The University of Tulsa College of Law offers programs in federal Indian law, criminal practice, and family representation. The Native American Law Center, neighborhood-focused clinics, and an extensive externship program provide opportunities for practical training.
This guide walks you through how to get into Tulsa Law.
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1. Tulsa Law Admissions Numbers and Statistics
Tulsa Law Class of 2028:
- LSAT: 75th: 160 | Median: 157 | 25th: 155
- GPA: 75th: 3.72 | Median: 3.45 | 25th: 3.27
Tulsa Law Class of 2027:
- LSAT: 75th: 158 | Median: 156 | 25th: 154
- GPA: 75th: 3.85 | Median: 3.52 | 25th: 3.21
The 2025 entering cohort covers students who entered between October 6, 2024, and October 5, 2025, rather than a fall-only class. The school received 509 completed applications, offered admission to 288 applicants, and enrolled 118 students in that reporting window.
Across the annual ABA reporting windows, enrollment rose from 86 in 2024 to 118 in 2025. The LSAT median rose from 156 to 157, with the quartile range shifting from 154-158 to 155-160. The GPA median fell from 3.52 to 3.45, with the quartile range shifting from 3.21-3.85 to 3.27-3.72.
Aim to be at or above at least one median to be competitive. Above both puts you in a stronger position. Below both medians, this is a prayer, not a reach.
For context on how medians affect your strategy, see How to Build a Smart Law School List.
2. Tulsa Law Application Essays
Personal Statement (required)
Tulsa's personal statement is one to three pages, double-spaced. The topic is open: write about something personally important that helps the committee understand your application and why you are pursuing law now. The school uses the statement to assess writing ability, seriousness of purpose, and readiness for legal study.
For more on how to write a personal statement, see my Personal Statement Examples and Personal Statement Guide.
The open prompt also allows you to discuss obstacles, background, or experiences that shaped your perspective.
For more on how to write a diversity or perspective statement, see my Diversity Statement Examples and Diversity Statement Guide.
Reapplicant Statement (required for previously denied applicants)
Applicants previously denied admission must attach a written statement explaining the steps they have taken to improve their qualifications. Reapplicants must complete the application process again, including a new application and CAS report.
For more on making all of these essays work together, see my Cohesive Narrative Guide.
Addenda and Character & Fitness Resources
I'll be publishing a guide to addenda and character and fitness.
3. Tulsa Law Resume Requirements
Tulsa considers employment history, leadership, and community service in its application review. Keep those experiences easy to identify in your resume, with clear positions and dates.
For more on preparing your resume, see my Resume Examples and Resume Guide.
4. Tulsa Law Letters of Recommendation
Tulsa requires two letters of recommendation through CAS. Professors are recommended; employers and other professional references are also accepted. Family members are not appropriate references under the school's guidance.
For more on recommendations, see my LOR Guide (Applicants) and LOR Guide (Writers).
5. Tulsa Law Interview Process
Tulsa offers in-person and virtual visits, with opportunities to speak with its admissions staff and learn about the program.
6. Tulsa Law Deadlines and Decision Options
Testing Policy
Tulsa accepts the LSAT or GRE. JD-Next may supplement an application but does not replace either required test. GRE applicants must send their scores through ETS and notify admissions after submitting their application. Tulsa considers LSAT scores from the past five years and gives greater weight to the highest score.
If you're considering the GRE, read my LSAT vs. GRE guide before deciding.
Application Dates and Fees
- Application opening: Mid-August for the following fall.
- Fall deadline: July 31 on the admissions calendar.
- Review: Rolling admissions.
- Application fee: $40, with fee waivers available.
Program Formats
Full-time JD: Usually three years. Tulsa also offers a reduced course load or part-time option that takes longer. Its 2026-2027 entering schedule includes August and January starts; the earlier July start is discontinued.
Automatic Admission Program: Eligible University of Tulsa undergraduates need at least a 3.5 LSAC cumulative GPA and a 156 LSAT, a Tulsa bachelor's degree completed within five years of law-school entry, no significant character issues, and no previous law-school attendance. They must submit the required application materials and complete the bachelor's degree before entering.
7. Tulsa Law Scholarships and Financial Aid
Merit Scholarships
Tulsa's academic scholarships require good academic standing, a 2.0 GPA, rather than an additional scholarship-specific academic threshold. In the 2024-2025 aid year, the median grant was $12,500. Students admitted through the undergraduate Automatic Admission Program qualify for a merit scholarship covering at least 50% of tuition.
The Native American Law Center also lists the Jess Green Scholarship and Utsey Family Scholarship among its resources.
Cost of Attendance
For 2026-2027, full-time tuition is $32,074. The school's full-time annual budget totals $67,331, including fees, living expenses, books, transportation, personal expenses, and estimated loan fees. The published budgets for students taking 8-11 credits and 6-7 credits are $55,917 and $50,863, respectively.
Compare the amount you would actually pay after scholarships. Tulsa's tuition is only one part of the annual budget, and a longer part-time schedule changes the total number of years you will need to finance.
For more on scholarship strategy, see How to Negotiate Law School Scholarships.
8. Tulsa Law Joint Degree Programs
Tulsa's JD/master's dual-enrollment program combines law study with approved graduate work through the university's Graduate School. Apply to the College of Law first; the arrangement requires department and dean approval.
The Graduate School may count up to nine law credits toward the master's degree, and the law school may count up to six graduate credits toward the JD. Graduate work completed before beginning the JD does not receive this cross-credit. Students pay law-school tuition while completing the JD, including semesters with a blended curriculum. Completing both degrees typically takes at least four years full-time.
9. Tulsa Law Employment Outcomes (Class of 2025)
Tulsa Law Class of 2025 employment outcomes (reported to the ABA, measured 10 months after graduation):
- Full-time, long-term bar-passage-required employment (ABA): 79.6%
- BigLaw (firms with 101+ attorneys): 3.5%
- Federal clerkships: 0.9%
- Public service (including government): 19.5%
Tulsa's outcomes are concentrated in Oklahoma, with Texas another destination. Small and midsize firms account for much more of its placement than large firms or federal clerkships. This is a school to evaluate around the regional practice you want to build, the experience you can gain while enrolled, and the debt your likely career can support.
10. Tulsa Law Areas of Study and Specializations
Native American Law: The Native American Law Center supports a concentration combining Federal Indian Law, additional specialized courses, and substantial research. Tribal Government and Native American Natural Resources illustrate how the curriculum connects questions of jurisdiction with the daily work of tribal institutions.
Energy and Natural Resources: The Sustainable Energy and Resources Law program connects with the Energy Law Journal and opportunities to contribute to the ABA's environment, energy, and resources Year in Review. Students can develop subject-matter knowledge alongside substantial research and editing experience.
Criminal Law and Advocacy: The Public Defender Clinic gives students direct exposure to clients navigating criminal proceedings. Stephen Galoob's work in criminal law and procedure adds another point of connection between the rules studied in class and their consequences in practice.
Health Law and Civil Rights: Matt Lamkin's research examines medical care in jails and the legal responsibility for preventable harm. The Board of Advocates also supports participation in the National Health Law Moot Court Competition, giving interested students a separate advocacy-focused opportunity.
11. Tulsa Law Clinics and Experiential Learning
Tulsa's clinical program operates from the Boesche Legal Clinic building. Students combine supervised client work with seminars focused on legal strategy, ethics, and professional skills.
- Buck Colbert Franklin Legal Clinic: Serves north Tulsa and Greenwood residents in matters including guardianship, probate, and estate planning.
- Terry West Civil Legal Clinic: Students assist people seeking protective orders and help address burdensome court fines and costs.
- Public Defender Clinic: Students work with clients on issues ranging from initial bond hearings to post-sentencing review and fines-and-costs matters.
- Tulsa Immigrant Resource Network: Provides services to noncitizens and involves clinic students in community education and advocacy projects. Its two-year attorney fellowships are a separate postgraduate opportunity.
- Externship Program: Second- and third-year students earn credit through supervised legal work and an accompanying academic course. Placements include courts, firms, government agencies, nonprofits, and corporate legal departments.
- Board of Advocates: Offers negotiation, mock trial, and moot court opportunities, including a first-year negotiation competition and the Professor John W. Hager Memorial Competition.
Externships can extend beyond Tulsa. Full-semester out-of-state placements are available in the summer or the final semester of the third year, and students may propose their own placements for approval.
12. Tulsa Law Notable Faculty and Journals
Faculty
- Alexandra Fay: Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Native American Law Center. Her scholarship addresses tribal courts and jurisdiction; she previously worked with UCLA's Native Nations Law and Policy Center.
- Stephen Galoob: Professor of Law working in criminal law, private law, and professional responsibility. He coauthored Oklahoma Criminal Law and Procedure and cofounded the Tenth Circuit Year-in-Review Fellowship program.
- Matt Lamkin: Professor of Law whose research connects health law, bioethics, and civil rights. His publications include work in the New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA.
- Johnny Parker: Richard F. Chapman Distinguished Chair in Law and Professor of Law. He specializes in insurance and personal injury law and has received the university's Outstanding Teacher Award.
Journals
- Tulsa Law Review: The student-run flagship journal publishes three issues annually, including legal scholarship and student work.
- Energy Law Journal: Students participate in writing and editing a specialized energy publication and may apply after their first year. Its professional editorial structure differs from the entirely student-run flagship.
13. Tulsa Law Culture and Student Life
Tulsa combines a small law-school setting with regular opportunities to work in the surrounding community. The one-week Foundations of Legal Study orientation introduces the academic program, while the Board of Advocates gives students an early way to practice negotiation and meet classmates outside their courses.
The Native American Law Students' Association adds community programs, social events, and participation in the Federal Bar Association's Indian Law Conference. Clinics and externships carry that engagement into practice. For someone who wants relationships with local attorneys and experience serving Oklahoma communities, those activities can become a substantial part of law-school life.
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Related Reading
→ How to Build a Smart Law School List
→ Should You Apply Early Decision to Law School?
→ How to Negotiate Law School Scholarships
→ 6 Proven Steps to Get Off a Law School Waitlist
→ How to Get Into Law School Below Both Medians
→ What Holistic Law School Admissions Really Means
→ Blog Directory
Note: While I try to keep this guide up to date, always verify deadlines, requirements, and policies at the Tulsa Law website before applying.
Think you spotted an outdated requirement or something that doesn't look right? Email moshe@sharperstatements.com with the school and a link to the current information.
