Are you considering a future in law and exploring the vibrant state of Georgia for your legal education? From the iconic peaches to the bustling city of Atlanta, Georgia offers a diverse range of law schools. Whether you’re fresh out of college or returning to school after a break, this guide breaks down the top law schools in Georgia to help you make an informed decision.
Why Georgia?
Georgia is not just known for its natural beauty; it’s also home to five distinguished law programs. This guide, based on the US News & World Report rankings, provides valuable insights into the strengths, specialties, and unique features of each law school. All five institutions are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), ensuring a quality legal education.
Factors to Consider:
Before delving into the rankings, let’s understand the key factors that influence your decision-making process:
- US News Ranking:
- The rankings, based on graduate placement, faculty resources, student achievements, and professional opinions, offer a snapshot of each law school’s standing.
- Median LSAT Score and GPA:
- Pay close attention to the median LSAT scores and GPAs, keeping in mind that admissions consider a variety of factors.
- Acceptance Rate:
- Understand how competitive each program is by examining acceptance rates.
- Tuition:
- Consider tuition costs, especially if you’re a Georgia resident. Some schools offer more cost-effective options.
- Areas of Focus:
- Explore each program’s specialties, as they can guide your decision based on your specific legal interests.
Now, let’s dive into the rankings and details of the top law schools in Georgia:
1) University of Georgia (Athens, GA)
- Ranking: #20
- Median LSAT Score: 168
- Median GPA: 3.87
- Acceptance Rate: 14.8%
- Tuition: In-State $18,994, Out-of-State $37,752
- Specialties: Trial Advocacy, International Law, Business/Corporate Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Clinical Training
2) Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
- Ranking: #35
- Median LSAT Score: 168
- Median GPA: 3.8
- Acceptance Rate: 26%
- Tuition: $64,300
- Specialties: Contracts/Commercial Law, Business/Corporate Law, Constitutional Law, Health Care Law, Intellectual Property Law
3) Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA)
- Ranking: #69
- Median LSAT Score: 161
- Median GPA: 3.61
- Acceptance Rate: 28.4%
- Tuition: In-State $17,202, Out-of-State $36,810
- Specialties: Health Care Law, Clinical Training, Trial Advocacy, Constitutional Law, Intellectual Property Law
4) Mercer University (George) (Macon, GA)
- Ranking: #99
- Median LSAT Score: 154
- Median GPA: 3.48
- Acceptance Rate: 46.1%
- Tuition: $42,292
- Specialties: Trial Advocacy, Legal Writing, Contracts/Commercial Law, Intellectual Property Law
5) Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (Atlanta, GA)
- Ranking: #171
- Median LSAT Score: 151
- Median GPA: 3.14
- Acceptance Rate: 45.8%
- Tuition: Full-Time $49,578, Part-Time $30,398
- Specialties: Trial Advocacy, Legal Writing, Intellectual Property Law, Criminal Law
Final Thoughts:
As you navigate your law school search, remember that rankings are just one aspect to consider. Your best fit may not necessarily be the highest on the list. Explore each school’s unique features, align them with your goals, and make an informed decision that sets you on the path to a successful legal career.