University of Cincinnati College of Law achieves No. 71 rank in U.S. News & World Report, highlighting continued growth

The University of Cincinnati College of Law has earned national recognition in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, securing a tie for the No. 71 position. This year’s ranking reflects a seven-point increase over last year. With this new ranking, the UC College of Law remains firmly positioned as the second-highest ranked law school in Ohio, and is fourth among all law schools in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, behind only the flagship institutions in each state. The ranking underscores the law school’s ongoing improvement and sustained momentum in the competitive field of legal education.  The law college also continues to be among the nation’s elite in the field of public interest law, ranking fifth among all law schools in the nation in the number of graduates in the field.

“From the start of my deanship here at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, we have prioritized student success, bolstering our unique centers of excellence, and an integrative educational experience that combines doctrinal acumen, experiential skills, and intensive professionalism and leadership training,” said Dean Haider Ala Hamoudi, Nippert Professor of Law. “I am delighted that this focus has led to impressive bar passage and employment statistics and that these have in turn driven four straight years of our rising in the US News rankings.”

“Our focus will continue to be on the success of our students, and ensuring they are well equipped to serve as leaders in the 21st century, not only in public interest law, where we are a national leader, but in all fields, where our reputation is strong and rising.” 

The U.S. News rankings are determined by a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as graduate employment rates, bar exam success, faculty resources, academic achievements of incoming students, and assessments from law schools, law professors, attorneys, and judges regarding program quality.

In addition to this latest ranking, the University of Cincinnati College of Law has demonstrated strong student outcomes. The college’s 2024 (Ohio) bar passage rate of 85% for first-time test takers places it 56th nationally, just outside the top 50 law schools. UC College of Law also ranks within 5% of the top 50 in employment, with a notable 87.4% employment rate for recent graduates in bar required or JD advantage jobs.

“This year’s rankings reflect the ongoing efforts of our entire community to create a positive and dynamic environment for legal education,” said Dean Hamoudi. “Our innovative academic programs, supportive faculty and staff, and commitment to student success ensure that our graduates are well-prepared to lead and excel in their legal careers.”

Founded in 1833, the University of Cincinnati College of Law is the fourth-oldest law school in the United States, behind only Harvard, Yale, and the University of Virginia. With a legacy of producing influential leaders in government, the judiciary, major law firms, Fortune 500 companies, and non-governmental organizations, the University of Cincinnati College of Law is also a pioneer in legal education. It was the first law school to establish a center dedicated to the study of international human rights and is home to one of the most successful Innocence Projects globally, working to combat wrongful convictions.

Training lawyers for nearly two centuries, the law college remains steadfast in its mission to provide a top-tier legal education that inspires students to pursue justice and advance the role of law in society.