Understanding the Cost of a SLU Law Education

Saint Louis University School of Law (SLU LAW), established in 1843, holds the distinction of being the oldest law school west of the Mississippi River. Located in downtown St. Louis, SLU LAW provides students with access to law firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Understanding the financial implications of pursuing a legal education at SLU LAW is crucial for prospective students. This article provides a detailed overview of the tuition costs, fees, and financial aid options available at SLU LAW.

Tuition and Fees

For the 2024 JD application cycle, the annual law school tuition at Saint Louis University Law School was $103,000 (calculated from semester costs). However, it's important to note that this figure seems unusually high compared to other sources, and prospective students should verify the most up-to-date tuition information directly with the university. According to other sources, the tuition for the full-time program is $52,570, while the part-time program tuition is $38,150. These figures likely represent a more accurate reflection of the annual tuition costs.

In addition to tuition, students should also budget for fees, books, and living expenses. According to one estimate, prospective law students should budget approximately $49,000 for the total annual cost of attending, including these additional expenses.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

SLU LAW offers a variety of ways to help students meet their financial goals. The school awards a substantial number of merit-based scholarships to highly qualified admitted students, including 10 full-tuition scholarships through the 1843 Scholars Program. These scholarships are competitive and awarded based on academic achievements and other qualifications.

The Financial Aid Office can provide information on financial aid application deadlines and processes.

Loan Repayment Assistance Program

It is important to investigate whether SLU LAW offers a loan repayment assistance program (LRAP) for J.D. graduates. LRAPs can help graduates manage their student loan debt, especially those pursuing lower-paying public interest or government careers. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details on eligibility and program specifics.

Additional Expenses

Beyond tuition and fees, law students should also consider the cost of living in St. Louis. This includes housing, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. The location of SLU LAW in downtown St. Louis offers access to various amenities, but it's essential to budget accordingly.

Return on Investment

While the cost of a legal education is significant, it's also important to consider the potential return on investment. After completing their J.D. program at Saint Louis University Law School, graduates entering private law firms earn a median starting salary of $88,500. J.D. graduates pursuing public sector legal careers start at approximately $68,000. Additionally, 4.5% of graduates obtain prestigious judicial clerkships, and 6.3% pursue public interest law careers. The bar exam pass rate for J.D. graduates from Saint Louis University Law School is 86.7% on the first attempt.

Academic Resources and Bar Passage

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) at SLU LAW is designed to assist students with the support they need to be successful during law school and in their future legal careers. The ARC provides advising, assistance, and support to students as they enter and progress through law school. Students can find information on the structure of the first-year program, tips and advice on getting accustomed to the curriculum, and valuable study tools.

Dual-Degree Programs

The School of Law also offers 8 dual-degree programs in cooperation with Saint Louis University’s graduate schools, including the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business and the College for Public Health and Social Justice. These programs allow students to earn two degrees simultaneously, potentially enhancing their career prospects and earning potential. Available dual-degree programs include:

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J.D. and Master of Arts in Political Science
J.D. and Master of Business Administration
J.D. and Master of Health Administration
J.D. and Master of Public Health - Health Policy
J.D. and Master of Science in Sociology
Juris Doctor and Doctor of Philosophy in Health Care Ethics
Juris Doctor and Master of Accounting
Juris Doctor and Master of Social Work

Candidates in dual-degree programs must complete the first-year law curriculum before beginning a dual-degree program.

Programs and Courses

SLU LAW offers a variety of programs and courses in areas such as:

Clinical training
Dispute resolution
Environmental law
Health care law
Intellectual property law
International law
Business/corporate law
Constitutional law
Contracts/commercial law
Criminal law

Career Services

Led by experienced attorneys, the Office of Career Services provides career counseling and development assistance to current students and alumni. The office helps students examine their individual interests and skills in order to find the best career fit. The Office of Career Services also offers programs throughout the school year to explore traditional and nontraditional career paths.

Across the nation, SLU LAW alumni work at small, medium, and large firms; excel as CEOs, in-house counsel, and environmental consultants; and serve in national, state, and local government organizations.

Experiential Learning

SLU LAW emphasizes practical skills development through various experiential learning opportunities.

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Legal Clinics

The SLU LAW Legal Clinics are where doctrine, practice, and professional responsibility come together. With supervision and feedback from full-time faculty members, students manage litigation, conduct transactional work, and engage in advocacy. Through their clinic experiences, students learn to face uncertainty, ambiguity, and the fluid nature of problem-solving. Examples include:

Children's Permanency Clinic: Students work on legal matters including child orders of protection and guardianships.
Civil Advocacy Clinic: Students handle a variety of lawsuits in municipal, state, and federal court, focusing on civil rights issues, consumer protection matters, landlord-tenant disputes, and municipal ordinance violations.
Criminal Defense Clinic: Students represent clients charged with criminal offenses.
Entrepreneurship and Community Development (ECD) Clinic: Provides transactional representation to entrepreneurs, nonprofits, community groups, and small businesses.

Writing and Editing Skills

SLU LAW allows students to perfect their writing and editing skills by working on one of two student-run publications, the Saint Louis University Law Journal and the Journal of Health Law and Policy.

Competitions

A broad spectrum of student competitions at the local, regional, and national levels allows students to further their skills. Moot Court competitions hone students’ skills at the appellate level, including research, analysis, writing, and oral argument. Numerous trial advocacy competitions allow SLU LAW students to practice the skills necessary for trying cases before a jury.

Simulated Professional Skills

Simulated professional skills experiences include the Trial Advocacy Program and Appellate Advocacy (Moot Court), as well as multiple drafting courses. Drafting courses are offered in a variety of specialized areas, such as intellectual property, health law, real estate, and secured transactions. Courses such as Client Counseling and Negotiations provide students with the tools necessary for skillful client interaction and the art of effective negotiation in client representation.

Admission Criteria

Saint Louis University School of Law (SLU LAW) seeks to admit students of distinguished intellectual ability who will bring a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the SLU LAW community and legal profession. The Admissions Committee considers all information in an application bearing on the likelihood that the applicant will succeed as a practicing attorney and the ways in which an applicant will contribute to the diversity of the law school class.

SLU LAW looks for a record of impressive accomplishments when reviewing an application. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and undergraduate grade point average (GPA) are strong considerations in the review process, but neither preclude nor guarantee admission. The Admissions Committee takes into account any number of factors that help place the academic record in context.

In creating a class, the Admissions Committee seeks individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds with differences in experiences, goals, and perspectives. Every portion of an applicant’s file will be considered in evaluating candidates for admission, including work experience, extracurricular activities, socioeconomic background, study abroad experience, and more.

For admitted students, the 25-75% UGPA Range is 3.42 to 3.89, and the 25-75% LSAT Score Range is 153 to 160.

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