Ranking of California-Bar-Accredited Law Schools
California’s state-accredited law schools (approved by the State Bar of California’s Committee of Bar Examiners) offer an alternative path to a legal career, focusing on accessibility and practical training for the California Bar Exam. Below is a comprehensive ranking of all such schools, based on a combination of bar passage rates, cost of attendance, faculty quality, mission alignment, and student support services. We begin with Trinity Law School, which we rank #1 for its exceptional commitment to student success and values-based education, followed by the remaining schools in descending order.
To aid comparison, the table below summarizes key metrics for each school, including total J.D. program tuition and the 5-year cumulative California Bar Exam pass rate (the minimum required is 40% ):
| Law School (State-Accredited) | Location | Approx. Total J.D. Tuition | 5-Year Bar Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity Law School | Santa Ana, CA | $96,675 | 52.3% |
| San Joaquin College of Law | Clovis, CA | $87,350 | 76.3% |
| Univ. of La Verne College of Law & Public Service | Ontario, CA | $97,235 | 72.4% |
| St. Francis School of Law (online, Baker College) | Newport Beach, CA | $52,100 | 66.6% |
| Cal Northern School of Law | Chico, CA | $61,005 | 67.5% |
| Lincoln Law School of Sacramento | Sacramento, CA | $66,300 | 69.6% |
| Thomas Jefferson School of Law | San Diego, CA | $94,696 | 65.7% |
| Santa Barbara & Ventura Colleges of Law | Santa Barbara & Ventura, CA | $72,765 | 62.4% |
| Monterey College of Law (and branches*) | Seaside, CA (plus branch campuses) | $85,450 | 55.1% |
| Northwestern California Univ. School of Law | Sacramento (online) | $16,395 | 65.0% |
| Concord Law School at Purdue Univ. Global | Los Angeles (online) | $53,220 | 58.5% |
| Humphreys Univ. Drivon School of Law | Stockton, CA | $69,000 | 54.1% |
| University of West Los Angeles School of Law | Los Angeles & Chatsworth, CA | $92,615 | 49.3% |
| Lincoln Law School of San Jose | San Jose, CA | $88,500 | 36.1% |
| JFK School of Law at National University | San Diego (online) | $66,502 | 42.0% |
*Tuition figures are approximate total program costs for the J.D. (typically part-time 4-year programs) as of 2022. Bar pass rates are the cumulative percentage of graduates passing the California Bar within five years (Aug 2016–July 2021). Branch campuses: Monterey College of Law operates branch campuses in Santa Rosa (Empire College of Law), Bakersfield (Kern County College of Law), and San Luis Obispo, which share its curriculum and accreditation.
1. Trinity Law School
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Santa Ana, CA
Why #1: Trinity Law School exemplifies a values-driven education with an extraordinary focus on student success. It integrates a “Judeo-Christian” ethos into its curriculum, emphasizing ethics and service in the legal profession. The school provides extensive academic support, notably the On Course program, a four-year bar preparation curriculum that runs alongside regular classes to steadily build students’ exam skills. Trinity’s commitment to student success is reflected in its small class sizes and dedicated faculty mentorship, helping students overcome the notoriously tough California Bar Exam. Tuition is on the higher end (around $96.7k total) , but students benefit from robust resources – including bar prep workshops, counseling, and alumni mentorship – which have led to improved bar outcomes (52% 5-year cumulative pass rate and climbing). Trinity also offers both on-campus and online J.D. options, making its values-based legal education accessible to a broad range of students.
2. San Joaquin College of Law (SJCL)
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Clovis, CA
Overview: Serving California’s Central Valley, SJCL is renowned for its strong bar performance and community focus. It boasts one of the highest bar passage rates among state-accredited schools – about 76–78% of graduates pass within five years , reflecting the rigorous academic training and support provided. SJCL’s mission centers on producing competent, practice-ready attorneys for the local region, and it is the only law school within a 100-mile radius of Fresno, meeting a critical regional need. Faculty quality is a point of pride: students learn from experienced judges and practitioners in an environment that emphasizes hands-on skills. Uniquely, SJCL does not grade on a strict curve, fostering a collaborative, supportive atmosphere rather than a cutthroat competition – this standard-based grading encourages students to help one another master the material. The school offers night classes for flexibility, and at roughly $87k total tuition , it remains more affordable than many ABA schools. Key programs include an emphasis on practical experience (such as advocacy competitions and clinics) and a close-knit community where professors and alumni actively mentor students. Reasoning: SJCL ranks at #2 because of its proven academic outcomes (top-tier bar pass rate), solid faculty credentials, moderate cost, and alignment with a mission to serve an underserved region with accessible legal education.
3. University of La Verne College of Law and Public Service
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Ontario, CA
Overview: La Verne Law has a long history (est. 1970) and recently redefined its mission around public service and student success. In 2019, the university shifted from ABA accreditation to California accreditation to focus on a high-quality, practice-oriented program accessible to a broader range of students. La Verne’s program, while one of the most expensive (~$97k) , offers extensive resources akin to an ABA law school: full-time faculty with strong academic credentials, modern facilities, and a variety of clinics and practical skills training opportunities (e.g. in areas like immigration, mediation, and trial advocacy). The school’s commitment to mission alignment is evident in its renaming as a College of Law and Public Service and its focus on increasing diversity in the legal profession. It maintains a Student Success Center that instills strong study and lawyering skills from day one – starting with an intensive orientation and continuing through bar prep integrated into the curriculum. This support is reflected in La Verne’s bar outcomes: about 72–74% of graduates pass the bar within five years , a rate on par with some ABA schools and well above the state minimum. Reasoning: We rank La Verne #3 due to its strong bar passage rate, comprehensive academic support system, and values-driven mission. Its placement just below SJCL is mainly because of its higher cost and recent administrative transitions. (Note: La Verne has been teaching out its ABA program and continuing solely under state accreditation; prospective students should verify its current enrollment status, as the school has announced plans to cease new J.D. admissions after the teach-out .)
4. St. Francis School of Law
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Newport Beach, CA (Online)
Overview: St. Francis is a fully online law school that has quickly risen to prominence for its high-quality curriculum and student outcomes. Founded in 2011 and now affiliated with Baker College, St. Francis was designed as a “higher-end” online J.D. program targeting working professionals and entrepreneurs seeking a flexible path to a law degree. Classes are conducted live online, taught by faculty who are seasoned attorneys, ensuring that even in a virtual format students receive personalized mentorship and practical insight. The school’s selectivity and rigorous approach are reflected in its bar exam success: as of 2022, about 67% of recent graduates passed the bar within five years – a remarkable figure for an online program, exceeding the state’s 40% requirement and approaching ABA standards. (First-time pass rates have also been respectable, around 54% over 2016–2022.) St. Francis keeps class sizes small and emphasizes an interactive learning community online, with strong tech support and academic advising. Tuition is moderate (approx. $52k–$57k total) , offering great value for a program that allows students to keep their jobs and lives while studying. Reasoning: We rank St. Francis #4 for its innovative delivery, high bar passage, and mission of accessible yet rigorous legal education. Its fully online nature and lower cost provide a unique option, although some students may prefer the on-campus experience offered by the higher-ranked schools.
5. Cal Northern School of Law
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Chico, CA
Overview: Cal Northern is a small non-profit law school in rural Northern California, known for punching above its weight in bar exam performance. With a five-year cumulative bar pass rate around 67–71% in recent years , Cal Northern has at times led all California-accredited law schools in this metric (it proudly reported the highest 5-year pass rate of any CALS at 71.1% as of 2020). This success stems from the school’s intimate learning environment and dedicated faculty: classes are typically small, allowing extensive interaction with professors who are experienced lawyers and judges from the local community. Cal Northern’s mission is to provide a practical, affordable legal education to serve the needs of far Northern California. True to that mission, total tuition is relatively low (about $61k) , and many students are working adults who benefit from the evening course schedule. The curriculum covers all bar-tested subjects with additional workshops and bar review courses integrated for support. Notable features include a high student-faculty ratio and a supportive atmosphere – alumni often return to mentor students, and the school fosters a collegial spirit. Reasoning: Cal Northern earns the #5 spot for its excellent bar passage track record relative to size, reasonable cost, and commitment to serving an underserved region. It is slightly lower in rank than larger schools mainly due to its limited program offerings (e.g. no advanced degrees or extensive clinics), but for a student seeking a focused, community-oriented program with a strong bar prep emphasis, Cal Northern is a top choice.
6. Lincoln Law School of Sacramento
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Sacramento, CA
Overview: Established in California’s capital in 1969, Lincoln Law School of Sacramento offers a practical evening J.D. program that has consistently produced solid bar results (approx. 65–70% 5-year pass rate). Lincoln-Sacramento’s niche is providing accessible legal education to working professionals, especially those in government, public service, or business in the Sacramento area. Many faculty members are local judges, prosecutors, and seasoned attorneys from state agencies, which translates into a faculty quality rich in real-world insight. Students attend classes at night (the program spans four years) and often work in law-related jobs during the day, giving them a head start in practical experience. The school emphasizes practical skills training – including moot court, mock trial, and an internship program leveraging its proximity to government offices and the State Capitol. At roughly $66k tuition , it remains affordable. Lincoln-Sac’s mission alignment is about opportunity: it has a history of empowering those who might not attend a traditional ABA school to become lawyers (it’s known for a diverse student body, including many first-generation college graduates). Reasoning: Ranked #6, Lincoln Law School of Sacramento stands out for its steady bar performance, expert practitioner-faculty, and strong ties to the local legal community. It is just edged out by Cal Northern due to Cal Northern’s slightly higher recent bar stats, but Lincoln-Sac’s broader offerings in the seat of California’s government make it an excellent choice for aspiring lawyers in public service or regional practice.
7. Thomas Jefferson School of Law
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San Diego, CA
Overview: Thomas Jefferson School of Law (TJSL) is a formerly ABA-accredited law school that reinvented itself under California accreditation, carrying forward many strengths of its legacy. It offers a comprehensive curriculum in San Diego, including both a traditional J.D. and flexible scheduling (it even launched an Online J.D. option post-2020). TJSL is distinguished by several notable programs: it has fellowship programs in Intellectual Property, Sports & Entertainment Law, and Criminal Law, a robust clinical program, and even study abroad opportunities (such as a summer program in Nice, France). The faculty includes experienced scholars and practitioners (some of whom gained prominence during TJSL’s ABA era), ensuring faculty quality in doctrinal and skills courses. The law school places a strong emphasis on diversity and second-career students – its admissions have historically given opportunities to non-traditional students, aligning with a mission of broad access to legal education. At about $94.7k tuition , TJSL is on the expensive side among state-accredited schools, but it provides extensive student services (academic tutoring, bar prep courses, and a Pro Bono Honors Program). Bar passage at TJSL has been moderate: roughly 54–66% five-year pass rate in recent years , which is solid though it dipped slightly after the school’s transition from ABA status. Reasoning: We rank TJSL #7 for its rich program offerings and experienced faculty, tempered by its high cost and recent bar pass volatility. It remains a strong option, particularly for students interested in IP or entertainment law and those seeking a law school with a larger campus feel in downtown San Diego.
8. Santa Barbara & Ventura Colleges of Law
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Santa Barbara & Ventura, CA
Overview: The Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law (collectively, “COL”) form a non-profit law school with two campuses on California’s Central Coast. COL is known for its affordability and innovation in legal education. Total tuition is about $72.8k , and the school pioneered the state’s first Hybrid J.D. program combining online learning with in-person residencies. This hybrid option, launched in the mid-2010s, has made it possible for working adults to earn a law degree with greater flexibility – an innovation that boosted enrollment and positioned COL as a leader in modern legal education (by 2018, nearly half of incoming students chose the Hybrid J.D.). The Colleges of Law focus on access and community service: their mission is to provide an affordable legal education to Californians who might not otherwise have a law school nearby or within reach. They received a State Bar DEI Leadership Award in 2023 for efforts in fostering diversity and inclusion. Academic quality is maintained through small class sizes and a mix of full-time and adjunct faculty, including judges and local attorneys. Bar passage rates have averaged around 58–62% (5-year cumulative) – respectable given the school’s broad access mission and part-time program structure. Students benefit from practical training via legal clinics serving the community and an inquiry-based learning approach. Reasoning: At #8, the Colleges of Law earn their spot for mission-driven innovation (first Hybrid J.D.), emphasis on affordability, and a supportive learning environment. While their bar pass rate is slightly lower than some competitors, the school’s strengths in flexibility and student-centric policies make it an excellent choice for those balancing law school with work or family commitments.
9. Monterey College of Law (MCL)
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Seaside, CA (with branches in Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo, Bakersfield)
Overview: Monterey College of Law is a private, non-profit law school that anchors a network of branch campuses serving California’s Central Coast and Central Valley. MCL and its branches (including Empire College of Law in Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo College of Law, and Kern County College of Law in Bakersfield) share a common curriculum and accreditation, extending MCL’s reach to multiple communities. The school offers a part-time evening J.D. program, ideal for working adults, and even has an LL.M. and Master of Legal Studies, showcasing its academic breadth. MCL emphasizes practical skills and public service: it has a robust clinical program and the Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management, along with multiple free or low-cost community legal clinics that allow students to gain experience while serving local populations. Class sizes are small, and the school historically operated with all-adjunct faculty (practicing attorneys and judges) who bring real-world lawyering into the classroom. MCL’s 5-year bar pass rate is around 55% – meeting accreditation standards, though there’s room for improvement. (Notably, the Santa Rosa branch, previously independent as Empire College of Law, had slightly higher pass rates before merging into MCL). Tuition runs about $85k at the main campus (Empire and other branches are in a similar range) , mid-range for state schools. Reasoning: We place MCL at #9 for its strong commitment to practical training and regional service. Its ranking is modest mainly due to bar pass rates that, while solid, trail the higher-ranked schools, and the challenges of maintaining consistency across multiple campuses. However, for students in Monterey, Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, or Kern Counties, MCL provides a valuable opportunity to pursue a legal education close to home with significant hands-on learning.
10. Northwestern California University School of Law (NWCU)
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Sacramento (Online)
Overview: Northwestern California University School of Law is a trailblazer in distance education – founded in 1982, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating online law schools in the country. Now fully accredited by the California Bar (since 2020), NWCU offers a 100% online J.D. program at an exceptionally low cost (around $16.4k total tuition!). Its mission is to make legal education truly affordable and accessible: NWCU has amassed an enrollment of roughly 500 students (one of the largest among California-accredited schools) by leveraging asynchronous learning and efficient technology. The program is self-paced and flexible, appealing to self-directed learners; however, NWCU supplements recorded lectures with support like online discussion forums and faculty Q&A to keep students on track. Despite open access and minimal admissions barriers, NWCU’s outcomes have been commendable – about 58–65% of graduates pass the bar within five years , a testament to the school’s academic rigor and the determination of its student body. That rate indicates many NWCU students eventually succeed, although first-time bar pass rates are typically lower, reflecting the challenges of an entirely online, independent study environment. Reasoning: NWCU is ranked #10, which accounts for its remarkable affordability and solid cumulative bar pass rate, balanced against a less structured learning experience and limited faculty interaction compared to campus-based programs. For disciplined students on a budget, NWCU offers an unbeatable value and a proven path to becoming a California attorney.
11. Concord Law School at Purdue University Global
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Los Angeles (Online)
Overview: Concord Law School (part of Purdue University Global) is another pioneer of online legal education. Founded in 1998 as the first-ever online law school in the U.S., Concord became fully accredited by California in 2020. Now branded as Purdue Global’s law school, it offers a flexible 4-year online J.D. program with a mission to deliver high-quality legal education that is affordable and accessible entirely online. Concord prides itself on leveraging technology – students attend live virtual classes, engage in interactive course materials, and receive extensive feedback from faculty. The school does not require the “baby bar” (First Year Law Students’ Exam) for its students since accreditation, which is a huge advantage over unaccredited online schools. Concord’s leadership calls its accreditation a “watershed moment,” noting that it maintains the same educational objectives as traditional law programs while serving those who cannot relocate or quit jobs to attend law school. Tuition is roughly $53k total , making it significantly cheaper than ABA options. Bar pass outcomes are improving: currently about 58.5% of Concord grads pass within five years , and the school’s first-time pass rates have been climbing as well. Reasoning: Ranked #11, Concord offers convenience and a reputable university affiliation (Purdue), plus over two decades of online teaching experience. It is edged out by NWCU mainly because of NWCU’s ultra-low cost and slightly higher pass rate, but Concord’s more structured program and support services (bar prep, career advising across the Purdue Global network) make it an excellent choice for students seeking a flexible yet comprehensive online J.D. experience.
12. Humphreys University Drivon School of Law
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Stockton, CA
Overview: The Drivon School of Law at Humphreys University in Stockton is a regional law school focused on practical, flexible education. With roots dating back to 1951, it was founded to serve the needs of California’s Central Valley residents. Drivon offers an evening J.D. program on a quarter system (four terms per year), enabling students – many of whom hold jobs – to progress at a manageable pace. The program format is both on-ground and virtual, indicating some classes may be taken remotely, adding flexibility. Humphreys’ mission highlights accessibility and affordability: “we educate motivated and determined students who desire a practical, affordable, and accessible academic program,” the school states plainly. True to that, tuition is moderate (~$69k) , and the school has a 90% acceptance rate , giving many non-traditional applicants a chance at law school. Faculty quality is ensured by a roster of judges, lawyers, and other professionals teaching part-time, bringing specialized expertise (for example, local Superior Court judges teach evening classes). Students receive personal attention in small classes and can gain real-world experience through externships and clinics in the community. Bar passage at Humphreys is around 54% (5-year cumulative) , hovering above the required minimum. The school’s student support includes academic advising and a bar exam prep sequence tailored for working students who may need extra time and guidance. Reasoning: We place Humphreys Drivon at #12 for its strong commitment to practical evening education and supportive environment. While its bar results and national profile are more modest, it fulfills an important role in enabling Central Valley students to become lawyers without uprooting their lives, aligning perfectly with its mission.
13. University of West Los Angeles (UWLA) School of Law
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Inglewood & Woodland Hills, CA
Overview: UWLA School of Law is a long-standing institution in Southern California (founded in 1966) that emphasizes a supportive, family-like learning community. With campuses in West Los Angeles (Inglewood) and the San Fernando Valley, UWLA provides part-time evening and weekend J.D. programs catering to working adults. The school’s mission is to offer a “high-quality, affordable education” in a close-knit environment where students receive personal attention. Indeed, UWLA prides itself on small classes and mentoring – faculty and staff know students by name and invest in their success. Many UWLA students come from diverse and underserved backgrounds, and the school aims to “democratize” the legal profession by enabling those who might not have a traditional law school opportunity to succeed. UWLA’s curriculum balances practical and theoretical learning, with offerings like an academic Success Program (including a “Law School Bootcamp,” writing support, mentors, and bar prep courses). Tuition is on the higher side (~$92.6k) , but UWLA often touts itself as an affordable alternative compared to private ABA law schools in LA. In terms of outcomes, UWLA’s bar passage rate is around 45–50% in recent years , which is above the floor but one of the lower among accredited peers – a reflection of its broad-access mission and the life challenges many students balance. The school has been working to improve these numbers through enhanced academic support and bar prep initiatives. Reasoning: UWLA ranks #13 on our list. Its strengths lie in accessibility, diversity, and personalized support, aligning with its mission; however, its bar exam results and cost-value proposition place it below the mid-tier schools. For students in the LA area who need a flexible schedule and a supportive atmosphere (and who primarily aim to practice in California), UWLA remains a compelling option.
14. Lincoln Law School of San Jose
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San Jose, CA
Overview: Lincoln Law School of San Jose is a small non-profit evening law school in Silicon Valley with a resilient history. After being continuously accredited since 1993, Lincoln–San Jose faced a setback when it fell below the bar pass standard and briefly lost accreditation in 2023. Notably, as of March 2025, Lincoln–San Jose has regained its accreditation – a testament to reforms and renewed commitment to student success. The school offers a four-year, part-time J.D. program with classes held in the evenings, allowing students to maintain their careers (which, in the Bay Area, often means tech industry professionals or others pursuing law as a second career). Lincoln–SJ emphasizes practical legal skills and bar preparation: it now integrates bar exam prep courses and additional academic support to boost pass rates as part of the improvements made during its accreditation lapse. The faculty are working attorneys and judges from the South Bay, providing networking opportunities in the local legal community. With total tuition around $88.5k , Lincoln–SJ’s cost is middle-of-the-pack, and it offers scholarships to ease the burden. Recent bar performance has been below desired levels (approximately 36% 5-year cumulative pass as of 2022) , which triggered the earlier loss of accreditation. However, the reaccreditation indicates progress – likely the school’s more recent graduates have improved outcomes, or a smaller cohort passed in sufficient numbers. Reasoning: We rank Lincoln–San Jose #14 due to its historical challenges with bar pass rates, though we acknowledge its ongoing turnaround. The school’s strengths are its location in a major urban center (San Jose) and its deep ties to the local legal community. Prospective students should approach Lincoln–SJ with eyes open: it’s a school on the rebound, ideal for those who will take full advantage of the renewed focus on bar prep and who value the convenience of an evening program in Silicon Valley.
15. JFK School of Law at National University
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San Diego, CA (Online)
Overview: The JFK School of Law at National University is a fully online J.D. program that emerged from the legacy of John F. Kennedy University’s law school. Now housed within National University (a large non-profit focused on adult learners), JFK Law offers a flexible, accessible curriculum aimed at students who need to balance law studies with work and family. The program can be completed in 3–4 years online , and it emphasizes a “unique approach to learning with personalized faculty support and feedback” – for instance, professors provide individualized critiques on assignments, and each student is paired with an academic advisor. The mission alignment here is strong: National University specializes in serving non-traditional students, and JFK Law continues that ethos by enrolling many mid-career professionals, parents, and others for whom a campus-based program is not feasible. Tuition is roughly $66.5k total , making it a competitively priced online option. Because the program is young (it began enrolling new students as a state-accredited school around 2020), data is limited; current 5-year bar pass rate hovers around 42% , just above the required threshold. As the program matures, the expectation (and goal) is that outcomes will improve, aided by National University’s resources such as a bar prep curriculum integrated into the online platform and the “one-course-per-month” model NU often uses to help students focus (modified for law school). Reasoning: We rank JFK School of Law at #15 primarily because it’s still establishing its track record. It offers maximum flexibility and strong student support, but its bar results to date are modest. For students who need an online J.D. and want the backing of an established university (National), JFK Law is a worthy contender – just one that is, for now, a step behind the more proven programs above.
Each of these California Bar-accredited law schools has its own strengths and niche. When choosing among them, prospective students should weigh factors like bar pass trends, cost, format (online vs. evening campus), and how well the school’s mission and resources align with their goals. All the ranked schools above meet the basic standards for California accreditation, enabling graduates to sit for the California Bar Exam. Importantly, because they are not ABA-approved, graduates are generally limited to practicing in California unless they meet additional requirements elsewhere. That being said, these schools play a crucial role in expanding access to legal education in California – from Trinity’s faith-based, student-centered training to NWCU’s ultra-affordable online model – and their success is ultimately reflected in the determined new attorneys they send into California’s legal community.