UC College of Law remains steady on U.S. News & World Report rankings

Dear Friends:

The 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings have been released and we are ranked 83, the same as last year.  U.S. News rankings are based on a range of factors, many of which are not within our control. We know that rankings have limitations in terms of their methodology, but the rankings are a measurement that can impact how others view us. That’s why we have been working with a consultant since last fall to help us look at our data, identify areas of improvement, and find ways to most effectively present information. The law school also is engaged in strategic planning, which, while not primarily focused on rankings, should enhance our ranking next year. Many of the rankings’ metrics involve two-year rolling averages, so that improvements can take a few years to enhance our ranking. 

As friends and alumni of the law school, you know a lot of good work is happening. Our law students have succeeded as they passed the July 2019 Ohio bar exam with an 86 percent passage rate for first time takers, outpacing the statewide first-time pass rate. Employment remains steady as well. We’re nationally ranked as a Best Value Law School by National Jurist and preLaw magazines; and many of our programs are listed on their honor rolls, including as a top school for practical training and trial advocacy. 

 The College of Law is on a positive trajectory, the result of the hard work of many people. Over the last three years, we’ve launched new programs such as the Hamilton County Municipal Court Help Center for Cincinnatians who can’t afford a lawyer.  We dedicated the Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice signifying our commitment to and alignment with the principles of Judge Jones' impressive career as a champion for justice.

 We celebrated the 40th anniversary of the renowned Urban Morgan Institute for Human Rights, a world leader in legal education and human rights scholarship, and marked the world premiere of the Blind Injustice opera, stories based on the lived experiences of six people freed with the help of our own OIP.   

Looking to the future, we’re excited that construction on our new home will begin this summer. We invite you to join us for the grand celebration later this fall.  

You can see why I’m filled with pride about Cincinnati Law and look forward to what the future holds for us. 

 Sincerely,  

Verna