the Cost of Law School

The above price reflects tuition and fees (only) for an in-state (Virginia) resident. Tuition for an out-of-state resident would be higher: $43,800. In addition you can expect to pay $1,800 for books and supplies and $17,400 for room and board (if you select to use their housing options). Students attend law school for three years. Scholarships and loans are available to assist with tuition expenses.

Law schools are NOT created equal. This particular law school is ranked (by various criteria and organizations) as either 10th or 11th in the country. Nine months after graduation, 99% of 2007 graduates are employed. The mean LSAT score of students is 170. The caliber of faculty is extremely high and the law school has an excellent record of job placement. Of 367 candidates graduated in 2007, 175 found job their first years with top 100 ranked law firms in the U.S.

Good colleges and universities share important information about their services quite openly on their websites. Check for a "facts and statistics" page and look at their employment information. At a practical level, a law school is best measured by the employment success of its graduates. Although 2009/2010 will be particularly hard years for everyone for employment, the schools with better employment track records are still a better bet.

Schools select candidates who in essence reflect their own ranking. So the best schools accept only the best candidates, typically as measured by their LSAT score. Go to the best school you can get into for YOUR LSAT score -- and afford. But remember, student loans are still available and have a low interest rate and generous repayment period. Partial scholarships are also available.

You will generally be charged a lower tuition if you go to schools in your state of residence. Start your law school search near home!