University of Arkansas School of Law: Rankings, Admissions, and Tuition
The University of Arkansas School of Law, located in Fayetteville, offers a comprehensive legal education with a focus on practical skills and career preparation. This article delves into various aspects of the institution, including its rankings, admissions criteria, tuition costs, and overall student experience.
Overview of the University of Arkansas School of Law
The University of Arkansas School of Law is known for providing a high-quality legal education at an affordable price, with a strong emphasis on practical skills and career preparation. The school prides itself on its accessible faculty and administration, as well as the unique opportunities available to students due to the region's economic landscape.
Rankings and Recognition
While specific ranking details fluctuate annually, the school consistently maintains a solid reputation within the legal education landscape. The School of Law's standing among ABA-approved law schools in the United States is determined by comparing statistics reported by each school.
Admissions Process
Application and Acceptance
For law school applicants interested in the 2024 admissions cycle, the University of Arkansas Law School received 832 JD applications and extended 233 acceptance letters. Of those accepted, 122 chose to enroll, demonstrating the school's appeal to prospective students. The application deadline for the School of Law at the University of Arkansas--Fayetteville is April 1, and the application fee is $0.
LSAT and GPA
A competitive law school application to the University of Arkansas Law School requires students to aim for or exceed the median statistics. The median LSAT score among those applicants granted admission who enrolled as full-time students is 154. Applicants should strive to achieve a high LSAT score, as it significantly influences scholarship opportunities.
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Factors Influencing Competitiveness
Rising LSAT/GPA medians, narrowing bands, or falling acceptance rates indicate increasing competitiveness.
Advice for Applicants
Prospective students are encouraged to apply broadly and, if possible, visit the campus to experience the environment firsthand.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition Rates
The standard law in-state tuition rate is $568.31 per credit hour. For students enrolled in Agricultural and Food Law, the in-state tuition rate is $516.68 per credit hour. The university also assesses tuition for LL.M. programs. For full-time students, the in-state tuition is $18,881, while the out-of-state tuition is $41,751.
Additional Fees
University fees per year include:
- Student Activity fee: $2.64/credit hour ($63.00)
- Student Health fee: $8.66/credit hour ($259.80)
- Media fee: $0.90/credit hour ($27.00)
- Transit fee: $5.62/credit hour ($168.60)
- Network Infrastructure and Data Systems fee: $16.00/credit hour ($480.00)
- Facilities Fee: $26.60/credit hour ($798.00)
- Library Fee: $4.98/credit hour ($149.40)
- Law Fee: $25.24/credit hour ($757.20)
- JLAP Fee: $20.00 ($10.00 per semester)
Deposits for Law Applicants are a one-time fee of $125.00.
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Payment Information
Financial obligations to the University of Arkansas must be satisfied by the established deadlines. Payments can be made online via E-check (electronic check) and credit/debit cards on UAConnect.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The School of Law provides various forms of financial assistance to eligible students. Awards are made through the Office of Financial Aid, supported by sources from friends and alumni. When paying tuition, room and board, and associated fees, anticipated financial aid for a current semester may be deducted when it is listed as anticipated aid on the student’s account.
Tuition Adjustments
Students who drop classes will have their tuition and fees adjusted according to Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 330.0 - Tuition and Fee Adjustment Policy for Dropping Classes. Tuition and fee adjustment deadlines for an official withdrawal are noted in Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 518.0 - Tuition and Fee Adjustment Policy for Official Withdrawal.
Military Service Compensation
When a student or student’s spouse is activated for full-time military service and is required to cease attending the University of Arkansas without completing and receiving a grade in one or more courses, they shall receive compensation for the resulting monetary loss as provided by Fayetteville Policy 504.2.
Academic Environment
Faculty
The faculty comprises both experienced professors employing traditional teaching methods like the Socratic Method and younger professors offering helpful insights into contemporary legal practices. The faculty is devoted and accessible outside of class, fostering lively discussions and encouraging student engagement.
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Legal Writing Program
The school boasts a strong legal writing program that equips students with excellent practical writing skills.
Elective Courses
Upper-level students can choose from a range of elective courses in fields like health law, refugee and asylum law, entertainment law, and immigration policy.
Clinical Courses
Clinical courses and certified skills courses offer excellent opportunities to gain hands-on experience with the actual practice of law. In addition to traditional judicial externships, there are legislative externships and corporate counsel externships.
Student Life
Social Environment
The social environment at the University of Arkansas School of Law is described differently by students. Some find it challenging to integrate if they are not already part of established social circles, while others describe it as very communal, emphasizing the opportunity to get to know fellow students and professors well.
Student Organizations
The wide availability of clubs and organizations and the active student bar association provide numerous events outside of the law school to help students relax and de-stress.
Campus and Surroundings
Campus sporting events, especially football, are a significant draw, and the surrounding Ozarks offer ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Facilities
The facilities vary, with some older classrooms described as "okay" at best, while newer wings feature ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing classrooms that are technology-friendly. The research facilities in the comprehensive library are considered excellent.
Career Services and Employment Prospects
Career Services Staff
The Career Services staff is generally considered "wonderful," and employment prospects are reportedly excellent.
Employment Opportunities
Northwest Arkansas, with major corporations like Walmart and Tyson, provides many unique opportunities for employment with both law firms and major corporations. Graduates find employment in various sectors, including "big law" firms in major cities, rural Arkansas practices, in-house counsel positions, and government jobs.
Salaries
Starting salaries may be lower than in more populous areas, but the cost of living in Arkansas is relatively inexpensive. After completing their JD program, graduates entering private law firms earn a median starting salary of $85,000, while those pursuing public sector legal careers start at approximately $63,751.
Bar Passage Rate
For JD graduates from the University of Arkansas Law School, the first-time bar exam pass rate is 81.75%.
Cost of Attendance
Law school tuition at the University of Arkansas Law School is approximately $78,000 annually (calculated from semester costs).
Additional Information
Addresses
Students may create a check address, which will be used specifically for overpayment checks. If a check address is not created, the default address will be the permanent address.
Location
The James K. Leflar Law Center is located at 1045 W. Maple Street, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
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