Meet Minnesota Law’s JD Class of 2026 – Breaking Records for Diversity & Academic Excellence
The University of Minnesota Law School is proud to welcome the Class of 2026! Comprising a diverse and talented group of 218 individuals, the incoming class promises to continue the Law School's tradition of producing exceptional lawyers who make a difference in their communities, the nation, and the world.
For the first time ever, 60% of our incoming class are women. Another 2% identify as non-binary. More than a quarter of the incoming class (26%) are domestic students of color — a record high for the Law School. Another record 30% of our incoming 1Ls identify as LGBTQ+ and 15% are first-generation college graduates. Overall, 52% of the class of 2026 are students of color, LGBTQ+, and/or first-generation college graduates, making this the most diverse 1L class in Law School history. Additionally, combined with the Class of 2025 and the Class of 2024, Minnesota Law’s overall J.D. student body for the 2023-24 academic year is also the most diverse in the Law School’s history.
The Class of 2026 also has record-setting academic credentials with a median LSAT score of 168 and a median 3.85 undergraduate GPA, which is the highest undergraduate GPA median in Law School history. Nine percent of incoming 1Ls have already earned a graduate degree in another field.
“We are thrilled to welcome the record-breaking Class of 2026 to Minnesota Law!” notes William McGeveran, interim dean and Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett Professor of Law. “Their diverse perspectives and stellar academic credentials will truly shape the future of the Law School and the profession for years to come.”
Learn more about this impressive incoming class and meet several members of the Class of 2026 on Minnesota Law’s social media channels over the next several weeks.
Welcome, Class of 2026!
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