NCCU School of Law

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law was founded in 1939 to provide African American students with access to a legal education during a time when segregation prevented them from attending other law schools in the state. It was established as a part of NCCU, a historically Black university in Durham, North Carolina, with a mission to create a diverse and inclusive legal community. Over the decades, the law school has built a reputation for its strong emphasis on public service, social justice, and producing graduates who are committed to serving underserved communities. Today, NCCU School of Law continues to uphold its legacy as a pioneering institution committed to excellence and equity in legal education.

History

The North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 18 on March 1, 1939, to establish an institution for black students to receive a formal education in law. This decision was made 25 years after Shaw University, located in Raleigh, closed its law school in 1914 and left black students without a local option to study law. This new law school at North Carolina College for Negroes, now known as North Carolina Central University (NCCU), served as a separate-but-equal option for black students to become lawyers without integrating the law school at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

The Board of Trustees officially established the School of Law at NCCU on November 2, 1939, and the first classes began in October 1940. The school was initially funded with $50,000 from the state to purchase books and equipment. Still, donations from citizens of Durham and other supporters made it possible to open with an entire faculty.

Admissions

For those ready to take on the challenge, the school invites you to apply to their University of Law. They accept applications from October 1st through April 30th each year. If you're unsure about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	146-149-151	148-150-153
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.13-3.35-3.57	3.02-3.41-3.66
Acceptance rate	35.7%	32%
Applications received	1167	1233
Acceptances	404	394
Matriculants	122	126

For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, NCCU School of Law continued to show steady selectivity and a competitive applicant pool. The 25th to 75th percentile LSAT scores rose to a range of 148 to 153, reflecting a slight but meaningful increase from the previous year and signaling stronger performance among incoming applicants. GPA ranges also shifted upward, with the middle 50 percent of admitted students holding undergraduate GPAs between 3.02 and 3.66. Interest in the program remained strong, with the school receiving 1,233 applications, an increase from 1,167 the year before. Of these, 394 students were offered admission, resulting in a 32 percent acceptance rate that demonstrates NCCU Law’s commitment to maintaining academic standards while still offering access and opportunity. Ultimately, 126 admitted students chose to enroll, up from 122 in the previous cycle, indicating both sustained demand and the school’s continued ability to attract a dedicated cohort of future law students.

Application Requirements Checklist

To be accepted and ready for review, applicants must submit their application online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and ensure that all necessary components are included. This includes a non-refundable application fee of $50, which must be paid through LSAC’s credit card fee collection service. Additionally, applicants must submit a Personal Statement, Resume including all work experience, and the LSAT Score (meeting LSAT requirements). The LSAT Writing Sample and two written Letters of Recommendation via LSAC’s Letter of Recommendation Service included in the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)* must also be submitted.

CAS Report

To apply for a position, it is essential to provide an up-to-date report from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) that details your academic history. This CAS Report should include transcripts from all schools you have attended after secondary education. International applicants must obtain a World Education Services (WES) report that includes transcripts from any foreign educational institution attended. Please ensure that these reports are current and contain the most updated information before submitting your application.

Bachelor’s Degree

To be eligible for admission to a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), the applicant must possess a Bachelor's degree that has been awarded from an institution that the United States Department of Education recognizes. To determine whether or not an educational institution is accredited, students can refer to the Council of Higher Education Accreditation's (CHEA's) list of accredited colleges and universities.

Tuition And Financial Aid

For the 2025 academic year, NCCU School of Law maintains its mission of affordability by offering tuition rates that remain significantly lower than many peer institutions, especially for in-state students. While exact figures vary based on residency and enrollment status, students can generally expect tuition to stay aligned with the university’s longstanding commitment to accessible legal education. Financial aid continues to play a major role in supporting students, with a combination of federal aid, need-based grants, merit scholarships, and work-study opportunities available to help manage costs. The law school also provides guidance through its financial aid office, helping students navigate loan options, understand eligibility requirements, and access resources designed to reduce overall debt. Through these programs, NCCU School of Law aims to ensure that qualified students can pursue their legal education without taking on unnecessary financial strain.

Cost of Attendance

The 2025 cost of attendance at NCCU School of Law reflects not only tuition and fees but also the full range of expenses students typically face throughout the academic year. This includes housing, meals, transportation, books, supplies, and personal costs, all of which contribute to the total financial investment required for law school. While tuition remains the largest component, non-tuition expenses often make up a significant portion of a student’s budget, especially for those living off campus. The table below provides an estimated breakdown to help students understand and plan for the overall financial commitment involved in attending NCCU School of Law in 2025.

2025 Cost of Attendance Breakdown

Cost Category	Estimated Annual Cost
Tuition and Fees	$19,000 to $35,000 (varies by residency)
Housing	$10,500
Meals	$4,500
Books and Supplies	$1,800
Transportation	$2,500
Personal Expenses	$3,200
Estimated Total	$41,500 to $57,500

Financial Aid

North Carolina Central University School of Law is dedicated to providing financial assistance for students to help them achieve their educational goals. The Law School offers merit-based scholarships to incoming students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and financial need. These scholarships are renewable for up to three years, provided that the student maintains good academic standing. Furthermore, all scholarships and grants are awarded in tandem with any other aid the student may receive to stay within their demonstrated financial need. Students who wish to be eligible for scholarship awards should apply early.

North Carolina Central University School of Law offers various scholarships and loans to meet all its students. These include, but are not limited to, Private loans, Grants, and federal work-study programs. The school’s Office of Financial Aid is available to help students understand the various options available and ensure they take full advantage of every possible form of financial assistance.

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a need analysis document that must be completed by all United States citizens and permanent residents who wish to apply for any form of federal aid, such as the Federal Stafford Loans. A FAFSA form must be completed every year if you wish to receive financial aid from the government. In the case of people who have already received financial aid, they must also submit a renewal FAFSA.

At North Carolina Central University School of Law, they understand that paying for higher education can be challenging. The team assists students by helping them navigate the FAFSA process and obtain federal funding. The team can help you through the entire process, from filling out the FAFSA to receiving and understanding your financial aid award letter. They are committed to helping their students achieve their educational goals.

Veterans

At North Carolina Central University School of Law, they understand the unique needs of veterans and service members transitioning from military to college life. They are proud to be a G.I. Jobs-certified "Military Friendly School." Our Eagle Vets chapter of Student Veterans of America is dedicated to providing our veterans with the support they need throughout their law school experience.

The NCCU Veterans Affairs Office (NCCU VA) assists veterans, service members, and dependents with the VA Educational Benefits process and offers overall support to ensure academic progress toward graduation. They understand that navigating the VA benefits process can be complex and daunting, so they are here to help you make the most out of your education.

Academics & Curriculum

The first-year curriculum at NCCU is fairly standard. Students take two semesters of Contracts, Civil Procedure, Property, and Torts, and one semester each of Criminal Law, Legal Reasoning and Analysis, and Legal Research and Persuasion. There are nine required upper-level courses, including standard courses such as Constitutional Law and Evidence and a course that focuses specifically on North Carolina law.

In addition to the J.D., NCCU offers two dual-degree programs: a J.D./Master of Business Administration and a J.D./ Master of Library Science. Each takes four years to complete. There are also two faculty-run institutes for students with special interests. The Dispute Resolution Institute offers courses, training, and a certificate in alternative dispute resolution. Meanwhile, the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Law Institute aims to make academic contributions to the field of biotechnology and pharmaceutical law while also offering students the opportunity to complete a certificate in the subject.

NCCU offers a variety of clinics focusing on topics such as domestic violence, small businesses, civil litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and veterans' law. It also offers a fairly unusual course called Street Law, wherein students are placed in local middle or high schools to teach a series of classes on legal topics. Before beginning these classes, they have to opportunity to learn about teaching methods, plan lessons, and observe the classes they will be teaching. Students who hope to deal directly with clients or juries in their careers report that Street Law helps them learn to explain complex issues in ways that non-lawyers can grasp.

In addition to its course offerings, NCCU has an agreement with the nearby Duke and University of North Carolina law schools that allows its students to take elective classes at these schools while still paying tuition at the NCCU rate.

A potential disadvantage to NCCU is its high 1L attrition rate (22.1% for the class entering in 2008 and 17.9% for the class entering in 2007). According to LSAC, 22 of the 42 students who entered in 2007 and did not return for a second year were academically dismissed, as NCCU dismisses students who have not achieved a GPA of 2.0 or higher at the end of their 1L years.

Curriculum

North Carolina Central University School of Law provides its students with a rigorous and intellectually stimulating curriculum. It is designed to help the individual become an expert in their chosen field, whether a practicing attorney, judge, or legal professional employed by the government, business, or education sector. The course's writing program includes general legal, appellate, and advocacy writing. This allows each individual to be proficient in the written aspect of their work, an essential tool for any lawyer or judge. The curriculum emphasizes developing strong analytical skills in all areas of law. The instruction is based on national materials and casebooks, yet certain North Carolina distinctions are discussed. This ensures that each student is comprehensively trained to assume any kind of role within the legal profession.

Joint Degree Programs

The North Carolina Central University School of Law allows students to participate in joint degree programs with advanced degrees from other universities. Prospective participants need to make sure that they have applied for and been accepted into the School of Law and the other degree program before or at the end of their first year of law studies.

Many joint degree programs are available through the School of Law, such as a J.D./M.A. in Public History from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, a J.D./MBA from Duke University, and even a J.D./MBA M.P.P from Duke University. For the J.D./M.P.P., students are encouraged to complete their first year of the M.P.P. program before beginning their studies at the School of Law, but this is not a requirement for all joint degree programs offered through North Carolina Central University School of Law.

Clinics

Clinical programs at North Carolina Central University School of Law focus on creating excellent lawyers committed to addressing the legal needs of society's vulnerable. The Clinical Legal Education Program is an invaluable part of the law school's curriculum, as it offers a unique and comprehensive opportunity for students to gain real-world experience while, at the same time, helping those in need.

The School of Law offers several clinical programs, such as the Elder Law Clinic, Civil Rights & Racial Justice Clinic, and the Immigration Law Clinic. Students participating in these clinics are supervised by experienced practitioners who provide guidance and support as they work on real-world cases. These projects allow students to hone their legal skills while serving the community.

Pro Bono

The North Carolina Central University School of Law Pro Bono Clinic works to increase access to justice for underserved people by providing free legal services. Through this clinic, students gain valuable first-hand experience in the application of professional legal values and ethics. They work with various clients, from individuals facing economic or social injustice to non-profit organizations working on behalf of disadvantaged communities.

The Pro Bono Clinic also partners with local bar associations, legal service providers, and private law firms to ensure that legal services are available to those who need them. Through these partnerships, students can use their legal knowledge and skills to serve clients in administrative hearings, family law, bankruptcy, housing issues, and wills and estates.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

For 2025, NCCU School of Law’s employment prospects and bar passage outcomes reflect its ongoing commitment to preparing students for meaningful legal careers. Graduates continue to find opportunities across a wide range of fields, including public interest, government, private practice, corporate roles, and nonprofit organizations. Because NCCU Law has a strong reputation for producing practice-ready attorneys, many students secure positions in regional law firms, public defender and prosecutor offices, and agencies that value hands-on training and service-oriented experience. Bar passage remains a central indicator of readiness, and the school’s focus on academic support, skills-based coursework, and structured bar preparation aims to increase first-time pass rates each year. While individual results vary based on preparation, course selection, and personal study habits, NCCU Law consistently works to close performance gaps and expand academic resources so graduates feel confident and capable when entering the profession. If you’d like, I can also convert this into a shorter summary, a wiki paragraph, or include data once you provide specific pass-rate figures.

Quality of Life

In addition to the city's numerous features, North Carolina Central University School of Law offers its students several academic and extracurricular opportunities. The school offers courses related to various legal disciplines and clinics that allow students to gain hands-on experience in a natural law office environment. Numerous student organizations and clubs are also designed to help students get involved in the community and build professional and leadership skills. All this makes North Carolina Central University School of Law an excellent option for anyone interested in pursuing a career in law.

North Carolina Central University School of Law offers its students a unique legal education opportunity in one of the most vibrant cities in the country. With its affordable housing options, myriad extracurricular activities and clubs, and commitment to helping students become better legal professionals, NCCU is an ideal choice for those seeking a career in law. Visit today and see what makes North Carolina Central University School of Law unique. North Carolina Central University School of Law provides students with an excellent education in a vibrant and supportive environment. With its convenient location, affordability, and numerous opportunities for extracurricular involvement, NCCU is the perfect place to pursue a career in law. Explore all the school offers and see how it can help you reach your legal career goals. Visit North Carolina Central University School of Law today!

Synopsis

NCCU places over four out of five of its employed graduates in the state of North Carolina, so prospective students hoping to secure jobs outside that region should be cautious. However, students who hope to work in North Carolina and are unable or unwilling to pay the high tuition rates at NCCU's more prestigious neighbors may find a good fit at NCCU. In addition to a desirable location and a tradition of social change as an HBCU, NCCU offers a few unique academic opportunities, such as its Street Law program.

Contact Information

North Carolina Central University
640 Nelson Street
Durham, NC 27707
Phone: (919) 530-5243
E-mail: recruiter@nccu.edu

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

Ranked 178-195 LSD Law
Guide to Fee Waivers
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