WEST CHESTER, PA — AccessLex Institute recently released its spring 2026 update to the Legal Education Data Deck, showing a sharp increase in law school applications and a decline in admission rates in 2025.
Applications rose to 76,500 applicants, an increase of 11,700, or 18%, from 2024, marking the largest year-over-year gain since 2004.
The increase in applicants contributed to a drop in the law school admission rate to 65% in 2025, down from 69% the previous year and the lowest level since 2006.
Enrollment data showed the number of men enrolling in J.D. programs increased for the first time since 2010, while enrollment among women continued to grow at a faster rate.
The number of J.D. degrees awarded stabilized at 36,340 in 2025 following an increase the prior year.
The share of degrees awarded to students of color rose to 35%, up one percentage point and the highest level recorded.
“The latest Data Deck demonstrates the heightened interest in law school enrollment,” said Tiffane Cochran, vice president of research at AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex said the Data Deck compiles publicly available data on applications, admissions, enrollment and demographics and will be updated again in summer and fall 2026.
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