Penn Carey Law School
Thomas Zhang | May 11, 2025

Penn Carey Law School: Top Things To Know

Penn Carey Law School, founded in 1850 as the Department of Law at the University of Pennsylvania, is a highly esteemed and long-standing law school in the United States. It has a rich history of championing progressive legal thinking, emphasizing public interest, and actively engaging in matters of social justice.

The school has consistently focused on educating students to become leaders in the legal field and contributing to the advancement of legal knowledge and institutions. Our focus in this article is to explore Penn Carey Law acceptance rate, Penn Carey Law School ranking, location, programs, and much more crucial info. So, keep reading!

Penn Carey Law School Acceptance Rate

Acceptance Rate (Year)Acceptance RateNumber of ApplicationsNumber AdmittedAverage LSAT ScoreAverage GPA
2024-202510%65186441723.93
2023-20249.95%6,4616431723.9
2022-20239.88%6,5186441723.89
2021-20229.74%6,8166641713.95
2020-20219.39%6,5006101713.89
2019-202014.30%6,1488791703.89

Must-Know Facts Of Penn Carey Law School

Location And Campus

Located at 3501 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA, Penn Carey Law School sits at the heart of the historic Ivy League campus. It is characterized by impressive Gothic architecture that blends tradition with modern facilities.

On top of that, the Biddle Law Library, with its comprehensive collection of legal resources, is a striking feature of the campus. In addition to top-tier classrooms, the campus offers collaborative workspaces that foster a sense of community among students and staff.

Being in Philadelphia, students enjoy close proximity to significant legal and governmental institutions, providing ample opportunities for internships and hands-on learning experiences. The school’s location also provides access to a rich historical and cultural scene that complements students’ academic experience.

Academic Programs And Curriculum

Penn Carey Law School stands out for its diverse array of programs, catering to students seeking different levels of legal education.

Among its offerings are the Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), and various joint-degree programs in partnership with renowned schools at the University of Pennsylvania. What sets the institution apart is its pedagogical focus on experiential learning.

Notably, the clinical program in this reputed law school is widely recognized as one of the most comprehensive nationwide. Through this exceptional program, students gain hands-on experience by representing actual clients in real cases while being guided by experienced faculty.

Moreover, this immersive approach fosters the development of practical skills in conjunction with theoretical knowledge, equipping students with the well-rounded abilities needed for success in the legal profession.

Admissions And Acceptance Rate

Admissions And Acceptance Rate

The admissions process at Penn Carey School of Law is highly competitive, with the school seeking students who display a combination of intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a difference.

The application process includes submitting undergraduate transcripts, Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The current Penn Carey Law acceptance rate is 10%.

The median LSAT score for the 1L class at the Penn Carey Law School is 172, with the middle 50% ranging from 168 to 174. The median undergraduate GPA is 3.93, with the 25th percentile at 3.77 and the 75th percentile at 3.99.

Rankings And Reputation

Among the top-tier law schools, the current Penn Carey Law School ranking is 45th in the U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of Best Law Schools in the United States. Globally, it holds a top-tier position for its commitment to public interest law and social justice, further cementing its reputation as a leader in these fields.

Beyond its impressive overall rankings, Penn Carey Law has garnered specific acclaim for its strong emphasis on public interest law and social justice. The law school is known for its commitment to facilitating equal access to justice through innovative programs.

This prestigious law school’s reputation extends to its faculty as well. The faculty includes esteemed legal scholars, experienced practitioners, and influential policymakers who are recognized leaders in their fields. Their contributions to legal research, policy development, and public discourse further enhance Penn Carey Law School’s standing in the legal academic community.

Career Prospects And Alumni

The Penn Carey Law Class of 2024 launched dynamic careers, with 72% joining law firms and others pursuing impactful paths in public interest, clerkships, and government. Graduates are thriving in major legal markets—most notably New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., with others making their mark across the U.S. and internationally.

The school offers an extensive range of internship and clerkship opportunities, and its strong network in the legal community allows students to connect with accomplished alumni and professionals in the field.

Conclusion

Penn Carey Law School is not only one of the top law schools in Pennsylvania; it is one of the best law schools globally. The law offers more than just a legal education; it’s a gateway to a lifelong legal career underpinned by the school’s dedication to public interest, social justice, and community service.

With its rigorous curriculum, diverse academic programs, exceptional faculty, and remarkable career prospects, Penn Carey Law School continues to be a top choice for students looking to make a mark in the legal profession.