Top 10 Online Law Schools With Rolling Admissions

Many law schools review applications as they are received instead of waiting until a single admissions deadline has passed. For prospective law students, this added flexibility can make it easier to apply when they're ready, although applying early in the admissions cycle is still one of the best ways to maximize admission and scholarship opportunities. 

As you compare colleges with rolling admissions, it's important to understand how the process works for law school specifically. Keep reading as we break down what rolling admissions means for law school and explore some of the top ABA-approved schools that review applications throughout the admissions cycle.

What Is Rolling Admissions for Law School? 

Rolling admissions means a law school reviews applications as they are received rather than waiting until a single application deadline has passed. Admissions committees evaluate qualified applicants throughout the admissions cycle, often releasing decisions on an ongoing basis until the incoming class is full.

Although rolling admissions gives you more flexibility in when you apply, timing still matters. Applying earlier in the admissions cycle may improve your chances of admission, scholarship consideration, and seat availability, particularly at competitive law schools where spaces fill as applications are accepted.

Top 10 Law Schools With Rolling Admissions

The law schools below are all approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and use rolling admissions or evaluate applications throughout the admissions cycle. Many also offer flexible learning options, including part-time, hybrid, or online Juris Doctorate (JD) programs, making them a strong choice for working professionals and other students who need greater flexibility while earning a law degree.

Although these schools accept and review applications on an ongoing basis, it's still a good idea to apply early. Law schools often fill seats and award scholarships as applications are received, so submitting your materials well before your preferred start date may improve your admissions opportunities.

1. Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

Arizona State University (ASU) is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law has earned a strong national reputation for its innovative curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and focus on preparing students for a wide range of legal careers.

In addition to its traditional full-time and part-time JD options, ASU Law offers a part-time online JD designed for working professionals who need greater scheduling flexibility. The law school reviews applications on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle, encouraging prospective students to apply early for the best consideration for admission and scholarships.

2. Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Case Western Reserve University School of Law is one of the best universities in Cleveland, and offers a legal education that emphasizes experiential learning, interdisciplinary study, and practical skills. Students can participate in clinics, externships, and specialized programs in areas such as health law, intellectual property, and international law.

The university is institutionally accredited by the HLC. Case Western's School of Law offers a part-time online JD program that combines live online instruction with limited in-person experiences, providing added flexibility for working professionals. Admissions are conducted on a rolling basis, with applications reviewed as they are received until the entering class is filled.

3. Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Mitchell Hamline School of Law is recognized as a leader in flexible legal education and was one of the first law schools to offer an ABA-approved hybrid JD program. Students can choose from full-time, part-time, and blended learning options while gaining practical experience through clinics, externships, and advocacy programs.

The law school is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and is institutionally accredited by the HLC. Its hybrid JD combines online coursework with on-campus learning experiences, making it a popular option for working professionals and students outside the Twin Cities. Mitchell Hamline follows a rolling admissions process, reviewing applications throughout the admissions cycle while encouraging early submission.

4. Northeastern University School of Law

Northeastern University School of Law is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and is widely recognized for its cooperative legal education model, which allows students to complete multiple full-time legal work experiences before graduation. The school also offers strengths in areas such as public interest law, health law, and intellectual property.

The university is one of the top colleges in Boston and offers both a traditional JD program and the FlexJD program, a part-time hybrid option designed for students balancing law school with professional or personal commitments. Admissions are conducted on a rolling basis, with applications reviewed throughout the admissions cycle until the incoming class is filled.

5. Seattle University School of Law

As one of the best colleges in the Seattle area, Seattle University is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Its School of Law is known for its commitment to social justice, experiential learning, and strong programs in areas such as environmental law, technology law, and public service.

The law school offers flexible pathways to a JD through full-time, part-time, and Flex JD options that combine online and in-person instruction. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, allowing prospective students to apply throughout the admissions cycle, although early applications are encouraged for the strongest consideration.

6. St. Mary's University School of Law

St. Mary's University School of Law is located in San Antonio and is recognized for its emphasis on advocacy, practical legal training, and service to the community. In addition to its traditional JD program, the school offers a fully online JD that provides greater flexibility for students who cannot attend classes on campus full time.

The university is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). St. Mary's reviews applications on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle, giving prospective students multiple opportunities to apply while still encouraging early submission for admission and scholarship consideration. It’s known for accepting applicants with a 2.5 GPA if other application materials are strong.

7. Syracuse University College of Law

Syracuse University College of Law is known for its innovative approach to legal education and strong academic programs in areas such as national security, technology, and business law. Its JDinteractive program was one of the first ABA-approved online JD programs, combining live online classes with periodic on-campus residencies to provide flexibility for working professionals and students across the country.

The university is located in Syracuse, New York, and is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Syracuse reviews applications on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle and encourages applicants to submit their materials as early as possible to maximize consideration for admission and scholarships.

8. University of Dayton School of Law

The University of Dayton School of Law is institutionally accredited by the HLC and has earned national recognition for its Online Hybrid JD program, which blends live online instruction with periodic on-campus experiences. The school also offers full-time and part-time pathways, allowing students to choose the format that best fits their schedules.

The university is located in Dayton, Ohio, and emphasizes practical legal training through clinics, externships, and experiential learning opportunities. Admissions are conducted on a rolling basis, with applications reviewed throughout the admissions cycle until the incoming class is filled. Its holistic admissions process means it may accept students with a 2.8 GPA.

9. University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) Franklin Pierce School of Law is located in Concord, New Hampshire, and the university is institutionally accredited by the NECHE. The law school is internationally recognized for its strength in intellectual property law while also offering respected programs in business, commercial, and international law.

In addition to its traditional JD program, UNH Law offers a Hybrid JD that combines online coursework with in-person learning experiences, providing greater flexibility for working professionals and students who cannot relocate. The school uses a rolling admissions process, reviewing applications throughout the admissions cycle while encouraging applicants to apply early for the strongest consideration.

10. Vermont Law and Graduate School

Vermont Law and Graduate School is located in South Royalton, Vermont, and is well known for its leadership in environmental law, energy law, and public policy. The school offers both traditional and part-time, hybrid JD programs, allowing students to complete much of their coursework online while participating in required on-campus residencies and experiential learning opportunities.

The institution is accredited by the NECHE. Vermont Law reviews applications on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle, giving students flexibility in when they apply while recommending early submission for admission and scholarship consideration.

How We Rank Schools 

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. For this list, we also prioritize:

• ABA approval: Every law school on this list is approved by the American Bar Association, which is required for graduates to sit for the bar exam in most states. We also verify that each university holds institutional accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency.
• Rolling admissions: We give preference to law schools that review applications throughout the admissions cycle rather than relying on a single admissions deadline. We also consider how schools communicate application timelines and encourage early submission.
• Program flexibility: We evaluate the availability of full-time, part-time, hybrid, and online JD options, along with experiential learning opportunities such as clinics, externships, and legal practice programs that help prepare students for their careers.
• Student outcomes: We review publicly available information about bar passage rates, employment outcomes, graduation rates, and other indicators of student success to identify law schools with strong records of preparing graduates for the legal profession.

Learn more about our ranking methodology. 

Benefits of Applying to Law Schools With Rolling Admissions

Rolling admissions can give prospective law students more flexibility throughout the application process. Although applying early is still important, these admissions policies allow qualified applicants to submit their materials when they are ready instead of waiting for a single application deadline.

More Time To Prepare Your Application

Preparing a competitive law school application takes time, especially when gathering letters of recommendation, writing a personal statement, and completing the LSAT. Rolling admissions can give you greater flexibility to submit a polished application without being limited to one deadline.

Receive an Admissions Decision Sooner

Because applications are reviewed as they are received, many law schools notify applicants of their admissions decisions throughout the application cycle. Receiving a decision earlier can give you more time to compare schools, visit campuses, and plan your next steps.

More Opportunities To Compare Financial Aid

Early admissions decisions can make it easier to compare scholarship offers and financial aid packages from multiple law schools. Having more time to evaluate your options can help you choose a program that fits both your career goals and your budget.

Flexible Learning Options

Many law schools with rolling admissions also offer full-time, part-time, hybrid, or online JD programs. These flexible formats can make law school more accessible for working professionals, parents, military service members, and other students balancing multiple responsibilities.

Greater Control Over the Application Process

Rolling admissions allows you to submit your application when your materials are as strong as possible instead of rushing to meet a single deadline. Even so, applying earlier in the admissions cycle generally provides the best opportunity for admission before available seats begin to fill. 

How To Choose a Law School With Rolling Admissions

Rolling admissions is only one factor to consider when comparing law schools. Looking closely at accreditation, academic quality, costs, and career outcomes can help you choose a program that supports your long-term goals in the legal profession.

Confirm ABA Approval

Choose a law school that is approved by the American Bar Association. Graduating from an ABA-approved law school is required to sit for the bar exam in most states and can expand your career opportunities after graduation.

Review Bar Passage and Employment Rates

Strong bar passage rates and employment outcomes can provide insight into how well a law school prepares graduates for legal practice. Many schools publish these statistics, making it easier to compare student outcomes before applying.

Compare Tuition and Financial Aid

Law school is a significant financial investment, so compare total costs rather than tuition alone. Review scholarships, grants, loan options, and other financial aid opportunities to estimate your overall cost of attendance.

Consider Clinical and Experiential Learning Opportunities

Hands-on learning is an important part of legal education. Clinics, externships, moot court competitions, and legal practice experiences can help you build practical skills and strengthen your resume before graduation.

Evaluate Flexible Learning Options

If you plan to work while earning your JD, look for schools that offer part-time, hybrid, or online programs. Choosing a format that fits your schedule can make it easier to balance law school with your personal and professional responsibilities.

Think About Your Career Goals

Some law schools are particularly well known for fields such as environmental law, intellectual property, health law, or public interest law. Selecting a school with strengths that align with your interests can help you build specialized knowledge and professional connections. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to law school involves more than choosing a school with a flexible admissions process. These answers address some of the most common questions prospective law students have about rolling admissions and what to expect during the application cycle.

What Does Rolling Admissions Mean for Law Schools?

Rolling admissions means a law school reviews applications as they are received rather than waiting until a single application deadline has passed. Qualified applicants typically receive admissions decisions throughout the admissions cycle until the incoming class is full.

Even with rolling admissions, it's usually best to apply as early as possible. Submitting your application early may improve your chances of admission, scholarship consideration, and securing a seat in your preferred entering class.

Are Law Schools With Rolling Admissions Easier To Get Into?

Rolling admissions refers to when applications are reviewed, not how selective a law school is. Every ABA-approved law school maintains admissions standards designed to prepare students for the rigor of legal education.

If you’re searching for the easiest law degree programs, understand that no ABA-approved JD program is considered easy. Some schools may offer more flexible learning formats, such as part-time, hybrid, or online programs, but they still require students to meet rigorous academic and admissions expectations.

Do All Law Schools Use Rolling Admissions?

Many ABA-approved law schools use some form of rolling admissions, but not all follow the same process. Some review applications continuously throughout the admissions cycle, while others combine rolling review with priority deadlines or multiple admissions rounds.

Before applying, review each school's admissions calendar carefully. Understanding application deadlines, scholarship timelines, and seat availability can help you plan your application strategy.

Can You Earn a Law Degree Online?

Several ABA-approved law schools now offer hybrid or online JD programs that combine live online coursework with required in-person residencies or experiential learning opportunities. These programs are designed to provide greater flexibility while maintaining the same academic standards as traditional law programs.

Not every law school offers an online option, so it's important to verify the delivery format before applying. Students who plan to work while attending law school may benefit from part-time or hybrid programs.

When Should You Apply to a Law School With Rolling Admissions?

The best time to apply is generally as early in the admissions cycle as possible. Because applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, earlier applicants may have access to more available seats and scholarship opportunities.

That does not mean you should rush your application. A strong LSAT score, compelling personal statement, and well-prepared application materials are often more important than submitting your application a few weeks earlier.

Explore Law Schools

Start your journey to law school by exploring the programs with rolling admissions featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific law schools to find out more about their admissions processes and application requirements.