Best Law Schools in South Carolina (2026)
Compare all 2 ABA-approved law schools in South Carolina by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is Charleston Law (#4 nationally).
South Carolina has 2 ABA-approved law schools across Columbia and Charleston. Average tuition is $41,842 and the average bar pass rate is 74.4%.
2
ABA Schools
$42k
Avg. Tuition
156
Avg. LSAT
74.4%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 2 Law Schools in South Carolina
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Charleston, SC
Columbia, SC
South Carolina Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 2 ABA-approved law schools in South Carolina. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston Law | #4 | 153 | $49,684 |
| South Carolina Law | #89 | 158 | $34,000 |
Practicing Law in South Carolina
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in South Carolina.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in South Carolina, you must pass the state bar exam. Most South Carolina law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for South Carolina schools average 74.4%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for South Carolina law graduates is 84.5% at 10 months post-graduation. South Carolina is home to 1 elite-tier school with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Columbia, Charleston.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at South Carolina law schools ranges from $34,000 to $49,684 per year. Average student debt is $125k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across South Carolina schools range from 153 to 158. Median GPAs range from 3.50 to 3.54. Acceptance rates vary from 44% to 50.09%.
Legal Specialties
South Carolina law schools offer specializations including Business and Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Children's Law, Litigation and Trial Advocacy, Litigation and Advocacy, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
South Carolina 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 South Carolina
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in South Carolina.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in South Carolina?
South Carolina has 2 ABA-approved law schools located across Columbia, Charleston. The highest-ranked is Charleston Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in South Carolina?
Median LSAT scores at South Carolina law schools range from 153 to 158. The state average is 156. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 158 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in South Carolina?
Annual tuition at South Carolina law schools ranges from $34,000 to $49,684. The average is $41,842 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $125k.
What is the bar pass rate for South Carolina law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across South Carolina law schools is 74.4%. Rates range from 63.86% to 85%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to South Carolina Law at 85%.
What are the best law schools in South Carolina?
The top-ranked law schools in South Carolina are Charleston Law (#4), South Carolina Law (#89). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in South Carolina with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the South Carolina bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if South Carolina is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in South Carolina can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.