Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025: Insights into Elite Legal Education Challenging Traditional Ivy League Law Schools List
Are you trying to find out which law schools are making headlines in 2025?
Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 highlights the universities that employers admire most, mixing well-known Ivy League Law Schools List with rising stars across the country.
These rankings matter now more than ever as jobs in law become more competitive and big employers look beyond the traditional Ivies.
If you want to see where future lawyers are thriving, the Forbes New Ivies list shows fresh leaders in legal education in the eyes of employers.
Public and private schools such as Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, University of Michigan, University of Virginia and the University of Texas stand out for strong job outcomes and selective admissions.
Top private schools on this list also include Emory, Carnegie Mellon, and Georgetown. Employers and recruiters now pay more attention to their law programs.
These Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 rankings help you decide where your degree could open doors for high-paying, in-demand jobs.
Key Takeaways: Top Law Schools in 2025 Forbes New Ivies List vs. Ivy League Law School List
- Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 features both public and private rising stars.
- Employers are looking for graduates from schools beyond the traditional Ivy League.
- High selectivity and strong career outcomes mark these law programs today.
Overview of the Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025
Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 spotlights law schools that many recruiters, students, and employers now recognize as strong options outside the traditional Ivy League.
The Forbes list uses updated data on job outcomes, academic records, and employer feedback.
What Are the New Ivies? The 20 Great Colleges Employers Love
The New Ivies are universities Forbes selects for their standout performance in preparing students for careers and graduate programs, including law. These schools include both public and private institutions.
They rival Ivy League schools in reputation, resources, and student success.
New Ivy Schools such as Emory University, Georgetown University, Vanderbilt University, University of Virginia, and others, rival schools like Stanford, MIT, Duke, and the University of Chicago that earn praise for selective admissions and strong law programs, which are also part of the Ivy League or the prestigious T14 Top Law Schools rankings.
According to Forbes survey, these New Ivies colleges report higher employment rates than many Ivy League institutions did five years ago, with higher employer satisfaction scores and competitive job placement rates compared to some Ivy League law schools.
The table below highlights 2025 data comparing a few New Ivies and Ivy League law schools:
| Law School | Acceptance Rate | Median LSAT | Employment Rate (%) | Median Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford | 6% | 173 | 92 | $215,000 |
| University of Chicago | 13% | 172 | 90 | $210,000 |
| Duke | 17% | 170 | 89 | $200,000 |
| Harvard (Ivy League) | 10% | 174 | 94 | $215,000 |
Criteria Used by Forbes for their 10 Public and 10 Private New Ivy League Schools: The “New Ivies”
Forbes uses unique data points to rank New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025.
The selection process values high graduation rates, diverse student bodies, rigorous academics, and strong employer connections.
Forbes gathers feedback from Fortune 500 employers, law firms, and recent graduates to evaluate schools’ real-world performance.
They compare bar passage rates, median LSAT scores, post-graduate salaries, and admission selectivity using sources like the ABA, LSAC, and US News.
- Key Criteria:
- Employer satisfaction surveys
- Job and internship placement data
- Median LSAT and GPA
- Bar exam pass rates
- Median starting salaries
| Forbes Ranking Factor | Average Score (Top Schools) |
|---|---|
| Bar Passage Rate | 92% |
| Employer Satisfaction | 8.7/10 |
| Median LSAT | 171 |
| Early Career Salary | $200,000+ |
Importance in Higher Education: Best Colleges Graduating the Talent Employers Seek in 2025
The Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 signal a shift in higher education, offering students more choices beyond the Ivy League.
Many employers now value practical skills, diverse experience, and strong networks found at New Ivies as much as traditional prestige.
These law schools often offer better cost-to-salary ratios and more targeted job support than older schools.
Some provide generous scholarships or loan repayment help, making a legal degree more affordable and accessible.
- Benefits of Choosing a New Ivy Law School:
- Competitive job placement rates
- Strong alumni networks across industries
- Higher affordability with strong return on investment
- Focus on diversity and inclusion
| Law School | Average Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Loan Repayment Help (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UChicago | $76,000 | $210,000 | Yes |
| Duke | $74,000 | $200,000 | Yes |
| MIT (affiliated) | $75,000 | $205,000 | Yes |
Profiles of Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025
Many Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 are private universities attracting both domestic and international talent.
These schools lead in innovative programs, career placement, and employer reputation.
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University prioritizes technology and law connections. Its law-related programs involve significant interdisciplinary work with the computer science and public policy departments.
CMU’s Heinz College offers a Master of Science in Public Policy & Management with a focus on legal tech and data privacy.
You work closely on real-world cybersecurity and privacy challenges, training that top employers value.
Carnegie Mellon Data Table (2024-2025):
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Program Type | Policy/Technology (not JD) |
| Median Undergraduate GPA | 3.7 |
| Career Placement (6 mo.) | 90%+ |
| Tuition (year) | $49,000 |
| Top Employment Sector | Tech & Consulting |
Emory University
Emory University School of Law is a private ivies member often cited among the Forbes New Ivies.
Located in Atlanta, Emory offers strong employment outcomes and high bar passage rates.
Its Health Law and Transactional Law programs are especially popular. You’ll find a large alumni network with connections at top firms and NGOs.
Generous scholarships help bring down the average student debt.
Emory University 2025 Data Table:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 29% |
| Median LSAT | 168 |
| Median GPA | 3.8 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 92% |
| Median Starting Salary | $115,000 |
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology, known for engineering, has gained recognition for law and tech. While Georgia Tech does not offer a JD program, it runs highly ranked joint degrees and legal tech courses.
The school focuses on digital ethics, intellectual property, and policy, ideal for careers at the intersection of law, AI, and cybersecurity.
Graduates enjoy strong job placement, especially in technology companies and consulting.
As a public university, tuition costs are lower for in-state residents, making it more accessible.
Georgia Tech Legal Programs 2025:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Program Type | MS/Certificates |
| Jobs at Graduation | 91% |
| In-State Tuition | $17,900 |
| Industry Partners | 40+ |
| Top Field | Tech Policy/Law |
Traditional Ivy League Schools In Law
Ivy League law schools hold strong reputations for academic quality and career outcomes. They remain some of the toughest law schools to get into.
These schools report impressive statistics in employment rates and starting salaries for their graduates.
Harvard University
Harvard Law School stands as the largest Ivy League law program. You can expect a highly competitive admissions process, with a recent acceptance rate around 6.6% (LSAC, 2024).
Median LSAT: 174
Median GPA: 3.92
Bar Passage Rate: 99%
Cost of Attendance: $107,450
Median Starting Salary (Private): $215,000
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 6.6% |
| Median LSAT | 174 |
| Median GPA | 3.92 |
| Bar Passage | 99% |
| Total Cost (1 year) | $107,450 |
| Median Private Salary | $215,000 |
| Median Public Salary | $75,000 |
Graduates land jobs at top law firms, federal clerkships, and major companies.
Harvard alumni serve at big employers like Cravath, Sidley, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Yale University
Yale Law School is the smallest Ivy but often ranks first in national law school rankings. With an acceptance rate close to 4.1%, entry is extremely selective.
Median LSAT: 176
Median GPA: 3.95
Bar Passage Rate: 99.6%
Cost of Attendance: $93,923
Median Starting Salary (Private): $215,000
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.1% |
| Median LSAT | 176 |
| Median GPA | 3.95 |
| Bar Passage | 99.6% |
| Total Cost (1 year) | $93,923 |
| Median Private Salary | $215,000 |
| Median Public Salary | $68,000 |
Yale graduates work in public interest jobs, top clerkships, academia, and high government positions.
Columbia University
Columbia Law School is located in New York City, offering direct access to global law firms and finance. The acceptance rate is about 11.9%.
Median LSAT: 173
Median GPA: 3.88
Bar Passage Rate: 98.3%
Cost of Attendance: $110,348
Median Starting Salary (Private): $215,000
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.9% |
| Median LSAT | 173 |
| Median GPA | 3.88 |
| Bar Passage | 98.3% |
| Total Cost (1 year) | $110,348 |
| Median Private Salary | $215,000 |
| Median Public Salary | $68,560 |
Most Columbia graduates join top Wall Street law firms, major corporations, or competitive clerkships.
Emergence of Private and Public Universities
Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 are changing how students view public and private universities.
New trends are impacting school performance, recruiting, and student outcomes.
These changes create fresh opportunities in both sectors.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor stands out as a leading public university on the Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 list.
Its law school ranks highly for rigorous academics and real-world learning.
You benefit from a strong alumni network and robust employment results. In 2024, 95% of graduates secured employment within 10 months after graduation (ABA data).
Median LSAT scores are 171, and the average GPA is 3.84.
Quick Facts Table (2024 Data)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median LSAT | 171 |
| Median GPA | 3.84 |
| Employment Rate | 95% |
| Bar Passage Rate | 94% |
| Cost of Attendance (Year) | $67,000 |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign makes the Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 list by blending value and strong outcomes. Its law school is respected for research and public service.
In 2024, median LSAT scores reached 166 and the median GPA was 3.74. Over 91% of graduates found legal jobs within 10 months of graduation (ABA).
Students often receive generous scholarships and tuition waivers.
Quick Facts Table (2024 Data)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median LSAT | 166 |
| Median GPA | 3.74 |
| Employment Rate | 91% |
| Bar Passage Rate | 93% |
| In-State Tuition (Year) | $38,000 |
Acceptance Trends and Admissions Insights
Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 admissions are growing more competitive.
Top colleges use strict standards, and law schools at these institutions are seeing higher test scores and lower acceptance rates.
Changing Acceptance Rates
More students are applying to Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 every year.
Demand is high at both public and private colleges listed as “New Ivies” by Forbes.
Acceptance rates for top programs have fallen as applications surged. In 2025, select schools such as Vanderbilt University reported rates as low as 11.4%, with Emory University at about 10.6%.
Median LSAT scores also rose, reflecting more academically strong applicants.
| School | 2023 Acceptance Rate | 2025 Acceptance Rate | Median LSAT | Median Undergrad GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame Law | 18% | 13% | 169 | 3.84 |
| Vanderbilt Law | 15% | 11.4% | 170 | 3.86 |
| Emory Law | 22% | 10.6% | 168 | 3.81 |
More students are competing for fewer spots and presenting higher qualifications.
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame Law, one of the Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025, has seen a noticeable drop in its acceptance rate in recent years.
Competition increased after Forbes added the university to its list, leading to larger, stronger applicant pools. The incoming class for fall 2025 has a median LSAT of 169 and an average GPA close to 3.84.
The law school reports 92% employment within 10 months and a bar passage rate of 94%.
| Metric | Value (2025) |
|---|---|
| Median LSAT | 169 |
| Median GPA | 3.84 |
| Employment (10 months) | 92% |
| Bar Passage Rate | 94% |
Expect tough competition and excellent outcomes, especially from public Ivies and Ivy League institutions.
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is ranked among the Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 for strong student results and rising prestige.
The acceptance rate dropped to about 11.4%. Most admitted students have an LSAT score around 170.
Class GPAs averaged 3.86. Graduates enjoy a 95% employment score within 10 months and a 92% bar passage rate.
Job placement in large law firms is strong.
| Metric | Value (2025) |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.4% |
| Median LSAT | 170 |
| Median GPA | 3.86 |
| Employment (10 months) | 95% |
| Bar Passage Rate | 92% |
If you target Vanderbilt Law, expect stiff competition and outcomes equal to older Ivy League law schools.
Notable Institutions and Their Academic Excellence in Law Programs
Rankings like the Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 show recent trends in legal education and employer preference.
These law programs attract strong applicants who want a clear path to high-earning careers.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law is ranked among the top 10 law schools in the United States for 2025.
You benefit from a high job placement rate, innovative curriculum, and strong connections with Chicago law firms.
The school offers clinics focused on real-world skills, preparing you for the workforce.
Key Facts about Northwestern Law (2025):
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median LSAT | 171 |
| Median GPA | 3.86 |
| Acceptance Rate | 17% |
| Bar Passage | 94% |
| Employment 10mo | 92% (JD Required) |
| Tuition | $73,754/yr |
| Median Salary | $215,000 (private) |
You can expect academic rigor, professional development, and a collaborative student culture at this Forbes New Ivies Top Law School.
Rice University
Rice University is a newer entrant in national law education. Its law school attracts strong employer interest and focuses on business law.
The program features small class sizes and a low faculty-to-student ratio. This supports close mentorship.
Key Facts about Rice Law (2025):
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median LSAT | 169 |
| Median GPA | 3.79 |
| Acceptance Rate | 21% |
| Bar Passage | 90% |
| Employment 10mo | 87% (JD Required) |
| Tuition | $68,500/yr |
| Median Salary | $175,000 |
Rice’s location in Houston connects students to Texas’s largest law, finance, and energy employers. The school also offers generous merit-based scholarships.
Georgetown University
Georgetown University Law Center is one of the largest and most respected law programs in the U.S. Its Washington, DC location provides unmatched opportunities in public service, international law, and government work.
Key Facts about Georgetown Law (2025):
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median LSAT | 172 |
| Median GPA | 3.85 |
| Acceptance Rate | 13% |
| Bar Passage | 93% |
| Employment 10mo | 91% (JD Required) |
| Tuition | $73,610/yr |
| Median Salary | $200,000 (private) |
Students access top internships and clinics with real clients. A strong alumni network in government and top firms supports career growth.
The Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 ranking highlights Georgetown’s employment pipeline.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is known for excellence in health law, bioethics, and interdisciplinary programs. The law program appeals to students interested in policy and health law.
The university leverages its leading medical and public health research. This creates strong opportunities for students.
Key Facts about Johns Hopkins Law (2025):
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median LSAT | 170 |
| Median GPA | 3.82 |
| Acceptance Rate | 18% |
| Bar Passage | 91% |
| Employment 10mo | 89% (JD Required) |
| Tuition | $70,200/yr |
| Median Salary | $180,000 |
Expert faculty, research hospitals, and public health partnerships prepare students for careers in government, research, and nonprofits.
The Forbes New Ivies Top Law Schools 2025 spotlight brings more attention to these opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions: Top Law Schools in Forbes New Ivies List 2025
With the 2025 release of the Forbes New Ivies rankings, students have more options for top law schools.
Knowing which universities gained recognition and how Forbes evaluates them can help you make choices that fit your law career goals.
What schools made the Forbes New Ivies 2025 list for top law programs?
Forbes New Ivies 2025 highlights law schools that employers consistently praise for job-ready graduates.
Vanderbilt University stands out with a 6% acceptance rate and high job offers within 10 months of graduation, averaging a median starting salary of $190,000.
Other recognized schools include Rice, Emory, and Notre Dame. These schools reflect growing employer trust compared to some older Ivy League programs, attracting more students and parents.
| School Name | Acceptance Rate | Median LSAT | Bar Passage Rate | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt | 6% | 168 | 93% | $190,000 |
| Rice University | 9% | 167 | 91% | $185,000 |
| Emory University | 10% | 166 | 90% | $182,000 |
| Notre Dame | 14% | 165 | 88% | $175,000 |
Find the full list at Forbes New Ivies 2025: 20 Great Colleges Employers Love.
How does the ‘Little Ivies’ distinction differ from the Forbes New Ivies?
The term ‘Little Ivies‘ refers to older, small liberal arts colleges in the Northeast, such as Amherst and Williams. These schools are known for rigorous academics.
The Forbes New Ivies honors research universities—often national in scope—that have earned modern employer trust and strong law employment results.
| Comparison | Little Ivies | Forbes New Ivies 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | Liberal Arts | Major Research Universities |
| Focus Area | Undergraduate | Graduate/Law Programs |
| Reputation Source | Tradition | 2025 Employer Perception |
Did any new universities join the Forbes 2025 New Ivies List rankings in 2025 compared to 2024?
Yes. Georgia Institute of Technology and Purdue University are among the new public “New Ivies” in 2025.
These schools did not appear in the 2024 rankings and have seen rising application volumes this year.
| School Added in 2025 | Location | Increase in Apps (%) | Placement Rate (10 mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Tech | Atlanta, GA | 18% | 89% |
| Purdue University | Lafayette, IN | 16% | 87% |
Reference the full breakout at “New Ivies” schools named by Forbes.
Is William and Mary considered a part of the Forbes List of New Ivies for 2025?
William and Mary is often praised for its law program and job placement. However, Forbes did not include it among the public “New Ivies” in the 2025 list.
The school earned strong regional employer endorsements. Recent graduates achieved a 94% bar passage rate.
| Metric | William and Mary | Forbes New Ivies 2025 Median |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Passage Rate | 94% | 91% |
| Median Starting Salary | $155,000 | $175,000 |
What criteria does Forbes use to rank the New Ivies, specifically for law schools?
Forbes uses employer surveys, admissions selectivity, bar passage rates, alumni network strength, and median starting salaries to rank law schools.
Schools on the New Ivies list must show strong job placement within nine to twelve months after graduation.
A high percentage of students need to secure full-time, bar-required positions.
| Ranking Factor | Forbes Weight 2025 |
|---|---|
| Employer Satisfaction | 35% |
| Job Placement (FT, Bar Req) | 25% |
| Bar Passage Rate | 15% |
| Median Starting Salary | 15% |
| Selectivity/Academic Strength | 10% |
You can compare this methodology with more details at Forbes New Ivies vs Traditional Ivy League Schools: Analysis.
Have institutions like Pitt and CMU been recognized as New Ivies by Forbes in 2025?
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) have earned recognition for top STEM and professional programs.
However, Forbes did not include either school in the top law school-focused New Ivies 2025 list.
CMU’s graduate outcomes highlight tech and health law strengths. Pitt also stands out in public health and business, but neither appears in the main New Ivies law rankings.
| School | Recognition in 2025 New Ivies | Law School Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon (CMU) | Yes (Tech/Business) | No |
| University of Pittsburgh | Yes (Public Health/Business) | No |
Check the Forbes New Ivies 2025 list for the most up-to-date information.
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