiana bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if Louisiana is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in Louisiana can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.