Best Law Schools in Tucson

Best Law Schools in Tucson: Rankings, Costs, Outcomes, and How to Choose the Right Fit

Key Takeaways

• Tucson has one ABA-accredited law school: the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, consistently ranked among the top public law schools in the U.S.
• The Rogers College of Law stands out for high bar passage rates, strong employment outcomes, and nationally recognized programs in environmental, indigenous, and international law.
• In-state tuition and scholarships make Tucson one of the more cost-effective cities for earning a Juris Doctor in the Southwest.
• Comparing Tucson options requires looking beyond rankings to include cost, outcomes, specializations, and the local legal market.

Why Tucson Is a Strategic Choice for Law School

Tucson, Arizona blends academic rigor with an affordable cost of living and a close-knit legal community. While it does not have multiple law schools competing within city limits, its single flagship program carries significant national credibility. For students interested in public service, environmental law, cross-border issues, or practicing in Arizona and the Southwest, Tucson offers a focused and high-value pathway to a legal career.

Accredited Law Schools in Tucson

University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law

The James E. Rogers College of Law is the only ABA-accredited law school located in Tucson. Founded in 1915, it is part of the University of Arizona and is widely recognized for combining strong academics with practical training and career outcomes.

Quick Facts and Rankings

• ABA Accredited: Yes
• U.S. News Ranking (2024): Top 50 overall, Top 20 among public law schools
• Location: Central Tucson, main university campus
• Programs Offered: JD, LLM, MLS, joint degrees

Admissions Profile

• Median LSAT: ~165
• Median GPA: ~3.8
• Acceptance Rate: Competitive, but accessible for strong regional applicants

Tuition and Cost of Attendance (2024 Estimate)

• In-State Tuition: ~$25,000 per year
• Out-of-State Tuition: ~$37,000 per year
• Cost of Living: Significantly lower than Los Angeles, Phoenix, or Denver

How the Rogers College of Law Compares Regionally

Many prospective students comparing “best law schools in Tucson” also look at options across Arizona, particularly in Phoenix.

School Location U.S. News Rank (2024) In-State Tuition Bar Passage Rate University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law Tucson Top 50 ~$25,000 ~85% ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law Phoenix Top 30 ~$30,000 ~88%

While ASU ranks slightly higher overall, the Rogers College of Law remains the top choice for students who want a Tucson-based education, lower tuition, and strong placement in southern Arizona.

Bar Passage and Employment Outcomes

Outcomes matter more than rankings alone. The Rogers College of Law performs well on the metrics that directly affect career success.

Arizona Bar Passage

• First-Time Bar Passage: Approximately 85%
• Above State Average: Yes, consistently

Employment Results

• Employment Rate (10 months after graduation): ~90%
• Common Employers: Arizona law firms, government agencies, nonprofits, tribal courts, and federal clerkships
• Geographic Placement: Primarily Arizona, with alumni presence nationwide

Academic Strengths and Specializations

The Rogers College of Law is nationally recognized for several niche programs that align closely with Tucson’s geography and legal ecosystem.

Top-Ranked Programs

• Environmental and Natural Resources Law: Regularly ranked among the top programs nationwide
• Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy: One of the most respected programs in the country
• International Trade and Business Law: Strong focus on U.S.–Mexico cross-border issues
• Immigration Law: Extensive clinical and externship opportunities

Experiential Learning

• Legal clinics serving real clients
• Externships with Tucson courts, city attorneys, and nonprofits
• Close ties to the Southern Arizona legal community

Student Experience and Campus Life

Students often cite the collegial atmosphere as a differentiator. Smaller class sizes and faculty accessibility contribute to a supportive academic culture.

• Class Size: Smaller than many peer public law schools
• Faculty Access: High
• Reviews: Strong ratings on Princeton Review and law school forums for quality of life

Tucson’s affordability allows many students to avoid excessive debt while enjoying a high quality of life, including outdoor recreation, culture, and year-round sunshine.

Who Should Choose Law School in Tucson

Best Fit For

• Arizona residents seeking high ROI and in-state tuition
• Students interested in environmental, indigenous, or immigration law
• Applicants planning to practice in Arizona or the Southwest
• Those prioritizing outcomes and cost over prestige alone

Less Ideal For

• Students seeking a large selection of law schools within one city
• Candidates focused exclusively on BigLaw placement in New York or California

Admissions and Application Tips

Applicants should apply early and focus on aligning their personal statement with the school’s mission-driven strengths.

• Submit LSAT scores by early fall for scholarship consideration
• Highlight public service, regional ties, or relevant policy interests
• Use LSAC to monitor deadlines and credential requirements

Bottom Line on the Best Law Schools in Tucson

Tucson may have only one law school, but the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law delivers depth, outcomes, and value that rival multi-school markets. For many students, it represents not just the best law school in Tucson, but one of the smartest law school investments in the Southwest.

Frequently Asked Questions about Law Schools in Tucson

Is there more than one ABA-accredited law school in Tucson?

No. Tucson has one ABA-accredited law school: the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, located on the main campus near central Tucson.

How does the University of Arizona law school rank nationally?

In the 2024 U.S. News rankings, the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law is placed in the top 50 overall and among the top 20 public law schools in the United States.

What does it cost to attend law school in Tucson?

Estimated annual tuition is about $25,000 for Arizona residents and about $37,000 for nonresidents. Tucson’s housing and living costs are usually lower than in cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, or Denver, which can reduce your total debt.

What are the bar passage and job outcomes for graduates in Tucson?

Recent first-time bar passage is around 85%, which is often above the Arizona state average. About 90% of graduates are employed 10 months after graduation, mainly in Arizona law firms, government, nonprofits, tribal courts, and some federal clerkships.

What is the University of Arizona law school known for academically?

You will find notable strengths in environmental and natural resources law, Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy, immigration law, and U.S.–Mexico cross-border and international trade work, supported by clinics and externships in the Tucson area.

Who is a good fit for going to law school in Tucson?

You are likely a good fit if you want to practice in Arizona or the Southwest, value in-state tuition and scholarships, and are interested in areas like environmental, Indigenous, or immigration law within a smaller, close-knit law school community.