When choosing a career in law, getting into a law school is the first and most important decision you would find yourself making when the time is right.
Many schools in Florida would give you a law degree, but it’s important to choose the best option.
If you’re looking for the best law schools in Florida, then this is the right place for you to look. This article will highlight some of the best law schools in Florida.
Are there Law Schools in Florida?
Yes, there are a lot of law schools in Florida. You’d find a law school to suit your tastes in areas like Southern Florida and Northern Florida. Before considering a law school, you should at least have a budget you are working with, which will guide you into the proper college you finally decide to enroll in.
The city of Florida is known for its reputation as one of the best places to find a college in the United States of America. According to statistics, over 60,000 students worldwide come to Florida annually to seek college admission.
Florida law schools are multifaceted and diverse and have a lot to offer. Many have a great track record in job placement and producing outstanding lawyers. Admission into these schools would be less tedious if you could meet the requirements placed by the institution.
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What are Law Schools in Florida Ranked for?
The law schools in Florida are best known for their offerings in business law, entertainment law, criminal law, corporate law, constitutional law, public interest law, and taxation. These different options give an avenue to decide what category of law they’d like to venture into.
Florida is home to some of the best law schools in the United States of America. Its reputation stands out from the rest of law schools as it boasts top-notch law colleges offering some of the most sought-after programs in law.
Law schools in Florida are suited to meet the needs of applicants in terms of tuition fees, living expenses, and the general budget for college. It’s also known for having employment security to back up students with good grades at the end of law school.
All these qualifications explain why thousands of law applicants choose colleges in Florida to study yearly.
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How Long is a Law School in Florida?
It takes approximately four years to finish a bachelor’s degree and about three years (with full-time enrollment) to finish law school in Florida. The American Bar Association-approved law schools usually require 3 years of full-time study to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Studying a legal discipline in Florida is very different from studying a legal discipline in another state or country.
In many countries, students begin their law studies immediately after graduation from high school. Still, the case differs from Florida’s, as applicants are advised to get a bachelor’s degree or a pre-law degree before commencing law school.
As an international student, a J.D. (Juris Doctor) from a US law school will not always prepare you to practice law in your home country, as law schools in the US teach based on the British system. However, different law firms would hire lawyers with a J.D. Degree.
Another state with great law schools is California. Check Out the Best Law Schools in California
What are the Requirements of Law Schools in Florida?
Law schools in Florida generally have a set standard of requirements, and more competitive schools will require higher standards than others. However, more non-competitive schools will have reachable goals in terms of requirements.
Law schools in Florida are easygoing and would not necessarily need much documentation compared to other law schools. Knowing the prerequisites for entering a law school is crucial in helping you achieve your career goal.
Here are the major requirements that you will need to apply for a law school in Florida:
Get a Bachelor’s Degree
As a postgraduate degree, the first requirement for law school is getting a four-year bachelor’s degree in an accredited college.
There is no specific pre-law field to increase your chances of being admitted into law school, as the law is a multidisciplinary field. It’s important to know that, irrespective of the undergraduate study, the grade point average (GPA) is a major part of a law school’s applicant selection process.
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Law School Admissions Test
Most law schools require applicants to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), which is a standardized test that consists of two categories; a multiple-choice exam and a written essay
The test aims to assess the applicants’ reasoning, analytical, reading and writing skills. The test is administered four times every year in various locations around the country and internationally.
The LSAT score is the most important factor for admission into a Law School in Florida, along with the applicants’ bachelor’s degree GPA. LSAT scores usually range from 120 to 180, with 150 being average.
Letter of Recommendation
This is less important than the grade average and test scores, a student’s letters of recommendation can increase the odds of entering law school. The most accepted letters of recommendation come from work supervisors or previous professors in the discipline you want to venture into.
If you’ve already gotten a job before applying for a law school, then a manager or supervisor letter can serve as a recommendation letter.
- Personal Statement
Most law schools make it a must for applicants to write their statements to backup for college applications. Depending on the school’s preferences, a personal statement can either respond to a predetermined set of questions or an open-ended essay.
Your statement should cover what you want the reader to know about you, why you’re applying to the college, what makes you a suitable candidate, and what experiences and skills you possess that show your passion for your chosen field.
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How Much is the Tuition of Law Schools in Florida?
Tuition fees for law schools in Florida vary depending on the direct intuitional costs and cost of living for about a nine-month academic year. The estimated cost of tuition fee for law schools in Florida are $32,556 for state residents and $38,505 for out-of-state students for the academic year.
Over three years, for a full-time law school, a law student is expected to pay about $87,222 for an in-state or public school and up to $153,804 for a private school. These numbers can be somewhat overwhelming, especially when moving from undergraduate directly to law school.
Understanding the cost of law school gives you enough time to plan for the financial sacrifices you’d find yourself making in the coming time.
Some law schools in Florida are quite affordable and would sometimes include accommodation fees and other costs in the tuition, so it’s advisable to go with the law school that suits your financial budget.
How Many Law Schools are in Florida?
There are about 15 ABA-accredited law schools in Florida. The University of Florida is the top-ranked school in the state, followed by Florida State University and the University of Miami.
Florida law schools are among the best in the United States; that’s why they always have a rush of students applying every year. The state also has one of the lowest bar passage rates in the country (about 70% on average).
If you want to apply to a law school in Florida, you should remember that; the average GPA of incoming students is 3.64, and the acceptance rate is 50%.
The 25th percentile LSAT score at these schools is 156, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 161. 33% of enrolled students submitted LSAT scores with their applications at these law schools.
These law schools are accredited by the ABA and are also members of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).
Here is the list of Law Schools in Florida:
- Ave Maria Law School
- Barry University School of Law
- Florida A&M University College of Law
- Florida Coastal School of Law
- Florida International University College of Law
- Florida State University College of Law
- Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law
- Stetson University College of Law
- St. Thomas University School of Law
- The University of Florida Levin College of Law
- University of Miami School of Law
- Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Tampa Bay Campus
- Rollins College (Crummer Graduate School)
- The University of Tampa
- Cumberland School of Law at Samford University
Another state with great law schools is California. Check Out the Best Law Schools in California
What are the Best Law Schools in Florida?
Florida law schools are known as one of the best in the United States. With good educational materials, sound professors, research and study guides, well-equipped libraries, and a serene studying environment, nothing beats these schools compared to the high standard of education they offer.
Florida is home to some of the top law schools and programs in the United States. While many people may automatically associate the Midwest and Northeast with having the best law schools, Florida boasts some of the most impressive programs and faculty not just in the United States but also internationally as well.
The schools on this list have been carefully selected after a series of research on each of them. They were selected based on several factors such as location, cost of living, programs offered, professional development and opportunities, employability rate, the standard of education, etc.
The best law schools in Florida are listed as follows:
- University of Miami School of Law
- The University of Florida Levin College of Law
- Florida State University College of Law
- Stetson University College of Law
- Florida Coastal School of Law
- Florida International University College of Law
List of all the Top Law Schools in Florida
Pursuing a career as a lawyer starts with finding the right institution for your academic qualifications. In Florida, several institutions provide esteemed law programs, and most are nationally recognized.
These law schools are chosen based on their appearance on the US News and World Report ranking of best law schools and what they stand to offer law students. The schools on this list have some of the best post-graduation prospects, bar passage rates, professional development training and opportunities.
Here are the 15 best law schools in Florida.
- The University of Florida Levin College of Law
- Florida State University College of Law
- University of Miami School of Law
- Florida International University College of Law
- Stetson University College of Law
- Florida Coastal School of Law
- St. Thomas University School of Law
- Florida A&M University College of Law
- Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law
- The University of Tampa
- Cumberland School of Law at Samford University
- Rollins College (Crummer Graduate School)
- University of North Florida Coggin College of Business, Herbert University Center
Best Law Schools in Naples, Florida
Naples is a city on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida known for high-end shopping and a golf course. Some top-rated law schools here are based on various measures, including academic performance and equity.
Here are the best law schools in Naples, Florida;
TheAve Maria Law Institute
This School of Law in Naples Florida is a Catholic law school dedicated to educating lawyers with the finest professional skills.
To obtain a law degree from an ABA-accredited school, 90 credit hours are required for graduation, including a core curriculum of 74 credit hours (6 of which are elective experiential credits).
Hodges University
Hodges University, founded in 1990 in Naples, Florida is a nonprofit private higher education institution. Originally named International College, it was renamed Hodges University in 2007 in memory of Earl and Thelma Hodges, the institution’s main benefactors and long-staying residents and supporters of Hodges University.
Hodges University is the first non-law school in Florida to offer the Juris Master’s degree. Hodges University offers an online Bachelors in Legal Studies degree that helps prepare you for a future in law.
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Law Schools in Southern Florida
South Florida is the southernmost region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is one of Florida’s three regions, the others being Central Florida and North Florida. Law schools in Southern Florida offer a unique approach to teaching.
Here are the law schools in Southern Florida;
- Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Tampa Bay Campus
Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School is a private law school founded in 1972. With approximately 1,200 students, it is one of the nation’s largest and most diverse law schools and shares WMU’s commitment to excellence and access.
A formal affiliation with WMU, recognized by both the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and the American Bar Association, was initiated in 2014.
University of Miami School of Law
Students live and study at the University of Miami School of Law in Coral Gables, Fla. The school has a high law school ranking in tax law.
Miami Law students can cater their education to a specific study area, including sports and entertainment law, corporate law, international law, and environmental law. Students can also specialize in their education through a variety of joint degree programs.
Stetson University College of Law
Stetson University College of Law, founded in 1900 and part of Stetson University, is Florida’s first law school.
Originally located near the university’s main campus in DeLand, Florida, the law school moved in 1954 to Gulfport, Florida.
Florida International University College of Law
The Florida International University College of Law is the law school of Florida International University, located in Miami, Florida in the United States.
The law school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is the only public law school in South Florida
Law Schools in Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola is the westernmost city in Florida. It is by far one of the best places to live in Florida. Law schools in Pensacola, Florida give great educational quality.
Here are the law schools in Pensacola Florida;
1. University of West Florida
The department of justice studies offers two undergraduate bachelor’s programs in criminal justice and legal studies and a graduate degree program leading to a Master of Science in administration – criminal justice.
The graduate course is taught online. The criminal justice course is recommended for occupations associated with the criminal justice system and the legal studies for paralegals and legal assistants. Anyone considering law school can take the pre-law legal studies course.
2. Florida State University
Based in Tallahassee, a two-hour drive from Pensacola, about 3,000 applicants to FSU’s law school compete for 300 spots annually. Tallahassee, the state’s capital, has an abundance of law firms, offering students in the area good employment prospects and internship opportunities.
The school also offers students the opportunity to take exchange programs in Washington and London. As part of the academic program, students can specialize in legal areas of specific interest to Florida, such as natural resources and land use law.
3. Faulkner University
The law school at Faulkner University in Montgomery is 164 miles from Pensacola. Also known as Jones Law or JLS, Thomas Goode Jones School of Law at Faulkner has earned a reputation for its academic program and bar exam pass rate, with 94 percent of students passing the first time.
The school specializes in commercial and constitutional law, civil procedure and alternative dispute resolution. However, the college does have a strong Christian ethos, which may not appeal to all students.
4. Tulane University Law School
Tulane’s law school is the 12th oldest in the United States, and its history, combined with its location in New Orleans, appeals to some 2,600 applicants annually.
The school is about 200 miles from Pensacola and offers a three-year program with internship opportunities and maritime, environmental, and sports law programs. One drawback is the tuition, which was $37,000 a year as of 2010. Financial aid is available.
Law Schools in Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida is the region along the southwest Gulf coast of the U.S. state of Florida. Law schools in southwest Florida offer services to a diverse community of students by providing a wide range of dynamic and high-quality academic programs.
Here are the law schools in southwest Florida;
1. Ave Maria School of Law
This is a private university located in Naples, Florida. It is the only law school in Southwest Florida to offer the J.D. degree, as recognized by the LSAC.
2. Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University is a public university in Fort Myers, Florida. The university does not offer an advanced law degree, but it does offer a B.S. in Legal Studies.
3. Southwest Florida College
Southwest Florida College is a private college with two campuses in Southwest Florida in Port Charlotte and Fort Myers. The college does not offer an advanced law degree, though it does offer an A.S. and a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Paralegal.
4. Rasmussen College
Rasmussen College is a private college in Fort Myers, Florida. The college does not offer an advanced law degree, though it does offer an A.S. and a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Paralegal.
Christian Law Schools in Florida
Christian law schools in Florida help students combine rigorous academics with Christian-based principles. It allows Christians who prefer an education that integrates Christian principles into academics and student life.
Here are the Christian law schools in Florida;
1. Ave Maria School of Law
Ave Maria School of Law, founded in 1999, is an ABA-accredited Roman Catholic law school located in Naples, Florida.
Ave Maria Law School is a Catholic law school that provides a premier legal education enhanced by the Catholic intellectual tradition that recognizes the existence of objective moral truths and the inherent dignity of every human being.
2. Barry University
Barry University is a private Catholic university in Miami Shores, Florida. Founded in 1940 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, it is one of the largest Catholic universities in the Southeast and is within the territory of the Archdiocese of Miami.
Barry University School of Law is the only Dominican Law School in the United States. The law school seeks to challenge students to embrace intellectual, personal, ethical, spiritual, ecological, and social responsibilities in an atmosphere of academic freedom.
3. Florida Memorial University
Florida Memorial University is a private, historically black university in Miami Gardens, Florida. It is a member of the United Negro College Fund and historically related to Baptists, although it claims a focus on broader Christianity.
The Bachelor of Arts in Law and Government is an interdisciplinary liberal arts degree program that fuses Pre-Law, Political Science, and Public Administration.
4. St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University School of Law is one of the graduate schools of St. Thomas University, located in Miami Gardens, Florida. The School of Law was founded back in 1984.
St. Thomas University College of Law has established the LL.M. (Master of Laws) degree program in Cybersecurity Law & Policy to further education, promote research, and inform policy. It is the only program of its kind in the state of Florida.
Entertainment Law Schools in Florida
Entertainment law, also referred to as media law, is legal services provided to the entertainment industry. Law schools in Florida provide students with the option to study entertainment law.
Here are the entertainment law schools in Florida;
1. Florida State University
This course examines key issues involved in the practice of Entertainment Law. Taught primarily by focusing on the music industry—but relevant and with sections involving book publishing, film, theater, and television—the course includes details for future litigators and future transactional attorneys.
2. University of Miami
The University of Miami School of Law is the law school of the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. Founded in 1926, the University of Miami School of Law is the oldest law school in South Florida, graduating its first class of 13 students in 1929.
Entertainment law is available only at the University of Miami School of Law and taught by prominent faculty and practicing attorneys; students study this Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law degree to focus on areas of law that in today’s world are expanding, converging, and at times, intersecting.
3. Saint Thomas University
The purpose of the Entertainment and Sports Law Society is to educate and inform students about the fields of entertainment and sports law. Further, it aims to offer students opportunities to learn, experience, network, and further promote the application of the law.
Business Law Schools in Florida
Business Law is an intellectually challenging study of the constantly changing legal puzzles that face businesses of all sizes and types. Business law schools in Florida bring together concepts of business and law for students who are passionate about both.
Here are the business law schools in Florida;
1. Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University embodies a culture of strategic and collaborative community engagement that results in mutual benefit to the institution and the diverse internal and external communities that it serves.
The Business Law minor provides students with practical legal knowledge of substantive business law topics and current legal issues. Students learn the skill sets necessary to identify and manage legal issues encountered within personal and business contexts, including litigation, contract law, employment and human resources, real and personal property law, and applied critical thinking.
2. Levin College of Law University
The highly regarded University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law (Florida Law) is considered one of the best public law schools in the country. Named for a former student, the law school is considered one of the country’s best tax law schools and the highest-ranked of Florida’s 11 accredited law schools.
The college’s curricular strengths include tax law, business law, estates and trusts, environmental law, dispute resolution, international law, intellectual property law, criminal law, family and children’s law, and an emphasis on developing the highest standards of professional conduct.
3. Florida State University
The LL.M. in Business Law is open to students with a J.D. degree and foreign lawyers. The LL.M. in Business is designed to provide advanced business law and finance training to lawyers in areas of growing demand, such as regulatory compliance, in-house counsel, transactional law, complex business litigation, and financial regulation due to changes in the legal landscape, the adoption of the Dodd-Frank Act and cybersecurity.
The Business Law Certificate Program allows students planning a career in business or business law to receive specialized training in a set of core areas: publicly traded corporations, closely-held business entities, corporate finance, law and economics, and taxation.
4. University of Miami
Whether your goal is to work in private law firms, banking/financial institutions, corporate compliance, media/broadcast companies, accounting firms, non-profits, or government agencies, the University of Miami will provide you with a thorough understanding of the intersection of law and business.
Their curriculum focuses on the world’s expanding and converging business law practice. No matter your interest in business, Miami Law offers 100+ courses and experiences to prepare you.
Criminal Law Schools in Florida
Criminal law schools in Florida have a good reputation for being one of the leading schools for criminal justice study and research in the United States.
Here are the criminal law schools in Florida;
Florida International University
Florida International University’s Green School of International and Public Affairs offers several levels of criminal justice degree programs (from bachelor’s to Ph.D.) that are recognized among Florida’s best criminal justice programs.
Besides, FIU offers two unique programs called LEAP – the Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program, which provides a combination of specialized training traditional classroom work, and their internship program, which includes a reflection paper written regarding the internship experience.
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University’s School of Criminology & Criminal Justice offers an undergraduate and graduate-level degrees in criminal justice, which are recognized as some of the best programs in Florida.
FAU’s undergraduate degree program in criminal justice can be completed entirely online. In contrast, the Master of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice is a hybrid program that provides online teaching & graduate jobs as teacher’s assistants.
University of Tampa
The University of Tampa’s College of Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Education offers two Bachelor of Science (BS) degree programs – one in Forensic Science and the other in Criminal Justice and Criminology.
The University of Tampa also offers a Master of Science (MS) degree program in Criminology and Criminal Justice that can be completed as a dual degree in an accelerated delivery. All of UT’s criminal justice programs are recognized among the best criminal justice programs in Florida.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University’s Department of Justice Studies offers a bachelor’s degree program and a master’s degree program in Criminal Justice, ranked as one of Florida’s best criminal justice programs.
FGCU’s undergraduate criminal justice degrees include legal studies, forensic studies, or criminal justice. FGCU’s graduate degree programs include forensic studies and criminal justice. Students enrolled in Florida Gulf Coast University’s criminal justice degree programs will also complete an internship that allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world applications.
Family Law Schools in Florida
Family Law schools in Florida help students discover how the law applies to familial Issues through clinical experience.
Here are the family law schools in Florida;
Stetson University College of Law
Stetson University College of Law, founded in 1900 and part of Stetson University, is Florida’s first law school. Originally located near the university’s main campus in DeLand, Florida, the law school moved in 1954 to Gulfport, Florida.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits Stetson University. The College of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and has been a member of the Association of American Law Schools since 1931.
Florida State University: College of Law
The College of Law’s Family Law program features an internationally recognized faculty with expertise in various areas, including the law of parenthood, gender and family justice, new reproductive technologies, abortion, children’s advocacy, marital rights, civil rights, and divorce.
Academic courses allow students to understand the ins and outs of family law and how it intersects with tort law, constitutional law, and criminal law. Florida State offers a wealth of courses on family law, valuable externship options, and a cutting-edge clinic that allows students to work at the intersection of criminal justice and family law.
University of Maimi
Family law is also interdisciplinary as related issues arise in business law, criminal law (domestic violence), immigration law, international law, and juvenile justice (child abuse and juvenile delinquency).
Miami Law offers numerous clinical opportunities to gain these skills through hands-on experience with clients in our diverse, multicultural city.
Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law
The Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law is committed to providing graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to aid society through the competent and ethical practice of law.
Students are exposed to the theories of law from a faculty of professors who are leaders in their fields and who embrace an open-door policy.
Best Law Schools in South Florida
The best Law schools in South Florida are known for the most diverse faculty and the best in greatest resources for minority students. Here are the best law schools in south Florida;
FIU College of Law
The Florida International University College of Law is the law school of Florida International University, located in Miami, Florida in the United States. The American Bar Association accredited the law school and is the only public law school in South Florida.
Stetson University College of Law
Stetson University is nationally ranked 111th among law schools by U.S. News & World Report. Among specialty rankings, the school tied for second in trial advocacy and tied for fifth in legal writing. Stetson had a 74.4 percent first-time Bar passage rate for takers of the October 2020 Florida Bar Examination.
Shepard Broad College of Law
Shepard Broad College of Law is the law school of Nova Southeastern University, located on the university’s main campus in Davie, Florida. The school offers full-time day and part-time evening programs.
St. Thomas University College of Law
St. Thomas University School of Law is one of the graduate schools of St. Thomas University, located in Miami Gardens, Florida. The School of Law was founded back in 1984.
Law Schools in Florida 2023 Rankings
Law school rankings in Florida are based on U.S. News & World Report (2023). These law schools are known as the best in the United States due to the high-quality education they provide.
The University of Florida—Levin College of Law
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #21
Tuition: $21,803 (in-state)
Average GPA: 3.84
Average LSAT Score: 165
Acceptance Rate: 19.8%
Bar Passage Rate: 87.7%
At #21 in the U.S. News & World law school rankings, the University of Florida tops the list of Florida’s best law schools. It’s competitive, accepting 19.8% of students—fewer than one in five.
Getting accepted to the best law school in Florida won’t be easy. With an acceptance rate of 19.8%, you need to focus on your LSAT score and GPA and ensure your law school application is intact.
If accepted, though, you can expect a world-class education at a school known for producing political leaders on both the state and national levels. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 5.7:1, the law school offers a lot of face-time with professors, despite its medium size (currently enrolling 722 full-time students).
Florida State University
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #48
Tuition: $20,693 (in-state)
Average GPA: 3.73
Average LSAT Score: 161
Acceptance Rate: 29.7%
Bar Passage Rate: 88.4%
With a 29.7% acceptance rate, applicants have slightly less than a 1-in-3 shot of getting into the law school, which has 595 students. Once there, they can anticipate student-to-faculty ratios of 7.3:1, with 57.6% of students employed at graduation (and 85.9% employed ten months later).
Ranked #48 overall, FSU’s law school tops many other lists. It has one of the most extensive clinical externship programs in the United States. The result is an 88% first-time Bar passage rate (compared to the average 71%).
Florida State University makes a law degree affordable and accessible. In-state tuition fees are just over $20,000. National Jurist consistently ranks this law school as one of the nation’s best-value law schools.
University of Miami
- U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #72
- Tuition: $55,936
- Average GPA: 3.53
- Average LSAT Score: 159
- Acceptance Rate: 51.4%
- Bar Passage Rate: 80.1%
Ranked #72 overall, the University of Miami Law School climbs the charts when it comes to Clinical Training (#24 in the country), Tax Law (#28), and International Law (#29). If you’re interested in one or more of these areas, the University of Miami might be the right place for you!
This law school in Florida has one of the best faculty-to-law student ratios (7:1) in the United States, and it’s not uncommon to be on a first-name basis with your law professors. That’s a huge perk, considering this law school attracts some of the best lawyers in Miami to teach.
With an impressive first-time Florida bar passage rate and a promising law school acceptance rate, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep Miami Law on your list of law schools in Florida.
Florida International University
- U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #88
- Tuition: $21,820 (in-state)
- Average GPA: 3.65
- Average LSAT Score: 158
- Acceptance Rate: 29.1%
- Bar Passage Rate: 94.4%
At #88 in the rankings, Florida International University Law School moves up the list to #31 for its part-time programs, with a #49 ranking for International Law.
With a moderate average LSAT score of 158 and a bar passage rate more than 20% higher than the state average, FIU Law graduates are poised to dominate the Florida legal scene upon graduation. The school admits around 1/3 of applicants, with a 29.1% acceptance rate. At graduation, 43.4% have jobs lined up; ten months later, that rises to 88.8%.
The Florida International University College of Law is ranked the Best Value Law School thanks to its low in-state and out-of-state tuition fees for its full-time and part-time law programs and an incredibly high first-time bar passage rate.
Stetson University
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #111
- Tuition: $45,802
- Average GPA: 3.44
- Average LSAT Score: 155
- Acceptance Rate: 52.1%
- Bar Passage Rate: 77.5%
Coming in at #111 in the overall rankings, Stetson Law has exceptional programs in Trial Advocacy (#2 nationwide) and Legal Writing (#5), as well as Dispute Resolution (#24). The school accepts around 1/2 of the applicants (52.1%).
As the first law school in Florida, Stetson University College of Law is no stranger to making history. This Florida law school also pushed the state into requiring pro bono service by students and faculty and is one of the few law schools to share space with a working court—Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal.
Stetson Law students can apply for its full-time or part-time program and graduate in nearly the same time, plus or minus a year. The application deadline for both programs is in May, allowing you to choose an LSAT date in the fall or early in the year.
What are the Most Affordable Law Schools in Florida?
University of Miami School of Law has the most tuition & fees of $54,134, while St. Thomas University School of Law has the lowest tuition & fees at $21,095. Most law schools in Florida offer financial aid by supporting students and giving off loans where necessary.
If you’re interested in attending any law school of your choice, you would want to know your options before you begin applying. It’s difficult to determine which schools and programs are more affordable by comparing their tuition fees. Still, this ranking would help you put your financial budget into consideration.
Although many colleges and universities in Florida offer programs for aspiring lawyers, the following institutions stand out from the other law schools due to their reputation, tuition costs, and notable alumni.
To help you get started on your college application, we have compiled a list of Florida’s affordable law schools. They include;
Levin College of Law.
The average tuition & fees are $21,804 for Florida residents and $38,040 for others. This cost is different from the costs of other undergraduate and graduate programs. For major programs other than law at the University of Florida, the average undergraduate tuition & fees are $6,381 for Florida residents and $28,659 for others.
The average graduate program tuition & fees are $12,737 for Florida residents and $30,130 for others. The average living costs, including room & board and other living expenses, are $14,240 when a student lives on-campus (i.e., dormitory, school-owned apartment) and $14,240 when a student lives off-campus.
Florida State University College of Law
The 2023 tuition & fees at Florida State University College of Law are $20,694 for Florida residents and $40,705 for others. This cost is different from the costs of other undergraduate and graduate programs. For major programs other than law at Florida State University, the average undergraduate tuition & fees are $5,656 for Florida residents and $18,786 for others.
The average graduate program tuition & fees are $11,553 for Florida residents and $26,707 for others. The average living costs, including room & board and other living expenses, are $16,820 when a student lives on-campus (i.e., dormitory, school-owned apartment) and $16,820 when a student lives off-campus.
Nova Southeastern University
The annual list price to attend Nova Southeastern University full-time is $54,912 for all students, regardless of their residency.
This fee is $32,370 for tuition, $13,656 for room and $1,728 for books and supplies, and $1,060 for other fees. Out-of-state tuition for Nova Southeastern University is $32,370, the same as Florida residents.
Thomas University School of Law
Thomas University has the lowest tuition and fees. A full-time semester is $50,676 for all students, regardless of their residency. This fee is $31,800 for tuition, $12,360 for room and board, $360 for books and supplies, and $1,140 for other fees.
Out-of-state tuition for St. Thomas University is $31,800, the same as Florida residents. The average Net Price is about $24,436.
University of Tampa
The University of Tampa has a much lower tuition rate of $21,900 per year. They have an excellent bar passage rate with a low student-to-faculty ratio. Their acceptance rate is also relatively low at 60%. Overall success rate: 62%
What are the Accredited Law Schools in Florida?
An accredited law school is a school whose program has received American Bar Association (ABA) approval. Before you enroll in a law school not approved by the ABA, you should research the bar-admission limitations of obtaining a degree from the school.
In an ABA-accredited law school, you can expect to take certain courses mandated by the ABA. These courses surround substantive law, legal research, legal reasoning, legal problem-solving, legal writing, oral communication, professionalism, internships, etc.
Some states permit graduates of unaccredited schools to take the bar examination, but most states do not. Future attorneys who have studied at an unaccredited law school typically point to three major benefits: flexible schedules, lower admission standards, and lower fees.
There are several law schools in Florida that are accredited, and these schools provide a high quality of education.
These are the accredited law schools in Florida.
Ave Maria School of Law
Ave Maria School of Law focuses on professional excellence, the moral foundations of the law, and the harmony of faith and reason. It is a national Catholic law school. Ave Maria is committed to producing highly competent graduates who can reflect critically on the law and its principles. The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 16 to 1. The experienced faculty members prepare students to practice at the highest level and succeed on the country’s bar exams.
Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law
The University of Orlando School of Law was founded in early 1993. The School of Law became a part of Barry University, a Catholic international university, in March 1999. The School of Law facilities includes a 9,000-square-foot classroom and a 36,000-square-foot law library.
Florida A&M University College of Law
Florida A&M University (FAMU) was established in 1887. It is a comprehensive, public, coeducational, and fully accredited land-grant university. It offers a broad range of instruction, research, and service programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. The FAMU College of Law reopened in downtown Orlando, Florida, in 2002, as the only public law school in Central Florida. The College of Law moved into its brand-new state-of-the-art permanent facility at 201 Beggs Avenue in 2006.
Florida Coastal School of Law
The ABA fully accredits the Florida Coastal School of Law. It offers the finest legal education. It is led by exceptional and internationally accomplished faculty. Coastal Law offers mentorship and a realistic, experience-based approach.
The University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
It was founded in 1909. It has been a member of the AALS since 1920. The ABA approved it in 1925. The college’s faculty is highly accomplished scholars, educators, and practitioners. The University of Florida is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive universities. It is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.
Florida International University College of Law
The college received full approval from the ABA in December 2006. The curriculum incorporates important developments in the globalization of public and private law. The academic program incorporates new perspectives into all domestic law classes, taking a pervasive approach to international and comparative law.
The Florida State University College of Law
The school encourages close working relationships among students and faculty. Florida State University’s liberal arts orientation gives students a strong sense of community. It integrates insights from such diverse disciplines as history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, economics, and finance into the study of law.
University of Miami School of Law
It was established in 1926 in Coral Gables, Florida. The University of Miami School of Law is part of one of the largest private research universities in the United States. The ABA accredits Miami. It is a member of the AALS also.
Nova Southeastern University—Shepard Broad Law Center
The ABA accredits NSU Law. It is also a member of the AALS. The Law Center is located in the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale.
St. Thomas University School of Law
St. Thomas University School of Law is a fully accredited law school by the ABA. It was founded in 1984. St. Thomas emphasizes professional ethics throughout its programs. It provides intensive academic support on an individual and small-group basis. The curriculum includes an array of clinical experiences.
What are the Best Pre-Law Schools in Florida?
In the United States, it is advised that students seeking to take up a law degree at a prestigious college would first have to do pre-law, a preparatory degree for study at a law school. This will give you exposure to what to expect from studying a legal profession; at the end of the program, if you decide to enroll in another field, then the choice is yours.
Law schools in Florida prefer students with majors that demonstrate challenging coursework like writing, analysis, and critical thinking. Many students who major in the humanities succeed in their law school applications and academics once they begin their law school coursework.
Some universities in Florida offer pre-law services that help students explore various legal careers while assisting them with their law school applications. The best pre-law schools on this list are those with strong academic advising for students interested in legal professions, impressive placement records for top law schools, and a rigorous undergraduate curriculum that will develop essential lawyering skills and lead to success on the LSAT.
The best pre-law schools in Florida are;
- Nova Southeastern University
- Barry University
- Hodges University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Palm Beach Atlantic University
- Webber International University
Conclusion
If you’re looking to go to law school in Florida, you have a wide range of options; from private universities like Barry University School, St. Thomas University, and Nova Southeastern University to public schools like the University of Miami School of Law, Florida A&M University College of Law and to State universities like Florida State University College of Law, Florida has several options.
Choosing the best law school to enroll in can be a challenging and time-consuming. To get the best out of your education, you have to be enrolled in a law school that brings out the best in you.
Law schools in Florida are typically the best choice to kick-start your career. This is because the state has many law schools that provide high-quality courses to students and many opportunities for graduates who successfully complete their law studies.
With the recommended schools in this article, it is up to you to decide which law schools in Florida best fit your educational endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Law Schools in Florida
Is there a decent law school in Florida?
The Levin College of Law at the University of Florida (UF) is ranked 31st among all law schools in the US News & World Report yearly rankings. Because of its emphasis on academics and practical work, UF Law is primarily regarded as one of the greatest public law schools in the country.
What does the acceptance rate mean?
A college’s acceptance rate is simply the number of students or applicants that got accepted after going through the application process the university. It is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants on a yearly basis measured in percentage.
What Is the Easiest Law School in Florida to Get Into?
The Easiest Law School in Florida to get into is Florida Coastal School of Law with an acceptance rate of 72 %, a 144 median LSAT score, and a 2.88 GPA.
Another option is Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, one of the best law schools in the country having an acceptance rate of 61%, 146 median LSAT scores, and a 2.96 GPA.
How much does a lawyer earn in Florida?
According to zip recruiter, As of May 25, the average annual pay for a Lawyer in Florida is approximately $71,573 a year. This is an equivalent of $1,376/week and $5,964/month.
References
- https://justscholars.com
- https://www.concordlawschool.edu
- https://www.niche.com
- https://www.collegeavestudentloans.com
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