Best Law Schools in Missouri (2026)
Compare all 4 ABA-approved law schools in Missouri by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is SLU Law (#4 nationally).
Missouri has 4 ABA-approved law schools across St. Louis and Columbia and Kansas City. Average tuition is $46,048 and the average bar pass rate is 81.9%.
4
ABA Schools
$46k
Avg. Tuition
159
Avg. LSAT
81.9%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 4 Law Schools in Missouri
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
St. Louis, MO
Kansas City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Columbia, MO
Missouri Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 4 ABA-approved law schools in Missouri. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLU Law | #4 | 156 | $56,190 |
| UMKC Law | #4 | 155 | $33,003 |
| WashU Law | #18 | 169 | $69,000 |
| Mizzou Law | #74 | 157 | $26,000 |
Practicing Law in Missouri
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in Missouri.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in Missouri, you must pass the state bar exam. Most Missouri law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for Missouri schools average 81.9%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for Missouri law graduates is 89.5% at 10 months post-graduation. Missouri is home to 2 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in St. Louis, Columbia, Kansas City.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Missouri law schools ranges from $26,000 to $69,000 per year. Average student debt is $128k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across Missouri schools range from 155 to 169. Median GPAs range from 3.51 to 3.86. Acceptance rates vary from 24% to 62.04%.
Legal Specialties
Missouri law schools offer specializations including Dispute Resolution, Health Law, International Law, Business Law, Public Interest Law, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
Missouri 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 Missouri
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in Missouri.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in Missouri?
Missouri has 4 ABA-approved law schools located across St. Louis, Columbia, Kansas City. The highest-ranked is SLU Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in Missouri?
Median LSAT scores at Missouri law schools range from 155 to 169. The state average is 159. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 169 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in Missouri?
Annual tuition at Missouri law schools ranges from $26,000 to $69,000. The average is $46,048 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $128k.
What is the bar pass rate for Missouri law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across Missouri law schools is 81.9%. Rates range from 72.83% to 92%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to WashU Law at 92%.
What are the best law schools in Missouri?
The top-ranked law schools in Missouri are SLU Law (#4), UMKC Law (#4), WashU Law (#18). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in Missouri with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the Missouri bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if Missouri is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in Missouri can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.