What Law Schools Are in the DMV Region

The DMV has four law schools: Georgetown University Law Center and American University Washington College of Law in Washington, DC; University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in Baltimore; and George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School in Arlington, Virginia. All four are accredited by the American Bar Association and prepare students for the bar exam in their respective states and DC.

Georgetown and American are the oldest and largest programs in the region. Georgetown, founded in 1870, sits on Capitol Hill and enrolls roughly 1,900 students across its Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, and doctoral programs. American, established in 1896, is located near Tenleytown in Northwest DC and has a similar enrollment size. Both draw students nationally and internationally.

University of Maryland's law school, located in Baltimore about 40 miles north of DC, was founded in 1816 and is one of the oldest law schools in the country. George Mason, the newest of the four, opened in 1979 in Arlington and has built a reputation in constitutional law and economics-focused legal education.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgetown and American are the largest DMV law schools and draw applicants from across the country, while Maryland and George Mason serve more regional student populations.
  • All four schools are ABA-accredited, meaning their graduates can sit for the bar exam in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and most other states.
  • Georgetown and American charge significantly higher tuition than Maryland and George Mason, and financial aid packages differ by school.
  • Each school has different strengths: Georgetown in appellate and federal practice, American in public interest law, Maryland in state and regional practice, and George Mason in constitutional and economic law.
  • Bar passage rates, employment outcomes, and cost of living vary by location, so comparing schools requires looking at your own career goals and financial situation.

Tuition, Fees, and Cost of Attendance

Georgetown and American charge the highest tuition in the region. Georgetown's full-time Juris Doctor tuition is approximately $65,000 per year, with total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, and board) around $90,000 annually. American's tuition is similar, roughly $63,000 to $65,000 per year, with total cost of attendance in the same range.

University of Maryland charges substantially less. In-state tuition runs approximately $30,000 to $35,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition is around $50,000 to $55,000. Total cost of attendance for Maryland residents is typically $55,000 to $65,000 annually.

George Mason's tuition falls between Maryland and Georgetown. Full-time tuition is approximately $45,000 to $50,000 per year, with total cost of attendance around $70,000 to $75,000. All four schools offer merit scholarships, need-based aid, and federal loan programs, but the amount and terms vary. Contact each school's financial aid office for current figures and what aid packages typically look like for your profile.

Admissions Requirements and Selectivity

All four schools require the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the new Juris Doctor Admission Test (JDAT), an undergraduate degree, and a completed process. Georgetown and American are the most selective, with median LSAT scores around 170–172 and median undergraduate GPAs around 3.7–3.8. Acceptance rates at both schools are typically 15 to 20 percent.

University of Maryland and George Mason are less selective but still competitive. Maryland's median LSAT is typically 155–160 with a median GPA around 3.4–3.6, and acceptance rates are usually 40 to 50 percent. George Mason's median LSAT is similar, around 155–160, with acceptance rates in the 35 to 50 percent range.

Each school publishes its current median scores and acceptance data on its admissions website. These numbers shift year to year based on the applicant pool. If you are considering law school, research the most recent data from each school's official admissions page rather than relying on older figures.

Bar Passage Rates and Employment Outcomes

Bar passage rates and employment outcomes differ by school and are worth examining if you are deciding where to attend. Georgetown and American historically report bar passage rates above 90 percent on the DC bar exam, though rates vary by jurisdiction. University of Maryland reports bar passage rates around 85 to 90 percent on the Maryland bar, and George Mason reports similar or slightly lower rates depending on the state bar.

Employment outcomes also vary. Georgetown and American graduates often find positions at large law firms, government agencies, and federal courts, particularly in DC. University of Maryland graduates tend to find work in Maryland and the surrounding region, with strong placement in state government and mid-size firms. George Mason graduates work across the region and nationally, with particular strength in government and policy roles.

Each school publishes employment data and bar passage rates in its official disclosures, usually available on the admissions or career services website. These figures are required by the ABA and give you a realistic picture of where graduates end up and how many pass the bar on their first attempt.

Location and Campus Environment

Georgetown's campus is on Capitol Hill, putting students within walking distance of federal courts, Congress, and major law firms. The neighborhood is dense, urban, and expensive; most students live in nearby apartments or dorms. The school's location is a major draw for students interested in federal practice, appellate work, and government.

American's campus is in Northwest DC near the Tenleytown Metro station. It is less central than Georgetown but still in the city, with access to DC courts and agencies. Housing is similarly expensive, though some students live in Maryland or Virginia and commute.

University of Maryland's law school is in Baltimore, about 40 miles north of DC. The campus is part of the larger University of Maryland Baltimore complex, which also houses the medical and nursing schools. Cost of living in Baltimore is lower than DC, and the school has a stronger regional focus. Students interested in Maryland state practice or a less urban setting often prefer this location.

George Mason is in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac from DC. The campus is near the Ballston Metro station, making it accessible to DC but situated in a more suburban setting. Cost of living is moderate, and the school draws students who want proximity to DC without the density of the city itself.

Specializations and Program Strengths

Georgetown is known for appellate advocacy, federal practice, and constitutional law. The school has strong clinics in appellate work and hosts the Supreme Court Institute, which trains lawyers who argue before the Supreme Court. It also has programs in international law, tax, and intellectual property.

American emphasizes public interest law, environmental law, and administrative law. The school has extensive clinics focused on serving low-income clients and advocacy organizations. It also offers programs in international law, intellectual property, and business law.

University of Maryland focuses on state and regional practice, with strengths in business law, real estate, and employment law. The school has clinics in family law, criminal defense, and community development. Its proximity to Baltimore and Annapolis makes it a natural pipeline for Maryland state government and practice.

George Mason is known for constitutional law, law and economics, and regulatory law. The school emphasizes economic analysis of law and has programs in intellectual property, business law, and government. It attracts students interested in libertarian legal theory and policy-focused work.

Part-Time and Online Options

Georgetown and American both offer part-time Juris Doctor programs for working professionals. Georgetown's part-time program typically takes four years and follows an evening and weekend schedule. American's part-time program also runs four years with similar scheduling. Both programs cost roughly the same per year as full-time programs, so total cost is higher.

University of Maryland and George Mason do not currently offer part-time Juris Doctor programs, though both may offer evening or weekend classes within their full-time curriculum. Check directly with each school's admissions office for current offerings, as program structures can change.

As of now, none of the four DMV law schools offer fully online Juris Doctor programs, though some schools have expanded hybrid or remote options for certain courses. If you need a fully online law degree, you would need to look outside the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get into law school with a lower LSAT score?

Yes. University of Maryland and George Mason admit students with LSAT scores below their median ranges, particularly if you have other strengths in your process like work experience or a high GPA. Median scores represent the middle 50 percent of admitted students, so roughly 25 percent score below the median. Contact admissions at each school to discuss your specific profile.

Which DMV law school is best for getting a job in DC?

Georgetown and American have the strongest networks in DC government and law firms, straightforward because they are located there and have more DC-based alumni. That said, University of Maryland and George Mason graduates also work in DC. Your own networking, internships, and grades matter more than which school you attend.

Do I have to take the LSAT, or can I use the new JDAT instead?

All four DMV law schools accept both the LSAT and the JDAT. The JDAT is newer and not yet required anywhere, so the LSAT remains the standard. Check each school's admissions page for current testing policies, as requirements may shift.

Is a law degree from University of Maryland or George Mason recognized outside the region?

Yes. Both schools are ABA-accredited, which means their degrees are recognized nationwide. Graduates can sit for the bar exam in any state. However, Georgetown and American have stronger national reputations, which can matter for certain jobs like BigLaw or federal clerkships. For most careers, the school matters less than your grades, bar passage, and the work you do.

What is the difference between Georgetown and American?

Both are selective, expensive, DC-based schools with strong national reputations. Georgetown has a slight edge in appellate and federal practice; American emphasizes public interest law. Georgetown is on Capitol Hill; American is in Northwest DC. Both offer part-time programs. Visit both campuses and talk to current students to see which culture fits you better.