The University of Florida Levin College of Law climbed seven spots in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings of the nation’s best law schools, placing at No. 41 overall. This rise is the largest year-to-year increase in over 20 years and is the second largest improvement of any law school ranked in the top 50. The Graduate Tax Program held its spot as the No. 1 program among public law schools and No. 3 overall.
“Our new ranking is more than a number,” said Dean Laura A. Rosenbury. “It’s a reflection of the talent of our student body, the intellect of our faculty, the dedication of our staff and the commitment of our alumni.”
Several metrics are used to develop the overall ranking, including entering student credentials, employment outcomes, faculty reputation and assessments from lawyers and judges.
Since her tenure began in July 2015, Dean Rosenbury has been acutely focused on increasing the national and international profile of UF Law. Because of these efforts, UF Law is on track to join the ranks of the nation’s elite public law schools, better positioning the University of Florida to achieve its goal of becoming a top 10 public research institution.
To support the law school’s ambitious endeavor, the university has made a substantial investment in UF Law’s Merit Scholars Initiative, designed to attract the most highly credentialed students to the law school for years to come. Last year’s pilot program helped bring in an entering class with a median LSAT of 160, up from a 157, and a median GPA of 3.6, up from 3.5. The class is also the most diverse in the law school’s history, with 36 percent identifying as racially or ethnically diverse.
“As reflected in the latest U.S. News rankings, the trajectory of the Levin College of Law continues to rise,” said UF President Kent Fuchs. “The scholarship of UF Law’s faculty, the credentials of its students, and the outcomes of its graduates are inspiring and contribute to UF’s growing national stature.”