Best Law Schools in Minnesota (2026)
Compare all 3 ABA-approved law schools in Minnesota by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is Mitchell Hamline (#4 nationally).
Minnesota has 3 ABA-approved law schools across Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Average tuition is $51,711 and the average bar pass rate is 82.8%.
3
ABA Schools
$52k
Avg. Tuition
158
Avg. LSAT
82.8%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 3 Law Schools in Minnesota
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Saint Paul, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 3 ABA-approved law schools in Minnesota. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Hamline | #4 | 152 | $56,300 |
| St. Thomas Law (MN) | #4 | 156 | $51,832 |
| Minnesota Law | #22 | 166 | $47,000 |
Practicing Law in Minnesota
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in Minnesota.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in Minnesota, you must pass the state bar exam. Most Minnesota law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for Minnesota schools average 82.8%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for Minnesota law graduates is 89.0% at 10 months post-graduation. Minnesota is home to 2 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Minneapolis, Saint Paul.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Minnesota law schools ranges from $47,000 to $56,300 per year. Average student debt is $133k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across Minnesota schools range from 152 to 166. Median GPAs range from 3.34 to 3.76. Acceptance rates vary from 26% to 64.36%.
Legal Specialties
Minnesota law schools offer specializations including Constitutional Law, International Law, Health Law, Business Law, Public Interest Law, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
Minnesota 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 Minnesota
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in Minnesota.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in Minnesota?
Minnesota has 3 ABA-approved law schools located across Minneapolis, Saint Paul. The highest-ranked is Mitchell Hamline (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in Minnesota?
Median LSAT scores at Minnesota law schools range from 152 to 166. The state average is 158. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 166 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in Minnesota?
Annual tuition at Minnesota law schools ranges from $47,000 to $56,300. The average is $51,711 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $133k.
What is the bar pass rate for Minnesota law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across Minnesota law schools is 82.8%. Rates range from 71.6% to 90%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to Minnesota Law at 90%.
What are the best law schools in Minnesota?
The top-ranked law schools in Minnesota are Mitchell Hamline (#4), St. Thomas Law (MN) (#4), Minnesota Law (#22). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in Minnesota with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the Minnesota bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if Minnesota is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in Minnesota can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.