Law shapes society, and in South Carolina, future legal leaders begin their journey in classrooms, courtrooms, and communities across the state. Aspiring lawyers face a critical choice: selecting a school that not only teaches the law but also prepares them for real-world practice and lasting careers.
South Carolina’s law schools offer more than textbooks and lectures. They provide practical experience, professional connections, and opportunities to engage directly with courts, law firms, and public agencies. Understanding what each school offers, its programs, focus areas, and strengths, can make the difference between a good legal education and an education that sets you up for success.
This guide explores the state’s top law schools, detailing their programs, admissions, and what makes each a unique choice for future legal professionals.
Best Law Schools in South Carolina
South Carolina has two ABA-accredited law schools recognized as the top law schools in the state. These schools offer strong academic programs, practical training, and career support for aspiring lawyers. Below are details of their program offerings, areas of specialization, and opportunities for students.
1. University of South Carolina School of Law — Columbia, SC
The University of South Carolina School of Law is the oldest and most prestigious law school in the state. Its Juris Doctor (JD) program blends strong academics with practical legal experience to prepare students for diverse careers.
Students study constitutional law, civil procedure, contracts, property, and criminal law, while choosing electives to match their interests. The school emphasizes experiential learning through clinics, externships, and moot court competitions. Students gain real-world legal skills before graduation.
Joint degrees and specialized tracks allow students to focus on business law, public policy, or health law. The school boasts high bar passage rates and excellent career support for its graduates. Columbia’s status as the state capital gives students access to law firms, government offices, and nonprofit organizations.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The typical admitted student has a median LSAT score of 161–164 and a GPA of around 3.6–3.7. The school evaluates applicants based on academic performance, LSAT results, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and relevant experiences. USC Law also encourages applications from students with leadership experience, public service involvement, or professional achievements.
2. Charleston School of Law — Charleston, SC
The Charleston School of Law is a private, ABA-accredited law school focused on practical legal training. The JD program covers contracts, property, constitutional law, criminal law, and civil procedure. Students participate in clinics, simulations, and externships to gain hands-on experience before graduation.
The school offers a unique LL.M. in Admiralty and Maritime Law, leveraging Charleston’s coastal location. Joint degrees like JD/MBA allow students to combine legal studies with business skills. Smaller class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio ensure personalized mentoring and guidance.
Students also compete in national advocacy events and work on community-focused legal projects. Charleston Law is ideal for students seeking practical training and specialized programs in a dynamic urban setting. The school’s location provides easy access to courts, law firms, and maritime industries for career opportunities.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The typical admitted student has a median LSAT score of 152–156 and a GPA of around 3.3–3.5. Admissions decisions are based on LSAT scores, undergraduate performance, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. Charleston Law requires students to complete a minimum of 50 pro bono service hours, giving early exposure to real clients and community service.
Admissions Statistics for Top Law Schools in South Carolina
South Carolina has two ABA-accredited law schools recognized as the state’s leading legal institutions. To help prospective students compare these schools, the table below highlights key admissions and outcome data. These figures give an overview of academic requirements, cost, and bar passage rates for each school.
| Law School | Median LSAT | Median GPA | Acceptance Rate | Approx. Annual Tuition | First-Time Bar Passage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina School of Law | ~161–164 | ~3.6–3.7 | ~50–55% | ~$33,000 (in-state), ~$50,000 (out-of-state) | ~90–92% |
| Charleston School of Law | ~152–156 | ~3.3–3.5 | ~60–65% | ~$41,000–$45,000 | ~80–85% |
- Median LSAT and GPA indicate the typical academic strength of admitted students.
- Acceptance rate reflects how selective each school is.
- Tuition varies between public and private institutions, especially for in-state residents.
- Bar passage rate shows how well the school prepares graduates for licensing exams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Law Schools in South Carolina
1. Which are the best law schools in South Carolina?
South Carolina has two ABA-accredited law schools: the University of South Carolina School of Law and Charleston School of Law. Both are recognized for training students for legal practice in the state and beyond.
2. Are both schools ABA-accredited?
Yes. Both schools are fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Graduating from an ABA-accredited school is required to sit for the bar exam in most states.
3. What LSAT scores do I need to apply?
University of South Carolina typically admits students with LSAT scores around 161–164. Charleston School of Law usually admits students with scores of 152–156. Higher scores improve chances of admission.
4. What is the typical GPA requirement?
USC Law admits students with a median undergraduate GPA of about 3.6–3.7. Charleston School of Law’s median GPA is approximately 3.3–3.5. Meeting or exceeding these figures strengthens your application.
5. Is it cheaper to attend the public law school?
Yes. University of South Carolina Law offers lower tuition for in-state residents, around $33,000 per year. Charleston School of Law costs roughly $41,000–$45,000 per year, as a private institution.
6. Which school has the better bar passage rate?
University of South Carolina typically achieves a 90–92% first-time bar passage rate. Charleston School of Law reports 80–85%, which is still competitive for state licensure.
7. Do these schools provide practical legal experience?
Yes. Both offer clinics, externships, and simulations that give students hands-on experience before graduation. This helps students gain confidence and professional skills.
8. Can I specialize in specific areas of law?
Yes. USC Law allows specialization in business law, public policy, health law, and other fields.
Charleston Law offers a unique LL.M. in Admiralty and Maritime Law and joint degree options like JD/MBA.
9. What kind of career support do students receive?
Both schools provide career services, job placement guidance, and networking opportunities with local law firms, government agencies, and nonprofits. Alumni networks help students find internships and employment.
10. Are there scholarship opportunities available?
Yes. Both schools offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. USC Law often combines scholarships with lower in-state tuition, while Charleston Law provides merit awards for high-performing applicants.