Northeastern University

MA · Private · New England

Acceptance rate: 24% (5,652 applicants)
Median LSAT: 164 (middle 50%: 161–166)
Median GPA: 3.77 (middle 50%: 3.61–3.86)
Tuition: $65,652 (per year)
Bar passage: 90.5% (+6.2 pts vs. state average)

Deadlines

Application deadline: March 1, 2027

Essays

Personal statement (2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point)

In short, anything! Our application instructions state that you must provide a personal statement on any topic. A hallmark of a Northeastern University School of Law education is the freedom to pursue the areas of law that interest you, both in and out of the classroom, and we are granting you the same freedom in deciding what topic(s) to cover in your personal statement. This is your chance to help us get to know you in a more personal way.

Optional essay 1: co-op (1 page, double-spaced, 12-point)

Over the past few years, most law schools have come to recognize the importance of hands-on legal experience. At Northeastern, we have been incorporating practice directly into the curriculum since 1968. Ranked A+ in Practical Training by the National Jurist, our signature Cooperative Legal Education Program (co-op) guarantees you nearly a year of full-time work experience in the areas of law that interest you, anywhere in the world. What field(s) of law would you like to pursue on co-op and why?

Optional essay 2: social justice (PILS) (1 page, double-spaced, 12-point)

Northeastern is a nationally recognized leader in public interest law with a strong reputation for producing accomplished leaders in the field. What specific social justice issue are you most passionate about and how have your professional or personal experiences influenced your interests?

Optional essay 3: background (1 page, double-spaced, 12-point)

At Northeastern University, diversity is about excellence and inclusion. It's about the way in which we engage with the world, the opportunity to learn from new perspectives, a core value for the University, an essential element of contemporary life, an expression of cultural pride, and a reflection of our campus, community, and global partners. Northeastern University School of Law, in keeping with the mission of Northeastern University, is committed to building and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community of faculty, students, and staff that welcomes and respects all persons, regardless of race, gender identity or expression, family structure, socio-economic status, or ability status. We strive to develop an open and respectful environment that draws on talent from every sector or society and engages the global community. We are dedicated to the integration of multiple, divergent perspectives, and to the principle that a diverse and inclusive community not only supports innovation and creativity, but also creates and promotes cultural understanding throughout Northeastern's community. With these guiding principles, the School of Law aspires to promote a thriving society built on equal opportunity and social justice. How has your background shaped who you are today or your future aspirations, and how will your presence enhance the Northeastern community?

Editor's notes

No interview, no fee, one letter. That puts almost all the weight on your written file. Northeastern's admissions policy names work experience, public service and achievement outside the classroom among the factors it weighs, and your résumé is the document that shows them. Treat it as something you edit, not a form you fill in.
Write an optional essay. It's the only place to tell them why Northeastern, and the co-op prompt is built for it. If public interest is your plan, the PILS essay does double duty for the full-tuition scholarship. Label it, and get everything in by March 1.
Know the scholarship rules before you pick a plan. Northeastern doesn't negotiate merit awards, and early decision admits must pay a $500 deposit by Jan. 5 and can't defer. If you need to compare offers, early action gets you a decision by Feb. 15 without the binding contract.
The class profile is the one to aim at: a 164 LSAT median and 3.78 GPA median for fall 2025, with 70% women and ages running from 21 to 54. If you're applying a few years out of college, you're in good company.