Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law

From TLS wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Faulkner University

As a small, Christian law school in the Capital City of Alabama, Faulkner Law students have a unique advantage through their rigorous curriculum and hands-on experience. The school seeks students who will not only succeed academically but also have the desire to use their legal degree to seek justice and serve their communities – wherever that may be.


Admissions

Thomas Goode Jones School of Law at Faulkner University has an acceptance rate of about 56 percent and typically enrolls students with a median LSAT score around 150 and a median undergraduate GPA near 3.30. The admissions process is holistic, weighing more than numbers by considering leadership, character, community involvement, and an applicant’s commitment to serving others. Applicants generally submit transcripts, LSAT scores, LSAT Writing, letters of recommendation, and a Credential Assembly Service report. The main degree offered is the 90-credit J.D., with options for full-time or part-time study, including flexible tracks designed for working professionals. The school also provides an option to pursue a J.D. alongside an LL.M. in Dispute Resolution. The regular fall application deadline is July 15.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of: 2023-2024 2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT 148-150-152 147-150-153
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA 2.77-3.21-3.57 2.92-3.3-3.59
Acceptance rate 47.9% 56%
Applications received 424 511
Acceptances 247 286
Matriculants 117 106

For the 2025 admissions cycle, Thomas Goode Jones School of Law reflected a noticeable increase in interest and a solidly competitive profile among applicants. The school received 511 applications, which marked a meaningful rise compared to the prior year’s total. Out of these, 286 candidates were offered admission, resulting in an acceptance rate of 56 percent. This rate shows that while the school is accessible to a broad range of applicants, it still maintains clear academic expectations. The 25th to 75th percentile LSAT range, from 147 to 153, demonstrates that most incoming students score in the low- to mid-150s, a band that represents both developing test takers and strong performers. The corresponding undergraduate GPA range of 2.92 to 3.59 highlights a diverse academic background across the incoming class, reflecting the school’s willingness to consider applicants with varying strengths and experiences. Despite the larger applicant pool and higher number of acceptances, 106 students ultimately chose to enroll. This steady matriculation figure suggests that while many students view Jones School of Law as an appealing option, enrollment decisions often involve weighing financial aid, location, and long-term career goals. Overall, the 2025 statistics show a stable program with consistent demand, balanced admissions standards, and a class profile that continues to attract a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds.

Application Process

The 2025 application process for Thomas Goode Jones School of Law follows a structured but approachable path designed to evaluate each applicant’s academic preparation, professional promise, and personal character. Applicants begin by submitting the standard materials through the Law School Admission Council system, which includes official undergraduate transcripts, LSAT scores, LSAT Writing, and a Credential Assembly Service report. While the LSAT remains the primary test requirement, applicants are encouraged to present their full academic story, especially if their GPA or test score doesn’t fully reflect their capabilities. Letters of recommendation are also required, and the admissions committee looks closely at how these references describe an applicant’s work ethic, integrity, and potential for contributing meaningfully to the law school community.

The personal statement plays a major role in the 2025 cycle, offering applicants a space to explain their motivation for pursuing law, any obstacles they’ve overcome, and the values or experiences that have shaped their goals. Jones School of Law evaluates applicants holistically, so thoughtful, reflective writing can make a significant difference. Applicants should also be prepared to disclose and explain any character-and-fitness issues, as the school places strong importance on honesty and professionalism.

Jones offers full-time and part-time options, so applicants are encouraged to indicate which track best fits their personal and professional responsibilities. Once the application is submitted, the admissions committee reviews each component together, ensuring that LSAT, GPA, background, and personal qualities are all considered as part of a well-rounded evaluation.

The priority deadline for fall enrollment is July 15, though applicants are encouraged to apply earlier to maximize scholarship consideration. Decisions are typically released on a rolling basis, creating a more flexible timeline for both admissions and financial aid. The 2025 process maintains the school’s commitment to accessibility while upholding standards designed to identify applicants who are ready for the academic rigor and ethical responsibilities of the legal profession.

2025 Tuition and Financial Aid

For the 2025 academic year, tuition at Thomas Goode Jones School of Law reflects typical costs for private legal education and covers full-time, part-time, and flexible enrollment options. Tuition is billed annually for full-time students and per credit for part-time or executive-style programs. Students should also plan for additional expenses, including books, technology needs, fees, and the cost of living in the Montgomery area. These extra costs can vary significantly based on personal circumstances, but the school provides estimated budgets to help students prepare. Because the total investment can feel overwhelming, prospective students are encouraged to review the full cost breakdown early and consider how their preferred program track affects overall affordability.

Financial aid plays a major role in making Jones School of Law accessible, and the school offers a combination of scholarships, federal aid, and work-study opportunities. Many incoming students receive merit-based scholarships that consider LSAT performance, undergraduate GPA, and overall strength of application materials. Need-based assistance is also available for those who qualify, supported by the FAFSA and federal loan programs. The law school advises students to apply early for aid to maximize scholarship opportunities and ensure the timely processing of loans. Advisors are available to guide applicants through budgeting, loan options, and long-term repayment planning. Taken together, the 2025 tuition structure and financial aid resources provide multiple pathways for students to fund their legal education responsibly while planning for life after graduation.

Estimated 2025 Cost of Attendance

The 2025 cost of attendance at Thomas Goode Jones School of Law includes tuition along with estimated expenses for housing, transportation, books, and personal costs. These figures help students understand the full financial commitment beyond tuition alone. While actual costs vary by lifestyle and enrollment track, the school provides a standard budget so applicants can plan ahead and determine how much they may need in scholarships, savings, or federal aid.

Category Estimated Annual Cost
Tuition (Full Time) $39,000
Fees $1,200
Books and Supplies $1,500
Housing and Utilities $12,000
Food $4,500
Transportation $3,000
Personal Expenses $3,200
Total Estimated Cost $64,400


Scholarship

For 2025, Thomas Goode Jones School of Law continues to offer a range of scholarships designed to make legal education more attainable for incoming and returning students. Most awards are merit based, meaning strong LSAT scores, competitive undergraduate GPAs, and compelling personal statements can significantly increase a student’s chances of receiving funding. Many admitted students receive automatic consideration for merit scholarships as part of the application review process, so no separate application is typically required. These awards may cover a portion of tuition or, in some cases, provide substantial reductions that span all three years of study, as long as academic standards are maintained.

Need-based scholarships and grants are also available for students who qualify financially. Applicants are encouraged to complete the FAFSA early so the financial aid office can evaluate eligibility for federal loans, work-study opportunities, and institutional aid. In addition to internal funding, Jones School of Law directs students toward external scholarships offered by legal organizations, community groups, bar associations, and foundations. These outside awards can be combined with institutional aid to further reduce the cost of attendance. The 2025 scholarship landscape reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to legal education by supporting students who demonstrate academic promise, financial need, or a strong dedication to public service.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships at Thomas Goode Jones School of Law for 2025 are awarded to applicants who demonstrate strong academic performance, competitive test scores, and exceptional potential for success in the program. These scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions review, so students don’t need to submit a separate application. The admissions committee evaluates LSAT scores, undergraduate GPA, the quality of the personal statement, letters of recommendation, and any notable achievements or leadership experience. Applicants with LSAT and GPA numbers above the school’s medians typically receive the highest awards, but the school also recognizes well-rounded candidates whose backgrounds, experiences, and service records strengthen their applications beyond academics alone. Some merit awards may cover a significant portion of tuition and, in certain cases, can be renewable for all three years of law school if the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.

These scholarships help reduce the initial financial burden of legal education and often play a key role in shaping a student’s long-term financial plan. Jones School of Law encourages applicants to apply early during the admissions cycle, since the largest merit scholarships are typically awarded to strong candidates who submit their materials before the class begins to fill. Even students who fall slightly below median academic numbers may still receive partial merit awards if their application materials highlight perseverance, leadership, unique professional experience, or a commitment to serving their community. This approach ensures that 2025 merit-based scholarships support not only academically competitive students but also those who enrich the incoming class with diverse perspectives and meaningful contributions.

Mission-Oriented Scholarships

At Faulkner Law, we also offer scholarships to students who graduate from a Christian college or university. These scholarships are awarded based on the student's dedication to serving others and fulfilling our mission. There are two categories of scholarships: those based on academic merit and those based on the student's service to others.

Retention Scholarships

Scholarships available to second and third-year law students include endowed, need-based, merit-based, and leadership scholarships. These scholarships are made possible by the generosity of the law school's alumni and friends.

Transfer

Transfer applicants to Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in 2025 follow a straightforward process designed for students who’ve already completed law school coursework at an ABA-accredited institution. The school typically accepts transfer students who are in good academic standing and who’ve demonstrated the ability to succeed in a rigorous legal environment. Applicants must submit official law school transcripts, their first-year class rank (if the school ranks), a letter of good standing from their current law school, and their original LSAT score as part of the Credential Assembly Service report. Personal statements are strongly encouraged, especially for applicants who want to explain their reasons for transferring or highlight how the program at Jones aligns with their goals.

Transfer credit evaluations are completed individually, with most students receiving credit only for courses comparable to the J.D. curriculum at Jones and passed with an adequate grade. Typically, the maximum number of transferable credits allows students to enter as second-year students, though the exact total depends on prior coursework. Jones School of Law places emphasis on professional conduct, academic integrity, and a clear fit with the school’s mission, so applicants must show both strong academic performance and a positive record of engagement in their previous program. Decisions are made on a rolling basis, and prospective transfer students are encouraged to apply early to maximize course selection and ensure a smooth transition into the program.

Law School Culture

At the University of Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, they are committed to helping their students achieve their personal goals and providing them with individualized support. They are a close-knit community in which each member is highly valued.

The faculty at Faulkner Law is dedicated to teaching the next generation of attorneys. They have a wealth of professional experience and scholarship to draw from, which allows them to provide engaging instruction and personal mentoring to their students. Class sizes are kept small so that professors can give students the individual attention they need. This allows for a great deal of interaction between professors and students, both in and out of the classroom.

The Academic Success Program at Faulkner Law provides various resources to help students succeed in law school. Workshops teach essential skills such as how to study and how to take tests. A library of study aids is available, along with tutoring and assessment. These tools are designed to help students reach their full potential and succeed in law school.


Academics and Curriculum

The Faulkner Law School prepares students to be successful lawyers that can make a difference in their community. The school offers scholarships to deserving students with strong academic credentials. The law school also has programs that help students put their knowledge and skills into practice while serving their community.

Faculty

The faculty at Faulkner Law is dedicated to the success of their students. They keep their classes small to encourage communication between students and professors. The rigorous academic program at Faulkner Law emphasizes a deep understanding of the law and legal analysis, as well as the development of a broad range of skills necessary to succeed in the legal field. This strength of the academic program is based on the diverse backgrounds of the scholars and faculty at Faulkner Law. Many professors are committed to research and writing, while others work with one of the three clinical programs or volunteer their time with the moot court or trial advocacy competitions.

Degree Programs

The school offers two-degree programs: the Juris Doctor (J.D.) and the Joint J.D./LL.M. in Dispute Resolution. The J.D. program is open to first-year, transfer, and visiting law students. At the same time, the Joint J.D./LL.M. in Dispute Resolution is designed for students who want to earn both degrees in the same three years it normally takes to earn a J.D. Faulkner Law students can apply up to 12 credit hours towards both degrees. A total of 100 credit hours is required to graduate. If you already have your J.D., you can earn the LL.M. degree full-time or part-time over five years.

Clinics

The clinics at Faulkner Law play an important role in their mission to serve the oppressed and vulnerable in our community. They work closely with many other professionals to seek justice, liberate the oppressed, and take up the cause of the marginalized and exposed. The clinics provide students with a unique opportunity to serve clients and people, and through this service, they gain experience that can be applied in any area of their future careers. The clinics and field placements are open to all second and third-year law students.

Elder Law Clinic
Family Violence Clinic
Mediation Clinic
Field Placement Program

Public Interest Program

The mission of the Faulkner Law Public Interest Program is to provide students with opportunities to engage in service, to reward them for their community contributions, and to help place them in public interest careers. This program strives to instill in its students an attitude of service, encouraging them to aid people in need and contribute to their communities.


Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

For 2025, employment prospects for graduates of Thomas Goode Jones School of Law reflect a steadily improving outlook supported by the school’s strong regional connections, hands-on training, and emphasis on practical legal skills. Most graduates secure positions within Alabama or neighboring states, often stepping into roles in small and mid-sized law firms, government agencies, prosecutors’ and public defenders’ offices, and judicial clerkships. The school’s commitment to real-world preparation through clinics, internships, and externships plays a major role in helping students gain the experience employers look for. Graduates who build relationships early and take advantage of career services generally perform well in the job market, especially within public service and litigation-focused roles, where the school has a long-standing presence. Although large national firms aren’t the typical landing spot for Jones graduates, the regional legal market remains strong, offering stable opportunities for students dedicated to practicing in the Southeast.

Bar passage rates for 2025 continue to demonstrate the school’s focus on preparing students for licensure. Jones School of Law traditionally performs close to the statewide average in Alabama, with many graduates passing the bar on their first attempt. The school provides structured bar preparation resources, including workshops, practice exams, faculty review sessions, and individualized study guidance. Students who engage consistently with these resources tend to achieve higher pass rates. The curriculum itself is designed to reinforce bar-tested subjects throughout the three years of study, ensuring students develop both foundational knowledge and test-taking skills. While bar passage outcomes vary based on individual preparation, the overall results for 2025 show a reliable track record for students who take full advantage of the academic and bar support systems built into the program.

Quality of Life

At Faulkner Law, students can get involved in various activities and organizations. Through the Student Bar Association, students can become leaders in the law school community by sponsoring social functions and fundraising events and creating a professional learning environment. There are also several student organizations to join, like the American Association for Justice, Association of Future Prosecutors, Black Law Students Association, Christian Legal Society, Faulkner Law Democrats, Faulkner Law Republicans, Jones Public Interest Law Foundation, Phi Alpha Delta, Military Veterans Legal Association, Women’s Legal Society, and more. Because Faulkner Law is located in the capital city of Alabama, students can join professional organizations like the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Montgomery County Bar Association, and the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association. There is something for everyone at Faulkner Law.

Housing

The University Mailroom provides campus residents with a mailbox to send and receive mail. The mailbox is assigned at registration, and it is the responsibility of the resident to check it regularly. Residents of Margaret Harris residence hall will be assigned a mailbox and key in their residence hall. All other on-campus residents will be assigned a mailbox in the Student Commons adjacent to the University Mailroom. The University Mailroom also provides fee-based postal services, including stamps, unique delivery options, UPS services, and FedEx services.

Dining

The university's food services on the Montgomery campus are managed by Culinary Management Solutions, which includes the following: J.L. Perry Cafeteria, Multiplex Grille, Cafe Siena, The Coffee Cup, and Catering Services. These services are open to students, faculty, staff, and the public. However, the university does not offer food services on its extended campuses.

Faulkner University offers a variety of meal plan options for students. Every student who lives in a campus dormitory is required to purchase a meal plan, which may be used at the J. L. Perry Cafeteria or the Grille located on the second floor of the gym. The Grille offers a meal plan that provides $6 toward the cost of a single meal. Students can use their Eagle Bucks to supplement the meal plan.

The Eagle Bucks program provides a certain amount of money to be used at the school's dining facilities for full-time and part-time traditional students. The money can be used to purchase food items at the Grille, Cafeteria, Cafe Siena, and Coffee Shop. Additional money can be purchased from the Student Accounts Office.


Synopsis

The University of Thomas Goode Jones School of Law is committed to preparing its students for success in the legal profession. The school offers a rigorous academic program that provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in law practice. The faculty is made up of experienced and knowledgeable professors who are committed to providing an excellent education to their students. The school is committed to public service and provides its students with opportunities to serve the community through pro bono work and other volunteer activities. The University of Thomas Goode Jones School of Law is an accredited member of the American Bar Association. It is ranked among the top tier of law schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.


Contact Information

Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
Faulkner University
Admissions Office
5345 Atlanta Highway
Montgomery, AL 36109
Phone: 334-386-7531,
Email: tfoster@faulkner.edu
Email: law@faulkner.edu.


Summary

Established 1928
Location Montgomery, AL
Dean Charles B. Campbell
2025 US News Ranking 178th-19th
LSAT Median Score 150
GPA Median Score 3.3
Bar Passage Rate 66.7% (2025)
Employment Rate 33.3% (2025)
Cost $39,900
Average Debt $122,280
Application Deadline 15-July-2025

Forum and Discussion

Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums


Reference

https://law.faulkner.edu/
LSD Law
Ranked #178-195
LSAC Guide
How to Learn to Do Well on a Law School Exam
Success in Law School - A Unique Perspective
The Guide to Law School Loans
Guide to Fee Waivers