The UMass Law: Location, Ranking, Academics & More

UMass Law stands as the only public law school in Massachusetts, committed to providing accessible and practice-oriented legal education. The institution blends academic rigor with a mission-driven focus on public service and social justice. Located in the SouthCoast region, UMass Law fosters a collaborative environment supported by experienced faculty and a diverse student body. The academic structure combines theoretical instruction with practical training through clinics, legal writing, and advocacy. Programs emphasize real-world application, preparing students through immersive experiences in fields such as constitutional, environmental, and public interest law. Financial support and mentorship further strengthen its student-centered approach to legal education.

So, are you ready to dive deep and discover the wonders of UMass Law? Let’s embark on this exciting journey to learn about this law school!

Location And Campus Of UMass Law

Address Of UMass Law

333 Faunce Corner Rd, Dartmouth, MA 02747, United States.

Description Of The Campus And Its Facilities

UMass Law occupies an 8.5-acre wooded campus in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, forming part of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth system. Located approximately 30 miles from Providence and 60 miles from Boston, the campus rests within the SouthCoast region and remains easily reachable through key transportation routes such as Interstate 195 and Route 140. The setting integrates a natural landscape with a contemporary legal education facility, creating a serene yet focused academic environment.

The law school facility houses a comprehensive 140,000-volume law library designed to support in-depth legal research and academic scholarship. Practice courtrooms and moot courtrooms provide realistic environments for courtroom training and simulations, encouraging practical learning alongside theoretical instruction. Legal clinics operate within dedicated spaces where students engage directly with real clients under supervision, fostering experiential education that bridges classroom knowledge with community service.

Inside the building, students have access to modern lounges and dining areas, offering spaces for informal discussions and peer collaboration. Fitness and wellness amenities on campus contribute to a balanced lifestyle, supporting students in maintaining both physical and mental well-being. The architectural layout of the campus supports both concentrated academic pursuits and communal interaction, blending functionality with accessibility. Through this infrastructure, UMass Law delivers a comprehensive legal education experience within a public institution framework.

Proximity To Key Amenities And Attractions

UMass Law, located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, offers close access to essential amenities such as Target, Walmart, Stop & Shop, and the Dartmouth Mall with 75 retail stores and a 12-screen theater. Nearby dining, entertainment, and recreational facilities provide a well-rounded living experience. The SouthCoast region enhances student life with attractions like the historic city of New Bedford, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and Demarest Lloyd State Park. Positioned between Providence and Cape Cod, and 60 miles from Boston, the campus offers easy access to urban centers, coastal landscapes, and cultural venues, creating a balanced academic and lifestyle environment.

Campus Life

Campus life at UMass Law blends academic focus with vibrant student engagement. The environment supports collaboration, personal growth, and professional development through student organizations, wellness resources, and interactive learning experiences.

Demographics Of The Student Body

UMass Law enrolls 381 Juris Doctor students with a diverse and inclusive student body. Approximately 55% identify as female, 43% as male, and 2% as non-binary or other. The racial and ethnic composition includes 58.82% White, 18.38% Hispanic, 8.82% Black, 7.35% Asian, and 5.15% multiracial. The school attracts both traditional and non-traditional students across a wide age range and offers flexible full-time and part-time programs. This demographic profile reflects UMass Law’s commitment to accessibility, diversity, and preparing students for service in a multicultural legal landscape.

Extracurricular Activities And Student Organizations

UMass Law offers a dynamic extracurricular environment through student organizations that promote leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. The Student Bar Association leads student governance and event coordination. Groups like the Black Law Students Association and the Diversity Alliance support inclusivity and representation, while the Veterans Advocacy group assists military-affiliated students. These organizations enhance campus life, encourage professional development, and foster a supportive, collaborative atmosphere where students actively contribute to a vibrant legal community both on and beyond campus.

Housing Options And Accommodations

UMass Law provides both on-campus and off-campus housing options to meet diverse student needs. On-campus residences include Ivy Hall Apartments and Cedar Dell Townhouses, offering single bedrooms with shared living spaces, furnished units, internet, and utilities. Off-campus options in nearby towns like New Bedford and Dartmouth are accessible through the university’s housing portal. A free campus shuttle connects students to essential locations, including the law school. These accommodations offer flexibility, comfort, and convenience for students throughout their legal education.

Academic Programs, Bar Passage Rate, And Tuition Fee

UMass Law provides focused academic programs with practical training. Bar passage rates highlight graduate performance. Tuition remains affordable, supporting students from diverse backgrounds in pursuing a legal education.

Academic Programs And Degrees Offered

UMass Law delivers a broad legal education through its Juris Doctor (JD) program, offered in full-time day, part-time day, and evening/weekend formats. Summer sessions enable students to accelerate their coursework and finish their degrees in a shorter time frame. Joint degree offerings include the JD/MBA, JD/Master of Public Policy, and JD/Master of Social Work, integrating legal training with other professional disciplines.

UMass Law also features 3+3 Fast Track partnerships that allow students to complete both undergraduate and law degrees in six years. Academic training incorporates practical components such as legal clinics, internships, and pro bono work. Students participate in specialized clinics focusing on immigration litigation, community development, human rights, criminal prosecution, and tribal law. Exchange programs with universities in Ireland and Portugal provide international exposure and training in comparative law. UMass Law’s curriculum emphasizes the balance between theoretical understanding and practical skill development, ensuring a comprehensive foundation for the practice of law.

Bar Passage Rate

UMass Law reports a first-time Bar passage rate of 59.4%, which falls below the average first-time Bar passage rate of 78.3% across all states. Despite this, the school maintains an ultimate Bar passage rate of 82.8% based on a two-year average. This indicates that a significant number of graduates who do not pass on the first attempt succeed on subsequent attempts within the required reporting period.

Tuition Fee

UMass Law sets the tuition for the 2025 academic year at $32,282 for in-state students and $41,749 for out-of-state students. All students pay an additional $1,590 in mandatory fees. The estimated total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, living expenses, books, and personal costs, reaches approximately $54,132 for Massachusetts residents and $63,599 for non-residents. These figures reflect the full financial expectation for one academic year. UMass Law supports affordability through a range of scholarships and financial aid programs. Around 83.63% of enrolled students receive grants or scholarships, with an average award value of $15,000. These financial resources help reduce the burden of law school expenses and increase access for students from various economic backgrounds.

Acceptance Rate And Admissions

UMass Law maintains a selective admissions process that reflects its commitment to academic quality and public service. The acceptance rate and application criteria help shape a diverse and capable student body.

Current Acceptance Rate Statistics

For the 2024-2025 school year, UMass Law accepted over half the students who applied. Specifically, their acceptance rate was 59.9%%. So, out of every 100 hopefuls, 60 got the good news.

Admission Requirements And Application Procedures

LSAT Score

UMass Law considers LSAT scores within the range of 148 to 155 for the 2025 admission cycle, with a median score of 151. Submitting an LSAT score of 148 or higher places applicants within the accepted percentile range and reflects readiness for the academic rigor of law school.

Undergraduate GPA

A competitive GPA for UMass Law falls between 3.06 and 3.70, with a median of 3.39. Maintaining a GPA at or above the median demonstrates strong academic preparation and increases the likelihood of admission.

Personal Statement

The personal statement offers applicants an opportunity to articulate their motivations for studying law, describe significant life experiences, and explain how UMass Law aligns with their career goals. A well-crafted narrative adds depth to the application and helps the admissions committee assess character and potential.

Letters Of Recommendation

Strong letters from academic or professional references provide insight into the applicant’s intellect, work ethic, and suitability for the legal profession. UMass Law typically looks for two to three letters that reflect meaningful interactions and credible assessments.

Professional Resume

A current resume outlining academic history, professional experience, internships, community service, and extracurricular involvement helps present a full picture of the applicant’s background and accomplishments. The resume should reflect a commitment to leadership, service, and professional development.

Rankings And Reputation

The University of Massachusetts—Dartmouth, home to UMass Law, holds a national ranking of #161 out of 195 in the 2025 Best Law Schools list, with an overall score of 43. It shares the #61–67 range among 67 schools for part-time law programs. Peer assessments rate the school at 1.7 out of 5, while legal professionals give it a 2.5. In specialty areas, UMass Law ranks #112 in Clinical Training, #110 in Dispute Resolution, and #142 in Business/Corporate Law. Other rankings include #153 in Constitutional and Contracts/Commercial Law, #165 in Criminal Law, #170 in Environmental Law, and #149 in Intellectual Property Law. The law school also stands at #137 in International Law and #145 in Tax Law. Its performance in Trial Advocacy is ranked #186. Notably, UMass Law ranks #22 for producing graduates who pursue careers in public interest law, underscoring its strong focus on community and service-oriented legal education.

Notable Faculty And Distinguished Alumni

UMass Law’s reputation is shaped by its accomplished faculty and alumni. Their expertise, leadership, and contributions reflect the school’s dedication to legal excellence, public service, and professional achievement.

Notable Faculty

UMass Law features a distinguished faculty known for academic excellence and public service. Dean Sam Panarella specializes in environmental and energy law, while Chancellor Professor Richard Peltz-Steele is recognized for work in tort and media law. Associate Dean Shaun Spencer contributes to privacy law and legal writing, and Professor Margaret Drew is a national figure in domestic violence law. Professors Leo Yu and Lisa Lucile Owens bring expertise in civil rights and corporate law. A majority of tenured faculty are women, reflecting the school’s commitment to diversity and fostering an inclusive, scholarly environment.

Distinguished Alumni And Their Impact

UMass Law has produced a growing number of alumni who have made meaningful contributions in law, public service, finance, and private practice. Donald Arthur, a graduate of UMass Law, served as the 35th Surgeon General of the United States Navy, reflecting the institution’s impact on national leadership. Jeff Pagliuca advanced to become a Senior Vice President at Webster Bank, showcasing the versatility of legal education beyond courtroom roles. Lisa M. MacKenzie founded and manages her own law practice, demonstrating entrepreneurial initiative rooted in strong legal training. Marcus D. Ferro continues his work as an attorney in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and remains actively engaged in regional legal affairs.

These alumni embody the mission of UMass Law to prepare graduates for leadership, advocacy, and service. Their achievements reflect the school’s emphasis on practical skills, ethical grounding, and public engagement. UMass Law’s alumni community continues to strengthen its influence across a range of professional fields.

Scholarships, Financial Aid, And Graduate Outcomes

UMass Law offers scholarships and financial aid to support students during their legal studies. These resources help ease financial pressure and promote access to education for a wide range of applicants.

Scholarships And Fellowships At UMass Law

UMass Law offers several scholarships and fellowships designed to reduce the financial burden of legal education. The Commonwealth Fellows Program awards an automatic $15,000 scholarship to eligible students who are Massachusetts residents or graduates of public Massachusetts colleges, with an LSAT score of 152 or higher and a GPA of 3.2 or above. Full-time students receive $5,000 annually for three years, while part-time students receive $3,750 for four years. The Public Interest Law Fellowship covers 50% of tuition and fees for up to 25 students annually, requiring recipients to enter public interest law for at least four years after graduation. The Dean’s Law School Scholarship supports students maintaining a GPA of 3.06 or above. These awards support academic achievement and encourage public service.

Financial Aid, Loans, And Graduate Outcomes

UMass Law supports students through federal financial aid, including Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans. Private educational loans also remain available through various lenders. The university encourages applicants to complete the FAFSA using UMass Dartmouth’s code 002210 to access these funds. Personalized guidance through the financial aid office assists students in understanding their options. External scholarships from sources such as AccessLex, Fastweb, and Scholarships.com expand available funding. Additional support may come from professional organizations, Bar associations, and corporate entities offering law-focused aid. This network of internal and external resources enhances accessibility and ensures comprehensive financial support throughout the legal education journey.

Graduate Outcomes And Employment

UMass Law recorded a total of 114 graduates in its most recent class. At the time of graduation, 46.5% of these graduates secured employment. Within ten months, 78.9% achieved full-credit outcomes, which include full-time, long-term, Bar-passage required, or JD-advantage positions. These figures reflect the school’s growing emphasis on practical training, career support, and alignment with the demands of the legal job market.

Frequently Asked Questions About The UMass Law

1. Does UMass Law Require LSAT?

Yes, UMass Law requires applicants to take the LSAT as part of their admission process.

2. What Is The Average LSAT Score For UMass Law?

The average LSAT score for UMass Law admissions typically falls around 151.

3. Is UMass Law A Good Law School?

UMass Law is accredited by the American Bar Association and is known for its commitment to public service and diverse student body. It provides solid practical training for its students.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our journey, it’s clear that among the best law schools, UMass Law isn’t just a school; it’s a pillar of hope and change. The law school is one of the best in Massachusetts. With its dedicated teachers, passionate students, and impactful lessons, it’s truly a place where dreams take flight. So, whether you’re looking to study law or simply admire its mission, UMass Law stands as a testament to the power of education to shape a better world.