Kaplan Survey: Most Law School Admissions Officers Continue to Question the Rankings' Prestige

Global education company Kaplan finds that 58 percent of law school admissions officers believe that the U.S. News & World Report rankings — the 2026 list was just released today — "have lost some of their prestige over the last couple of years."* This is down from the 62 percent in Kaplan's last survey, but still higher than the 51 percent who held this view in a 2023 Kaplan survey. Admissions officers shared the following opinions:

• "I find rankings a double-edged sword. Helpful for students if they are used properly, but I don't think students fully comprehend rankings."
• "Overall, the rankings seem biased and rarely change, especially in the top tier. They are contrived and don't allow for harder working schools to rise."
• "The measurement/score system is extremely flawed. The peer reviews from other law schools create an opportunity gap for lower ranked and smaller law schools. And the rankings' metrics continue to promote the same T14."
• "Rankings create a perception that students need to attend a particular law school to be successful. They can also have a limiting effect where students will be closed off to some opportunities that are not offered by ranked institutions."

Despite most law schools thinking the rankings have lost some of their shine, few have actually stopped participating. But 9 percent say they are considering quitting them, according to Kaplan's survey. One admissions officer shared, "We have a higher-ranked speciality program that would be at risk if we withdrew from overall rankings."

Krystin Major, executive director of pre-law programs, Kaplan, said:

"For law school leaders, the rankings can influence everything from student recruitment to alumni donations, and in some cases, even their own job security. Some admissions officers have joked with us that they stay up just past midnight when the rankings drop, unable to wait until morning, because they know that by sunrise their inboxes will be flooded with either ecstatic or apoplectic messages from colleagues and law school leaders. It's important to note that while a few schools have withdrawn in protest and many acknowledge the rankings' flaws, most still participate, showing just how powerful they remain. We continue to tell students that while the rankings can offer helpful data on employment outcomes and starting salaries, they're just one piece of the puzzle. We advise them to focus on the law schools that fit their long-term professional goals, not just their rank."

Kaplan's survey results come amid a continued law school applicant surge. According to the Law School Admission Council, the number of applicants this admissions cycle is up 11 percent compared to a year ago and up 32 percent compared to two years ago. And while explanations vary on the why, some attribute the steep increase to a potential recession on the horizon and an increased interest in politics and public policy.

Reporters who'd like more information can contact [email protected].

*Kaplan polled admissions officers from 82 of the nation's 197 American Bar Association-accredited law schools via email between July and August 2025. Among the 82 law schools that participated are 23 of the top 50, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

About Kaplan

Kaplan, Inc. is a global educational services company that helps individuals and institutions advance their goals in an ever-changing world. Our broad portfolio of solutions helps students and professionals further their education and careers, universities and educational institutions attract and support students, and businesses maximize employee recruitment, retention, and development. Stanley Kaplan founded our company in 1938 with a mission to expand educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Today, our thousands of employees working in 27 countries/regions continue Stanley's mission as they serve about 1.2 million students and professionals, 15,000 corporate clients, and 3,300 schools, school districts, colleges, and universities worldwide. Kaplan is a subsidiary of the Graham Holdings Company (NYSE:GHC). Learn more at kaplan.com.

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company (NYSE:GHC)

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