The University of Pittsburgh School of Law has been named one of the nation’s Best Value Law Schools by National Jurist magazine, earning an A- grade and ranking #21 in the United States—its first ever appearance on the prestigious list.
The National Jurist Fall 2025 Best Value Law Schools rankings evaluate institutions that deliver strong outcomes for graduates while maintaining affordability and access. The publication noted that Pitt Law is new to the list and highlighted the School’s exceptional employment and bar-passage results, affordability, and commitment to experiential education.
According to National Jurist, Pitt Law earned an A- overall grade, supported by a two-year employment average of 89.7%, a two-year bar passage average of 94.1%, and a final GPA average of 3.42. The magazine also recognized that Pitt Law joins several other leading national law schools—including Notre Dame Law School (B+), UCLA School of Law (B+), and The University of Michigan Law School (B+)—as first-time entrants on this year’s list.
In the National Jurist profile, Dean Jerry Dickinson, the country’s youngest law dean, emphasized that Pitt Law defines value not only by affordability, but by outcomes. “Students know they’re coming to Pitt Law to be trained as lawyers and to think like lawyers,” Dickinson said. “With an alumni network across Western Pennsylvania, students access externships at top firms, government agencies, and nonprofits.”
National Jurist also highlighted Pitt Law’s focus on experiential education—through clinics, practicums, and externships—as key to its strong outcomes and reputation. The magazine noted Pitt Law’s new investments in public interest careers, including the Office for Public Interest, which guides students pursuing work in civil rights, democracy protection, and nonprofit law.
“Financial aid is another priority; we raised a record $8 million in fundraising last year,” Dean Dickinson told National Jurist. “Some of those gifts will boost scholarships long term, ensuring students can pursue meaningful careers without being forced into high-paying jobs just to repay loans.”
The recognition by National Jurist comes amid a transformational period for Pitt Law. Under Dean Dickinson’s leadership, the School has set its sights on becoming a national powerhouse law school, marked by a 55–60% increase in JD applications—one of the largest surges in the nation—alongside the highest bar passage rate in Pennsylvania (February 2025) and a growing national media presence.
“Pitt Law on the rise. This is an unprecedented moment of real momentum—and we’re just getting started,” says Dickinson.