South Dakota Law School
General Info
The University of South Dakota School of Law seeks to attract graduates of approved colleges and universities who have made a commitment to study law and who possess superior intelligence, sound judgment, good moral character, and a willingness to devote themselves to the service of others and the improvement of the legal profession.
Contact information
- (Website) https://www.usd.edu/law
- (Admissions Dean) law@usd.edu
- (Location) Vermillion, SD
South Dakota Law School Admissions
South Dakota Law School is considered a Somewhat Competitive law school, which accepts only 65% of its applicants. Comparatively, Southdakota is Significantly Lower than the average cost for law school.
| Applications | Offers | Matriculated | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2028 | 374 | 240 (64.17%) | 86 (23.0%) |
| 25% | Median | 75% | |
| GPA | 3.01 | 3.36 | 3.67 |
| LSAT | 144 | 147 | 151 |
Tuition And Financial Aid
| In-State Resident | Non-Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | $14,688 | $31,747 |
| Part Time | $9,830 | $21,077 |
Living Expenses
- Living on-campus: $12,716
- Living off-campus: $14,679
- Living at home: N/A
Important Dates
- Early Decision 1: 01/01
- Early Decision 2: N/A
- Regular Decision: 04/01
- Application Fee: $35
South Dakota Law School Admissions Predictor Tool
South Dakota Law School COMPARISON TOOL
South Dakota Law School
South Dakota Law School Community
South Dakota Law School is considered to have a Somewhat Favorable student to faculty ratio. The average class size for 1L sections is approximately Below Average compared to other law schools. Student diversity at Southdakota is Below Average.
Student body
Faculty Statistics
- Full Time: 12
- Part Time: 7
Faculty
- # Female Faculty: 8
- # Minority Faculty: 1
Ratio
17.9 Students
1 Faculty
Housing Options
- On Campus Housing: Yes
- Graduate Housing: Yes
- Law Specific Housing: No
South Dakota 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. South Dakota Law School 1L section size is equal to law schools in South Dakota and 154% smaller than all PUBLIC law schools.
1L Section Size Comparison
Positions Available in Advanced Courses
- Simulation Courses: 256
- Faculty Supervised Clinics: 0
Students Involved in Advanced Activities
- Field Placements: 9
- Law Journals: 19
- Moot Court/Mock Trials: 0
Attrition Rates
- First Year: 6.4%
- Second Year: 1.7%
- Third Year: 0.0%
- Fourth Year: 0.0%
South Dakota Law School Employment
Deciding to attend law school requires a large financial investment with the goal of securing employment upon graduation. The South Dakota Law School class of 2023 had an employment rate of 90% with 4% pursuing an additional degree.
Employment Comparison
In 2023, 71.3%% of students reported their employment status 9-months after graduation.
Type of Employment
- Law Firms: 46.0%
- Business: 13.0%
- Government: 17.0%
- Public Interest: 3.0%
- Academia: 1.0%
- South Dakota: 67%
- Iowa: 10%
- Illinois: 3%
Bar Passage Rates
- Reporting: 71.3%
- First Time Takers: 80
- Average School: 75.4%
- Average State: 75.3%
- Pass Difference: 0.2%
Top Bar Jurisdiction
- South Dakota: 75.3%
- Passed: 43 of 57 (75.4%)
- State Average: 75.3%
- Difference: 0.2%