Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law
A law degree is a big investment, but it's worth it. ONU Law offers a great education at a low cost. This makes it comparable to a public university for many students. They're committed to helping you get the most out of your education. They offer personalized assistance with admissions and financial aid. ONU Law is a fully accredited law school that has been a member of the American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools since 1965. Accreditation by the American Bar Association and other organizations is based on comprehensive periodic site visits.
Contents
History
Small universities have a huge impact. ONU Law has been devoted to preparing students for legal practice for 135 years, and our graduates have a rich history of academic excellence. While the world and our college have evolved since our school was founded in 1885, our commitment to strong graduate outcomes remains unchanged.
The ONU Law School has been a highly respected institution for over a century. They are affiliated with the United Methodist Church and strongly emphasize church-related values. Their community is open to people of all faiths and provides a supportive environment where students can grow morally and spiritually.
The mission of ONU Law is to provide students with an education that will allow them to become competent and professional practitioners. The curriculum is designed to provide students with opportunities to interact with faculty, gain professional skills, and research a topic of personal interest. This allows students to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in their chosen field.
Admissions
The ONU Law School admits students from September through August. Admission decisions are rendered on a rolling basis, and applicants are admitted until the class is whole. The school encourages students to apply early for the best chance for admission and scholarship, and grant awards. If a student is not immediately admitted, they may be placed on a waiting list. 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 | 144-148-152 | 146-148-151 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.04-3.40-3.73 | 3.02-3.3-3.61 |
| Acceptance rate | 59.4% | 32.8% |
| Applications received | 400 | 1041 |
| Acceptances | 273 | 120 |
| Matriculants | 85 | 74 |
Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law reported more selective admissions outcomes for the 2024–2025 cycle compared with the prior year, reflecting a larger applicant pool and tighter acceptance standards. Applications increased significantly to 1,041, while acceptances declined to 120, resulting in an acceptance rate of 32.8 percent. The LSAT middle 50 percent range was 146 to 151, with a median of 148, and the GPA middle 50 percent ranged from 3.02 to 3.61, indicating steady academic expectations. The entering class ultimately enrolled 74 matriculants, slightly fewer than the previous year, suggesting a more competitive admissions environment overall.
Application Process
You can apply to ONU Law in the fall or summer semesters. To apply, you must be a bachelor's degree holder or complete your degree. You must also take the LSAT and register with CAS. You can request letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or mentors. For additional advice on obtaining letters of recommendation, click here. Make sure your résumé is up-to-date, and complete your statement. You must include a detailed explanation if you have any character and fitness issues. Finally, submit ONU Law's free online application.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the 2025–2026 academic year, Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law maintains a comparatively affordable tuition rate for a private law school, with full-time J.D. tuition estimated at approximately $36,800 per year. The law school places a strong emphasis on merit-based financial aid, and a significant portion of students receive scholarships that help reduce the overall cost of their legal education. These awards are primarily based on academic credentials and are designed to make attendance more accessible while rewarding strong performance. Federal student loans and limited need-based aid are also available to help students manage remaining expenses.
Cost of Attendance
The total estimated cost of attendance at Pettit College of Law exceeds tuition and includes essential living and educational expenses, such as housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses. For most students, the full annual cost of attendance is estimated at $55,000 to $56,000 before financial aid. Because the law school is located in a lower-cost area, living expenses tend to be more manageable than at larger metropolitan law schools, helping students keep their overall debt lower by graduation.
| Cost Category | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $36,800 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| Living Expenses (Housing and Food) | $21,000 |
| Transportation and Personal Expenses | $18,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $55,900 |
Scholarship
Merit scholarships are offered to highly-qualified students at ONU Law. These scholarships are based on factors such as LSAT score and undergraduate GPA, the quality of courses taken, employment experience, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. Scholarships range from $3,000 to $30,400. If you want to be considered for one of their merit-based scholarships, you should submit your application by May 1. Applications completed after this date may not get as much attention from the scholarship committee. They have a long history of awarding scholarships to qualified students. After their first year, students are re-evaluated for scholarships for their second and third years. Students who received awards for their first year and remain in good academic standing are not in jeopardy of losing their merit-based aid.
Loans
You must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to get a federal loan. Once you've done that, you can apply for federal loans at www.studentloans.gov. You'll need to complete the loan application, the entrance counseling for graduate students, and the master promissory note. The maximum amount for an unsubsidized Stafford Loan is $20,500. This amount is based on other financial aid received and the aggregate loan limit. Federal loans are deferred until you graduate or fall below part-time status. The grace period is six months. An unsubsidized Stafford Loan means that the interest accumulates on the loan once it's disbursed.
The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a loan that students can borrow to cover the cost of their education. The loan amount available to be borrowed is up to the cost of attendance. To be eligible for the loan, a credit check must be completed. Payments on this loan are deferred until six months after graduation or the end of enrollment. The loan may cover any remaining education needs up to the total cost of attendance. This includes tuition, living expenses, and books. A 4.204 percent processing fee be applied at disbursement.
Private loans are available to students through most major lenders. A student can borrow up to their cost of attendance minus all other financial aid sources. The interest rates on private loans vary based on the borrower's credit and the lender is chosen. Private loans are not eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs.
Federal Work Study positions are available to law students who complete the FAFSA. These positions can include teaching assistants, research assistants, and library assistants. It is not recommended to do work study as a first-year law student, but it may be possible to do during your second and third years of law school. If you choose to do work-study, the amount will be deducted from your private or Stafford eligibility. You will need to notify the Office of Financial Aid of your intention to use FWS at that time.
Law School Culture
At ONU Law, they take pride in their tight-knit community. The students enjoy individual attention, small classes, unrivaled access to professional networks, experiential learning, and life-changing opportunities. At ONU Law, they believe that our community is their greatest asset. The professors act as mentors, the upperclassmen serve as coaches, and their classmates are cheerleaders for one another. This supportive environment enables their students to graduate and join an alumni network that spans all 50 states and beyond.
Diversity
The Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law values the academic, professional, and social benefits of having a diverse and inclusive student body. A diverse student body provides an educational experience enhanced by different viewpoints and backgrounds. This prepares students for the legal profession’s future needs. Diversity refers to the variety of personal experiences, values, and world views from different cultures and circumstances. This includes race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, language, abilities/disabilities, socioeconomic status, and more. Diversity is an important aspect of ONU Law’s excellence and helps it to accomplish its academic mission. Diversity is essential in education because it helps students and faculty learn to interact effectively with each other. This prepares them to participate in a complex and pluralistic society. ONU Law is committed to diversity and equal opportunity, which helps recognize and nurture merit, talent, and achievement.
The incoming class at this university comprises 44% men and 56% women. Additionally, 22% of the class identifies as a minority. The average age of the incoming class is 26 years old. 41% of the class comes from Ohio, while 59% comes from out of state.
Faculty
At Ohio Northern University School of Law, they pride themselves on having a small student-to-faculty ratio. The professors are highly qualified and have a great deal of experience in their fields. This ensures that students receive the best education possible. They are highly accessible and are always willing to help their students. They make sure that teaching is their number one priority, and they get to know all their students by name. With a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ONU Law guarantees each student a personal legal education with individualized instruction from orientation through completing the bar exam.
Academics and Curriculum
The curriculum at law school is designed to provide students with practical training, academic support, and bar exam preparation. The students have a high success rate on the bar exam, often ranking in the top three in the state. Additionally, the students have an impressive track record of finding jobs after graduation. The law school provides an excellent education and prepares students for success in their legal careers.
Experimental Learning
At ONU Law, their focus is on experiential learning. The small size, rural location, and vast network provide many opportunities for students. They guarantee 100% placement in clinics and externships and work with each student individually to help them find the best experience possible. Upon graduation, you'll be ready to practice law with the necessary confidence and skills.
Law CLinics
The ONU Legal Clinic in Lima, Ohio, provides free legal services to individuals and organizations that would otherwise not be able to afford legal representation. The clinic offers two legal clinics: the ONU Litigation Clinic and the ONU Transactional Clinic. The ONU Litigation Clinic represents clients on family law, housing, expungements, social security disability, and other general litigation matters. The ONU Transactional Clinic represents non-profit organizations and local churches in corporate matters, including incorporation, obtaining tax-exempt status with the IRS, and real property issues, and assists individuals with drafting estate planning and probate administration documents.
Transactional Clinic
The West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church is looking for a law student to provide legal assistance with various issues, including real estate transfers, incorporations, and risk management. Additionally, the law student will be able to assist low-income individuals with drafting primary estate planning documents and represent individuals in probate administration matters.
Litigation Clinic
The ONU Legal Clinic provides legal assistance to members of the surrounding community. The clinic offers various services, including family law, social security disability, and general civil litigation. Each year, the clinic handles around 200 to 250 cases. A licensed staff attorney supervises the clinic.
Externships
The skills you learn in externships will make your resume stand out. Their many placement opportunities ensure that everyone can find a placement perfect for them. Placement is 100% guaranteed, so you can be sure that you're investing in your future.
- Bankruptcy Placement
The bankruptcy placement program allows you to work with bankruptcy trustees in the Lima and Toledo areas and a judicial externship with a federal bankruptcy judge. This gives you real-world experience researching, drafting pleadings, and appearing in court.
- Environmental Placement
The Ohio Environmental Council is a non-profit group that engages in environmental law research, drafts pleadings, and participates in other activities related to environmental law.
- Governmental Placement
You will explore law in government settings with placement in facilities such as the Ohio Attorney General’s Office or the Ohio Pharmacy Board. You will also work with municipal government solicitors or city law directors on civil litigation and criminal matters within local governments.
- Judicial Placement I/II
The Ohio Judicial Internship Program offers you the chance to be placed with different judges in various courtrooms. You will have the opportunity to observe court proceedings and perform other duties assigned by the judge, such as research and writing. This is a great way to learn more about the court system and what it takes to be a judge.
- Non-Profit & Public Interest Placement
The legal internship will allow you to work with practicing attorneys and administrators to help various legal aid and non-profit organizations. Attorneys will supervise you within these organizations and guide you through conducting research, drafting memos, and other law-related activities.
- Prosecution Placement
This program allows you to experience what it is like to be a prosecutor under the supervision of a licensed practicing attorney. You will be responsible for handling criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state.
- Public Defender Placement
This externship will give you experience working in a public defender’s office and representing people who can’t afford their lawyer.
Moot Court
The ONU Law trial advocacy program is highly ranked, providing students with real-world experience so they graduate with the skills they need to be successful attorneys. The program provides students with hands-on experience in a courtroom setting, preparing them for the challenges of practicing law.
ONU Law has a long and storied tradition of excellence in Moot Court competitions. Participating in these competitions helps refine your oral advocacy, trial, and brief writing skills. Some of the competitions we participate in include intra-school and inter-school competitions.
Skills Courses
The law school provides students with the skills necessary to practice law effectively. After completing their first year, all students must complete at least 7 hours of instruction in designated skills courses. These courses involve multiple opportunities for assessment in drafting or simulation exercises that mirror real-world legal problems.
The Academic and Bar Success Program at ONU Law is designed to provide students with the support they need to excel in their classes, externships, and on the bar exam. The Summer Starter Program is also available to help first-year law students get a head start on their coursework. Our bar exam results are a testament to the success of our academic support model.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
For the 2025 graduating class, job outcomes and bar passage reflect solid professional preparation and positive career momentum for Pettit College of Law graduates. A large majority of graduates who reported their outcomes secured employment within ten months of graduation, with a substantial portion entering full-time, long-term positions requiring bar passage or offering attorney-level responsibility. Typical employment fields for graduates include positions in law firms of various sizes, government and public interest roles, judicial clerking, and business/legal-related roles, demonstrating diverse paths into the legal profession. In addition, bar passage rates for first-time takers from Pettit College of Law generally meet or exceed state averages, indicating that graduates are well-prepared for the Ohio Bar Exam and other jurisdictions where they seek licensure. These results suggest that students finishing their J.D. at ONU can look forward to meaningful entry into the legal workforce and strong support toward meeting professional licensing requirements.
Quality of Life
At ONU Law, they pride themselves on its rural location. This provides a place where students can focus and study with fewer distractions. The location is also convenient, as they are situated between several major metropolitan areas - Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Pittsburgh. The ONU Law School is located on the larger university campus, which spans 342 acres. The campus has been recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for its many trees and green spaces. The facilities have undergone significant changes over the last ten years. The primary spaces in their school, including the technology classrooms, moot courtrooms, student lounges, and the law library, have been remodeled extensively. This has made the school a more modern and up-to-date institution. In addition, the school has also added new features, such as a fitness center and a coffee shop. Overall, their facilities are much improved and provide an excellent learning environment for our students.
You'll find a quality of life at ONU Law that's not at most other large universities. You'll be able to find peace, professors and classmates who know you by name, and a safe campus with a low cost of living. The village is centrally located in Ohio's major cities, making it easy to get around.
Courtyard Apartments are a great option for on-campus housing if you're a law student. These two-person apartments have a shared common room with a kitchen, and each has a private bedroom. Availability is based on a first-come, first-served basis, so reserve your spot early!
On-Campus Housing
They are one of the few law schools in the country to offer on-campus housing for law students. They have 48 available on-campus apartments located within walking distance of the College of Law.
Off-Campus Housing
The village of Ada provides a variety of housing options that are much more affordable than average. For example, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can be as low as $300 per month, including living close to the College of Law, restaurants, and other businesses in the area. Students' comfort, safety, and convenience are important at ONU Law, regardless of whether they live on or off campus. ONU Law makes sure that students have what they need to feel comfortable and safe, as well as convenient, whether on or off campus. Discover the First-Class Choice in Ada, Ohio Hotels. You can check it out here.
Synopsis
ONU Law is committed to helping students afford a legal education. The tuition rates are the lowest in the Great Lakes Region among private law schools, and many students find that the tuition is comparable to public universities. They provide personalized assistance in the admissions and financial aid process, so you can focus on what's important - your education.
Contact Information
Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law
Admissions Office
525 South Main Street
Ada, OH 45810
Phone: 419-772-2211
https://law.onu.edu/admissions-aid/apply
Summary
| Established | 1885 |
| Location | Ada, OH 45810 |
| Dean | Charlie Rose |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 178th-195th |
| LSAT Median Score | 148 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.3 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 50.9% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | N/A (2025) |
| Cost | $33,900 |
| Average Debt | N/A |
| Application Deadline | August 1 2025 |
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Reference
Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law
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
