The University of Iowa College of Law

One of the oldest law schools west of the Mississippi, the University of Iowa College of Law is rumored to have graduated the nation’s first female law student. Ranked A in Best Value by the National Jurist, it has rigorous admissions criteria and one of the smallest first-year section sizes in the region.

Nestled in downtown Iowa City, the campus itself overlooks the Iowa River and houses a massive law library — fitting, as Iowa City is one of 11 cities worldwide to be designated a UNESCO City of Literature. Each year, the school hosts “Bridging the Gap Seminar,” a pre-law conference for minority applicants to learn about the law school process and related career fields.

Although tuition is far higher for non-residents, the school’s efforts pay off, as an impressive number of its graduates find employment after 10 months, at just under 90 percent.

Along with the J.D. program, the college offers a number of joint degree programs with other graduate departments. They also recieved an A- ranking in their teachings on Trial Advocacy and Litigation. Iowa Law boasts an alumni network spanning all 50 states and beyond.