Exploring University Of Tulsa College Of Law: Academics, Culture & More

Looking for a law school that blends legacy with bold momentum? The University of Tulsa College of Law is rising fast, tightening admissions, boosting rankings, and shaping fearless legal minds. Set in Tulsa’s buzzing legal core, it’s more than a school—it’s a launchpad.

With powerful clinics, global law focus, and deep-rooted ties to Native American and energy law, TU Law offers hands-on impact from day one. If you crave real-world training, rising prestige, and purpose-driven education, Tulsa isn’t just an option—it’s your advantage. The future of law is being written here.

Location And Facilities

The University of Tulsa College of Law boasts a prime location and state-of-the-art resources. Its modern campus, dynamic setting, and specialized centers combine to offer students unmatched access to academic, legal, and real-world experiences.

Location And Surroundings

Built in 2002, the law school features modern classrooms, collaborative lounges, a full-service computer lab, and designated study areas. The highlight is the Mabee Legal Information Center—spanning four floors with over 300,000 volumes. A realistic courtroom supports trial training, while the clinical law center gives students direct experience in live-client legal representation.

Main Facilities

Built in 2002, the law school features modern classrooms, collaborative lounges, a full-service computer lab, and designated study areas. The highlight is the Mabee Legal Information Center—spanning four floors with over 300,000 volumes. A realistic courtroom supports trial training, while the clinical law center gives students direct experience in live-client legal representation.

Specialized Centers

The college houses four leading-edge centers: Boesche Legal Clinic serves low-income clients; the Center for Global Law and Policy supports international study; the Indian Law and Policy Center explores Native legal systems; and the Energy Law and Policy Center focuses on environmental and energy-related legal challenges. These hubs empower students through focused, impactful legal work.

Acceptance Rate

Tulsa Law has become more selective, with an acceptance rate of 47.8% in 2024. Admission now favors candidates with stronger academic credentials, reflecting the school’s growing reputation and its competitive edge in legal education.

Overview Of Recent Years’ Acceptance Rates

The University of Tulsa College of Law accepted 47.8% of applicants in 2024, marking a significant drop from previous years. This means fewer than 48 out of every 100 applicants were offered admission. The school has clearly become more selective as its reputation grows and application numbers increase.

Here are the acceptance rates over the past six years:

• 2024: 47.8%
• 2023: 60.4%
• 2022: 59.2%
• 2021: 61.3%
• 2020: 62.1%
• 2019: 62.8%

The downward trend indicates heightened competitiveness, reflecting stronger applicant pools and the school’s elevated academic standards.

Factors That Influence Acceptance

Tulsa Law evaluates candidates holistically, emphasizing LSAT scores and GPA. For 2024, the median LSAT is 156, and GPA is 3.52. Beyond academics, they value leadership, involvement, compelling personal statements, and strong recommendation letters. Demonstrating passion for law, professionalism, and commitment to public service also strengthens your chances of gaining admission to this evolving institution.

Tips For Prospective Students On Improving Their Chances Of Admission

Aim for an LSAT score above 156 and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Participate in leadership roles, legal internships, or service-based projects. Craft a personal statement that reflects authenticity and ambition—request recommendations from mentors who truly know your strengths. Finally, tailor your application to show how you align with Tulsa Law’s mission.

Ranking

Tulsa Law is currently tied at #127 in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, marking a steady elevation in its national profile and signaling growing recognition of its academic and professional initiatives.

Current Ranking In Notable Publications

In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Law Schools, the University of Tulsa College of Law is tied for #127 nationally, up from #111 in 2023–24. Other respected sources also acknowledge its strengths, especially in specialized legal programs and value-based outcomes. These rankings reflect a growing reputation driven by faculty, resources, and graduate success.

Historical Ranking Trends

Over the past decade, this school of law has fluctuated within the 100–130 ranking range. It achieved a high of #101 in 2019, dropped to #111 in 2023–24, then climbed to #127 for 2025. This rebound highlights sustained improvements amid broader university advancement, establishing Tulsa Law as a mid‑tier institution gaining momentum.

Factors Contributing To Its Ranking

Key drivers of Tulsa Law’s improved ranking include consistent first‑time bar passage (~70.9%), strong employment outcomes (~93.8% employed within 10 months), and an intimate student‑faculty ratio close to 5:1.

Academic selectivity (median LSAT 156/GPA 3.52) and faculty credentials further enhance its standing. Institutional focus on experiential learning centers and specialized programs also adds strategic value.

Choosing a law school has many parts. Ranks are just one of them. Look at the cost, where it is, and what it’s known for.

Curriculum And Specializations

Tulsa Law delivers a robust legal education through its three-year JD program, combining foundational coursework with experiential learning. Students can tailor their studies through specialized tracks and real-world training in clinics, externships, and global initiatives.

Overview Of The JD Program And The Academic Calendar

The JD program spans three years and follows a traditional academic calendar—fall, spring, and summer. First-year students cover core subjects like Contracts, Criminal Law, and Civil Procedure. Second and third years offer elective flexibility and specialization opportunities. A condensed summer session allows for externships, coursework, or study abroad experiences to enrich student development further.

Specializations Or Concentrations Offered

Students can focus their studies through several formal concentrations, including Native American Law, Energy and Environmental Law, and Health Law. Each track includes targeted coursework and opportunities for applied learning. These specializations reflect Tulsa’s regional strengths and global relevance, helping students align their academic path with evolving legal markets and career goals.

Clinical Programs, Externships, And Other Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Real-world learning is key at this school. They offer clinical programs, which are like mini law offices. Tulsa Law emphasizes experiential education through its Boesche Legal Clinic, judicial externships, and placements in government and nonprofit agencies.

Students gain hands-on skills in real client representation, courtroom practice, and policy research. Opportunities also include moot court, law journals, and pro bono programs—preparing graduates to enter the legal profession with confidence and competence.

Campus Life

Tulsa Law nurtures a vibrant campus atmosphere with tight-knit cohorts and active student engagement. Through student governance, academic journals, competitive advocacy teams, and cultural groups, it fosters leadership, community, and professional readiness—all within a supportive and inclusive environment.

Overview Of Student Organizations, Journals, And Moot Court Competitions

This top-tier law school offers a plethora of student organizations, promoting networking and community-building. Students at Tulsa Law can join many organizations, including the Student Bar Association, the Agricultural and Asian Law Societies, the Black Law Student Association, and the Delta Theta Phi fraternity.

Scholarly ambition thrives through the Tulsa Law Review and Energy Law Journal, while the Board of Advocates leads both mock‑trial and moot‑court teams, sponsoring regional and national competitions.

Diversity And Inclusion Efforts And Demographics

Tulsa Law supports diversity through committees, centers, and inclusive policies. It boasts accessible pronoun/name-use options and all-gender restrooms, while the Office for Resilience and Belonging promotes belonging and multicultural programming across campus. Organizations like BLSA foster a peer community, representing about 25% minority law students in 2023, fostering inclusion and professional development.

Events, Guest Lectures, And Other Extracurricular Opportunities

Tulsa Law hosts ongoing events like Helix MPRE simulations, alumni luncheons, and admitted‑student open houses. Their endowed lecture series—featuring speakers like Lawrence Lessig and Deborah Rhode—bring distinguished jurists and scholars.

Meanwhile, small‑group panels, conferences, and workshops sporadically engage both students and the broader Tulsa community through thought‑provoking discourse and professional enrichment.

Career Opportunities

Tulsa Law graduates benefit from robust career support, experiential placement, and strong post-graduation outcomes. With extensive clinic exposure, tailored career guidance, and alumni networking, students emerge prepared for success in diverse legal and policy roles statewide and beyond.

Career Services And Resources Provided By The University

The Professional Development Office (PDO) tailors personalized career strategies, offering resume and interview support, mock interviews, funding for job fairs, and the PDO Connect job portal. Students engage early through a Dean’s seminar and on-campus interview programs each semester. Alumni retain lifetime access to PDO resources, facilitating transitions and ongoing professional growth.

Recent Employment Statistics

For the Class of 2022, 93.8% of graduates were employed in full-time, long-term, bar-required or JD-advantage roles. Among the Class of 2024, 90 of 96 graduates – 93.75% – secured employment, primarily in law firms (50%), government (14%), business (14%), and public interest (11%).

Notable Alumni And Their Contributions To The Legal Field

Tulsa Law’s alumni include influential jurists and public servants:

• Dana Lynn Kuehn (JD ’96) – First woman to serve on both Oklahoma’s Criminal Appeals Court and Supreme Court.
• Daniel J. Boudreau (JD ’76) – Served as Justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court and now leads in alternative dispute resolution.
• Shawna S. Baker (JD ’15, LLM ’15) – First out LGBTQ+ justice on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court; led civil rights rulings for Cherokee Freedmen.
• Bill LaFortune (JD ’82) – Former Tulsa mayor and current District Court judge, noted for reform initiatives and high-profile criminal rulings.

Financial Information

Tulsa Law balances affordability with quality by keeping tuition near $30,761 and offering strong financial support. With generous aid packages and smart budgeting strategies, the school aims to minimize student debt while maximizing educational value.

Overview Of Tuition And Fees

Tuition and fees at the University of Tulsa College of Law are structured to ensure the best educational experience. For the 2024–25 academic year, full-time JD tuition at Tulsa Law is $30,761, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous year.

Living expenses—including housing, books, and personal needs—add approximately $30,730, bringing total annual cost of attendance (COA) to around $61,491. This alignment ensures transparency for prospective students.

Financial Aid Opportunities And Scholarships

Over 90% of Tulsa Law students receive grants, averaging about $8,500, covering roughly 28% of tuition. Additionally, LSAT-achieving students (160+) may qualify for full-tuition scholarships. Aid comes from federal loans, institutional scholarships, and private funding, with the financial-aid office supporting FAFSA completion and award assessment.

Tips For Budgeting And Managing Student Debt

Managing law school costs requires planning and discipline. Tulsa Law encourages students to be proactive with finances, seek out aid early, and avoid unnecessary debt. Smart budgeting now leads to long-term financial stability post-graduation.

• Apply early for FAFSA and institutional aid.
• Track expenses using budgeting apps.
• Borrow only what you need—avoid overborrowing.
• Explore part-time jobs or paid internships.
• Seek merit-based or LSAT-driven scholarships.
• Review loan terms and repayment options annually.
• Meet with the financial aid office regularly for personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About The University Of Tulsa College Of Law

1. Is Tulsa A Good Law School?

Tulsa offers a strong legal education with a solid bar passage rate, robust employment outcomes, and experienced faculty. While it’s an excellent choice for many, its suitability ultimately depends on individual goals, such as ranking expectations, budget, and preferred geographic or practice-area focus.

2. What Is The Acceptance Rate For Tulsa College Of Law?

In the 2024–25 admissions cycle, the University of Tulsa College of Law received 473 applications and extended 226 offers, yielding an acceptance rate of 47.8%. This marks a sharp decline from previous years, reflecting increased competition and higher academic standards among applicants.

3. What Is Tulsa College Of Law School Ranked?

The University of Tulsa College of Law is currently tied for #127 in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report law school rankings, reflecting its growing academic reputation. This places Tulsa Law solidly in the mid‑tier among approximately 195 accredited U.S. programs.

Wrapping Up

The University of Tulsa College of Law is more than a law school—it’s a launchpad for bold legal minds ready to make an impact. Ranked among the best law schools in Oklahoma, it combines rising national recognition with powerhouse clinics, top-tier faculty, and real-world training.

Whether you’re drawn to Native American law, energy policy, or global justice, Tulsa delivers unmatched opportunity. As the legal landscape evolves, TU Law stands dynamic, diverse, and driven. For students seeking purpose, value, and momentum, this is where your legal journey should begin—with excellence rooted in Tulsa.