Not all law students follow a straight path from undergraduate studies to law school. Many have diverse professional backgrounds, adding significant value to their legal education. Recognizing this, the Princeton Review has released its 2025 rankings for law schools that are most favored by nontraditional students. Today, we delve into which institutions are leading the way in welcoming older students into the fold.

The methodology behind the rankings includes the average age of entering students and the number of years they spent out of college before pursuing a law degree. These factors help identify schools that not only accept older students but truly accommodate their unique needs and perspectives.

According to the latest data from Princeton Review, the following have been identified as the top choices for older law students:

1. University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law 2. City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law 3. University of New Mexico School of Law 4. University of Dayton School of Law (notably improved from being unranked last year) 5. University of Hawaii at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law 6. University of Montana School of Law 7. Oklahoma City University School of Law 8. University of Idaho College of Law (up from ninth last year) 9. Mitchell Hamline School of Law (also newly ranked) 10. Syracuse University College of Law

These schools have demonstrated a commitment to creating an inclusive environment that values the experiences and maturity older students bring. Nontraditional students often seek flexible class schedules, part-time programs, and a community that respects their life and career experiences, which these institutions provide.

The presence of schools like the University of Dayton and Mitchell Hamline in this year’s list highlights changing perceptions and growing opportunities for older students in the legal field. The stability of others like the University of the District of Columbia and CUNY School of Law confirms their ongoing commitment to this demographic.

Did your prospective law school make the cut? Whether you are an older applicant considering a career change or you’ve taken time to gain other valuable life experiences, these schools might be suited for your unique journey in law.

For more detailed insights and rankings, visit the Princeton Review’s official website. Your feedback is also valuable; share your thoughts and experiences regarding these rankings and how they align with your educational needs and goals.