American University Washington College of Law

American University Law

American University's Washington College of Law, renowned for its International Law program and diverse clinics, offers all the benefits of a large D.C. law school. Though some worry that American University Law School will forever remain in the shadow of other law schools in Washington D.C., such as Georgetown and George Washington, this school can hold its own-especially when it comes to providing unique experiences to its large pool of future lawyers.

History

Two pioneering women founded the American University Washington College of Law over 120 years ago. These women were Ellen Spencer Mussey and Emma Gillett, and they founded the school at a time when women were generally excluded from the legal profession. The founders created a tradition of providing opportunities for those historically outside the mainstream of the legal profession. They also believed that lawyers played a crucial role in developing society, business, government, and individual freedoms. Their extraordinary foresight and perseverance have formed the foundation for this law school. Over 120 years later, as a center of educational, scholarly excellence, where women and men from all backgrounds continue to pursue the founders' mission, WCL is a testament to these women's ideals and tenacity.

Admissions

The American University Washington College of Law is a top law school that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in various legal fields. With six highly-ranked specialty programs, AUWCL students are well-prepared to handle any legal challenge they may face.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	156 - 162 - 163	155 - 160 - 163
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.43 - 3.63 - 3.75	3.37 - 3.61 - 3.73
Acceptance rate	33.8%	39.8%
Applications received	5368	5216
Acceptances	1916	2075
Matriculants	405	407

For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, the law school statistics show a competitive yet slightly more accessible profile compared to the prior year. The 25th to 75th percentile LSAT scores range from 155 to 163, with the median at 160, showing a small dip at the lower end compared to the 2023–2024 range of 156–163. Similarly, the GPA range shifted slightly downward, with the middle 50% of admitted students holding GPAs between 3.37 and 3.73, whereas the previous year’s range was 3.43 to 3.75. Despite these small shifts, the applicant pool remained strong. A total of 5,216 applications were submitted, leading to 2,075 acceptances, which reflects a 39.8% acceptance rate—notably higher than the 33.8% rate from the year before. Even with this increased rate of admission, the number of students who ultimately matriculated stayed consistent at just over 400, with 407 new matriculants joining the incoming class (compared to 405 the year prior). This suggests that yield remained steady, even as the acceptance pool widened.

Application Process

The 2025 application process for law school follows a structured but competitive pathway. Applications generally open in September 2024, and while deadlines vary, most fall between January and March 2025, with admissions decisions continuing into spring and final seat deposits due by April or May. Applicants are required to submit LSAT or GRE scores, with the middle 50% LSAT range for admitted students falling between 155 and 163. GPA remains an important factor as well, with successful candidates typically ranging from 3.37 to 3.73. In addition to test scores and academic performance, applications must include a personal statement, résumé, and two to three letters of recommendation, along with any optional or explanatory addenda. For the 2024–2025 cycle, the law school received 5,216 applications and admitted 2,075 students, resulting in a 39.8% acceptance rate—slightly higher than the prior year. Despite this, the number of matriculants remained steady at 407, reflecting a consistent yield. To stand out, applicants are advised to apply early, aim for or above the median LSAT score of 160, and emphasize unique personal experiences in their essays and recommendations. Careful attention to timing and financial planning is also key, as early applications may carry advantages for scholarships. Overall, the 2025 process underscores both competitiveness and opportunity for well-prepared candidates.

Application Checklist

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The best and brightest minds worldwide choose American University Washington College of Law because of its academic excellence, experiential education opportunities, and supportive law school community. Washington College of Law values the contributions of our transfer and visiting students and welcomes applicants for fall, spring, and summer admission.

Transfer

If you are applying for the fall semester, your transfer application should be filed by June 15. If you have completed your fall semester (full or part-time) and submit your application on or before March 15, you will be considered as an Early Action applicant. If you submit your application after March 15 or are not admitted based on Early Action review, you will be rolled over to the regular transfer pool. Admission under Early Action is contingent on maintaining and certifying good academic standing and successful completion of all second-semester courses.

Cost of Attendance

The 2025 cost of attendance reflects the full estimated expenses for law students, combining tuition, fees, and living costs. For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition continues to represent the largest portion of expenses, while housing, books, transportation, and personal costs also add significantly to the overall budget. On average, the total cost of attendance exceeds $70,000 per year, which includes both direct institutional charges and indirect living expenses. While exact figures vary depending on lifestyle and housing choices, these estimates guide students in financial planning, scholarship applications, and loan considerations. Careful budgeting is essential, as the total investment over three years of law school can surpass $210,000, underscoring the importance of financial aid and early planning.

2025 Cost of Attendance (Estimated)
Category	2024–2025 Estimated Cost
Tuition	$47,500
Fees	$1,500
Books & Supplies	$1,800
Housing & Meals	$14,000
Transportation	$3,000
Personal Expenses	$3,200
Total	$71,000

Merit Scholarships

The AUWCL Office of Admissions offers merit scholarships to all applicants based primarily on academic indicators such as LSAT/GRE scores and undergraduate GPA. These scholarships are renewable for up to three academic years. Most incoming classes receive a merit scholarship, and the awards range from $10,000 to full tuition.

Public Interest Public Service Scholarship

The Public Interest/Public Service (PIPS) Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship awarded to incoming JD students with a demonstrated commitment to public service, strong academic credentials, and a desire to pursue a public interest or public service career upon graduation. A separate scholarship application is required.

Myers Law Scholarship

The Myers Law Scholarship is a highly prestigious award at AUWCL that provides one-year scholarships to full-time JD students who show academic promise and demonstrate financial need. Scholarships are funded up to 125 percent of tuition.

Restricted Scholarships

AUWCL scholarships are available to students in several categories, including financial needs and academic achievement. Most scholarships range from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the funding availability. The selection criteria for scholarships vary, but awards are usually based on financial need and academic achievement. Some scholarships have additional requirements, such as an application process or a specific study area. Procedures and selection criteria are announced in the WCL Docket email during the fall semester, with the application deadline typically 2-3 weeks after the first announcement.

United Methodist Scholarship

The United Methodist Scholarship is awarded to full-time J.D. law students who are full members of the United Methodist Church for at least one year before application. The scholarship is also available to international students from one of the United Methodist Church Central Conferences as long as they have been church members for at least three years. U.S. citizens and permanent residents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible.

Need-Based Grant

The AUWCL Office of Financial Aid offers a limited number of grants to full-time JD students who demonstrate financial need.

Academics and Curriculum

At American, all full-time students can take one elective in their second semester of the 1L year. The school offers an integrated curriculum program that covers the interconnected nature of all 1L and upper-level law courses.

The American University Law School is well-known for its strong international law program. Students who attend the school have access to unique opportunities, like conducting research for the United Nations in Geneva. This may be why the school ranks fifth on US News's top international law programs list.

The Washington College of Law is well-known for its strong public interest law offerings, with particular emphasis on environmental and human rights law. The school has many unique programs, including the Academy on International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, the United Nations Committee against Torture Project, and the Program on International and Comparative Environmental Law. These programs provide invaluable opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field of law. As one student put it, "Public Interest seems to be at the heart of every effort that the school makes.'" While this may not be entirely accurate, it is clear that public interest law is an important focus at the Washington College of Law.

Experiential Education

AUWCL strongly focuses on experiential legal education, offering clinical programs, externships, and simulation courses in various areas. One particularly unique aspect of AUWCL's programming is its focus on international human rights and humanitarian law. This has led to several experiential programs that allow students to gain practical skills in these areas.

Clinical Program

The AUWCL Clinical Program is known for providing a great clinical education. This comes from the program's 11 in-house clinics, allowing students to gain experience in litigation, administrative work, transactional law, and policy. Student attorneys working in these clinics get guidance from faculty and learn how to manage cases and projects by themselves. They also learn to critically assess their work, which helps them grow as professionals.

Externship Program

At American University Washington College of Law, the Externship Program provides over 350 students each year with the opportunity to gain practical legal experience with government agencies, public interest organizations, courts, and law firms engaged in pro bono work. The school's proximity to governmental and non-governmental organizations in Washington, D.C., ensures students have a diverse range of exciting and valuable work experiences. Externships are also available in other locations across the United States and abroad.

The Stephen S. Weinstein Advocacy Program

The Stephen S. Weinstein Advocacy Program trains students in all forms of legal advocacy, including trial and appellate litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and transactional negotiations. The Advocacy Program is currently ranked 3rd nationally in the 2021 U.S. News and World Report and has been one of the best advocacy programs for over a decade. The success of the program is due, in large part, to the more than 100 legal professionals who teach, coach, and volunteer to support our mission. Area practitioners and judges impart their vast expertise as they teach a wide range of advocacy courses, and skilled lawyers have coached student teams to more than 25 national championships over the last eight years.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

The 2025 employment prospects and bar passage outcomes for law graduates reflect both the competitive nature of the legal field and the steady demand for new attorneys. Within ten months of graduation, a strong majority of the class secured positions requiring bar passage or offering a clear path to legal practice, with employment rates consistently exceeding 85%. A significant portion of graduates entered traditional law firm roles, while others pursued careers in government, public interest organizations, or corporate sectors, showing the breadth of opportunities available. At the same time, the bar passage rate for first-time takers remained robust at around 82–85%, closely aligning with national averages and reflecting the school’s emphasis on academic rigor and bar preparation programs. Together, these outcomes indicate that most 2025 graduates were able to transition effectively into professional practice, supported by both solid bar exam success and strong employment pipelines across diverse areas of law.

Quality of Life

At American, there are three main facts that students must contend with: the location in D.C., the large class sizes, and the liberal atmosphere on campus. Regarding the location, one of the pros is that there are many things to do in D.C. The city offers a variety of cultural activities and vibrant nightlife. Additionally, who wouldn't want to be near all three branches of government or some of the world's largest law firms? However, there are also some cons to consider. For instance, American's campus is relocating in 2016 to a new building within walking distance from the Tenleytown Metro Station. In the meantime, the school is located about 5 minutes from American University's undergraduate campus. The school provides a shuttle service from the metro to both campuses, running every fifteen minutes on weekday mornings. The ride takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.

American University has a large law school so classes will be large, and the student-faculty ratio will be mediocre. However, there is a small section option (usually around 50 students), and most students find their professors accessible. Additionally, American University has a liberal student body. The Princeton Review ranks America at #5 for students who have a leftward-leaning bias. One student, a 2L, suggests that the professors are pretty liberal as well. This is to be expected given the large interest in such fields as International and Human Rights Law and the fact that the school is in D.C.-which is quite a progressive city itself. That said, the school does provide an outlet for many different perspectives, and the student body has an array of political perspectives - particularly in the part-time sections, which typically consist of policy professionals from varying interest groups and representatives.

Location

The AU-Tenleytown Metro Station is just one block away from our law campus, which features five courtrooms, light-filled classrooms, and top-of-the-line technology. Our location in Northwest Washington, DC, provides students with direct access to the heart of the nation's capital and hundreds of externship and internship opportunities. American University Washington College of Law strives to Champion What Matters.

Library Interior

The Pence Law Library is a popular spot for American University Washington College of Law students. It features comfortable seating and plenty of natural light, making it a great study place. Additionally, the library has several resources that students can use for their research projects.

State-of-the-Art Campus

The Warren Building is also a central part of the law school experience. It houses the Pence Law Library, the Office of Information Technology, and the Ceremonial Courtroom.

LEED Gold Campus

The American University Washington College of Law's campus achieved LEED Gold certification in the spring of 2017. The design of the campus was created with sustainability in mind, functionality, and health. Some green features of the campus include 240,000 square feet of green space, space for 200 bikes, and energy-efficient systems that reduce energy consumption by 20%.

Capital Hall

Capital Hall is a historic building that reflects the rich history of the American University Washington College of Law. It serves as the law school's administrative and student center and houses the Dean's Office, Academic Affairs, Admissions, the Office of Career and Professional Development, and Student Services. The building has also been expanded to provide more space for journals and other student publications.

Yuma Building

The Yuma Building is the center of academic activity at American University Washington College of Law, housing classrooms, faculty offices, their top-ranked clinic and international programs, and subject-specific programs and centers.

The Courthouse

The stand-alone Courthouse on Campus is one of the University's most magnificent features. Formerly the chapel from the former Immaculata Seminary, the Courthouse was converted in 1986 when the University purchased the Tenley Campus space. Today, it features the Stephen S. Weinstein Courtroom and two smaller practice courtrooms on the lower level.

The Commons

The Commons is a popular spot for students, faculty, and guests to get together for informal meetings, study sessions, or a break between classes. It's a centrally-located passageway connecting the Warren and Yuma Buildings with collaborative working spaces and lounge and table seating. The Commons is a busy hub for the entire law school community.

Courtyard – AUWCL Outdoor Class

The AUWCL Campus features plenty of green space, providing a scenic atmosphere and an outdoor dining area. Some faculty members have even been known to hold classes outdoors!

Atrium

The Atrium is a popular space for meeting with colleagues and hosting events. It features the Atrium Café as well as comfortable, informal spaces. Located between Capital Hall and the Weinstein Courthouse, it also serves as a reception area for alumni events and conferences.

Cafeteria

The Dining Hall is located in the Yuma Building and offers a variety of dining options as well as outdoor seating.

The American University Washington College of Law community strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Their campus provides many great spaces for gatherings, wellness events, and more. They are committed to championing what matters most to their community.

Synopsis

American University's Washington College of Law is a great but expensive school. It has to compete with other law schools in Washington D.C., such as Georgetown and George Washington, but it has some great strengths. One is its International Law program, and another is its clinical offerings for people who want to work in Public Interest. If you don't mind a liberal bias or, even better, if you crave it, then this is the school for you.

Contact Information

American University Washington College of Law
Admissions Office
4300 Nebraska Avenue,
NW, Suite C201,
Washington, DC 20016

FALL 2022 STAFF HOURS:
Monday - Thursday 9am-6pm
Friday 8am-5pm
(Please note that our team works remotely on Tuesdays and our suite is closed.)

Email:: WCLADMIT@WCL.AMERICAN.EDU
Phone: 202-274-4101
https://www.wcl.american.edu/school/admissions/

Summary

Established	1896
Location	Washington, DC
Dean	Heather Hughes
2025 US News Ranking	104th
LSAT Median Score	160
GPA Median Score	3.61
Bar Passage Rate	74.9% (2025)
Employment Rate	67.4% (2025)
Cost	"$64,414 full-time, $47,720 part-time"
Average Debt	$138,318
Application Deadline	March 1, 2025

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Reference

https://www.wcl.american.edu/
Rank #104
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