Oklahoma, the state in the United States with the highest percentage of Native Americans, is home to many prestigious law schools in the nation.
Passing the bar is a prerequisite for beginning a legal profession. Of course, you need a solid intellectual basis before you can achieve that. Fortunately, there are several Oklahoma law schools available to you if you live in Oklahoma for starting your career.
Our mission is to give you trustworthy information on Oklahoma law schools. The best law schools in Oklahoma have been the subject of extensive investigation and writing on our part.
This article goes into great detail about the fees, admissions standards, and application process for law schools in Oklahoma 2024. If you continue reading, you will undoubtedly get more knowledgeable!
Are There Law Schools in Oklahoma?
Of course, Oklahoma is home to numerous esteemed and accredited law schools, many of which are ranked among the best in the US.
Students who attend law school graduate with unique, admirable talents that are useful in a wide range of human professions. You will develop remarkable logical thinking abilities and the ability to think critically, both of which are transferable to many different industrial fields.
With one of the nation’s fastest expanding populations, Oklahoma boasts several accomplished lawyers and top-notch legal firms that give their students greater hands-on experience.
The University of Oklahoma College of Law, Oklahoma City University School of Law, and University of Tulsa College of Law are your three first options for law schools if Oklahoma appeals to you as the place you want to study.
How Long is Law School in Oklahoma
In the autumn and spring semesters, students typically enroll in 6 credits, while in the summer semester, they enroll in 3 credits. Students will finish the degree in two years if they follow this program.
Generally, law schools in Oklahoma do not exceed 3 years.
How Much Does Law School Cost in Oklahoma?
Different Oklahoma law schools have different tuition rates. The level of training and practical exposure can warrant an increase in the cost of tuition by institutions.
The average cost of attending law school in Oklahoma is between $22,283 (in-state) to $34,718. (out-of-state)
Federal loans are a safer option than private loans if you need a student loan for law schools in Oklahoma. Even though federal programs like income-driven repayment protect you if you wish to work in the public sector or can’t find a high-paying job, private loans may still be less expensive if you have strong credit.
Read Also: 15 Best Law Schools in Washington| Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
What Are the Requirements for Getting Into a Law School in Oklahoma?
The application procedure for law school might take a long time. Several common requirements for some Oklahoma law schools include:
Bachelor’s Degree From A College That Is Recognized
Law school programs don’t have any set course requirements, whereas many graduate programs do. Applicants to Oklahoma law schools may have a range of academic backgrounds. It’s important to have a strong GPA when you complete your bachelor’s degree.
The classes you take in college are less relevant than your undergraduate GPA. Pay close attention to meeting the GPA requirements for the school of your choice.
The average length of time to earn an undergraduate degree is four years.
Law School Admission Test
You must sit for and pass the LSAT. The average LSAT exam fee is $200. One of the key deciding elements for your admission to law schools in Oklahoma is your test score. Early planning is necessary because of this.
Transcripts
You must get authentic transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate, and certificate institutions before applying to Oklahoma law schools.
Get started as soon as you can because ordering your transcript may take several days. Before they would grant your request, you must pay any charges payable to your alma mater.
Personal Statement
One further requirement for several of the best law schools in Oklahoma is the personal statement. Think of this stage as a chance to show the admissions committee who you are as a person and your reason for aspiring to study in the institution.
Letter of Recommendation
Although you could submit more, law schools in Oklahoma usually require at least one letter of recommendation. The undergraduate professors who worked with you the most in the classroom can write these letters.
Even better, talk to a potential employer who can vouch for your capacity to manage both your work and studies. Think about scheduling a meeting in advance to go over the components of success you want to highlight in your letter.
Read Also: 10 Best Law Schools in Illinois | Cost, Requirements, How to apply
What Are The Best Law Schools in Oklahoma 2024
With its top-notch law schools, Oklahoma is an excellent place for both legal education and practice.
In terms of job opportunities and high pay after graduation, the city is among the best for recent graduates of law schools in Oklahoma.
Numerous top-notch law schools are located in and around Oklahoma. The schools listed below have all received accreditation and approval from the ABA. Any law school that has received ABA accreditation is always more reputable.
Based on their rankings and other academic reputations, we selected these colleges. The best law schools in Oklahoma are:
#1. University Of Oklahoma Law School
The only public law school in Oklahoma is the University of Oklahoma College of Law in Norman. The law school follows the conventional academic schedule, but through the Oklahoma University Early Admissions Program, roughly 20 students who might require a little extra assistance are allowed to start classes in the summer.
Law students have the option of pursuing a dual J.D./M.B.A. through the University of Oklahoma Michael F. Price College of Business in addition to a regular J.D. OU has a combination J.D./master of American Indian studies degree program and a certificate program in American Indian law that can be added on to the J.D. program for students interested in this field of law.
The University of Oklahoma College of Law charges $50 for applications to its full-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $22,283; full-time out-of-state tuition is $34,718. (out-of-state). 10.9:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
#2. University of Tulsa Law School
About a hundred miles northeast of Oklahoma City in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the University of Tulsa College of Law (TU Law). Private law school Tulsa University Law is fully accredited by the ABA. According to the U.S. News Law School Rankings, the Tulsa College of Law is a second-tier institution.
In addition to a JD, the school’s degree program provides LLM programs and several dual degrees. TU Law takes pride in its robust certificate programs in sustainable energy law, health law, and Native American law. They also provide a variety of legal clinics and externships that will assist in preparing the graduating law student for practice. This and more make them one of the best law schools in Oklahoma.
The University of Tulsa College of Law charges $30 for applications to its full-time programs. Full-time tuition is $26,880. 9.7:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
#3. Oklahoma City University School of Law
Of course, Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma, is home to Oklahoma City University School of Law (OKC Law). In 1907, the year Oklahoma became a state, Oklahoma City Law was established and became the state’s first and oldest law school in Oklahoma.
The Masters of Law in American Law program at OKC Law also offers a curriculum in Energy Law. They offer other Pro Bono opportunities in addition to the Oklahoma Innocence Project clinics.
The full-time program application fee at the School of Law at Oklahoma City University is $50. Its tuition is full-time: $36,500. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1.
Best Law Schools Close to Oklahoma
#4. University Of Kansas Law School
Publicly funded and located in Lawrence on the main campus of the university is the University of Kansas School of Law. The school is very close to the Law schools in Oklahoma.
The law school offers a variety of ways for students to hone their legal skills in particular fields, whether through concentrations—such as media, law, and technology; tribal law; business and commercial law—or through more than 10 clinics, which train students to counsel clients about elder law, criminal prosecution, and other topics.
There are various ways for students interested in earning a dual degree to do so through different University of Kansas departments. For instance, a law student could enroll in a joint J.D./M.B.A program through the Kansas University School of Business, and a J.D./Master of Science in Journalism program through the KU William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
At Oklahoma City University’s School of Law, the application fee for the full-time program is $50. Full-time tuition is $36,500. 11:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
#5. Washburn University Law School
The Washburn University School of Law is situated in Topeka, Kansas’s capital city.
A public university, Washburn claims of offering an affordable legal education that is of the highest caliber. According to U.S. News rankings of law schools, the institution is in the third tier. The American Bar Association has also granted me its accreditation.
One of the fifteen unique legal clinics and certificates offered by Washburn University claims to have an amazing alumnus who is eager to collaborate closely with law students to assist them in acquiring essential practical skills.
There is no application cost for the full-time program at Washburn University’s School of Law. Full-time in-state tuition is $23,861; full-time out-of-state tuition is $36,447. (out-of-state). The faculty-to-student ratio is 8.1:1.
#6. University of Colorado – Boulder Law school
Students at the University of Colorado School of Law in Boulder can earn their J.D. in as little as 2.5 years. Through elective courses, students can concentrate their legal study on topics including environmental and natural resource law, as well as intellectual property, technology, and telecommunication. They have a reputation to be ranked among the best law schools in Oklahoma.
The school offers a regular legal curriculum in addition to an experiential learning program that places students in externships, clinics, and a program that requires them to do at least 50 hours of pro bono work before they can graduate. Students can also participate in school centers like the Natural Resources Law Center and the Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship.
The University of Colorado School of Law’s application fee for its full-time program is $65 per applicant. Full-time in-state tuition is $31,807; full-time out-of-state tuition is $38,593. (out-of-state). The faculty-to-student ratio is 6.1 to 1.
#7. University of Denver (Sturm)
It is included among the top 100 law schools in the country and is well known for its public interest law curriculum. Additionally, it provides a more active urban learning environment.
it also provides scholarships to nearly half of its enrollees. As you consider Oklahoma law schools, I strongly recommend this too.
The Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver (Sturm) charges a $65 application fee for its full-time programs. The Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver (Sturm) charges a $65 application fee for its part-time programs. Full-time tuition is $55,292; part-time tuition is $40,576, respectively. 7:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
#8. Washington University in St. Louis Law School
J.D. students at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Law can start customizing their education in their second year of study. Additionally, J.D. students have a variety of dual degree options to choose from, such as a J.D./East Asian Studies program and a J.D./MBA program.
The WUSTL School of Law also offers a distinctive Transnational Law Program, a dual degree program that allows students to complete both a J.D. and an LL.M. in four years by taking classes both domestically and abroad.
The Whitney R. Harris World Law Institute and the Center on Law, Innovation & Economic Growth are only two of the legal centers and institutes housed within the law school, which is only 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis.
At Washington University in St. Louis’ School of Law, there is no application fee for the full-time program. Full-time tuition is $63,364 per year. The instructor-to-student ratio is 4.5 to 1.
#9. University of Missouri Law School
Nationally recognized for its excellence in alternative dispute resolution, Mizzou Law has a strong reputation even when placed side-by-side with Oklahoma law schools.
There are several resources available for people interested in exploring this quickly expanding field of practice, including a research center, mediation clinic, Journal of Dispute Resolution, and an LL.M in Dispute Resolution. The location of Mizzou Law is in Columbia, a sizable college town. Compared to Wash U or SLU, attendance is more inexpensive.
At the University of Missouri School of Law, the application fee for the full-time program is $60. Full-time in-state tuition is $23,157; full-time out-of-state tuition is $41,817. (out-of-state). 7:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
#10. Saint Louis University
SLU has a well-regarded health law school and houses a magazine, an externship program, and a center for the study of health law.
People who want to study close to the courts and companies that they might someday work for may be drawn to the school’s location in downtown St. Louis. SLU is one of Missouri’s most expensive law schools, albeit being slightly more affordable than Washington University.
There is no application cost for the part-time program at Saint Louis University’s School of Law. Full-time tuition is $45,334 and part-time tuition is $33,010. The faculty-to-student ratio is 8.5:1.
#11. University of Missouri – Kansas City
The UMKC School of Law is situated in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. It describes itself as a small liberal arts institution in an urban setting. A Supreme Court Justice and a President are among the esteemed alumni of UKMC.
The state’s least expensive alternative is provided by the school. The institution is a superb value, especially for state residents, due to its low tuition and good post-bar employment rate. They share this attribute with law schools in Oklahoma.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law charges a $60 application fee for its full-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $21,498; full-time out-of-state tuition is $40,488. (out-of-state). The faculty-to-student ratio is 5.6 to 1.
#12. Baylor University Law School
The demanding curriculum at Baylor Law has provided students with the problem-solving skills, practical, hands-on lawyering skills, and character development needed for success in the industry and life long before other law schools around the nation adopted the term “practice-ready.”
Baylor Law is intentionally one of the smallest law schools in the country. It is conveniently situated in Waco, Texas, in a stunning building on the banks of the Brazos River. Since 1857, Baylor Law has integrated theory and practice across the curriculum and fostered a dedication to civic engagement and accountability.
There is no application cost for the full-time program at Baylor Law School at Baylor University. Full-time tuition is $61,877. 5.8:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
#13. SMU Dedman School of Law
Students can complete a full-time J.D. at SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas in three years.
Several joint degree programs are also offered by the law school, including a four-year J.D./MBA program through the Cox School of Business, a three-year fast-track J.D./MBA program through the Department of Business in Dedman College, a four-year J.D./MA in Economics program through the Department of Economics in Dedman College, and a three and a half-year J.D./LL.M. in Taxation.
Students can gain practical experience and act as community advocates in many legal fields through the 11 specialized clinics. There are numerous legal journals, including the Journal of Air Law and Commerce and the SMU Law Review. Before graduating, every J.D. student must put in at least 30 hours of volunteer work.
The Dedman School of Law at SMU (Dedman) does not charge an application fee for its full-time programs. Full-time tuition is $59,286. 8.7:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
#14. University of Houston Law Center
The University of Houston Law Center is a prestigious Texas university known for its part-time law school, healthcare law, and intellectual property law programs. In addition to the Center for Consumer Law, the Institute for Intellectual Property and Information Law, and the Environment, Energy, and Natural Resource Center, the school also runs several other legal centers and institutes.
Through the school’s clinics, which offer instruction in immigration law, criminal defense, and other areas, students can gain practical legal experience. A J.D./M.B.A. program is offered in collaboration with the University of Houston C.T. Bauer College of Business, and a J.D./M.D. program is provided by the Baylor College of Medicine, giving students the option to complete a combined or concurrent degree program.
There is no application cost for the full-time program at the University of Houston Law Center. There is no application cost for the part-time program at the University of Houston Law Center. Full-time in-state tuition is $34,930; full-time out-of-state tuition is $49,748; part-time in-state tuition is $23,990; and part-time out-of-state tuition is $34,028. (out-of-state). The ratio of faculty to students is 6.2:1.
#15. South Texas Law College Houston Law School
in Houston, Texas, is a private law school. It was established in 1923 and has American Bar Association accreditation. The oldest law institution in Houston is the South Texas College of Law. [4] The YMCA decided to start a law school in 1923 with a focus on providing evening education for working professionals.
The Association of American Law Schools (AALS), which is regarded as the learned organization for legal education, unanimously approved the College’s admission as a member institution in 1998. This association has also approved the membership of Oklahoma law schools.
The application fee for the full-time program at South Texas College of Law Houston is $55. The application fee for the part-time program at South Texas College of Law Houston is $55. Full-time tuition is $36,150, while part-time tuition is $24,300. 12:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
How Do I Apply To Law Schools in Oklahoma?
The steps below will guide you on how to apply for law schools in Oklahoma.
Step 1
Consult the pre-law advisor at your undergraduate institution. Your advisor can help you with the application process by giving you guidance on choosing undergraduate courses.
Step 2
Sign up for an LSAC account. You can monitor the progress of each action you take when you apply to law schools in Oklahoma using your LSAC.org account. The prerequisites and dates for applications vary by school.
Step 3
Sign up for the LSAT and prepare for it. The LSAT is usually required by law schools. For admission the following fall, many demands you take it by November or December.
It is suggested that you take the test early. Plan the exam date so that you can get your results before the first law school application deadline.
Step 4
Investigate Oklahoma law schools. It’s crucial to select the best law schools in Oklahoma for you.
Step 5
Submit all required transcript requests. You can access an Academic Summary Report once it is finished by logging into your LSAC.org account. Verify that it is correct and thorough.
Step 6
Make a thorough personal statement.
Step 7
Request letters of recommendation. Recommendation letter needs will change depending on the school. Forms can be downloaded from your LSAC.org account and sent to your recommenders.
Step 8
Await the results. You are free to apply to as many US law schools in Oklahoma as you like using your LSAC.org account.
Frequently Asked Questions
The LSAC found that first-time test takers typically scored 151, while second-time test takers scored 151.7. Second-time test takers had the highest average LSAT scores, while third-time test takers had the lowest average scores.
Grades generally are the most valued standard that firms use in hiring law students.
There is no limited number of times you can take the LSAT test.
3 – 4 months of preparation are highly recommended for a remarkable performance
There are 3 accredited law schools in Oklahoma.
Conclusion
The law profession is a reputable one that has remained relevant despite the status of society. A law degree is essential because there will always be a demand for lawyers as the world evolves.
The best law schools in Oklahoma listed above are all available for selection. Checking through the best law schools close to Oklahoma also, is highly recommended for broader choices.
Go ahead and visit the official website of the law schools in Oklahoma to get your application started!
References
- US news.com – Best Law Schools in Oklahoma
- The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) – Law School Admission Test (LSAT)