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10 Top Law Schools with Yellow Ribbon Programs

This is a list of the top 10 Yellow law schools that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) veteran education benefit that can extend GI Bill benefits in cases where the Post-9/11 GI Bill isn’t enough to cover a participating school’s tuition and fees.

While attending college is often a dream for veterans, choosing where to apply can be a tough challenge, largely due to the expense. For this reason, CollegeRecon compiled a list of the top ten law schools that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initiative that can extend the duration of GI Bill benefits.

The Best Yellow Ribbon Law Schools

10: Northwestern University (Pritzker)

Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in Chicago is distinguished by its innovative approach to legal education and its strong focus on experiential learning. The school offers a dynamic curriculum emphasizing real-world applications through its extensive clinical programs, externships, and simulations.

Pritzker School of Law is known for attracting students with outstanding academic credentials, excellent interpersonal skills, and significant work and leadership experience. Its strategic location provides students valuable connections and career prospects across various sectors.

9: New York University

Founded in 1835, the New York University School of Law (NYU Law) is located in the Lower Manhattan neighborhood of Greenwich Village. It is the first in New York City and one of the oldest in the US.

NYU Law offers a diverse range of specialized legal fields, including international, tax, and public interest law. Its extensive network of alumni, strong clinical programs, and proximity to major legal and financial institutions provide students with endless opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience.

8: Columbia University

Also located in New York City, in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood, Columbia Law School has a storied reputation in excellence in legal education.

Columbia Law’s programs, including human rights, corporate, and international law, are taught by renowned legal scholars and practitioners. It is also located near New York City’s legal and financial hub. Columbia Law graduates are highly sought after by top law firms, government agencies, and academia.

7: University of Virginia

Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia School of Law is the second-oldest continuously operating law school in the US. Located in Charlottesville and renowned for its academic excellence, UVA Law is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the country.

UVA Law offers students exceptional professors, classroom experiences, and career prospects. Both LLM and JD students benefit from the expertise of leading scholars and build lasting networks through a cooperative spirit inside and outside the classroom.

6: University of Pennsylvania (Carey)

Penn Carey Law offers a rigorous curriculum supported by a distinguished faculty and extensive resources. Students benefit from the school’s integration with other renowned Penn programs, such as business, medicine, and technology, allowing for a well-rounded and versatile legal education.

Known for its collegial atmosphere and commitment to public service, Penn Carey Law prepares its graduates for diverse careers in law, academia, government, and the private sector.

5: Harvard University

Harvard Law School is the oldest law school in the country and one of the most prestigious in the world. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it has a long history of academic excellence and influential alumni, including numerous Supreme Court justices, US presidents, and international leaders.

Harvard Law School’s JD program enrolls nearly 600 students per class, making it one of the largest among law school programs. In addition to the JD degree, Harvard offers LLM and SJD programs. The school also boasts the world’s largest academic law library.

4: Duke University

In their first year at Duke University School of Law, located in Durham, students are required to take courses in civil procedure, criminal law, constitutional law, tort law, contracts, legal analysis, research, and writing. After that, they can choose electives such as property law, business associations, international law, and administrative law. They are required to take a course in legal professions before graduating.

3: University of Chicago

The University of Chicago Law School was the first American law school to offer the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and is notable for integrating social science into legal studies. The school is known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, blending its legal curriculum with fields such as economics, political science, and public policy.

2: Yale University

Over three years, Yale Law School students will complete required coursework on civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, property, and torts. Beyond these requirements, students can select constitutional, corporate, environmental, and human rights law electives. Additionally, Yale’s clinics and experiential learning opportunities allow students to engage with real-world legal challenges.

1: Stanford University

Stanford University Law School is a top university across many lists, and its law school is no exception. Located in Palo Alto, this small law school offers a highly customizable education that adapts to students’ unique goals and needs. Here, students can create joint degrees, explore interdisciplinary studies, and design new courses.

With small class sizes and an emphasis on seminars, reading groups, and team-driven clinics, the environment at Stanford Law is both supportive and challenging.

Learn more about the Yellow Ribbon program and how it works

 

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