At 1L orientation, Dean William Hubbard welcomed the 204 new University of South Carolina School of Law students with an important reminder: “The ultimate aim of law is justice. The work of justice is hard work. It is good work. It is work worth doing. Together, let’s get started.” 

The Class of 2026 is the most academically impressive in the history of the law school, proving their dedication to hard work. With median LSAT and UGPA levels of 160 and 3.70 respectively, they also maintain the trend of incoming classes improving the law school’s profile each year since 2016.  

By the numbers 

• 10 of the USC undergrads were admitted through a partnership with the Honors College.
• One of the students from the South Carolina Honors college participates in the fast-track 3+3 Bachelor's/J.D. program. Learn more about the Honors College pre-law path.
• Over 50 percent of the students in the incoming class are from South Carolina.
• Students enrolled from 83 undergraduate institutions.  
• The 1Ls earned bachelor’s degrees in 44 academic majors ranging from Political Science and History to Biology and Computer Science. 

Orientation concluded with a reception hosted by the National Advocacy Center, which is within walking distance of the School of Law. The NAC, operated by the United States Department of Justice, regularly partners with South Carolina Law offering students opportunities that can’t be found at any other law school. This collaboration encourages students to network with and learn from nationally recognized experts in the field and enhances their familiarity with courtroom technology.