Best Law Schools in New York (2026)
Compare all 15 ABA-approved law schools in New York by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is Albany Law (#4 nationally).
New York is a major legal market with 15 law schools across 11 cities. Tuition ranges from $26,204 to $84,722, and the average bar pass rate is 80.8%.
15
ABA Schools
$66k
Avg. Tuition
161
Avg. LSAT
80.8%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 15 Law Schools in New York
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Albany, NY
Brooklyn, NY
Long Island City, NY
Hempstead, NY
New York, NY
White Plains, NY
Jamaica, NY
Syracuse, NY
Central Islip, NY
New York, NY
New York, NY
Ithaca, NY
New York, NY
New York, NY
Buffalo, NY
New York Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 15 ABA-approved law schools in New York. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany Law | #4 | 156 | $64,234 |
| Brooklyn Law | #4 | 160 | $76,946 |
| CUNY Law | #4 | 154 | $26,204 |
| Hofstra Law | #4 | 155 | $74,060 |
| NYLS | #4 | 156 | $69,038 |
| Pace Law | #4 | 156 | $57,756 |
| St. John's Law | #4 | 162 | $76,742 |
| Syracuse Law | #4 | 158 | $66,940 |
| Touro Law | #4 | 151 | $62,150 |
| NYU Law | #5 | 172 | $83,952 |
| Columbia Law | #8 | 173 | $78,278 |
| Cornell Law | #13 | 172 | $84,722 |
| Fordham Law | #29 | 167 | $69,000 |
| Cardozo Law | #69 | 164 | $67,000 |
| University at Buffalo Law | #100 | 155 | $28,000 |
Practicing Law in New York
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in New York.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in New York, you must pass the state bar exam. Most New York law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for New York schools average 80.8%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for New York law graduates is 87.6% at 10 months post-graduation. New York is home to 12 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in New York, Ithaca, Buffalo, and other cities.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at New York law schools ranges from $26,204 to $84,722 per year. Average student debt is $153k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across New York schools range from 151 to 173. Median GPAs range from 3.22 to 3.89. Acceptance rates vary from 11.9% to 55%.
Legal Specialties
New York law schools offer specializations including Administrative Law and Public Policy, Climate, Environmental, and Energy Law, Constitutional Law, Corporate, Business, and Transactional Law, Criminal Justice, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
New York has 12 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 New York
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in New York.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in New York?
New York has 15 ABA-approved law schools located across New York, Ithaca, Buffalo, Albany, Brooklyn, Long Island City, Hempstead, White Plains, Jamaica, Syracuse, Central Islip. The highest-ranked is Albany Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in New York?
Median LSAT scores at New York law schools range from 151 to 173. The state average is 161. 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 New York?
Annual tuition at New York law schools ranges from $26,204 to $84,722. The average is $65,668 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $153k.
What is the bar pass rate for New York law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across New York law schools is 80.8%. Rates range from 56.44% to 98.3%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to Columbia Law at 98.3%.
What are the best law schools in New York?
The top-ranked law schools in New York are Albany Law (#4), Brooklyn Law (#4), CUNY Law (#4). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in New York with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the New York bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if New York is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in New York can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.