The top 10 US LLM programs in 2026 — by a blend of US News reputation, NY Bar pass rate, and post-LLM Big Law placement — are Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, NYU, Chicago, Penn, Berkeley, Georgetown, and Cornell. Tuition for the one-year LLM ranges from roughly $72,000 (Cornell) to $86,000 (Stanford), with merit scholarships covering 10–40% of cost at most schools.
How we ranked these programs
We weighted three factors: (1) US News T14 reputation, (2) most recent NY Bar pass rate for foreign-trained LLM graduates, and (3) percentage of LLM graduates placed in NLJ250 firms within nine months of graduation. For full school profiles, deadlines, and scholarship details, visit the LLM hub.
The 2026 ranked list
| # | School | 2026 tuition | Class size | NY Bar pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yale Law School | $78,400 | ~25 | 92% |
| 2 | Harvard Law School | $80,500 | ~180 | 88% |
| 3 | Stanford Law School | $85,800 | ~50 | 90% |
| 4 | Columbia Law School | $83,400 | ~225 | 87% |
| 5 | NYU School of Law | $81,400 | ~430 | 85% |
| 6 | University of Chicago Law | $79,500 | ~85 | 89% |
| 7 | Penn Carey Law | $78,200 | ~120 | 86% |
| 8 | Berkeley Law | $74,900 | ~100 | 84% |
| 9 | Georgetown Law | $76,800 | ~400 | 83% |
| 10 | Cornell Law School | $72,600 | ~85 | 86% |
What the rankings mean for you
If your priority is the highest possible US Big Law placement rate, Yale, Harvard, and Stanford lead. If you want a specialized track — tax (NYU, Georgetown), IP (Berkeley, Stanford), international arbitration (Columbia, Penn) — the school's faculty depth matters more than raw ranking. NYU and Georgetown also offer the largest scholarship pools by absolute dollars, so cost-conscious applicants should prioritize them in their school list.
Scholarship odds
Across the top 10, roughly 35–55% of admitted LLM students receive some form of merit aid, ranging from a $10,000 dean's grant to full tuition. The strongest predictors of a scholarship offer are (a) class rank in the top 10% of your home law school and (b) demonstrated leadership outside academics — moot court championships, published scholarship, or pro bono leadership.
Career outcomes by school
Three schools stand out for international LLM placement into US Big Law: NYU (high absolute numbers due to class size), Columbia (strongest NY market network), and Georgetown (DC market dominance). For careers in international organizations (UN, World Bank, ICC), Yale, Harvard, and Columbia consistently lead.
How to apply
For a complete walk-through of LSAC LLM CAS, statement of purpose structure, and recommendation letter strategy, read our LLM application guide. If you are still weighing degree options, see LLM vs JD for international lawyers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to take the LSAT for an LLM?
No. None of the top 10 US LLM programs require the LSAT. Most do require TOEFL iBT 100+ or IELTS 7.0+ for non-native English speakers.
How long does it take to complete an LLM?
One full academic year (typically late August to mid-May). A handful of schools allow part-time completion over two years for working professionals.
Will an LLM help me sit for the New York Bar?
Yes, if your LLM includes at least 24 credits of qualifying US-law coursework per New York Court of Appeals Rule 520.6. All top 10 programs offer a track that satisfies this rule.