Aspiring lawyers have many top-notch options for pursuing a legal education in Ohio. The state has a rich academic tradition, with several law schools carving a niche for themselves in the legal community. 

Whether you’re interested in corporate law, public interest law, or constitutional law, Ohio’s top law schools offer exceptional programs and opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

Let’s explore five of the best law schools in Ohio to understand what makes each institution stand out.

Top Law Schools in Ohio

1. Moritz College of Law at Ohio State University 

US News Best Law School Ranking: #22
Tuition: $34,040 (in-state) and $49,292 (out-of-state)
Average GPA: 3.86
Average LSAT Score: 164
Acceptance Rate: 37.1%
Bar Passage Rate: 93.7%

Founded in 1891, the Moritz College of Law at Ohio State University is a top-tier law school in Ohio, recognized as one of the nation’s leading public law schools. It boasts a vibrant community of approximately 570 students and over 50 faculty members, nurturing future leaders and providing rigorous academic programs, ground-breaking research, and professional training.

The college offers a broad legal curriculum with specialties like Alternative Dispute Resolution, Politics, Government and Leadership, and Intellectual Property. Its five legal clinics reflect its practical approach to legal education, where students can gain experience assisting clients with criminal defense and small business issues.

Student life at Moritz is vibrant, with more than 40 student organizations, such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Sports and Entertainment Law Association.

The deadline for applications is March 31.

2. Case Western Reserve University School of Law

US News Best Law School Ranking: #80
Tuition: $60,800
Average GPA: 3.66
Average LSAT Score: 160
Acceptance Rate: 39.2%
Bar Passage Rate: 78.9%

Case Western Reserve University School of Law is a nationally recognized university committed to diversity and inclusion. It is highly ranked in healthcare law and offers specializations in international law, criminal law, and environmental law. The school also allows students to pursue dual degrees such as a JD/MBA, a JD/MA (Legal History), and a JD/MS (Biochemistry).

Case Western Law has over 25 student organizations that promote various programs and activities, fostering leadership skills. It prides itself on a robust co-curricular program featuring 11 moot court and mock trial teams and five distinct law journals.

The deadline for applications is April 1.

3. University of Cincinnati College of Law

US News Best Law School Ranking: #84
Tuition: $24,010 (in-state) and $29,010 (out-of-state)
Average GPA: 3.73
Average LSAT Score: 158
Acceptance Rate: 44.8%
Bar Passage Rate: 85.6%

The University of Cincinnati College of Law, also known as Cincinnati Law, was the first law school in Ohio; it is among the oldest continuously operating law schools in the country.

Located in a cosmopolitan Midwestern city, Cincinnati Law is part of a highly-ranked, research-intensive public university with a broad international network of successful alumni. The school’s faculty comprises award-winning global thought leaders, scholars, lecturers, educators, community leaders, and activists.

With a favorable 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Cincinnati Law ensures its students receive the attention and support they need to succeed. Its curriculum provides ample opportunities for student engagement, including working on leading journals, developing client counseling skills through simulated learning experiences, and planning stimulating events and programs with student organizations.

Cincinnati Law’s application deadline is March 15.

4. Cleveland State University (Cleveland-Marshall) School of Law

US News Best Law School Ranking: #111 (tied)
Tuition: $27,778.40 (in-state) and $27,878.50 (out-of-state)
Average GPA: 3.39
Average LSAT Score: 154
Acceptance Rate: 48.5%
Bar Passage Rate: 84.6%

Cleveland State University School of Law is a 125-year-old institution deeply committed to excellence, opportunity, and social justice. It is the top-ranked public law school in northern Ohio and ranks in the top 100 in four specialty areas: Health Care Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Law, and Legal Writing.

In addition to traditional JD studies, the CSU School of Law offers an MLS and a professional certificate program for professionals outside the traditional legal field. 

It also offers flexible study options, including full-time, part-time day, and part-time evening, as well as a convertible JD option that allows interested students to convert their first year of study to a full Master of Legal Studies degree.

The application deadline is July 1.

5. University of Dayton School of Law

US News Best Law School Ranking: #111 (tied)
Tuition: $38,425
Average GPA: 3.58
Average LSAT Score: 154
Acceptance Rate: 28.3%
Bar Passage Rate: 70.5%

The University of Dayton School of Law is a renowned institution dedicated to offering practical legal training in a welcoming environment. With various JD program options, including a traditional JD, accelerated JD, and online hybrid JD, the school is committed to providing a tailored and comprehensive legal education.

Dayton Law’s key differentiation is its strong focus on experiential learning. This emphasis begins in 1L year through the Legal Profession Program, where students gain practical training in essential lawyering skills like legal analysis and understanding legal authority.

Dayton Law’s faculty, comprising full-time members and part-time professionals, such as judges and experienced practitioners, are known for their expertise and commitment to helping students. Its nationally recognized curriculum focuses on challenging dialogues and unique learning opportunities to prepare students to solve real-world legal problems.

Dayton Law’s application deadline is May 1.

How Can You Get Accepted to a Law School in Ohio?

Ohio’s law schools offer various programs and resources to suit diverse interests and goals. Whether you’re looking for experiential learning, a diverse and supportive community, or a strong legal network, you’ll find an institution that’s right for you.

However, admission to these schools is competitive and typically requires a good LSAT score. That’s where Blueprint comes in!

Blueprint Prep’s self-paced online LSAT course offer a flexible solution, allowing you to study at your own speed and style. Additionally, our live LSAT classes have a proven track record of boosting students’ median LSAT scores by 15 points on average, which can put you well above the average LSAT scores of incoming law students in Ohio!

Ready to start working toward your dream job as a lawyer? Sign up for a free Blueprint LSAT account to access our customizable study planner tool, comprehensive practice exam, and more.