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« TLS Profiles - TLS Programs - TLS Stats - Rankings Rutgers University School of Law - CamdenLaw school in Camden, New Jersey? It’s a tough sell. Fortunately for the school, the pros might just be enough to outweigh that one large con. Nearby Philadelphia provides a plethora of opportunities, both social and educational, for students to enhance their law school experience. And, not only are starting salaries quite high relative to the school’s ranking, but the low tuition makes a Rutgers legal education a steal (for New Jersey residents, at least). Admissions & Tuition Rutgers-Camden has higher admissions standards than its ranking (77th, according to USNews) might suggest. Only 32% (671 out of 2,119) of applicants were granted admission last year. For the full-time 2008 entering class, the 25th to 75th percentile GPA range was 3.18–3.74 and the range for the LSAT was 169-162—with medians hovering around 3.4 and 161, respectively. Rutgers-Camden also has a part-time program for students who are unable to commit to full-time status, and at least in 2008, it was larger than the full-time program. The admissions standards are noticeably more relaxed for the part-time program: in 2008, GPA’s for part-time admits ranged from 3.10 to 3.71 for the 25th to 75th percentiles, while LSAT scores ranged from 157 to 159. Most people are delightfully surprised to learn that Rutgers is a state-institution. As a result, in-state students enjoy a healthy discount. Last year, New Jersey residents paid $21,486, while out-of-staters paid $31,986. ‘Room & board’ is estimated by the school to be just over $10,500. So, out-of-state students can easily expect to spend over $40,000 per year. Unfortunately, the financial aid office is not as generous as most students would hope. The 75th percentile grant last year was a mediocre $7,000, while the median was $4,500, and the 25th percentile was $1,000. Bar Passage & Employment Prospects LSAC reports that 82.1% of graduates pass the Bar the on their first try, essentially tying the school with the state-wide passage rate of 81.8%. Discouragingly, even fewer students (75%) have jobs at the time of graduation. While this is quite telling, the rate of employment nine months after graduation is also important; and Rutgers does much better here, with a rate of 92%. Rutgers, like other regional schools, employs most of its graduates in the immediate area. Over 55% of students stayed in New Jersey after graduation, and the remaining graduates did not go very far. In fact, most went right over the bridge to Philadelphia. Unlike almost every other school in the country, more students found judicial clerkships than went into the private sector. A whopping 38% of graduates went on to judicial clerkships. A sizable portion (50%) did find work in the private sector though, where they were met with a median starting salary of $110,000. This is pleasantly high compared to most schools that rank similarly to Rutgers. Those in public service did not fare so well, averaging only $39,700 in their first year. Academics Rutgers-Camden has much going for itself in the way of academics. The school boasts a top-20 Legal Writing program, according to USNews; and students enjoy considerable access to their professors—undoubtedly a result of the 13:1 student-faculty ratio, which is very respectable for schools around this rank. The school also offers a plethora of joint-degrees for those interested in complementing their JD—some of which you do not find at many other law schools. For example, students can choose to add a Master’s in Social Work, or a Master’s in city and Regional Planning. Also available is a JD/MPA (with a focus on healthcare) and a JD/MD with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Furthermore, due to Rutgers-Camden’s location, which is literally just over the bridge from downtown Philadelphia, students are able to take advantage of the externship and clinical opportunities provided by the school—though it should be noted that many of these positions are open to competition from students at higher-ranking, and perhaps higher-caliber, schools such as Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania. Quality of life On paper, Rutgers-Camden may be one of the least desirable schools in the country in terms of quality of life. Camden is a highly dilapidated city with terrible crime rates, and it does little in the way of attracting students. One would be mistaken, though, to think that law students at Rutgers-Camden cannot enjoy themselves. For students who can get away from the casebooks long enough to actually go have some fun, Philadelphia is the place to go. In fact, downtown Philadelphia is so close that it could almost be considered an extension of the campus. Students can head down to West River Drive and go running or biking just before checking out the Philadelphia Art Museum, tour South Street, or go out for drinks in Olde city. And, as the Nation’s first capital, Philly has plenty to offer those with historical interests, including the liberty bell, and Independence Hall. These are only a few of the many choices that Rutgers-Camden law students will have. So, while the Camden area is a dangerous one, and can hardly be called attractive, the social scene is not devoid of hope and can be wonderful for those who make the most of it. Conclusion The proximity to Philadelphia, the great career prospects, the low tuition… all this makes Rutgers-Camden quite an attractive option for prospective law students. Students are encouraged to visit this campus perhaps more than any other, however, to see how they will enjoy life in Camden, New Jersey. Quick Reference U.S. News Ranking: 77 |
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