Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Admissions Criteria

The University of Kansas School of Law seeks to admit a highly qualified and diverse class, one that consists of persons who, individually and collectively, show great promise of contributing to and succeeding in the study and practice of law.  We review each application holistically and strive to admit talented, diverse, and dedicated students who will not only make an impact inside the law school during their time at KU Law, but who will also make a positive impact in the legal profession after graduation.

There are no infallible measurements or predictors of academic success or legal ability. Admission decisions are based on a variety of criteria that suggest such promise, including undergraduate course work and grades; LSAT scores; employment; professional or volunteer experience; leadership in school or civic activities; unique qualities and achievements; diversity of background and experience; and demonstrated ability to overcome financial or other disadvantages. The committee also considers the applicant’s interest in or connections to Kansas or the University of Kansas.

Each year, our goal is to admit a class reflective of America’s population and to ensure access to the legal profession to all persons. 

At the University of Kansas School of Law, we support the ideals expressed by the American Bar Association and are committed to providing “full opportunities for the study of law and entry into the profession by members of underrepresented groups, particularly racial and ethnic minorities, and a commitment to having a student body that is diverse with respect to gender, race, and ethnicity.”

While no one factor will be considered determinative in the decision process, the Admissions Committee may consider the following factors, among others, as contributing to the diversity of our law school when making admissions and scholarship decisions:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Cultural background
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities
• Evidence of commitment to diversity
• Academic background and credentials
• Evidence of leadership skills
• First-generation college student
• Geographic diversity
• Financial, social, family, physical or educational hardships
• Previous career before pursuing higher education
• Service to community
• Socioeconomic status
• Urban/rural background
• Age
• Disability
• Gender identity or expression
• Sexual orientation
• Military or veteran status
• Tribal affiliation/tribal membership
• International background or experience
• Other unique contributions

University of Kansas Nondiscrimination Statement

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).

School of Law Nondiscrimination Policy