Overview
Founded in 1817, Harvard Law School is the oldest continuously operating law school in the United States and has produced generations of judges, statesmen, business leaders, and scholars. It pioneered the case method of legal instruction under Dean Christopher Columbus Langdell in the late 19th century, a teaching approach that transformed legal education globally and remains influential today. HLS is renowned for its rigorous academics, deep bench of prominent legal scholars, and its role in shaping American law through landmark scholarship and litigation.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Founded | 1817 |
| Total students | 1,990 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 6:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 11% |
| Graduation rate | 99% |
| Average starting salary | $190,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $74,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $74,000 |
| Room & board | $21,000 |
| Average financial aid | $45,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 80% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.90 |
| Regular deadline | February 1 |
Top Programs
- Constitutional Law
- International Law
- Corporate Law
- Human Rights Law
- Law and Economics
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.