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 corporate-law-focused institutions. The school has built a national reputation for its clinical education programs, human rights advocacy, and commitment to diversity, consistently ranking among the most diverse law schools in the country. It is widely known for producing public defenders, legal aid attorneys, immigration lawyers, and community advocates rather than corporate law firm associates.
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 | $18,660 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $26,880 |
| Room & board | $18,000 |
| Average financial aid | $20,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 80% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.30 |
| Regular deadline | March 1 |
Top Programs
- Public Interest Law
- Immigration Law
- Human Rights Law
- Criminal Defense Clinic
- Economic Justice
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.