University Of Tennessee Law: Is It Worth The Effort?

is university of tennessee law worth it

The University of Tennessee College of Law is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is a great choice for prospective law students who want to work at smaller firms, with 83.7% of graduates passing the bar on their first try. The university offers small class sizes, a supportive community, and practical skills classes. The cost of attendance is estimated to be $19,674 for in-state residents and $39,252 for out-of-state residents, with graduates earning a median salary of $150,000 in the private sector and $67,000 in the public sector. Knoxville has a vibrant college town atmosphere with plenty of bars, restaurants, and outdoor activities.

Characteristics Values
Ranking Ranked 55 in 2025 by USNWR
Tuition fees $20,508 (in-state) and $39,252 (out-of-state)
Student-faculty ratio 6.1:1
Median LSAT score 163
Median GPA 3.82
Student experience Mentally stimulating, small class sizes, supportive community, incredible school/life balance
Employability 83.7% of graduates pass the bar on their first try; $150,000 median salary for private sector jobs; $67,000 for public sector jobs
Location Knoxville, Tennessee - a decent-sized city with a great atmosphere, lots of bars and restaurants, and natural areas to explore
Scholarships Some students report receiving good scholarships

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University of Tennessee Law School ranking

The University of Tennessee College of Law, also known as Winston College of Law, is the law school of the University of Tennessee located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 1890, the college is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools. The University of Tennessee College of Law offers the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree with academic concentrations in two areas: Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, and Business Transactions. The college also offers dual-degree programs in law and business, law and philosophy, law and public health, and law and public administration.

According to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Law Schools rankings, the University of Tennessee College of Law is ranked 26th among public institutions and 52nd nationally. The college's business-corporate law program is ranked 13th among public institutions and 35th overall, while its legal writing program is ranked 37th nationally and 21st among public institutions. The health care law program is ranked 21st among public institutions and 47th nationally. The college's legal clinic, which is the longest-running in the nation, is ranked 8th among public institutions and 19th nationwide.

In terms of employment outcomes, the University of Tennessee College of Law has a strong track record. According to employment statistics, 92.85% of graduates from the college found employment within 10 months of graduation, which is above the median employment percentage of 87.13% for Tennessee law schools.

Overall, the University of Tennessee College of Law is consistently ranked among the top law schools in Tennessee and nationwide, offering a well-rounded legal education that prepares students for real-world legal practice.

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Cost of attendance

The University of Tennessee College of Law offers a full-time program with an application fee of $0. The tuition fees for the 2024-2025 academic year are $20,508 for in-state students and $39,252 for out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, was $40,660 for Tennessee residents and $59,334 for non-residents during the 2019-2020 academic year. The Law School Transparency estimated a debt-financed cost of attendance of $146,655 for three years.

The University of Tennessee College of Law also has additional fees, such as a $125 per semester fee for library resources and a $14-per-credit-hour technology fee. There is also a $12 per credit hour transportation fee. The Student Program and Service Fee is $519 and supports non-instructional services and activities that promote student satisfaction.

The University of Tennessee College of Law is known for its sense of community, with students describing their school friends as a "second family." The law school also offers small class sizes, practical skills classes, and externship opportunities. The college is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and provides dual-degree programs in law and other areas such as business, philosophy, public health, and public administration.

Some students have mentioned that the University of Tennessee College of Law is a great choice if you want to work at smaller firms or in specific areas like business law. However, if your goal is to pursue a career in big law or practice outside of Tennessee, other schools may offer better placement opportunities.

Overall, the University of Tennessee College of Law provides a supportive and stimulating learning environment, and the cost of attendance is relatively competitive compared to other institutions.

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Graduate employment and salary

The University of Tennessee College of Law has a long tradition of providing sound legal education and is a highly respected learning institution. It boasts the longest-running legal clinical program in the country and is committed to offering a strong combination of practical and theoretical legal training.

The University of Tennessee Law School's graduate employment rate is consistently at or above the national average. In 2019, 95% of graduates found employment within the first ten months of finishing school. Similarly, in 2021, out of 113 students who found employment after graduation, 90 were employed full-time in long-term positions requiring the bar exam. The University's Bettye B. Lewis Career Center plays a crucial role in helping graduates find employment and is dedicated to understanding the specific needs of employers and connecting them with ideal candidates.

The median salary for JD graduates from the University of Tennessee is $150,000 if they work in the private sector, while those in the public sector can expect a median salary of $67,000. Typical salaries for University of Tennessee Law graduates range from $61,000 to $150,000. Employees of private law firms tend to be the highest-paid, followed by government jobs.

The University of Tennessee Law School has a diverse range of employment outcomes. 65.4% of law graduates go directly to work for law firms, 5.8% clerk for a judge, and 9.6% go into public interest roles. Many graduates find employment in the South Central and South Atlantic regions of the United States, particularly in Tennessee, but also in states like Ohio, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Georgia.

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Student experience

The University of Tennessee College of Law in Knoxville, Tennessee, offers a great student experience. The college has a strong sense of community, with students reporting that they feel supported by their peers and that the culture is "friendly, helpful, and not competitive and cruel". The small class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 4.9-to-1 or 6.1:1, make learning more personable and focused, and students feel comfortable asking classmates for help. The school also offers a wealth of practical experience, including externships, moot court, mock trial, and the Tennessee Law Review, which are invaluable in preparing students for their future careers.

The university attracts candidates from 15 to 20 different states and around 50 to 70 different undergraduate institutions, with a diverse range of ages and backgrounds. The law school itself is located in the northern part of campus, making it somewhat separated from the rest of the campus and helping with parking and traffic. The building is relatively new and well-maintained, with modern technology incorporated throughout, making it an ideal place to learn.

Knoxville, where the university is located, is described as a college town, offering the typical qualities of southern universities, such as college football, restaurants, bars, and great apartments. It is a decent-sized city with a lot to offer, including seasonal sports, trails, and water-related activities. The scenery of East Tennessee is also described as terrific, with plenty of natural areas to explore.

In terms of employment prospects, the University of Tennessee College of Law has a strong reputation, especially within the state. The business section of the university is highly regarded, so if you're wanting to go into business law, UTK may be a great choice. The university also has a strong job placement record, with 83.7% of graduates passing the bar on their first try and 65.4% going directly to work for law firms. The median salary for JD graduates from the university is $150,000 in the private sector and $67,000 in the public sector.

Overall, the University of Tennessee College of Law offers a well-rounded student experience, with a supportive community, practical learning opportunities, and a vibrant campus and city life.

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Knoxville as a university town

Knoxville, Tennessee is home to the University of Tennessee, ranked No. 55 out of 195 in Best Law Schools in America. The university offers a full-time program with a $0 application fee and an impressive student-faculty ratio of 6.1:1. The tuition fees are $20,508 for in-state and $39,252 for out-of-state students.

Knoxville has been described as a "college town" and a "college city", with a vibrant student community and a range of activities and amenities catering to them. The University of Tennessee has been described as having a great sense of community, with students calling it a “second family" and praising the "incredible" school-life balance. The university's law school is located in the northern part of campus, offering a modern and well-maintained facility with ample parking and easy access.

The city boasts a lively atmosphere with college football, a variety of restaurants and bars, and great apartments. It is known for its scenic beauty, with the stunning surroundings of East Tennessee providing a terrific backdrop to student life. Knoxville has a unique charm, combining southern hospitality and a welcoming attitude.

However, some have noted that Knoxville does not have the typical college town feel, where the university is the sole focal point of the city. Instead, Knoxville is a diverse and expansive city, offering a range of experiences beyond the university campus. While South Knoxville, in particular, is known for its high student population, other areas of the city provide a more varied ambiance, allowing those who prefer a quieter lifestyle to easily avoid the bustling student hubs.

Overall, Knoxville offers a well-rounded experience for students, with a blend of academic excellence, a vibrant social scene, and a supportive community, all set within a beautiful natural environment.

Frequently asked questions

Students have described the University of Tennessee Law School as having a great community and a supportive and kind atmosphere. Knoxville, where the university is located, is described as a decent-sized city with lots going on. There are plenty of bars and restaurants, and seasonal sports are a must.

The University of Tennessee Law School is ranked 55th in Best Law Schools by USNWR. The university offers small class sizes, making learning more personable and focused. The university also offers practical skills classes, externship opportunities, moot court, mock trial and Tennessee Law Review, which are all invaluable experiences for law students.

University of Tennessee Law School graduates can expect to make $150,000 (median) upon graduation if they work in the private sector, or $67,000 if they go into the public sector. 83.7% of University of Tennessee graduates pass the bar on their first try. However, it is worth noting that UTK places well within Tennessee but not so great outside of the state.

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