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Law Schools in South Carolina: What You Need to Know

September 5, 2023
Contents

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Reviewed by:

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 05/18/23

You've come to the right place if you want to find out more about law schools in South Carolina. Let’s get started!

Selecting the right law school can be challenging. Several important factors include the variety of programs, their physical location, and the scholarships offered. You’ll need to ensure their financial requirements align with your budget. Most importantly, choosing a law school that aligns with your goals and suits your interests. 

Considering law school in South Carolina, home to two top-notch law schools, is worthwhile. Both schools produce high-quality lawyers with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career. South Carolina has a demand for lawyers and a positive job outlook. 

Read on to learn the ins and outs of law schools in the best law schools in South Carolina. This guide covers everything from what test scores you need to be considered for acceptance to what each school brings.

List of Law Schools in South Carolina

Don't let South Carolina’s lack of options deter you. Both the University of South Carolina and the University of Charleston offer excellent legal programs. Read on to learn more about what scores you need to gain acceptance, their ranking, and more. 

The University of Charleston - Charleston School of Law

National Ranking: #147-192 in Best Law Schools
Bar Passage Rate:
74.19% 
Cost of Tuition:
$43,700 per year
Acceptance Rate:
55.6%
Median LSAT:
152
Median GPA:
3.42

The University of Charleston is a private university in the bustling port city of Charleston. If you want to study law in a vibrant city filled with culture, the Charleston School of Law might be right for you. However, despite its surroundings, the Charleston School of Law offers a quiet campus experience. 

Charleston is South Carolina’s most populous city and has much to offer. You can take in beautiful architecture rich with history, from cobblestone to Spanish moss. Charleston balances the old and new, as seen in its traditional Southern dishes fused with contemporary cuisine. 

The Charleston School of Law is an ABA-accredited law school, well known for its emphasis on the needs of students. Its curriculum is based on the fundamentals and practical legal knowledge needed to work in the legal field. 

Students can choose to take a three-year JD degree or study the complexities of Admiralty and Maritime Law. The latter program is focused on providing aspiring lawyers with vital insight into the port in Charleston’s historic peninsula and the legal implications. 

The Charleston School of Law believes in the value of hands-on knowledge and offers a variety of opportunities. Students can learn and grow with pro bono opportunities and The Charleston School of Law Externship Program

Pro bono opportunities enable students to engage in pro bono work that meets or exceeds the School of Law's graduation requirements by working with lawyers who practice public interest law. The Externship Program provides students with valuable in-person legal experience in various practice areas while receiving academic credit.

Overall, the Charleston School of Law offers quality legal education rooted in the belief that first-hand legal experience is valuable. The Charleston School of Law might be the right fit if you're looking for a distinct learning experience and the opportunity to gain practical skills. 

The University of South Carolina School of Law

National Ranking: #84 in Best Law Schools 
Bar Passage Rate:
81%
Cost of Tuition:
$41,500 per year
Acceptance Rate:
49.8%
Median LSAT:
159 
Median GPA:
3.61

The University of South Carolina School of Law is one of the nation’s oldest schools, with 151 years of experience providing top-tier legal education. In contrast to the Charleston School of Law, 

The law school is publicly funded. Located in the state capital of Columbia, The University of South Carolina School of Law offers students the opportunity to study in the downtown core of a vibrant city. 

In addition to a lively city backdrop, the school has a larger student population than the Charleston School of Law. As a result, it offers a lively campus experience filled with extracurricular activities. 

The University of South Carolina School of Law is especially known for its Gamecocks football program, one of the best in the nation. So if you’re interested in catching a football game in between hitting the books, This law school might be a great fit. 

Columbia offers a variety of exceptional restaurants, fascinating historical sites, and adventure-seeking recreational activities. Columbia has it all, whether you're in the mood for a live show or a paddle down a river. 

Like the Charleston School of Law, the University of South Carolina School of Law believes in the value of experiential learning. Students can gain valuable hands-on experience, within clinics, externships, pro bono programs, and capstones

The school offers a variety of JD programs, combination and dual degree programs. Students can opt for a Master of Studies in Law or a certificate program. 

Should I Go to Law School in South Carolina?

If you’re eager to launch a successful career as a lawyer, consider attending law school in South Carolina. The Charleston School of Law and the University of South Carolina School of Law offer first-rate legal programs with various hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. 

Whether you attend the Charleston School of Law or the University of South Carolina School of Law, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled, knowledgeable lawyer. Both schools have much to offer, from excellent curriculums to outstanding faculties. 

Students can carve out their paths and learn from the legal experts at the best law schools in South Carolina. The Charleston School of Law and the University of South Carolina School of Law produce top-notch lawyers.

FAQs: South Carolina Law Schools

Read on to learn more about law schools in South Carolina! 

1. Does South Carolina Have Good Law Schools?

South Carolina has two exceptional law schools; the Charleston School of Law and the University of South Carolina School of Law. 

2. How Many Law Schools Are in South Carolina?

There are two law schools in South Carolina. The Charleston School of Law and The University of South Carolina School of Law.

3. What Is the Average LSAT Score for the University of South Carolina Law School?

The average LSAT score needed to gain acceptance to the University of South Carolina Law School is 159. 

4. What LSAT Score Do I Need for Charleston Law?

To gain acceptance to the Charleston School of Law, applicants need a median LSAT score of 152.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have insight into what law schools in South Carolina offer, you can narrow down your choices. Remember to reflect on what you’re hoping to gain from law school. If you’re interested in refining your skills and building on your knowledge via learning experiences, both law schools have various opportunities. 

It’s helpful to consider what kind of campus experience interests you. If you prefer a quiet environment, the Charleston School of Law may fit you. Or, if you’re interested in attending a livelier school with a range of extracurriculars, consider the University of South Carolina Law.

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