Samford University Cumberland School of Law placed 51st in the nation for first-time bar passage rates based on 2025 data from the American Bar Association.
Cumberland’s strong showing—showcasing a 90.44% pass rate for first-time test takers in 2025—is the highest score since 2012 and ranks Cumberland among the top quarter of law schools in the U.S., ahead of schools such as Notre Dame, Temple, Georgia, Emory, Wisconsin, Pepperdine and Rutgers. The score highlights Cumberland’s reputation for producing practice-ready attorneys and its ongoing investment in comprehensive student support.
The ranking reflects an adjusted pass rate methodology used by U.S. News & World Report, which evaluates law schools by combining each school’s first-time bar passage rate (including alternative pathways) with its performance relative to state averages across jurisdictions. This weighted approach provides a comprehensive measure of how well graduates perform on the bar exam compared to peers nationwide.
“This national recognition reflects Cumberland’s unwavering commitment to student success and our focus on delivering a rigorous, practice-ready legal education,” said Dean Blake Hudson. “We are proud of our students, faculty and staff whose dedication and hard work have contributed to this outstanding achievement in bar passage performance.”
A key driver of this success is Cumberland’s Academic and Bar Success Program, which supports students at every stage of their legal education—from the first year through bar exam preparation and into their careers. The program offers workshops, individualized support, mentoring groups and resources focused on academic achievement, bar readiness and student well-being. Cumberland also invests directly in graduate success by covering the cost of a commercial bar preparation course for every graduate who sits for the exam within two years of graduation.
The passage rate underscores the school’s continued commitment to academic excellence and practical legal training, preparing graduates for immediate success in the legal profession.
