Best Law Schools in Rhode Island (2026)
Compare all 1 ABA-approved law school in Rhode Island by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is RWU Law (#4 nationally).
Rhode Island has one ABA-approved law school: RWU Law in Bristol.
1
ABA Schools
$49k
Avg. Tuition
149
Avg. LSAT
47.4%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 1 Law School in Rhode Island
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Rhode Island Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 1 ABA-approved law schools in Rhode Island. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| RWU Law | #4 | 149 | $49,090 |
Practicing Law in Rhode Island
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in Rhode Island.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in Rhode Island, you must pass the state bar exam. Most Rhode Island law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for Rhode Island schools average 47.4%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for Rhode Island law graduates is 80.0% at 10 months post-graduation. Rhode Island is home to 1 elite-tier school with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Bristol.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Rhode Island law schools ranges from $49,090 to $49,090 per year. Average student debt is $135k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across Rhode Island schools range from 149 to 149. Median GPAs range from 3.44 to 3.44. Acceptance rates vary from 67.67% to 67.67%.
Legal Specialties
Rhode Island law schools offer specializations including Public Interest and Criminal Law, Marine and Environmental Law, Regional Practice in Rhode Island and New England, Business and IP for Small and Mid-sized Practice. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
Rhode Island has 1 Elite-tier school. Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, and bar passage rates — not reputation surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions: Law Schools in Rhode Island
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in Rhode Island.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has 1 ABA-approved law school in Bristol. The highest-ranked is RWU Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in Rhode Island?
Median LSAT scores at Rhode Island law schools range from 149 to 149. The state average is 149. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 149 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in Rhode Island?
Annual tuition at Rhode Island law schools ranges from $49,090 to $49,090. The average is $49,090 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $135k.
What is the bar pass rate for Rhode Island law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across Rhode Island law schools is 47.4%. Rates range from 47.41% to 47.41%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to RWU Law at 47.41%.
What are the best law schools in Rhode Island?
The top-ranked law school in Rhode Island is RWU Law (#4). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in Rhode Island with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the Rhode Island bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if Rhode Island is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in Rhode Island can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.