UNC School of Law Soars to Historic No. 18 in U.S. News Rankings 

April 8, 2025

UNC School of Law has reached its highest ranking ever, advancing to No. 18 among approximately 200 law schools in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 edition of “America’s Best Graduate Schools,” released today. 

The new ranking caps Carolina Law’s ascent from No. 45 in 2018 to today’s record-high No. 18, a twenty-seven-spot climb that cements its status among the nation’s top five public law schools. 

Carolina Law dominates in areas that matter most to future attorneys: 

  • No. 19 in reputation among lawyers and judges 

Behind these impressive numbers lies a story of strategic vision and careful investment in world-class faculty, innovative programs, and expanded student opportunities. Vision and strategy have transformed Carolina Law into a powerhouse that consistently outperforms peer institutions in placing graduates into fulfilling careers throughout North Carolina and beyond. 

“Our success in this year’s U.S. News rankings is the result of years of hard work from our entire community: students, faculty, staff, and alumni,” says Dean Martin H. Brinkley ’92. “While we welcome this recognition of the quality of our work, we cannot rest or relax our efforts to build on our dual foundation of excellence and accessibility. The true measure of Carolina Law lies in the accomplishments of our graduates.” 

About U.S. News & World Report 

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.