Florida A&M University College of Law

Florida A&M University

The University of Thomas Goode Jones School of Law reaffirms its dedication to providing excellent educational training and opportunities to students seeking to serve the needs of traditionally underserved people and communities. The school is committed to educating legal professionals and community leaders committed to equitable justice and the rule of law.

History

The Thomas Goode Jones School of Law has a long history of excellence, dating back to its founding. In 1949, a law division was established at Florida A&M College, and the first class was admitted in 1951. However, in 1966 the Florida Board of Control withdrew its permission for the school to admit law students. Two years later, the law school graduated its last class and closed its doors. Between 1954 and 1968, the law school graduated 57 students - men and women who have gone on to make significant contributions to the legal profession.

The Florida Legislature unanimously passed a bill in 2000 to establish a law school at Florida A&M University. The first class of the reestablished law school began in the fall of 2002. The degree of Juris Doctor was conferred on members of the first class in 2005. The FAMU College of Law received full accreditation from the American Bar Association in 2009 and was re-accredited in 2014.

Admissions

Florida A&M University College of Law offers both a full-time Day J.D. program and a part-time Evening J.D. program, giving applicants flexibility based on their schedules. To apply for 2025 and the upcoming cycle, students must hold a bachelor’s degree and submit an application through LSAC that includes a personal statement, résumé, and letters of recommendation. Applicants are required to take the LSAT, and scores up to five years old are accepted. FAMU Law uses rolling admissions, though the regular deadline typically falls on April 30. For the most recent cycle, the school received just over 1,200 applications, admitted around 40 percent, and enrolled slightly more than 100 students. Recent median scores show an LSAT around 151 and an undergraduate GPA around 3.4. The admissions committee reviews applicants holistically and considers academic history, personal background, writing ability, professional experience, and commitment to public service, which aligns with the school’s mission.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	148-151-154	147-151-154
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.24-3.52-3.68	3.21-3.44-3.64
Acceptance rate	35.5%	39.6%
Applications received	1387	1264
Acceptances	497	501
Matriculants	124	112

For the 2025 admissions cycle at Florida A&M University College of Law, the incoming class profile shows a competitive but accessible range of academic metrics. The 25th to 75th percentile LSAT scores fall between 147 and 154, and the middle GPA range sits between 3.21 and 3.64. The school received 1,264 applications for the cycle and extended 501 offers, resulting in an acceptance rate of 39.6 percent. Out of those admitted, 112 students ultimately enrolled. These numbers reflect a slightly more selective process compared with the previous year, while still maintaining a strong and diverse applicant pool.

Application Dates and Deadlines

Applications for Florida A&M University College of Law open each year on October 1 for the following fall’s entering class. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early since the school reviews applications on a rolling basis. The regular deadline for first-year J.D. applicants is April 30, which is the final date to submit all required materials through LSAC. Students seeking financial aid should be aware that priority financial aid consideration typically requires submitting the FAFSA by March 1. Together, these dates outline the general timeline applicants should follow to ensure a complete and competitive application for the upcoming cycle.

Application Fee

When applying to attend a university in Florida, you will need to pay a $35.00 nonrefundable application fee. Applications will not be processed more than one year in advance of the desired entrance date. You will also need a U.S. Social Security Number in order to be officially identified as a student at the school and to have access to certain services. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can contact your nearest U.S. Social Security Office to apply for one before submitting your online application.

Transcripts

Transcripts must be sent to the Office of Admissions in order to be considered for admission into Florida A&M University. This includes all transcripts and test scores, regardless of whether or not credit was earned. If you are a freshman or transfer applicant and have less than 60 semester hours of transferable academic credit, your high school should forward your official secondary school record. If you have attempted any college coursework, either as dual enrollment in high school or following high school, each school should forward an official transcript of your academic record. Transcripts must be mailed directly from the institution or forwarded electronically. Home-schooled applicants should visit our website for specific Identification document requirements. Students who complete high school by GED must provide an official copy of test scores and a partial high school transcript. Transfer students who completed 2 years of the same foreign language in high school must submit official high school transcripts.

Test Score

You will need to take certain tests in order to be admitted as a freshman or transfer student at our university. The tests you need to take depend on your school counseling office. However, most students will need to take either the ACT or SAT, and ACT scores must include the English/Writing component. If your native language is not English, you may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and have your scores submitted by the Educational Testing Service.

Admission Consideration Based on Disability

If you wish to request special admission consideration based on a disability, the SUS will consider this information within the following guidelines: -They require documentation of your disability to assess best how we can help. This information will be kept confidential. -Refusal to provide information will not subject you to adverse treatment. They only use this information to help them better understand and accommodate your needs.

Tuition and Expenses

For the 2025 academic year at Florida A&M University College of Law, tuition varies based on residency and program. Full-time Florida residents pay about $13,816 per year, while non-residents pay around $33,076 annually. Students in the part-time Evening J.D. program pay lower amounts because they’re enrolled in fewer credits, with resident tuition averaging about $10,207 per year and non-resident tuition around $24,332. When factoring in living costs, books, transportation, and personal expenses, the total cost of attendance rises significantly. A typical full-time Florida resident may face an overall yearly cost close to $59,600, while an out-of-state student’s total expenses may reach roughly $78,800. Many students offset these costs through financial aid, and about one-third of the student body receives grants or scholarships, with average awards around $8,000.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance at Florida A&M University College of Law for 2025 includes tuition along with estimated living and academic expenses, giving students a clearer picture of what they’ll likely spend in a full academic year. While tuition differs for residents and non-residents, all students should plan for additional costs such as housing, food, books, transportation, and personal needs. When everything is combined, most Florida residents see an estimated annual total near the upper fifty-thousand range, while non-residents may encounter totals in the upper seventy-thousand range depending on lifestyle and housing choices.

Cost of Attendance Breakdown (Estimated)
Category	Florida Resident	Non-Resident
Tuition (Full-Time)	$13,816	$33,076
Books and Supplies	$1,900	$1,900
Housing and Food	$26,000	$26,000
Transportation	$3,900	$3,900
Personal Expenses	$13,000	$13,000
Estimated Total	$58,616	$77,876

Financial Aid

The mission of the Office of Financial Aid is to provide access to financial resources in a fair, sensitive, and confidential manner. Financial Aid can help students pay for their education expenses by providing money that can be used to cover costs such as tuition, room and board, books, and other school-related expenses. To provide the best possible service, the Office of Financial Aid has implemented a fully integrated financial aid system that allows students to view their Financial Aid package online. Students can log into iRattler and go to FAMU SFPStudentPortal to see what Aid they have been offered.

Scholarships

The University of Thomas Goode Jones School of Law guarantees admission to applicants who have a completed and validated application on file by 4:00 p.m., October 15. The application for admission is available on June 15. Scholarship Types

Transfer

The University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law provides transfer student services to help students make a smooth transition from their current educational institution to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. The staff assists students with recruitment, transfer admissions advising, transfer orientation, curriculum mapping, campus resources, priority registration, and scholarships.

Academics

The University of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical offers various challenging academic programs to help students meet their career goals. 54 bachelor's degree programs, 29 master's degree programs, 3 professional degrees, and 12 doctoral degree programs are available. With so many options, students will be sure to find the perfect program for their needs. Whether they are looking for a traditional program or something more specialized, the University has something to offer everyone.

Academic advising is an essential part of a student's academic journey. Advisors help students select the appropriate major, make timely progress through the required curriculum, and graduate. Advisors also work with students to clarify academic and personal goals. Our staff is committed to your success and strives to uphold FAMU's "Excellence With Caring" motto. Students are encouraged to visit this website regularly to learn more about academic requirements, how to contact or schedule an appointment with their assigned advisor, and navigate the many resources and services available across campus.

Advisors

The advisors at the University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law help students with their academic decisions. They help clarify interests, skills, and values in order to make informed decisions about classes, majors, and curriculum planning. Advisors empower students to achieve success in their academics while helping them understand the resources available to them on campus.

Rattlers for Justice

The University of Thomas Goode Jones School of Law is home to over 20 student organizations, including the Student Bar Association, the Women's Law Caucus, the Black Law Students Association, and the Stonewall LGBTQ Law Students Association. The faculty at Thomas Goode Jones is dedicated to the community and is highly qualified in various areas of law, such as Criminal Law, Gender Law, International Law, Sports Law, and Water Law. The school offers robust academic success and career planning programs that provide support and professional development to its students. The school's location in Downtown Orlando is also a huge advantage, as it is close to county and federal courthouses, major law firms, and legal service agencies.

Experiential Learning

The University of Thomas Goode Jones School of Law offers professional skills training and development courses to prepare students for law practice. These courses include simulation courses, such as mediation and interviewing negotiation and counseling, and litigation courses, such as trial practice. Students can meet the professional skills requirement by taking practical courses or by taking a clinical course.

Field Placement

The University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law offers students semester-long opportunities to assist lawyers and judges in law and the administration of justice. Field Placements allow students to leave the traditional classroom setting and gain hands-on experience under the close supervision of a faculty member. Students in the program will work for judges, government agencies, public interest organizations, non-profit organizations, law firms, and corporate legal offices. This experience will provide insight into professional responsibility and the operation of the legal system. Students will also develop practical skills that will be beneficial in their careers.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

Employment prospects for Florida A&M University College of Law graduates in 2025 show that a little over 71 percent of recent graduates secured jobs, with most working at law firms while others moved into government, business, or public interest roles. A strong majority of employed graduates stay in Florida, reflecting the school’s regional network and job market. Although employment outcomes are steady, bar passage has historically been a challenge. The most recent full-year data showed a first-time bar passage rate just over 40 percent, which was noticeably below both state and national averages. However, early 2025 exam results indicated an encouraging improvement, with the first-time pass rate rising into the mid-60s. This jump suggests that recent academic support efforts may be helping, but the overall trend still highlights the importance of personal preparation and the school’s ongoing focus on strengthening bar readiness.

Quality of Life

If you want to live on campus at Florida A&M University, today is the day to apply! Living in a residence hall is a great way to meet new people and make friends. You'll also have your own space to decorate and make your own. The University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law has eight on-campus residence halls. Each has unique features, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. You can choose a single room if you want peace, a traditional hall with shared bathrooms and common areas, or an apartment with or without roommates.

These halls offer a traditional student-centered college experience.

SAMPSON HALL

Near the library, this traditional-style residence hall offers single and double accommodations for a close-knit community of male residents. It sits directly beside its twin dorm Young Hall

YOUNG HALL

Near the library, this traditional-style residence hall offers single and double accommodations for a close-knit community of female residents. It sits directly beside its twin dorm Sampson Hall

POLKINGHORNE VILLAGE EAST & WEST

Home to a diverse array of student programming, from 10 living-learning communities to Battle of the Floors, you are always encouraged to engage with your fellow residents and build a community. Single rooms are available.

Synopsis

When deciding on a law school, there are many important factors to consider. One crucial factor is the quality of the faculty. The Florida A&M University College of Law has excellent professors dedicated to their student's success. Another important factor is location. The law school is located in Orlando, Florida, a great city with plenty of opportunities for legal professionals. The law school is affordable and offers excellent value for the money. The Florida A&M University College of Law also has a diverse student body and state-of-the-art facilities. Lastly, our law school has a strong reputation and a commitment to public service. They are confident that the Florida A&M University College of Law is one of the best law schools in the state.

Contact Information

Florida A&M University College of Law
Admissions Office
201 Beggs Avenue,
Orlando, FL, 32801
P: (407) 254-3268
F: (407) 254-2450
E: famulaw.admissions@famu.edu
https://admissions.famu.edu/talk-to-admissions.php

Summary

Established	1949
Location	Orlando, FL
Dean	Cecil Howard
2025 US News Ranking	178th-195th
LSAT Median Score	151
GPA Median Score	3.44
Bar Passage Rate	40.2% (2025)
Employment Rate	N/A (2025)
Cost	N/A
Average Debt	N/A
Application Deadline	N/A

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

https://law.famu.edu/
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Ranked #178-195
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