Top Law Coach School Profile: UC Irvine Law School

My Top Line: For a school that barely predates the iPhone, UC Irvine found its footing fast and raced up the rankings. Just as Fordham in New York City tends to be overshadowed by NYU and Columbia, UC Irvine Law is perceived as a baby brother to UC Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of Southern California (USC). But coming in third in a global hub like SoCal is like winning bronze in the Summer Olympics. While UC Irvine may lack the alumni network of more established schools, many legal heavyweights are eager to make UC Irvine Law a top West Coast law school, with an impressive faculty and undeniable ambition.

The University of California, Irvine School of Law, known as UCI Law is located in Irvine, California. It is one of the five law schools in the UC system. The law school was established in 2006 and is one of the top 50 law schools in the United States according to various law school ranking publications.

Is UC Irvine Law Hard to Get Into?

UCI Law a moderately competitive law school. According to the latest available data, UCI Law had an acceptance rate of 16.8 percent in 2021. That rate has steadily decreased over the last five years (2016-2021).

What GPA Do I Need to Get Into UC Irvine Law?

To secure a spot at UCI Law, you should have a GPA of at least 3.5. The 25th and 75th percentiles for GPA in 2021 were 3.5 and 3.8, respectively. The median GPA was 3.69, the highest median GPA recorded in the last decade (2011-2021).

What LSAT Score Do I Need to Get Into UC Irvine Law?

A solid score for a UCI Law application is a 163 or above. The 25th and 75th percentiles for LSAT scores in 2021 were 163 and 168, respectively. The median LSAT score was 167, the highest recorded median score in the last decade (2011-2021). You can apply to UCI Law with your GRE scores as an alternative to the LSAT.

[Next Read: Law School Admissions Trends Since the Pandemic]

Is UC Irvine Law a Good School?

UCI Law is highly regarded in the United States, renowned for its high rates of federal clerkships and full-time employment positions after graduation. Although the school has a relatively shorter history as compared to some of the other high-ranking law schools in the country, it is one of the top choices of law aspirants throughout the world.

UC Irvine Law Ranking

According to the U.S. News & World Report, one of the most credible sources for law school rankings, UCI Law tied for 37th place on the list of the best law schools in the United States, sharing the spot with law schools at Boston College, Fordham University, UC Davis, Wake Forest University, and University of Utah.

UC Irvine Law Acceptance Rate

UCI Law had an acceptance rate of 16.8 percent, for the Fall 2021 admissions. Of those accepted, around 169 students, or 27 percent, enrolled full-time in the 1L class for Fall 2021. The school has a less stringent admissions criterion as compared to some of the top-most law schools in the United States.

UC Irvine Law Graduation Outcomes 

According to the latest available employment data from 2020, the median salary for UCI Law 2016-17 graduates was $76,998. Approximately 37.7 percent of these graduates made at least $83,000. Of the 211 total UCI Law Class of 2021 graduates, we know that 37 percent were employed in national law firms, 15.2 percent in public service, and 12.8 percent in small law firms across the country. Less than one percent of graduates were employed in federal clerkships. The under-employment score for 2021 UCI Law graduates was 14.7 percent, representing those students who pursued additional degrees, part-time, or short-term employment positions.

How Much Does UC Irvine Law Cost?

According to the 2019-20 data, the average tuition at UCI Law was $47,486 for California residents and $53,550 for non-residents. The total cost of living in Irvine, California, including books and living expenses, was $32,650. This amount has increased by 1.49 percent per year over the last five years for residents, and 1.1% for non-residents. Less than one percent of students paid the full price of tuition in 2019-20, with 99.4 percent of students securing discounts on tuition through scholarships. Half of those students with scholarships successfully secured at least $20,000.

Does UC Irvine Law Accept the GRE?

In addition to the LSAT, UCI Law accepts standardized tests like the GRE. The school does not have a preference for any standardized exam. If you are applying to UCI Law, you should submit your scores directly to the school. All the valid GRE scores from the past five years must be reported to the school. UCI Law reserves the right to reject your application if it does not comply with this school policy.

[Check out Top Law Coach School Profiles for Berkeley Law, Cornell Law, and Georgetown Law]

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