Best Law Schools in Massachusetts (2026)
Compare all 8 ABA-approved law schools in Massachusetts by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is Harvard Law (#1 nationally).
Massachusetts is a major legal market with 8 law schools across 5 cities. Tuition ranges from $43,154 to $75,000, and the average bar pass rate is 78.4%.
8
ABA Schools
$61k
Avg. Tuition
160
Avg. LSAT
78.4%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 8 Law Schools in Massachusetts
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Cambridge, MA
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
Dartmouth, MA
Springfield, MA
Boston, MA
Newton, MA
Boston, MA
Massachusetts Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 8 ABA-approved law schools in Massachusetts. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard Law | #1 | 174 | $75,000 |
| Suffolk Law | #3 | 155 | $64,046 |
| New England Law | #4 | 153 | $63,216 |
| UMass Law Dartmouth | #4 | 151 | $43,154 |
| Western New England Law | #4 | 150 | $53,020 |
| BU Law | #17 | 169 | $67,000 |
| BC Law | #29 | 165 | $64,000 |
| Northeastern Law | #73 | 160 | $56,000 |
Practicing Law in Massachusetts
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in Massachusetts.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in Massachusetts, you must pass the state bar exam. Most Massachusetts law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for Massachusetts schools average 78.4%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for Massachusetts law graduates is 86.1% at 10 months post-graduation. Massachusetts is home to 5 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Cambridge, Newton, Boston, and other cities.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Massachusetts law schools ranges from $43,154 to $75,000 per year. Average student debt is $144k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across Massachusetts schools range from 150 to 174. Median GPAs range from 3.29 to 3.95. Acceptance rates vary from 12.9% to 76.27%.
Legal Specialties
Massachusetts law schools offer specializations including Administrative and Regulatory Law, American Indian Law, Animal Law, Antitrust, Arts, Entertainment, and Sports Law, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
Massachusetts has 5 Elite-tier and 2 Select-tier schools. Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, and bar passage rates — not reputation surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions: Law Schools in Massachusetts
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in Massachusetts.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has 8 ABA-approved law schools located across Cambridge, Newton, Boston, Dartmouth, Springfield. The highest-ranked is Harvard Law (#1 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in Massachusetts?
Median LSAT scores at Massachusetts law schools range from 150 to 174. The state average is 160. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 174 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in Massachusetts?
Annual tuition at Massachusetts law schools ranges from $43,154 to $75,000. The average is $60,680 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $144k.
What is the bar pass rate for Massachusetts law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across Massachusetts law schools is 78.4%. Rates range from 54.02% to 97.86%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to Harvard Law at 97.86%.
What are the best law schools in Massachusetts?
The top-ranked law schools in Massachusetts are Harvard Law (#1), Suffolk Law (#3), New England Law (#4). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in Massachusetts with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the Massachusetts bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if Massachusetts is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in Massachusetts can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.