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Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 03/03/23
Are you interested in learning all about law schools in Indiana? You’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn everything you need about top law schools in Indiana.
There is a lot to see and do in Indiana. You can experience the prairie by horseback, enjoy a variety of beautiful parks, and take in some incredible scenery. Indiana has many charming antique shops, beautiful bridges, and a range of cultural attractions.
Along with sites and nature, Indiana boasts the Indianapolis 500 and a state-wide love of basketball. Some of the state's best basketball players come from Indiana.
Indiana is also home to several outstanding American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law schools that provide solid curriculums to help prospective lawyers prepare for successful legal careers. We'll cover Indiana’s law schools in this guide, along with important information, data, and rankings.
Let’s get started!
Indiana has three ABA-accredited law schools prospective students can choose from. U.S. World and News Report rank each law school among the top 100 in the United States.
It’s important to note that Indiana used to be home to four law schools. However, as of 2020, the Valparaiso University School of Law suspended admissions and shut down. So as it stands, the state has three top-tier law schools to choose from.
Ranking: #43 in Best Law Schools
Tuition: $58,000 per year
Acceptance Rate: 39.10%
Bar Passage Rate: 90.54%
GPA: 3.72
LSAT: 162
Indiana University Maurer School of Law has a long history. It was founded in 1842 as the Midwest's first state university law school and the ninth law school in the nation.
It’s located in the humble city of Bloomington and is a relatively small law school. As a result, it has a strong sense of community. The Maurer School of Law has at most 700 students at any given time, who come from around 200 schools across the country and abroad.
If you’re looking for a law school with an outstanding faculty and a strong sense of support, this school might be the right fit for you. It’s well known to have a collaborative environment and a strong curriculum.
Students can choose from 17 optional areas of study and various courses. The Maurer School of Law also allows students to contribute to their communities and supplement their in-class education with public interest opportunities.
Students can also participate in clinics, including the Elmore Entrepreneurship Law Clinic, which assists clients in starting sustainable businesses, and the Inmate Legal Assistance Project, which provides students with first-hand experience at a federal prison.
In addition to a J.D. degree, students can take dual degrees in business, such as a J.D./M.B.A. through the Kelley School of Business. Students can also choose to take on dual degrees in environmental and public affairs, cybersecurity, and a variety of other fields.
The main areas of expertise at the Maurer School of Law are international law, intellectual property, criminal law, tax law, and environmental law; however, students can choose from various programs, and a specific area of focus is not required.
Ranking: #98 in Best Law School
Tuition: $51,668 per year
Acceptance Rate: 59.60%
Bar Passage Rate: 90.54%
GPA: 3.58
LSAT: 154
Though it has a lower national ranking than other law schools in Indiana, the McKinney School of Law has a solid reputation and the highest post-graduate employment rate of any Indiana law school. Two United States Vice Presidents, senators, representatives, governors, and ambassadors have graduated.
The McKinney School of Law is the largest law school in the state and is situated within the urban core of Indianapolis. So, it offers a very different environment and experience than its counterpart, the Maurer School of Law, which is also a part of Indiana University.
Students can graduate with a J.D. degree, or a Master of Laws (LL.M.), Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.), and a Master of Jurisprudence Degree (M.J.). In addition to various courses, there are opportunities to gain hands-on experience in experiential programs.
Ranking: #25 in Best Law Schools
Tuition: $68,054 per year
Acceptance Rate: 25.10%
Bar Passage Rate: 97.37%
GPA: 3.81
LSAT: 168
Notre Dame Law School (NDLS) is the highest-ranked law school in Indiana, with numerous Supreme and Federal Court clerkships. It’s also one of the nation's oldest Roman Catholic law schools, which uses its religious foundation as a guiding principle in applying legal education.
NDLS has a relatively small class size of just over 500 students, which helps foster community and student collaboration. Despite its Roman Catholic background, it welcomes students of all backgrounds and faiths.
Students can choose between a J.D. program and various dual degrees, such as a J.D./MBA through the Mendoza College of Business or a J.D./M.Eng. through the College of Engineering, a J.D./M.A. in English, and a J.D./Masters of Global Affairs.
Notre Dame Law School also offers an LL.M. in International Human Rights Law, an LL.M. at Notre Dame, and various programs, ranging from Business Law, Ethics, and Public Policy. Experiential learning opportunities are available, equipping students with hands-on experience and practical skills outside the classroom.
When selecting which law school to attend, it’s wise to consider law schools in Indiana. Notre Dame Law School, the McKinney School of Law, and the Maurer School of Law are excellent options with a ton to offer. Each school's national rankings and alumni say there are top law schools in Indiana.
Choosing a law school is no easy feat. So take your time and ensure you have all your ducks in a row. Ensure you have the GPA and LSAT scores required for acceptance. If you have yet to take the LSAT, consider booking Private LSAT Tutoring to set yourself up for success.
Consider every factor we’ve discussed regarding where you’ll attend law school. Are you interested in a small campus with modest class sizes? Or are you in the market for a large campus experience in a bustling city? It’s important to think of everything you want to get out of law school.
Which programs are you most interested in? Reflect on your future goals as a lawyer. Taking time to contemplate will provide clarity as you decide which law school to attend. Rest assured, if you choose a law school in Indiana, you’ll receive a first-rate legal education.
For any remaining questions about law schools in Indiana, read on to learn more.
Indiana has three excellent law schools: Notre Dame Law School, the McKinney School of Law, and the Maurer School of Law.
The Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law requires students to have an LSAT score of 154. Its counterpart in Bloomington, Indiana University Maurer School of Law, requires students to have an LSAT score of 162.
Indiana has three exceptional law schools to choose from. Each has a quality curriculum, terrific faculties, and a forward-thinking approach to legal education.
This guide has given you a better understanding of your next steps after learning about these top law schools in Indiana. Whatever path you choose, these Indiana law schools will assist you in becoming a top-tier lawyer.
The faculties at Notre Dame Law School, the McKinney School of Law, and the Maurer School of Law are exceptional, as are the resources, curriculum, and opportunities.
Best of luck!
