10 Easiest Law Schools To Get Into With a Low LSAT/GPA
Some law schools accept students with lower-than-average GPAs and LSAT scores. These colleges can be considered easier to get into than other law schools.
You dream of becoming a lawyer, but maybe your grades or Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores aren't as high as you would like. You're wondering if you still have a chance of getting into law school and would like to know about schools offering the easiest law degrees.
Keep reading as we talk about some of the easiest law schools to get into and the average GPA and LSAT ranges they accept. We'll also explore some burning questions you may have as a future law student.
How Hard Is It To Get Into Law School?
Getting into law school can be challenging, no matter who you are. On average, law school acceptance rates are between 40% and 45% � and some of the top law schools in the nation have average acceptance rates under 15%, meaning even many of the most qualified applicants aren't always accepted.
That said, there are many law schools throughout the U.S., and some of them are far less competitive than others. If you have an LSAT score between 140 and 150 and a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5, you still have a decent chance of getting accepted at one of these schools, some of which we'll discuss in greater detail below.
What Makes a Law School 'Easier' To Get Into?
Though there's no such thing as a law school that's ''easy'' to get into, there are a handful of factors that make some schools easier to get into than others. These factors include:
- Lower median LSAT scores: Law schools that accept a low LSAT score are often considered easier to get into. Low scores are generally considered to be 150 or below.
- Lower GPA requirements: Law schools that accept a low GPA may provide a good opportunity for students who don't have the best grades. Many schools accept students with GPAs below 3.0.
- Higher acceptance rates: The best law schools for students with less competitive GPAs and LSAT scores have high acceptance rates. Any school that accepts more than 45% of applicants is a good place to start.
- Holistic admissions process: Some admissions criteria may work better for some students than others, depending on factors like test scores, GPA, etc. A holistic admissions process takes this into consideration and considers a student's overall potential to succeed in law school rather than just considering LSAT and GPA data.
10 Easiest Law Schools To Get Into
Whether you're looking for the fastest law degree or a more relaxed, part-time legal education, you may be able to find what you're looking for at the schools below. Keep reading as we explore some of the best law schools in the U.S. that have relatively easy admissions standards.
1. Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Thomas Jefferson School of Law is a private college located in San Diego, CA. Though it isn't accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), it is approved by the California State Bar and is one of the easiest law schools to get into in California.
First-year students admitted to this school's law programs have average LSAT scores ranging from 140 to 146 and GPAs ranging from 2.54 to 3.23. Degrees available include online and in-person Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Law (LLM) degrees.
- Estimated tuition cost: $107,000 total
- Acceptance rate: 80.65%
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
2. Thomas M. Cooley Law School
The Thomas M. Cooley Law School is located in Lansing, MI, and used to be associated with Western Michigan University. This private school is known for having low graduation and bar passage rates, but prospective students can benefit from its relatively easy admissions standards.
As of 2024, average LSAT scores at this school range from 146 to 151, and typical GPAs range from 2.86 to 3.49. Students at this school enroll in a JD program with various concentrations so they can prepare for their professional interests.
- Estimated tuition cost: $1,580 per credit hour
- Acceptance rate: 47.59%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
3. Ohio Northern University
Ohio Northern University is a private college located in Ada, OH. It contains one of the oldest law schools in the country and has been ABA-accredited since 1948; it offers both online and on-campus JD degrees.
The class that enrolled in 2024 had average LSAT scores of 146 to 151 and GPAs of 2.97 to 3.65. Students benefit from the school's rich history and relaxed admission requirements, which include acceptance of either the LSAT or GRE scores.
- Estimated tuition cost: $38,250 per year
- Acceptance rate: 73% (overall acceptance rate)
- Accreditation: HLC
4. Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University is a public school located in Carbondale, IL. Its Simmons Law School has a high acceptance rate of more than 67% and awards JD degrees.
The school's admissions committee uses a holistic process when selecting students to admit. Average LSAT scores range from 146 to 152 and average GPAs from 3.02 to 3.63; however, all facets of the application are considered when making an admissions decision.
- Estimated tuition cost: $547 per credit hour
- Acceptance rate: 67.35%
- Accreditation: HLC
5. North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University is a public historically Black school in Durham, NC. It offers full-time day and part-time evening JD programs that students can complete on campus.
Students in these programs have average LSAT scores of 146 to 153 and average GPAs of 3.07 to 3.59. The school offers low in-state tuition rates, and scholarships and fellowships are available to help students fund their legal studies.
- Estimated tuition cost: $4,740 per year
- Acceptance rate: 90% (overall acceptance rate)
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
6. Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University is located in DeKalb, IL. This is another top public college known for having a law school with relatively easy admissions requirements.
The school accepts students with average LSAT scores ranging from 147 to 153 and GPAs ranging from 3.07 to 3.59. Students pursuing JD degrees at this school benefit from small class sizes and the same tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state learners.
- Estimated tuition cost: $23,667 per year
- Acceptance rate: 55.6%
- Accreditation: HLC
7. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is a public school in Grand Forks, ND. This top-tier school offers a traditional JD program as well as dual degrees with business administration, public health, and public administration.
Most students at this school boast LSAT scores of 147 to 154 and GPAs of 3.19 to 3.76. Students can apply using either their LSAT scores or GRE scores.
- Estimated tuition cost: $514 per credit hour
- Acceptance rate: 52.22%
- Accreditation: HLC
8. Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University is a historically Black school in Houston that boasts one of the easiest law schools to get into in Texas. It offers both JD and LLM degree programs.
Though the law school has a lower acceptance rate of under 36%, it accepts many students with average to below-average grades and test scores. Averages range from 148 to 152 among LSAT scores and 2.72 to 3.61 among GPAs.
- Estimated tuition cost: $12,645 per year
- Acceptance rate: 35.63% (overall acceptance rate)
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
9. Barry University
Barry University is a Catholic school headquartered in Miami Shores, FL, though its law school is located in Orlando. Students can earn flexible Juris Doctor degrees with full-time or part-time schedules, completed in either daytime or evening.
The Barry University School of Law features average LSATs among its admitted students ranging from 148 to 152 and average GPAs between 2.91 and 3.53. Students enjoy having the flexibility to choose the right program for them and benefit from a blend of traditional and innovative teaching methods.
- Estimated tuition cost: $42,000 per year
- Acceptance rate: 60.20%
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
10. Washburn University
Washburn University is a public school in Topeka, KS. It offers various law degrees, including JD, LLM, and Master of Studies in Law (MSL) programs.
The school's median LSAT score is 151 and the median GPA is 3.6, but averages range from 148 to 155 and 3.24 to 3.83, respectively. Students benefit from a highly supportive environment that is designed to help them succeed.
- Estimated tuition cost: $10,670 per year
- Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
- Accreditation: HLC
Tips To Boost Your Chances of Law School Admission
Even if you're applying to one of the ''easier'' law schools above, it's still important to provide a strong application to help yourself stand out from the crowd. Consider the following tips.
Write a Personal Statement
Many top-ranked law programs require this, but even if your college of law does not, you can still include one as an optional document. Guidelines may vary from school to school, but personal statements are usually somewhere between 250 and 750 words long.
Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
You will typically need to submit two to three letters of recommendation, also known as references, as part of the application process. Ask for these letters from respected supervisors or faculty members who genuinely believe in you, and ensure the letters present a strong, positive endorsement before you submit them.
Highlight Meaningful Work or Volunteer Experience
When submitting your resume or CV, use this document to draw attention to any experience you've had in the legal profession or related fields. Even volunteer work or internships can go a long way to demonstrating your commitment to the field and establishing that you've had some relevant experience.
Apply to Schools With Holistic Admissions Policies
Schools claiming to have holistic admissions policies are more likely to consider your entire application and not just your GPA or LSAT scores. These schools look for a student's overall potential, making them more likely to accept students with strong applications and help them begin their legal careers.
FAQs About the Easiest Law Schools
If you still have questions about getting into ABA-accredited law schools, you're not alone. Keep reading as we provide answers to some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.
Will a Low GPA or LSAT Score Hurt My Chances of Admission?
Different law schools have slightly different admissions standards. While low GPAs and below-average LSAT scores may hurt your chances at some of the most competitive law schools, they may not be a problem at others. Some of the cheapest online law schools, for example, have relaxed admission standards and will admit students based on a variety of factors, not just LSAT scores and GPAs.
What Is the Lowest GPA a Law School Will Accept?
There is not one clear answer to this question. Many law schools don't have a required minimum GPA, instead choosing to admit students based on a holistic approach or selecting them based on a GPA range. That said, most law schools prefer students with GPAs of 2.9 or above; some with more competitive admissions standards may only admit students with much higher GPAs.
What Is the Lowest LSAT Score a Law School Will Accept?
Again, this question has no clear answer because most law schools don't require a minimum LSAT score. As noted in the school sections above, most admitted students at each college have LSAT scores that fall within a certain range; more competitive schools generally have ranges of higher scores; but many schools also accept students with lower score ranges.
Explore Law Degrees
If you're ready to enroll in law school, consider the colleges featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about the law school application process and to choose the right option for you.