Overview
Founded in 1983, CUNY School of Law was established with an explicit mission to train lawyers committed to public interest and social justice work, distinguishing it from traditional law schools focused primarily on corporate law careers. From its inception, the school has emphasized clinical legal education, community lawyering, and access to justice, and it has built a national reputation as a leader in public interest legal education. It is consistently ranked among the top public interest law programs in the country.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Long Island City, New York |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Total students | 450 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 9:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 55% |
| Graduation rate | 85% |
| Average starting salary | $62,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $16,600 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $26,700 |
| Room & board | $18,000 |
| Average financial aid | $20,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.35 |
| Regular deadline | March 1 |
Top Programs
- Public Interest Law
- Immigration Law
- Criminal Defense Clinic
- Housing Rights
- Community and Economic Development
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.