U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 Best Law School rankings April 7, and Vanderbilt Law School ranked No. 12, a two-place increase from its 2025 ranking of No. 14. This year’s ranking marks the second year in a row that VLS has placed in the top 14 for law schools.  

VLS scored 93 overall across a cumulation of graduation rates, Pell grant rates, standardized tests, faculty-to-student ratio and other aspects. VLS also received a peer assessment score of 4.1/5 and a lawyer and judge assessment score of 4.1/5. In the U.S. News & World Report Law School Specialty Rankings, VLS ranked in the top 14 across four categories: criminal law (No. 7), environmental law (No. 8), business and corporate law (No. 13) and law schools with the most graduates in federal clerkships (No. 14).  

In a message to The Hustler, Faith Pilkington, second-year law student and Vanderbilt Bar Association president, said that the rise in ranking reflects the student body of VLS and its collaborative culture.  

“Vanderbilt Law’s rise in the U.S. News rankings reflects what students and employers have already recognized for a long time — the strength, professionalism and success of the VLS student body,” Pilkington said. “Our students consistently perform at a high level, both academically and in professional settings, and I think this movement in the rankings is a natural reflection of that.” 

Pilkington also shared how she believes the rankings will affect VLS. She emphasized that the No. 12 ranking is a “moment of affirmation” for the VLS community.  

“I think the ranking increase will likely continue to attract talented, driven students who are not only high-achieving but also invested in maintaining that collaborative culture. If anything, I see it strengthening, not changing, the student experience,” Pilkington said. “It reinforces that Vanderbilt doesn’t have to sacrifice its supportive, tight-knit community to achieve national recognition. In fact, it’s my opinion that this culture is part of what drives its success.” 

Senior and Pre-law fraternity Phi Alpha Delta president Emily Cha highlighted the connection between VLS and pre-law undergraduates.  

“VLS’s rise from No. 14 to No. 12 is both well-deserved and unsurprising, given its academic excellence and strong commitment to a collegial, student-centered environment,” Cha said. “From my experience speaking with pre-law students at Vanderbilt, there is significant interest in applying to VLS, and recent admissions trends reflect that many accomplished undergraduates continue their education here. As Vanderbilt continues to strengthen its pre-law resources and its connection to the law school, I expect even more students will take advantage of the opportunities VLS offers.”  

Priyanssi Behera, Vanderbilt Pre-Law Society president, noted the relationship between undergraduate and law school admissions selectivity.  

“The latest rankings reflect Vandy’s prestige across the board. Considering increasingly competitive undergraduate admissions policies, it is worth considering how much more selective Vanderbilt Law School will be for future applicants,” Behera said. “I know that it remains a top choice for many students, and I am eager to see how its ranking translates into expanded opportunities for students who attend.”  

First-year Maddie Gulko shared her excitement and appreciation for VLS’ increased ranking.  

“It’s exciting that we have such a great law school here, especially with VLS moving up to No. 12,” Gulko said. “As a pre-law undergraduate student, I’m particularly appreciative: We have access to resources, classes and the Legal Studies minor within VLS, all of which provides preparation and a taste for what law school will look like.”