The Truth About Law School Rankings: What Really Matters in Choosing a School
Law school rankings play a significant role in how applicants choose where to apply, but are they really the most important factor? While a higher-ranked law school can open certain doors, rankings should not be the only thing you consider. Your future career goals, financial situation, and personal fit with a school matter just as much, if not more.
In this guide, we break down what law school rankings mean, their limitations, and what really matters when choosing the right school for you.
1. How Law School Rankings Work
Most applicants rely on the U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) Law School Rankings, but do you know how these rankings are determined?
✅ What Goes Into the Rankings?
Employment outcomes (33%) – Jobs at graduation and 10 months later
Bar passage rates (18%) – First-time bar exam pass rates
LSAT scores and GPA (20%) – Median scores of admitted students
Peer reputation (12%) – How law schools are rated by faculty and lawyers
Resources per student (7%) – Spending per student on education
✅ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Rankings Alone:
Rankings change every year, but law schools’ reputations remain fairly stable.
Some schools game the system to improve rankings (e.g., offering deferrals to low LSAT scorers).
Your career success depends on more than just rankings. Employers value skills, networking, and experience.
2. Do T14 Law Schools Really Matter?
The T14 (Top 14) law schools—including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Columbia—are considered the most prestigious. Graduates from these schools have the best access to BigLaw jobs, federal clerkships, and academia.
✅ When Prestige Matters Most:
You want a job in BigLaw (large corporate firms paying $200K+ starting salaries).
You’re aiming for a federal clerkship or academia.
You want national job mobility.
✅ When Prestige Matters Less:
You plan to practice public interest, government, or small/mid-sized firms.
You want to stay in a specific region (local law schools often have strong job networks).
You’re prioritizing low debt over ranking.
3. Other Factors That Matter More Than Rankings
Instead of focusing only on rankings, think about these factors when choosing a law school:
✅ Employment Outcomes
Look at ABA 509 employment reports, not just rankings.
Compare placement rates in your desired field (BigLaw, government, public interest).
✅ Cost & Scholarships
Rankings won’t pay your debt! If a lower-ranked school offers a full ride, it may be a better option.
Consider how much debt you’ll have vs. your expected salary.
✅ Bar Passage Rates
A great school prepares you to pass the bar on your first try.
Check bar passage rates on ABA 509 reports.
✅ Location & Alumni Network
A regional school in your target city may be better than a higher-ranked school elsewhere.
Strong local alumni networks can help you land jobs.
4. Should You Pick a Lower-Ranked School for a Scholarship?
For some students, a full-ride scholarship at a lower-ranked school is the smartest decision.
✅ Good reasons to choose a lower-ranked school:
You want to work in public interest or government (where debt relief is important).
The school is in your target city or state (local connections matter more than ranking).
You want financial freedom instead of being tied to BigLaw to pay off loans.
5. The Final Verdict: Balance Rankings with Your Goals
Law school rankings matter, but they aren’t everything. The best law school for you depends on:
Your career goals (BigLaw, public interest, government, etc.).
Employment outcomes (not just rankings).
Scholarship offers vs. potential debt.
Location and networking opportunities.
Before making a decision, ask yourself: “Will this law school help me get where I want to go—without drowning me in debt?”
🚀 Use Kappa Alpha Pi’s pre-law resources to make an informed choice and set yourself up for success!
