Understanding the Cost of Attending Mercer Law School
Mercer University School of Law, historically known as Walter F. George School of Law, has a rich history dating back to 1873. As one of the oldest law schools in the United States and the first to be accredited by the bar in Georgia, it holds a significant place in legal education. Located in Macon, Georgia, the School of Law operates on its own campus, a mile from Mercer's main campus. Its iconic building, a partial replica of Independence Hall, overlooks downtown Macon from Coleman Hill. This article provides a detailed overview of the costs associated with attending Mercer Law School.
Overview of Mercer Law School
Mercer University School of Law is named for Walter F. George, a Mercer Law class of 1901 alumnus who served as a United States Senator from Georgia from 1922-57 and as President pro tempore from 1955-57. The Walter F. George Foundation continues to fund scholarships for Mercer law students who have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in public service.
The School of Law celebrated its centennial in 1973, with notable figures like President Richard Nixon and Governor Jimmy Carter participating in the event. Mercer Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, along with a joint Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA) program in conjunction with Mercer's Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics.
Mercer Law's curriculum, the Woodruff Curriculum, named for philanthropist George W. Woodruff, is recognized as a model for law schools nationwide. The Furman Smith Law Library, named for Furman Smith, Mercer Law class of 1932, serves as the school's legal research center, utilized by state lawyers and judges.
Tuition and Fees
For the 2025-26 academic year, the total cost of tuition and fees at Mercer Law School is $45,082. This figure represents the direct educational expenses required by the institution.
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Cost of Living
In addition to tuition and fees, students must account for living expenses. The anticipated total cost of living is $23,289 per academic year. This includes housing, meals, transportation, personal expenses, and other miscellaneous costs associated with living in Macon, Georgia.
Total Cost of Attendance
Combining tuition and fees with the cost of living, the anticipated total yearly cost of attendance at Mercer Law School is $68,371. This comprehensive figure provides a realistic estimate of the financial commitment required to pursue a legal education at Mercer.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Understanding the financial burden of law school, Mercer University offers various financial aid options to help students manage expenses. These resources include scholarships, grants, and loans.
Scholarships
Scholarships are a crucial form of financial aid, as they do not require repayment. Mercer Law School offers several scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and specific criteria such as a demonstrated interest in public service. The generous Woodruff Scholarship, for example, has allowed students to pursue a legal career without the fear of being bound in the future by student debt.
Loans
Loans are another common form of financial aid, providing students with the funds necessary to cover tuition and living expenses. However, loans must be repaid with interest, making it essential for students to borrow responsibly and understand the terms of their loan agreements.
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Bar Passage and Employment Outcomes
Investing in a legal education is a significant financial undertaking, and prospective students often consider the return on investment in terms of bar passage rates and employment outcomes.
In 2024, the overall bar examination passage rate for Mercer Law School’s first-time examination takers was 84.00%, including 87.36% for Georgia. This rate was above the ABA first time average pass rate of 79.31%. According to Mercer's official 2025 ABA-required disclosures, 88.46% of the Class of 2024 obtained full-time, long-term, JD-required employment (i.e. as attorneys) within nine months after graduation, while 4.81% obtained employment where a JD was an advantage.
Historical Context and Notable Alumni
Mercer Law School has a long-standing tradition of producing influential legal professionals. The school celebrated its centennial in 1973, with notable figures like President Richard Nixon and Governor Jimmy Carter participating in the event. Alumni of Mercer Law have made significant contributions to the legal field and public service.
Mercer alumni have headed two of Georgia's three branches of government: Nathan Deal, JD 1966, was the Governor of Georgia, 2011-2019, and Hugh P. Thompson, JD 1969, was the Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, 2013-2016.
Additional Resources
Prospective students can find more information about the cost of attendance, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities on the Mercer Law School website. The website provides detailed breakdowns of tuition and fees, estimated living expenses, and resources for exploring financial aid options.
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