University of San Diego School of Law

General Info

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The University of San Diego School of Law, commonly referred to as USD Law, is a law school in San Diego, California. USD Law offers Juris Doctor degrees as well as LL.M. degrees in taxation law, international law, business and corporate law, and comparative law (for non-U.S. students). USD Law placed 85th among the nation's "Top 100" law schools by the 2008 U.S. News and World Report rankings. One out of every four attorneys practicing in San Diego graduated from USD's School of Law.

Contact information

USD Law School Admissions

USD Law School is considered a Competitive law school, which accepts only 41% of its applicants. Comparatively, Sandiego is Significantly Higher than the average cost for law school.

Applications Offers Matriculated
Class of 2028 3287 1331 (40.49%) 261 (7.9%)
25% Median 75%
GPA 3.19 3.52 3.63
LSAT 156 159 161

Tuition And Financial Aid

In-State Resident Non-Resident
Full Time $48,831 $48,831
Part Time $36,181 $36,181

Living Expenses

  • Living on-campus: $21,170
  • Living off-campus: $21,170
  • Living at home: $13,055

Important Dates

  • Early Decision 1: 12/15
  • Early Decision 2: N/A
  • Regular Decision: N/A
  • Application Fee: N/A

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USD Law School COMPARISON TOOL

USD Law School

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USD Law School Community

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

Student body

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Faculty Statistics

  • Full Time: 49
  • Part Time: 73

Faculty

  • # Female Faculty: 44
  • # Minority Faculty: 13

Ratio

15.0 Students

1 Faculty

Housing Options

  • On Campus Housing: No
  • Graduate Housing: No
  • Law Specific Housing: No

USD 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. USD Law School 1L section size is 9% larger than law schools in California and 12% larger than all PRIVATE law schools.

1L Section Size Comparison

USD Law School: 165
California Average: 150
PRIVATE School Average: 146

Positions Available in Advanced Courses

  • Simulation Courses: 811
  • Faculty Supervised Clinics: 270

Students Involved in Advanced Activities

  • Field Placements: 242
  • Law Journals: 162
  • Moot Court/Mock Trials: 0

Attrition Rates

  • First Year: 5.4%
  • Second Year: 4.4%
  • Third Year: 0.0%
  • Fourth Year: 0.0%

USD Law School Employment

Deciding to attend law school requires a large financial investment with the goal of securing employment upon graduation. The USD Law School class of 2023 had an employment rate of 81% with 1% pursuing an additional degree.

Employment Comparison

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In 2023, 98.8%% of students reported their employment status 9-months after graduation.

Type of Employment

  • Law Firms: 55.0%
  • Business: 22.0%
  • Government: 12.0%
  • Public Interest: 6.0%
  • Academia: 1.0%
  • California: 86%
  • Arizona: 2%
  • Nevada: 2%

Bar Passage Rates

  • Reporting: 98.8%
  • First Time Takers: 254
  • Average School: 74.5%
  • Average State: 66.5%
  • Pass Difference: 8.0%

Top Bar Jurisdiction

  • California: 66.1%
  • Passed: 176 of 240 (73.3%)
  • State Average: 66.5%
  • Difference: 7.3%