The University of Akron School of Law has made significant progress in the latest U.S. News & World Report college rankings, advancing nine spots to secure a ranking of #127 among the nation’s Best Law Schools. This marks a steady improvement from #136 in 2024 and #147 in 2023, reflecting the school’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, student success and institutional growth, and is the largest overall rankings increase of any law school in Ohio.
Key Factors Driving Improvement:
- Student/Faculty Ratio: The addition of faculty members has significantly reduced the student-to-faculty ratio, enhancing student engagement, academic support and overall educational quality, positively impacting this category’s ranking.
- Applicant Selectivity: Increased applications and rigorous admissions standards have elevated Akron Law’s standing in the acceptance rate category, as demonstrated by high LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs among incoming students.
- Job Placement Success: Employment outcomes remain a critical factor in law school rankings. The 2023 graduating class achieved a 94% employment placement rate as reported to the American Bar Association as of March 15, 2024, with the National Association for Law Placement reported employment rate reaching 95.7% by July 2024. These strong outcomes reinforce the school’s reputation for preparing graduates for successful careers.
- Ultimate Bar Passage: Akron Law has consistently increased its ultimate bar passage rates, reaching 95% for the 2022 graduating class during the most recent reporting period. This accomplishment highlights the school’s effectiveness in preparing students for the bar exam and legal practice.
“We are excited to see such significant progress in our rankings,” said Emily Janoski-Haehlen, dean of Akron Law. “This momentum reinforces our commitment to strategic growth and continuous improvement. We will continue to advance our programs and enhance our reputation through focused, deliberate efforts.”
Additionally, Akron Law achieved gains in several specialty areas:
- Best Part-time Law Program: Increased to #44 (+3 spots)
- Best Business/Corporate Law Programs: Increased to #142 (+14 spots)
- Best Constitutional Law Programs: Increased to #116 (+7 spots)
- Best Clinical Training Programs: Newly ranked at #150
- Best Dispute Resolution Programs: Newly ranked at #119
- Best Environmental Law Programs: Increased to #170 (+2 spots)
- Best Tax Law Programs: Increased to #134 (+8 spots)
“These gains are significant,” said Janoski-Haehlen. “In addition, we are proud to see Akron Law continue to excel in specialty areas such as Intellectual Property, ranked #53, and Trial Advocacy, ranked #48. Our consistent progress reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff and students to achieving excellence across all areas of legal education.”
For more information on Akron Law, please visit uakron.edu/law.
Media contact: Cristine Boyd 330-972-6476; cboyd@uakron.edu