Home » Law Schools » Rankings and Profiles »
Northeastern University School of Law
The Northeastern University School of Law is a great place to attend law school. The co-op program offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience, which is handy when looking for a job. Additionally, the school ranks better than most other schools of its caliber. However, it should be noted that the career prospects are less strong than some students would like.
Contents
- 1 History
- 2 Admissions
- 2.1 Statistics
- 2.2 Application Process
- 2.3 Early Decision
- 2.4 Early Action
- 2.5 Regular Decision
- 2.6 Cost of Attendance
- 2.7 Financial Aid
- 2.8 Scholarships
- 2.9 Public Interest Law Support
- 2.10 Merit-based Tuition Scholarships
- 2.11 HBCU Scholarship
- 2.12 Health Policy and Law Scholarship
- 2.13 Intellectual Property and Innovation Scholarship
- 2.14 Law, Equity and Race Scholarship
- 2.15 Peace Corps, City Year, and Teach For America Scholarships
- 2.16 Northeastern University Law Grant
- 2.17 Endowed Scholarships
- 2.18 Tranferring
- 3 Employment Prospects
- 4 Academics and Curriculum
- 5 Quality of Life
- 6 Synopsis
- 7 Contact Information
- 8 Summary
- 9 Forum and Discussion
- 10 Reference
History
The history of BLSA at Northeastern University School of law can be traced back to the 1970s, with distinguished Professor Denise S. Carty-Bennia. Professor Bennia was a powerful advocate for diversity and was a driving force in movements opposing sex and race discrimination in the United States. She was an important role model for Black students at NUSL and helped pave the way for increased diversity on campus. Sadly, Professor Bennia passed away in 1990, but her legacy inspires those who follow in her footsteps.
Admissions
To be eligible for admission to law school, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. This degree must be completed by maturing into law school in August. The challenge of three years of full-time continuous legal study requires that students have strong academic credentials and the ability to transfer their classroom learning into practical legal skills. While no specific field of undergraduate study is required, mastering oral and written communication skills, a capacity for independent research and the ability to analyze problems and exercise critical judgment are essential to successful legal study.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 158 - 162 - 164 | 158 - 162 - 164 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.36 - 3.65 - 3.78 | 3.45 - .66 - 3.79 |
| Acceptance rate | 35.6% | 24.4% |
| Applications received | 2798 | 4103 |
| Acceptances | 995 | 1001 |
| Matriculants | 659 | 624 |
Northeastern University has a relatively low acceptance rate, with only 4,103 people applying and 1,001 being offered admission in the 2022 cycle. However, the school still has a reasonably high yield rate of 23.18%, with 232 out of 1,001 applicants accepting their offer of admission. This means that the Northeastern University 1L class size will be around 239 people, with a median LSAT score of 162 and a median GPA of 3.66. Additionally, the 25th percentile LSAT score is 158, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 164, while the 25th percentile GPA is 3.45 and the 75th percentile GPA is 3.79.
Application Process
When reviewing each application, they consider the candidate's academic qualifications, including their undergraduate grades and LSAT score, and any other achievements or experience they may have. They also consider personal statements, letters of recommendation, and other relevant information. Admission to their Cooperative Legal Education Program is offered only to highly qualified candidates who make decisions based on various factors.
Early Decision
The School of Law offers a binding early decision program to students whose first choice is Northeastern. Applicants must sign a form to confirm their intent to apply for early decision and, if granted admission, will immediately withdraw all outstanding applications. The deadline for ED is December 1, and applicants must take the LSAT exam by (or before) the November test date. Admission decisions for ED applicants will be released by December 31, and admitted students must submit the enrollment deposit by January 15.
Early Action
The School of Law offers an early action program for students who view Northeastern University School of Law among their top choices and would like to receive an admission decision sooner. The deadline for early action is December 1st, and applicants must take the LSAT exam by (or before) the November test date to be complete by the deadline. Mid-February will release admission decisions, and the enrollment deposit will be due by March 15th.
Regular Decision
If you submit your application by the regular decision deadline of March 1, you will receive a decision by mid-April. However, you must take the LSAT no later than February. You are welcome to submit applications after March 1, but they will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Cost of Attendance
As many students take out loans to cover the costs of their education, all students need to try and manage their expenses as best as possible to minimize the amount of money they will have to borrow.
| 2022-2023 First-Year Full-Time JD Student Expense Budget | |
| Tuition | $58,648 |
| Living Expenses/Transportation | $16,900 |
| Personal Expenses | $900 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Campus Recreation Fee | $120 |
| Student Activity Fee | $34 |
| Loan Origination Fees | $220 |
| Total | $78,322 |
*Annual tuition will be evenly distributed over two semesters for first-year full-time JD students. Students will be billed in August and December.
| 2022-2023 Upper-Level Full-Time JD Student Expense Budget | |
| Tuition | $58,648 |
| Living Expenses/Transportation | $25,350 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,350 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Campus Recreation Fee | $180 |
| Student Activity Fee | $17 |
| Loan Origination Fees | $739 |
| Total | $87,784 |
Upper-level full-time JD students will have their annual tuition evenly distributed over three semesters. They will be billed for each semester in the academic year, regardless of whether or not they are taking classes or co-op. The academic year for upper-level full-time JD students starts with the summer term.
Financial Aid
Financing your Education The School of Law offers several programs to ensure you’ll get the support you need to earn a top-rate legal education. They provide information about tuition scholarships, loans, and additional resources.
Scholarships
Tuition scholarships are a three-year commitment by the School of Law. Students who receive the scholarships will be guaranteed the awards for their second and third years as long as they maintain good academic standing.
Public Interest Law Support
The Northeastern School of Law offers a renewable, full-tuition Public Interest Law Scholarship (PILS) to exceptional applicants with impressive academic profiles and extensive experience in social justice and public service fields. The first class of scholars graduated in 2003, and they have built a strong network, giving back to the program and assisting new students as they pursue public interest law careers. Once scholars have graduated from the School of Law, it is hoped that a significant portion of their careers will be dedicated to public interest law.
Merit-based Tuition Scholarships
The School of Law offers merit-based scholarships to admitted applicants. These scholarships are based on factors such as leadership skills, work experience, academic achievement, and overcoming adversity. Merit-based scholarships can only be applied to tuition.
HBCU Scholarship
Northeastern University offers scholarships for students who have attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The scholarship is granted to selected outstanding JD and FlexJD applicants and provides a half-tuition award. The scholarship is renewable each year as long as the student remains in good academic standing and abides by university policies. Applications must be completed by March 1 to be considered for the scholarship.
Health Policy and Law Scholarship
The Health Policy and Law Scholarship is Northeastern University School of Law’s highest honor for students interested in careers in health policy and law. This full-tuition scholarship is awarded to admitted applicants with a demonstrated interest in health law and related fields. Health Policy and Law Scholars also receive a $2,000 co-op stipend, specialized mentoring and guidance, access to professional connections and networking events, and opportunities to work closely with the Center for Health Policy and Law. Scholarship decisions are made based on a variety of factors.
Intellectual Property and Innovation Scholarship
The Intellectual Property and Innovation Scholarship is the School of Law's highest honor for students interested in pursuing careers in intellectual property, technology, privacy, and related fields. This full-tuition scholarship is awarded to admitted applicants with a demonstrated interest in intellectual property or technology law. Intellectual Property and Innovation Scholars receive a $2,000 co-op stipend; specialized mentoring and guidance; waived exam fees for privacy certification with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP); meet-and-greets with faculty from the Center for Law, Information and Creativity; and opportunities to participate in competitions such as the trademark moot court competition. Scholarship decisions are based on various factors, including GPA, LSAT score, letters of recommendation, writing samples, and personal statements.
Law, Equity and Race Scholarship
The Law, Equity, and Race Scholarship are Northeastern University School of Law’s highest honor for students interested in pursuing careers in the race and equity law field. This full-tuition scholarship is awarded to admitted applicants with a demonstrated interest in racial justice and related fields. Law, Equity, and Race Scholars also receive a $2,000 co-op stipend and opportunities for working closely with the Center for Law, Equity, and Race. Scholarship decisions are made based on a variety of factors.
Peace Corps, City Year, and Teach For America Scholarships
The law school offers merit-based scholarships to help alumni/ae of organizations like the Peace Corps, City Year, and Teach For America pursue law degrees and continue their work in social justice. These scholarships are based on the individual's achievements and desire to make a difference in society.
Northeastern University Law Grant
The Northeastern University Law Grants (NULG) are scholarships awarded to first-year students based on need. Recipients of this institutionally funded program do not have to repay this award. The Financial Aid office determines all NULG award decisions. To be eligible, you must be admitted and file a FAFSA.
Endowed Scholarships
Scholarship applications for specific endowed scholarships are usually available in the fall semester. The scholarships have different eligibility criteria, so read the requirements carefully. The application process is separate from the financial aid process, so you must submit a separate application.
Tranferring
If you are a student who has completed their first year at another ABA-approved law school, you can transfer to Northeastern University School of Law. You can choose to transfer in the early term, which will allow you to start upper-level coursework in the summer term and also allows you to utilize the Center for Co-op and Career Development to prepare for and obtain a co-op for the fall term. Or, you can transfer in the regular term, allowing you to start upper-level coursework in the fall term. Whichever transfer option you choose, your transcripts must include second-semester grades. To read a fantastic article about transferring, click here.
Employment Prospects
While the average indebtedness of Northeastern graduates may seem daunting, prospective students (those interested in private-sector work, at least) should take comfort in knowing that salaries for NUSL grads can (emphasis on 'can') ensure that the debt will provide only a short-lived burden.
The average salary for a JD graduate from Northeastern University who works in the private sector is $172,500. If they go into the private sector, a grad can expect to make $55,661. Forty percent of law graduates from Northeastern University go directly to work for law firms, while twelve-percent clerk for a judge. Twenty-eight percent of graduates go into public interest. Eighty-five percent of Northeastern University graduates pass the bar on their first try.
Academics and Curriculum
The Northeastern University School of Law is unique because of its co-op program. This program allows students to work time in the legal field for three months and then attend classes for three months. This program provides practical experience, which is important to the school's philosophy. The Northeastern University School of Law also focuses on public interest law. This focus includes programs that help students understand social justice and ethics about the law. Although the school may not be as competitive as other public interest giants, it provides what students need for a lifetime of important work in this field.
Northeastern believes that experience and exploration are paramount in your journey as a law student and future lawyer. As you consider various fields of law, you may choose to focus on an area of study that resonates with your professional passions and goals. Their unique interdisciplinary approach includes courses, co-ops, clinics, dual degrees, certificates, and various opportunities to participate in – and partner with – their centers, institutes, and programs, as well as with student organizations. And their renowned faculty are always ready to talk over an idea or provide advice on courses, co-ops, and more.
If their list of areas of study doesn’t quite fit what you’re looking for, don’t worry – they will help you tailor a program of study and experience that is both meaningful and exciting for you, through law school and on to a fulfilling career.
- Business Law
- Criminal Justice
- Health Policy and Law
- Human Rights
- Immigration
- Intellectual Property and Technology
- Race and the Law
First-Year Curriculum
In law school, you will take a series of required courses to help launch your legal career. These courses, often referred to as podium courses, will help you think and write like a lawyer. You will develop critical analytical skills as you explore legal cases and precedents.
Northeastern University School of Law houses two very special journals.
Northeastern University Law Review
The Northeastern University Law Review is a student-run publication that covers a variety of legal topics, with a focus on articles that show the connections between public interest, innovation, and the practical application of the law. It is published twice a year and includes articles by legal and interdisciplinary academics, attorneys, and law students.
Journal of Legal Education
The Northeastern University School of Law is the co-editor of the Journal of Legal Education. The journal's main purpose is to create a dialogue about legal education and related matters, such as the legal profession and legal theory. The journal has a readership of over 10,000 law teachers and around 500 subscribers, making it a highly effective medium for communication within the law school world.
Quality of Life
The Northeastern University School of Law does not assign grades to its students. This is a welcomed change for many, as it eliminates one more stressor. The school is smaller than most, which allows for a more cohesive student body and community. It is also located in Boston, offering many social activities and cultural experiences. NULS students are liberal in their political views, ranking second in the country on a list of schools whose "students lean to the left." This should be kept in mind by anyone applying to the school, regardless of political affiliation.
Synopsis
Northeastern University School of Law is characterized by its focus on public interest law, its unique cooperative education program, and location in Boston, Massachusetts. For students with interests that are compatible with such characteristics, Northeastern should be a wonderful place to spend three years.
Contact Information
Northeastern University School of Law
Admissions and Financial Aid Office
416 Huntington Avenue
101 Knowles
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617.373.2395
Email: lawadmissions@northeastern.edu
https://law.northeastern.edu/admissions/
Summary
| Established | 1970 |
| Location | Boston, MA |
| Dean | James R. Hackney |
| 2022 US News Ranking | 73 |
| LSAT Median Score | 162 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.66 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 85% (2022) |
| Employment Rate | 52% (2022) |
| Cost | $58,648
( First-Year and Upper-Level Full-Time JD Student) |
| Average Debt | $91,007 |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2022 Early Decision (Binding) and
Early Action (Non-binding) |
Forum and Discussion
Northeastern University School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
Northeastern University School of Law, Boston, MA
https://law.northeastern.edu/
Rank #73
LSD Law
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
Forums: https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=4
