Overview
Founded in 1972 by Thomas E. Brennan, a former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice, Cooley Law School was established to expand access to legal education beyond traditional elite admissions standards, emphasizing that determination and hard work could complement academic credentials. Named after Michigan Supreme Court Justice Thomas M. Cooley, the school grew to become one of the largest law schools in the United States by enrollment before affiliating with Western Michigan University in 2014 to form WMU-Cooley Law School. The institution is best known for its practical, skills-oriented curriculum and its mission of providing broad access to legal education for nontraditional and diverse students.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Lansing, Michigan |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Total students | 1,200 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 15:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 85% |
| Graduation rate | 60% |
| Average starting salary | $55,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $47,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $47,000 |
| Room & board | $12,000 |
| Average financial aid | $20,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 90% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.10 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Practical Legal Skills
- Trial Practice
- Tax Law
- Elder Law
- Intellectual Property Law
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.