University of Southern California, Gould School of Law
The information on this page was provided by the law school.
Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs
The JD Program
USC Gould is an elite law school committed to academic excellence. Our success is comprised of a world-class faculty, a close-knit and diverse student body, a well-situated campus, an interdisciplinary curriculum and a supportive alumni network.
The faculty is nationally recognized for its scholarship in many fields, its interdisciplinary focus, public service and leadership in the profession. Our small class size and low professor-to-student ratio create an intimate and collegial learning environment.
Founded in 1900, USC Gould was Southern California's first law school. From the school's earliest days, we enrolled women and students of color. Today we maintain one of the nation's most diverse law student populations and enroll the most international students. This creates an environment that fosters a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
Our location in Los Angeles provides students with vast opportunities in one of the top legal markets and busiest courts in the nation. From Silicon Beach to downtown L.A., USC Gould offers access to clerkships, externships and career options with law and business firms, public interest agencies, and entertainment, media and technology firms. The law school's location on USC's University Park Campus supports numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary education and research among the multitude of renowned schools.
USC pioneered the concepts of interdisciplinary and clinical legal education. The first modern legal aid program grew out of a USC Gould clinic established in 1929. And, in 1965, we became one of the first schools to bring an interdisciplinary focus to the study of law. Today, our curriculum is infused with courses at the intersection of a variety of key disciplines, and we offer over a dozen dual-degree programs. Through our numerous clinics, practicums and externships, students gain hands-on training in the practice of law, working with real clients.
The law school boasts a supportive and tight-knit alumni population of more than 10,000 professionals around the globe. The Trojan Family is a fiercely loyal and powerful network deeply committed to the success of USC graduates. Our alumni are partners in the world's largest law firms, head major international companies, and serve leadership roles in government and public service organizations. More than 500 USC Gould alumni have served as state or federal judges.
Career Placement and Bar Passage
Tuition and Aid
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition |
$72,798.00
|
| Fees |
$1,200.00
|
| Expected Cost of Attendance |
$88,178.00
|
Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers
The primary goal of the admissions process is to enroll students who demonstrate outstanding academic and professional promise and whose background and experience will enhance the diversity of the student body or the profession, or will enrich the educational environment of the USC Gould School of Law. USC Gould's admissions process is guided by the view that a student body which reflects the broad and rich diversity of our society provides a superior educational environment for all students.
Admitted Applicant Profile
