University of Michigan Law School LSAT Score: Requirements, Medians, and Admissions
The University of Michigan Law School is a consistently top-10 law school and one of the most respected in the country. It offers exceptional faculty, strong BigLaw placement nationwide, a rich intellectual environment, and the financial advantages of a public university. For applicants targeting the upper T14, Michigan is a central benchmark.
This guide covers Michigan Law’s LSAT requirements, admissions data, career outcomes, and application strategy.
See where your score stands with the free LSAT Score Calculator.
Michigan Law LSAT Score Requirements (2024–2025)
| Metric | Score |
|---|---|
| Median LSAT | 171 |
| 25th Percentile LSAT | 168 |
| 75th Percentile LSAT | 173 |
| Median GPA | 3.87 |
| 25th Percentile GPA | 3.67 |
| 75th Percentile GPA | 3.95 |
Data from Michigan’s ABA 509 Required Disclosures. Verify against current LSAC data.
What LSAT Score Do You Need for Michigan Law?
- Below 168: Below Michigan’s 25th percentile. Very difficult admission without exceptional factors. Long shot territory.
- 168–170: In the 25th–50th percentile range. A strong GPA (3.85+) and compelling application give you a realistic shot. Treat Michigan as a high-reach at this range.
- 171: At median. Your LSAT is competitive. Essays, recommendations, and background determine the outcome.
- 172–173: Above median. Strong numerical candidacy. Scholarship consideration becomes realistic.
- 174+: Above the 75th percentile. Michigan is a strong target with real scholarship leverage.
Michigan Law Acceptance Rate
Michigan’s acceptance rate is approximately 18–22%. It admits a class of roughly 330–350 students, making it one of the larger T14 schools. This moderate acceptance rate reflects both Michigan’s selectivity and its broad national applicant base.
Michigan vs. Other Upper T14 Schools
| School | Median LSAT | 25th Pct LSAT | US News Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Carey Law | 172 | 169 | ~7 |
| Duke Law | 172 | 169 | ~10 |
| Northwestern Law | 172 | 169 | ~12 |
| Virginia Law | 172 | 168 | ~8 |
| Michigan Law | 171 | 168 | ~10 |
| Cornell Law | 170 | 167 | ~13 |
| Georgetown Law | 168 | 165 | ~14 |
Michigan sits between Virginia/Penn/Duke (172 median) and Cornell (170 median). Its 25th percentile matches Virginia’s at 168, making Michigan and Virginia natural pairing schools for applicants in the 168–171 range.
Michigan Law Career Outcomes
- BigLaw: Michigan places approximately 50–60% of its graduates in large law firms. Placement is genuinely national — New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and other major markets. Michigan’s national BigLaw footprint is one of its signature strengths.
- Midwest legal market: Michigan is the dominant T14 feeder into the Chicago and Detroit legal markets. Applicants who want to practice in the Midwest have a natural case for Michigan over coastal T14 schools.
- Federal clerkships: Michigan places a meaningful number of graduates into federal clerkships, including circuit courts. It has strong representation in the Sixth Circuit and Seventh Circuit.
- Public interest: Michigan has an active public interest culture and a strong LRAP program. The school has robust clinical programs and a dedicated public service office.
- Academia: Michigan is a major feeder for legal academia — its faculty produces significant scholarship and its graduates are well-represented in law school hiring.
Michigan Law as a Public School: Cost Advantage
Michigan is a public university. For Michigan residents, in-state tuition is significantly lower than comparable private T14 schools, making it exceptional value. Even out-of-state tuition is modestly lower than most private T14 peers.
Michigan also offers merit scholarships to applicants with numbers above its median. With a 173+ LSAT and 3.90+ GPA, scholarship awards of $15,000–$30,000 per year are realistic.
See the LSAT scholarship guide for more on financial aid at T14 schools.
Michigan’s “Michigan Difference”
Michigan has a distinctive culture it describes as the “Michigan Difference” — an emphasis on intellectual breadth, collaborative rather than competitive student culture, and deep engagement with public service and pro bono work. It is known for producing lawyers who are both excellent practitioners and engaged citizens.
For applicants who value a less cutthroat environment than some other T14 schools while maintaining elite outcomes, Michigan’s culture is a genuine differentiator.
Next Steps
Use the LSAT Score Calculator to see your full picture. Then:
- Read LSAT Score 170+ for guidance on upper T14 applications
- Compare Georgetown Law as a T14 option with a slightly lower LSAT floor
- See Columbia Law for context on the T6 tier above Michigan
- Explore whether a retake makes sense if you are near Michigan’s 25th percentile