Frequently Asked Questions
FAQS
How much is tuition for JD students?
After students choose the appropriate enrollment option, JD and graduate tuition costs are calculated based on the number of enrolled credit hours.
Please review the Tuition and Cost of Attendance page for current in-state and out-of-state tuitions rates and associated fees.
Does the school have student organizations in my areas of interest?
UIC Law is home to numerous student organizations, each with their own legal concentration; however, since the first year of law school is extremely demanding, first-year students are advised to minimize their participation in these organizations until they feel comfortable with their primary workload.
Does the school have competitions in my areas of interest?
The school engages in a number of national, regional, and interscholastic competitions, including various moot court and trial advocacy competitions.
Is the Law School accredited?
The University of Illinois Chicago School of Law is approved by the American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar and fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
What honors programs does the school offer?
The school offers the following honors programs:
Do you offer help in finding student and alumni employment?
The Career Services Office helps students and alumni meet employers, find full-time and part-time internships and employment, and develop job search tools.
Can students get help with writing outside of class?
UIC Law provides an in-house Writing Resource Center where students can refine their legal writing skills. The Center’s staff includes a faculty Director, full-time Associate and Assistant Directors, and three part-time Writing Advisors. They are former or current legal practitioners, experts in teaching writing, and a valuable resource for students. Writing advisors assist faculty members with their writing instruction and help students develop their writing skills by conducting group workshops and individual conferences.
Where can I get more information on the Law School's policies and resources?
All school policies are conveniently located at the policy section. Additionally, the Student Resource Guide gathers school and city resources that can assist students throughout their time at the Law School.
Do you have a list of courses and their descriptions?
Students interested in reviewing the Law School’s course offerings can review course descriptions in UIC’s course catalog.
The Law School’s numerous JD courses are listed under the Juris Doctor (JD), Law (LAW), and Trial Advocacy and Dispute Resolution (TADR) course designations:
JD student are also allowed to take a limited number of LLM course listings as electives, pending approval. To review these courses descriptions, visit the LLM Programs pages under the Academics section of this website.
Do you have an evening division?
Yes. UIC Law’s newly revamped part-time evening JD program follows best practices in legal education that allow for a combination of in person, online synchronous, and online asynchronous coursework. UIC Law is the only law school to offer a part-time evening program that requires students to be downtown just two evenings a week. A third night per week will require a course to be taken online, in real time, via Zoom.
how hard is law school
Law school is academically challenging, but it is also designed to help you build the analytical, writing and advocacy skills needed to succeed in the legal profession. While every student’s experience is different, time management, strong study habits and a willingness to ask for help are key to thriving during your first year.
At UIC Law, students are supported from day one through academic success programming, faculty mentorship, experiential learning opportunities and career development resources. From required clinics and externships to wellness resources and academic support, students have access to a network designed to help them succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
law school
Law school combines classroom instruction with practical experiences that prepare students to think critically, solve complex legal problems and advocate effectively for clients. In addition to foundational courses, students often participate in student organizations, networking events, clinics and internships that help connect classroom learning to real-world practice.
At UIC Law, experiential education is required for every JD student. Through Community Legal Clinics, externships with more than 200 placement sites and over 30 student organizations, students gain hands-on experience while building professional relationships throughout Chicago’s legal community.
degree
There is no required undergraduate major for law school. Students apply to law school with bachelor’s degrees in a wide variety of disciplines, including political science, business, psychology, engineering, biology, communications, criminal justice and many others. What matters most is earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before enrolling in law school and demonstrating the skills needed to succeed through your academic record, writing ability and overall application.
At UIC Law, admissions decisions are made using a holistic review process. In addition to your undergraduate coursework, the admissions committee considers factors such as your personal statement, résumé, letters of recommendation, LSAT or GRE scores, and other experiences that demonstrate your potential to succeed in law school and the legal profession.
length
cost
The cost of law school varies depending on residency status, enrollment option and financial aid eligibility. In addition to tuition, students should consider books, living expenses and other educational costs when planning for law school.
UIC Law automatically considers all applicants for merit-based scholarships, and many students receive financial assistance to help offset the cost of their education. For the most up-to-date tuition information, scholarship opportunities and financial aid resources, visit our Financial Aid and Tuition pages.
how to
- Create your LSAC account.
- Register for and take the LSAT.
- Create your Credential Assembly Service (CAS) account on the LSAC site.
- Send your official transcripts to LSAC.
- Get letters of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to submit 2–3 letters. UIC Law will accept up to four.
- Write a law school personal statement and any supplemental essays as needed.
- Create a law school resume.
- Pay application fees and submit your entire application through LSAC.
- The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) will send your CAS to the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law once it is complete. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their CAS report is complete and that they have paid the fee required by the LSAC.
applications
Applications for the 2027–28 admissions cycle open on September 1. UIC Law reviews applications on a rolling basis, so prospective students are encouraged to apply early to maximize scholarship opportunities and seat availability.
fees
UIC Law currently does not charge application fees. In lieu of this, once accepted, all students are required to pay a $400 tuition deposit to secure their spot.
answer
The LSAT remains the preferred admission test for UIC Law, but applicants may also submit GRE scores. If you choose to submit GRE scores, use school code 2738 when requesting your official score report.
Applicants with both LSAT and GRE scores should note that the LSAT is used as the primary admission test during the admissions review process.