Best Law Schools in South Dakota (2026)
Compare all 1 ABA-approved law school in South Dakota by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is USD Knudson Law (#4 nationally).
South Dakota has one ABA-approved law school: USD Knudson Law in Vermillion.
1
ABA Schools
$37k
Avg. Tuition
152
Avg. LSAT
72.2%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 1 Law School in South Dakota
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
South Dakota Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 1 ABA-approved law schools in South Dakota. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD Knudson Law | #4 | 152 | $37,221 |
Practicing Law in South Dakota
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in South Dakota.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in South Dakota, you must pass the state bar exam. Most South Dakota law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for South Dakota schools average 72.2%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for South Dakota law graduates is 85.0% at 10 months post-graduation. South Dakota is home to 1 elite-tier school with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Vermillion.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at South Dakota law schools ranges from $37,221 to $37,221 per year. Average student debt is $90k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across South Dakota schools range from 152 to 152. Median GPAs range from 3.55 to 3.55. Acceptance rates vary from 65.57% to 65.57%.
Legal Specialties
South Dakota law schools offer specializations including Rural and Small-Firm Practice, Native Nations and Tribal Law, Public Service and Government, Regional Practice in the Great Plains. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
South Dakota 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 Dakota
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in South Dakota.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in South Dakota?
South Dakota has 1 ABA-approved law school in Vermillion. The highest-ranked is USD Knudson Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in South Dakota?
Median LSAT scores at South Dakota law schools range from 152 to 152. The state average is 152. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 152 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in South Dakota?
Annual tuition at South Dakota law schools ranges from $37,221 to $37,221. The average is $37,221 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $90k.
What is the bar pass rate for South Dakota law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across South Dakota law schools is 72.2%. Rates range from 72.15% to 72.15%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to USD Knudson Law at 72.15%.
What are the best law schools in South Dakota?
The top-ranked law school in South Dakota is USD Knudson Law (#4). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in South Dakota with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the South Dakota bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if South Dakota is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in South Dakota can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.