Understanding the Cost of Attending UNC School of Law
The University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Law, branded as Carolina Law, is the law school of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has a rich history dating back to 1845. For prospective students, understanding the financial implications of attending law school is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tuition costs associated with UNC School of Law, as well as additional financial considerations.
Tuition and Fees for 2026
For the 2026 academic year, tuition and fees at the University of North Carolina School of Law are $31,562 for North Carolina residents and $54,800 for out-of-state students. Compared to the national average for public law schools ($45,971), UNC School of Law's tuition is slightly higher.
It's important to note that tuition and fees have been increasing. Compared to the previous year, there has been a 6.81% increase. If this rate continues, the estimated tuition and fees for 2025 would be $58,532, reflecting a $3,732 increase.
Cost of Attendance (COA)
Beyond tuition and fees, students should also consider the overall cost of attendance (COA). For 2026, the COA at UNC School of Law is $58,112 for North Carolina residents and $79,902 for out-of-state students. This figure includes tuition and fees, living costs, expenses for books and supplies, transportation and travel costs, and other living expenses. Note that health insurance fees, loan fees, and required exam fees may not be included in this estimate.
After grants and scholarships, the COA can be reduced, potentially down to $62,402.
Read also: Tuition at Loyola University Maryland
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The Office of Scholarships and Student Aid at UNC establishes a Cost of Attendance (COA) budget for students, which is used to determine the total amount of financial aid for which a student is eligible. Students may receive financial aid up to their total COA budget. If the total amount of scholarships, grants, and student loans exceeds the budgeted amount, adjustments will be required.
Adjustments to COA Budget
In certain situations, the COA budget may be increased to accommodate education-related expenses. These adjustments allow students to borrow additional student loan money to cover the cost. Examples of situations where a COA budget increase may be considered include:
- Purchase of a Computer and Peripherals: A one-time adjustment during a student's law school career can be made for the purchase of a computer and related equipment.
- Excessive Commuting: Students who commute over 15 miles to and from school may be eligible for an adjustment.
- Childcare Expenses: The COA budget can be increased to provide for childcare expenses.
- Excessive Medical Expenses: Students facing significant medical costs may have their budget adjusted.
- Bar Registration Fees: Students in their final year of attendance will have their Cost of Attendance adjusted to include the expected cost of North Carolina Bar registration and fees. For 2025-2026, this is estimated at $975.
Refunds and Withdrawals
After all current student charges have been satisfied by financial aid, any remaining credit balance will be refunded directly to the student. The fastest method for receiving refunds is through direct deposit, which can be set up through the eRefund option in ConnectCarolina under Pay Bills/Manage Student Finances.
Students who officially withdraw from the University within nine weeks from the start of the term may receive a prorated refund of the tuition and fees paid for that semester. The exact withdrawal schedule can be found in the Important Dates section on the Student Accounts website.
It's important to understand that withdrawing can impact financial aid. If a student is receiving financial aid, the university may be required to return all or part of their student loans and any scholarships when they officially withdraw.
Read also: Affording ECU
Historical Context and Rankings
Established in 1845, the UNC School of Law has a long and distinguished history. It is located in Van Hecke-Wettach Hall on the Chapel Hill campus, near the School of Government and athletic facilities. The Kathrine R. Everett Law Library occupies most of the west side of the building.
The school has consistently achieved high bar passage rates. In 2023, the overall bar examination passage rate for first-time takers was 92.00%. Furthermore, within ten months of graduation, 86.77% of the class of 2022 obtained full-time, long-term, JD-required employment, and 10.05% obtained JD advantage employment, according to American Bar Association employment disclosures.
The School of Law at University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill has an application deadline of May 1. The full-time program application fee is $75. Its tuition is full-time: $29,696 (in-state) and full-time: $51,486 (out-of-state). The student-faculty ratio is 6.2:1.
UNC School of Law offers programs and courses in various fields, including: clinical training, dispute resolution, environmental law, health care law, intellectual property law, international law, business/corporate law, constitutional law, and contracts/commercial law, criminal law.
Diversity and Inclusion
The UNC School of Law has a history of breaking barriers. In 1915, Margaret Berry became the first woman to graduate from the law school. In June 1951, Harvey Beech, James L. Lassiter, J. Kenneth Lee, Floyd McKissick, and James Robert Walker Jr. enrolled as the first African American students. Despite facing racism and institutional challenges, Beech graduated in June 1952, becoming the first African American graduate of the law school and UNC-Chapel Hill.
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The entering class of first-year law students in 2023 consisted of 179 students from 27 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Sixty percent of students were from North Carolina, and students of color made up 32.52% of the class. The school accepted 16.27% of applicants for the class entering in 2023, with 37.99% of those accepted enrolling.
Alumni Network
There are more than 10,000 alumni of the University of North Carolina School of Law since its founding. Roughly 40 percent of practicing North Carolina attorneys are Carolina Law graduates, more than any other law school in North Carolina. Many alumni have gone on to notable roles in government, including former US Senator John Edwards and former Chief of Staff to the President of the United States, Mick Mulvaney. Many also serve in positions in the North Carolina state government.
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