Best Law Schools in Pennsylvania (2026)
Compare all 8 ABA-approved law schools in Pennsylvania by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is Drexel Kline Law (#4 nationally).
Pennsylvania is a major legal market with 8 law schools across 5 cities. Tuition ranges from $29,000 to $78,348, and the average bar pass rate is 81.3%.
8
ABA Schools
$51k
Avg. Tuition
159
Avg. LSAT
81.3%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 8 Law Schools in Pennsylvania
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Harrisburg, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Villanova, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Carlisle, PA
Pennsylvania Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 8 ABA-approved law schools in Pennsylvania. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel Kline Law | #4 | 158 | $58,850 |
| Duquesne Law | #4 | 156 | $60,118 |
| Widener Commonwealth | #4 | 148 | $61,100 |
| Penn Law | #6 | 173 | $78,348 |
| Temple Law (Beasley) | #54 | 161 | $29,000 |
| Villanova Widger Law | #62 | 160 | $56,000 |
| Pitt Law | #78 | 160 | $32,000 |
| Penn State Dickinson Law | #80 | 158 | $33,000 |
Practicing Law in Pennsylvania
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in Pennsylvania.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in Pennsylvania, you must pass the state bar exam. Most Pennsylvania law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for Pennsylvania schools average 81.3%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for Pennsylvania law graduates is 88.1% at 10 months post-graduation. Pennsylvania is home to 4 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Philadelphia, Carlisle, Pittsburgh, and other cities.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Pennsylvania law schools ranges from $29,000 to $78,348 per year. Average student debt is $141k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across Pennsylvania schools range from 148 to 173. Median GPAs range from 3.36 to 3.89. Acceptance rates vary from 10% to 66.49%.
Legal Specialties
Pennsylvania law schools offer specializations including Corporate Law, Health Law, Intellectual Property, Business Law, Criminal Law, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
Pennsylvania has 4 Elite-tier schools. Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, and bar passage rates — not reputation surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions: Law Schools in Pennsylvania
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in Pennsylvania.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has 8 ABA-approved law schools located across Philadelphia, Carlisle, Pittsburgh, Villanova, Harrisburg. The highest-ranked is Drexel Kline Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in Pennsylvania?
Median LSAT scores at Pennsylvania law schools range from 148 to 173. The state average is 159. 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 Pennsylvania?
Annual tuition at Pennsylvania law schools ranges from $29,000 to $78,348. The average is $51,052 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $141k.
What is the bar pass rate for Pennsylvania law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across Pennsylvania law schools is 81.3%. Rates range from 47.87% to 96.3%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to Penn Law at 96.3%.
What are the best law schools in Pennsylvania?
The top-ranked law schools in Pennsylvania are Drexel Kline Law (#4), Duquesne Law (#4), Widener Commonwealth (#4). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in Pennsylvania with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the Pennsylvania bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if Pennsylvania is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in Pennsylvania can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.