Admissions
Vermont Law School students arrive here from all across the nation and from countries around the globe. Diverse and individual, they come from rural areas and capital cities, soon after college graduation or years into a career. What brings them together here are the commonalities that shape our community: faith in the power of law, concerns about social inequities, and the desire to work hard to better our world.
As a policy-oriented law school with strong academics and a social conscience, VLS attracts applicants who are motivated, intellectually curious, analytical, and civic-minded. Our top-ranked environmental law program draws innovative thinkers and advocates, and our low faculty-student ratio appeals to applicants seeking a close-knit, collaborative academic environment. Many of our students have work experience and a demonstrated interest in community service. They will become law clerks and litigators, policy makers and legislators, protectors of the environment, defenders of justice—and leaders in their fields.
JD Admissions
| All JD students at VLS are enrolled in a full-time day study program that begins with the fall semester. We evaluate each applicant by examining the whole person, and we admit students without consideration of their financial need. |
Why VLS
 Academically challenging, acclaimed for its programs, focused on students, and known for its commitment to the environment, VLS is dedicated to educating agents of positive change. |
MELP AdmissionsOur Master of Environmental Law and Policy applicants demonstrate strong academics and excellent written skills. Program options include a year of full-time study, a summers-only format, or five years of part-time study. Financial aid is available in a variety of forms. |
LLM AdmissionsWe accept 15-17 LLM applicants each year, all of whom must have a JD degree or comparable credentials from a non-U.S. law school. Our programs include a Master of Laws in Environmental Law and a Master of Laws in American Legal Studies. |
Transfer, Visiting and Exchange AdmissionsWe welcome students from all over the globe and from institutions throughout the nation and beyond. |
Tuition and Financial AidCurrently, over 90 percent of VLS students receive some sort of financial assistance, be it loans, grants, or fellowships. |
Visit VLSWe encourage all applicants to visit our South Royalton campus and experience first-hand the energy of our academic community, the diversity of our VLS family, the permeating spirit of good will and public service, and the great beauty of our natural surroundings. |
Recruitment CalendarThe VLS Admissions team travels to college fairs and schools around the country to recruit new students. Check here to see when we'll be in your region. |
Academic CalendarCheck here for important dates for the VLS academic year. |