For the third consecutive year, the incoming class at Iowa Law has achieved the highest LSAT score in history.
This achievement speaks volumes to Iowa Law's ongoing commitment to academic excellence, as the Class of 2024, the Class of 2025, and now the Class of 2026 represent the college’s top three most academically qualified entering classes.
All three classes hold a median LSAT score of 163. However, the Class of 2026 upheld this impressive LSAT score and boasted a median undergraduate GPA of 3.75. This LSAT-GPA combination solidifies their position as the most academically qualified entering class in the history of Iowa Law.
"The entering class repeats the highest median LSAT in history, which has now been achieved for three years, and also brings the highest median undergrad GPA in history, making it our strongest class ever overall. Most importantly, they are enthusiastic and engaged,” says Dean Kevin Washburn.
The incoming class of 2026 represents 79 different undergraduate institutions, an increase from the previous year’s 72. Although the University of Iowa stands as this year's largest feeder undergraduate institution with 41 students (26% of the entering class), a noteworthy addition is the inclusion of Iowa's Regents universities, including Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa within the top three institutions. These universities, comprising 35% of the class, highlight the college's efforts to cultivate local talent within the state of Iowa.
Beyond their academic success, the Class of 2026 brings a wealth of perspectives to the Iowa Law community. Students represent 29 states, an increase from the 25 states represented last year, the District of Columbia, and China. Along with the 157 incoming JD students, Iowa Law welcomes 14 international students across its Advanced-Standing, LLM, and SJD programs. These students represent the countries of India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Jamaica, Colombia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Iran.
The Class of 2026 represents a gender distribution of 55% male and 45% female students, 11% of individuals are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, 12% are first-generation college graduates, and 19% are from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Beyond their profiles, the Class of 2026 brings an array of individual interests and experiences. 44 different undergraduate majors are represented in the entering class. Among the most popular include Political Science, Economics, History, Philosophy, Psychology, and English, accounting for 57% of students.
Several students in this year’s incoming class have also served in professional roles. Their diverse experiences include paralegals, educators, firefighters, legal assistants, Peace Corps volunteers, naturalists, vocalists, consultants, and military personnel. In addition, 6% of the class has advanced degrees in Business Administration, Clinical Nutrition, Communication and Rhetoric, Government, International Political Economy, Philosophy, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Sociology, Social Work, and Teaching.
As Iowa Law celebrates this remarkable 3-year accomplishment, the focus remains on providing students with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their legal careers. In his address to students at this year’s 1L orientation, Collins Byrd, assistant dean of enrollment management, captured the college's dedication to nurturing not only excellence in legal education but also a supportive and closely-knit community:
“This is the type of law school from which you can graduate with your humanity, your sanity, and your friendships still in place. Aspire to take advantage of that opportunity and build on it, not tear it down.”
*Data reported as of August 15, 2023