Vanderbilt Law School

General Info

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Among the nation's leading law schools, Vanderbilt is recognized for its distinguished faculty, its talented students drawn from across the nation and around the world, and its rigorous curriculum with an array of joint-degree, specialized, and interdisciplinary programs. Building on this tradition of excellence, Vanderbilt has established itself as a leader in designing innovative programs that connect outstanding theoretical training to real-world information and experiences relevant to twenty-first century law practice. A legal education that links the best scholarly research to effective lawyering provides immediate advantages to Vanderbilt graduates.

With about 190 students in each entering JD class, Vanderbilt fosters a tradition of challenging intellectual inquiry in an atmosphere of mutual respect. This small-school sense of collegiality combined with a distinguished and accessible faculty creates an exceptional environment to prepare for leadership in private practice, public service, business, or government. With state-of-the-art facilities situated on a beautiful and vibrant university campus in a sophisticated and livable city, Vanderbilt offers a first-rate legal education in a setting that promotes a great quality of life.

Contact information

Vanderbilt Law School Admissions

Vanderbilt Law School is considered a Competitive law school, which accepts only 39% of its applicants. Comparatively, Vanderbilt is Significantly Higher than the average cost for law school.

Applications Offers Matriculated
Class of 2028 3852 1467 (38.08%) 162 (4.2%)
25% Median 75%
GPA 3.50 3.74 3.83
LSAT 161 166 168

Tuition And Financial Aid

In-State Resident Non-Resident
Full Time $51,360 $51,360
Part Time N/A N/A

Living Expenses

  • Living on-campus: $24,506
  • Living off-campus: $24,506
  • Living at home: $24,506

Important Dates

  • Early Decision 1: N/A
  • Early Decision 2: N/A
  • Regular Decision: N/A
  • Application Fee: $50

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Vanderbilt Law School COMPARISON TOOL

Vanderbilt Law School

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Vanderbilt Law School Community

Vanderbilt Law School is considered to have a Favorable student to faculty ratio. The average class size for 1L sections is approximately Above Average compared to other law schools. Student diversity at Vanderbilt is Average.

Student body

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Faculty Statistics

  • Full Time: 36
  • Part Time: 52

Faculty

  • # Female Faculty: 35
  • # Minority Faculty: 11

Ratio

14.9 Students

1 Faculty

Housing Options

  • On Campus Housing: Yes
  • Graduate Housing: Yes
  • Law Specific Housing: Yes

Vanderbilt Law School Curriculum

The size of 1L sections affects the quality and consistency of teaching in law schools. Generally with smaller 1L section sizes, students receive more individualized attention. Vanderbilt Law School 1L section size is 39% larger than law schools in Tennessee and 15% smaller than all PRIVATE law schools.

1L Section Size Comparison

Vanderbilt Law School: 127
Tennessee Average: 78
PRIVATE School Average: 146

Positions Available in Advanced Courses

  • Simulation Courses: 717
  • Faculty Supervised Clinics: 78

Students Involved in Advanced Activities

  • Field Placements: 83
  • Law Journals: 421
  • Moot Court/Mock Trials: 0

Attrition Rates

  • First Year: 1.2%
  • Second Year: 0.0%
  • Third Year: 0.0%
  • Fourth Year: 0.0%

Vanderbilt Law School Employment

Deciding to attend law school requires a large financial investment with the goal of securing employment upon graduation. The Vanderbilt Law School class of 2023 had an employment rate of 93% with 5% pursuing an additional degree.

Employment Comparison

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In 2023, 100.0%% of students reported their employment status 9-months after graduation.

Type of Employment

  • Law Firms: 49.0%
  • Business: 5.0%
  • Government: 12.0%
  • Public Interest: 11.0%
  • Academia: 2.0%
  • Tennessee: 25%
  • District of Columbia: 10%
  • New York: 8%

Bar Passage Rates

  • Reporting: 100.0%
  • First Time Takers: 186
  • Average School: 92.5%
  • Average State: 76.5%
  • Pass Difference: 16.0%

Top Bar Jurisdiction

  • Tennessee: 74.5%
  • Passed: 41 of 44 (93.2%)
  • State Average: 76.5%
  • Difference: 18.7%