Law school applications are up at UC College of Law
Sluggish economy, desire to practice public interest law spark renewed interest
A slow economy and a stronger interest in practicing public interest law are among the factors driving an increase in law school applications at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
About 1,400 applicants applied for Fall 2025 — an increase of nearly 40% from the previous year, explains Cassandra Jeter-Bailey, senior assistant dean of admissions for UC Law. It’s not unusual to have more applications when the economy is slower and fewer high-paying jobs are available.
UC is seeing the highest volume of law school applications since 2015.
Jeter-Bailey spoke with WVXU’s Zack Carreon when he inquired about what appears to be a national trend of more people considering law school.
The political climate during the past year has turned up the volume on contentious issues drawing even more people to the law field, especially in pathways related to public interest and social justice, she says.
"It has not caused a chilling effect. I think it's actually just the opposite," Jeter-Bailey told WVXU. "Applicants are keenly aware that the law is an avenue for change, and I think that's why you see more folks applying to law school."
Dean Cassandra Jeter-Bailey shown in the UC College of Law atrium. Photo/Joey Yerace/UC Law.
Jeter-Bailey says political and social dynamics continue to motivate students to pursue legal education as a way to engage with and influence systemic change — across a wide range of perspectives and ideologies.
"Economic uncertainty, including concerns about job stability and inflation, is also prompting individuals to consider law school as a path toward long-term professional security and flexibility," says Jeter-Bailey.
At UC Law (as of Aug. 5) the incoming class of 2025 includes 137 students with a median GPA of 3.8 and a median LSAT of 159. More than 40 majors are represented and 27% of incoming students also hold undergraduate degrees from UC.
Students are coming from 24 states with the largest representation from Ohio and Kentucky.
"National and global events continue to underscore the critical role of law in shaping society," adds Jeter-Bailey. "These moments remind prospective students of the power and reach of legal frameworks — and inspire many to want to be part of the system that interprets, applies, and challenges them.
Law students begin arriving at UC Law on Aug. 13 and the first day of class is Aug. 25.
Listen and read the WVXU story on law school applications.
Learn more about UC Law's strategic priorities online.
Featured top image of students in the UC College of Law library.
About UC College of Law
Founded in 1833, the University of Cincinnati College of Law is the fourth-oldest law school in the United States, behind only Harvard, Yale, and the University of Virginia. With a legacy of producing influential leaders in government, the judiciary, major law firms, Fortune 500 companies, and non-governmental organizations, the University of Cincinnati College of Law is also a pioneer in legal education. It was the first law school to establish a center dedicated to the study of international human rights and is home to one of the most successful Innocence Projects globally, working to combat wrongful convictions.
Training lawyers for nearly two centuries, the law college remains steadfast in its mission to provide a top-tier legal education that inspires students to pursue justice and advance the role of law in society.
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