Home » Law Schools » 3rd and 4th Tier Profiles »
NCCU School of Law
Founded in 1940 and ABA-accredited in 1950, the North Carolina Central University School of Law is a historically black law school located in Durham, NC. It was the first school in North Carolina to offer African-Americans a legal education.
Contents
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: | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 143 - 145 - 150 | 145 - 147 - 153 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.01 - 3.24 - 3.5 | 2.99 - 3.27 - 3.53 |
| Acceptance rate | 44.3% | 37.9% |
| Applications received | 818 | 1080 |
| Acceptances | 362 | 409 |
| Matriculants | 25 | 28 |
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) had 1,080 applicants for the 2022 admissions cycle, of which 409 were offered admission. Of those offered admission, an impressive 41.32% accepted and enrolled in the university's 1L class size of 173. Let's take a deeper look at the acceptance profile of NCCU.
The median LSAT score for the 1L class is 147, with a 25th percentile of 145 and a 75th percentile of 153. This means that those at the lower end are doing slightly better than average, while those scoring higher are performing well above average. The same goes for GPA; the median GPA is 3.27, with a 25th percentile of 2.99 and a 75th percentile of 3.53, indicating that students accepted to NCCU generally perform above average academically.
Overall, North Carolina Central University is an excellent school for those looking for an outstanding legal education. With its competitive acceptance rates and high standards for academic performance, it is an excellent choice for those looking to pursue their legal studies.
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
The estimated tuition and fees for law school vary greatly depending on the student's residency status. Students who are residents of the state can expect to pay around $9,482.35 in total tuition and fees for their law degree. On the other hand, out-of-state students can anticipate paying a much higher amount of $20,818.35 in total tuition and fees for the same degree.
When deciding on how many credit hours to take per semester, it is essential to consider the cost associated with each one. The estimated cost for 9-12 credit hours per semester is determined by the total number of credits taken. For example, if a student takes nine credit hours per semester, they will pay the same tuition and fees as if they had taken 12 credit hours. However, taking fewer or more credits can impact the total cost. The school's fee schedule determines the exact cost for each credit hour.
Cost of Attendance
Academic Year 2022-2023 | ||
| Professional/Law Students | N.C. Resident | Non-Resident |
| Tuition and Fees | 16,260 | 38,932 |
| Room and Board | 12,390 | 12,390 |
| Books and Supplies | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Insurance | 2,695 | 2,695 |
| Transportation | 2,572 | 2,572 |
| Personal Expenses | 6,388 | 6,388 |
| Total | 42,305 | 64,977 |
Students of the North Carolina Central University School of Law who meet certain requirements need to have health insurance. NCCU is providing an affordable alternative plan via Student Blue from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). This plan is intended to give students an effective and reliable coverage that meets their needs. To take advantage of this plan, students should visit the website www.studentbluenc.com to waive out, enroll or check for further details about the Student Health Insurance Plan.
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
Every year, North Carolina Central University School of Law distributes an American Bar Association-mandated survey to its recent graduates to gather data regarding their employment status. This data is then reported to the ABA during the spring of the same year the students graduated. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bar admission exams were either canceled or delayed in many locations, making it difficult for recent graduates to find jobs by the annual Graduate Employment Status Date of March 15. This means that employment information gathered from the Class of 2020 may need to accurately reflect what is typical for North Carolina Central University School of Law. But despite the obstacles faced this year, NCCU Law is still dedicated to helping its graduates find successful employment. The school offers resources and services, including a Career Services Office that provides career counseling, job postings, and an alum network of more than 20,000 members. NCCU Law is also committed to offering assistance during the transition from law school into the legal profession. The school has built a strong reputation for graduate success through this commitment. As the Class of 2020 continues to navigate the job market, North Carolina Central University School of Law remains dedicated to helping them find employment and launch successful legal careers.
Please reference the three years of employment outcome data posted on the ABA Required Disclosures webpage of each ABA-Approved Law School or at www.abarequireddisclosures.org.
BAR PASSAGE INFORMATION
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
NCCU School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
Ranked 147
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
