Boston University School of Law: Academic Excellence and Admissions Overview
Boston University School of Law stands as a premier institution for legal education, blending rigorous academic standards with a diverse, global perspective. With a commitment to student success and professional development, the school provides a comprehensive environment where aspiring lawyers can master the complexities of the law through a variety of specialized degrees and experiential learning opportunities.
Key Facts
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1.
- Academic Breadth: Curriculum covers 19 different areas of legal study.
- Global Reach: 19 study abroad opportunities, including five dual-degree programs with international universities.
- Rankings: Tied for 22nd among American law schools (U.S. News & World Report 2025).
- Specializations: Top-tier rankings in Health Law (5th) and Intellectual Property Law (11th).
Academic Programs and Experiential Learning
The school offers the Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees, alongside various dual-degree options. To ensure personalized instruction, BU Law maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, allowing for closer mentorship and academic support.
Beyond the classroom, the institution emphasizes practical application through a wide array of experiential programs. Students can engage in over 20 different clinical and experiential programs, participate in five moot court opportunities (simulated court proceedings), and contribute to six academic journals focused on legal writing.
For those seeking specialization, the school provides seven academic concentration tracks. The global nature of modern law is addressed through 19 study abroad opportunities, five of which are dual-degree programs with international partners.
Admissions and Class Profile
Admission to Boston University School of Law is highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of candidates from across the globe. The class entering in 2025 reflected this diversity, with students hailing from 16 countries, 118 undergraduate institutions, and 33 U.S. states, including Washington, D.C. Notably, students of color comprised 46% of this incoming class.
The selectivity of the program is evident in the 2024 admission statistics. Out of all applicants, 1,279 (20.61%) were accepted. Of those accepted, 208 students enrolled, resulting in a yield rate of 16.26%. The academic profile of the enrolled students was strong, with an average LSAT (Law School Admission Test) score of 170 and an average undergraduate GPA of 3.88.
| Metric | Value/Rank |
|---|---|
| U.S. News Overall Rank (2025) | Tied 22nd |
| Health Law Rank | 5th |
| Intellectual Property Law Rank | 11th |
| Average LSAT (2024) | 170 |
| Average GPA (2024) | 3.88 |
| Acceptance Rate (2024) | 20.61% |
Professional Development and Specialized Training
BU Law is recognized not only for its academic rigor but also for the professional outcomes of its graduates. In 2021, the school was ranked eighth for graduates with the best debt-to-salary ratio, and in 2022, it was ranked 29th by the Above The Law Top 50 Law Schools list for post-graduate gainful employment.
Attorney Skills Accelerator Program (ASAP)
The Attorney Skills Accelerator Program (ASAP) is designed for qualified J.D. students from accredited law schools. This program provides intensive summer training through classes, clinics, and externships. Students in the program have the opportunity to enroll in specialized courses such as Negotiation and Contract Drafting.
Additionally, ASAP students can gain hands-on experience through a legal externship or by participating in one of three specialized clinics:
- Entrepreneurship & IP Clinic
- Legislative Policy & Drafting Clinic
- Criminal Law: Prosecutor Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
What degrees are offered at Boston University School of Law?
The school offers the Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees, as well as various dual-degree programs both within the law school and across Boston University.
How competitive is the admission process?
Admission is very competitive. For the 2024 entering class, the acceptance rate was 20.61%, with average enrollee scores of 170 on the LSAT and a 3.88 undergraduate GPA.
What are the top-ranked programs at BU Law?
According to U.S. News & World Report, the Health Law program is ranked 5th and the Intellectual Property Law program is ranked 11th.
What is the Attorney Skills Accelerator Program (ASAP)?
ASAP is a summer program for qualified J.D. students from accredited law schools, offering specialized courses in contract drafting and negotiation, along with externships and clinics in areas like Criminal Law and Entrepreneurship & IP.
Does BU Law offer international opportunities?
Yes, there are 19 study abroad opportunities available, including five dual-degree programs conducted with international universities.