Seattle University School of Law

With a new building and a great location, the Seattle University School of Law will be an attractive option for many students hoping to practice in the Northwest.  Career prospects are weak, however, and prospective students should remember this as they make their final decision.

History

The Seattle University School of Law is an institution that is committed to providing equitable access to legal education while also ensuring a high academic standard. Established in 1972 as the University of Puget Sound (UPS) School of Law in Tacoma, Washington, it remained there until 1994, when Seattle University acquired it and moved it to its current home, Sullivan Hall, on the Seattle U campus.

The law school has always prioritized access to legal education for a broader range of students and encouraged practical skills such as legal writing and representing real clients. This is evident in its curriculum, which provides courses that develop these competencies. It also emphasizes the importance of academic rigor by setting a high standard for its students and faculty.

Admissions

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	151 - 155 - 157	152 - 157 - 159
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.14 - 3.39 - 3.57	3.08 - 3.36 - 3.56
Acceptance rate	59.7%	52.0%
Applications received	1408	1748
Acceptances	840	908
Matriculants	107	122

Seattle University School of Law is a highly competitive law school. In the 2022 application cycle, 1,748 prospective students applied for admission, and 908 were accepted. Of the 908 offered admission to Seattle University School of Law, 230 accepted and decided to attend, leading to a yield rate of 25.33%. Seattle University School of Law has a 1L class size of 228 students. The median LSAT score for the 1L class is 157, with the 25th percentile at 152 and the 75th percentile at 159. Likewise, the median GPA for students entering the school is 3.36, with the 25th percentile being 3.08 and the 75th percentile being 3.56. Seattle University's rigorous admissions process makes it difficult for applicants to gain admission yearly. Still, the data show it is possible with hard work and dedication. The school's competitive atmosphere also helps ensure students are rigorously prepared for their law careers after graduation.

Application Dates

Seattle University School of Law offers prospective JD candidates the opportunity to apply on a rolling basis. Consider submitting your application as soon as possible to take advantage of the program. The application cycle for the 2020s entering class began on September 1, and applications are accepted until July 15. For those interested in being considered for Access Admission, applications must be submitted by January 1. Priority applications need to be received by March 1. At Seattle U Law, they believe in creating access to justice for all and are committed to helping their students achieve their dreams of becoming a lawyer.

Application Procedures

Seattle University School of Law provides prospective students with a comprehensive and detailed application process. To complete the application, applicants must register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and sign up for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Applicants must complete an online Application for Admission and submit other materials such as a personal statement, resume, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. The personal statement should be typed, double-spaced, and no more than two pages. Applicants must take the LSAT or GRE General Test within the last five years. An optional one-page addendum can also be submitted to address any additional information not included in other application parts. The priority application deadline is March 1. However, applicants should submit their materials as soon as possible. The $65 fee is waived through February 1.

The Seattle University School of Law admissions team looks forward to considering your application and encourages prospective students to start the process early!

Tuition and Financial Aid

Before you can become a student at the Seattle University School of Law, there are certain financial obligations that you will need to take care of. Firstly, you can begin your application process online via the Law School Admission Council website until February 1st without any fee. After that date, the application fee becomes $65 and is non-refundable. It is important to note that the application fee is simply a processing charge, not an additional tuition cost.

Once accepted into the program, you must pay a $250 non-refundable deposit towards your first semester’s tuition. This deposit is due on the date stated in your admission letter. A second $250 non-refundable deposit is required by June 1st for those starting in the Fall term.

Tuition for Seattle University School of Law is set to $53,160 for 30 credits ($1,772/credit). Students interested in law school should know that tuition is payable per term and may vary depending on the number of credits taken. It's important to note that tuition alone does not include other associated costs such as books, room, board, transportation, or other living expenses.

Cost of Attendance

Attending Seattle University's School of Law comes with a cost. The estimated expenses for a nine-month academic year, including room and board, transportation, personal expenses, tuition, fees, and books/supplies, is approximately $28,737. This total can be broken down into components outlined in the school's Full Cost of Attendance (PDF) breakdown.

Financial Aid

As a Seattle University law student, you are likely to be eligible for several or all of the following programs:

Credit-based Loans

Alternative loan programs are available to help students who require additional financial assistance beyond what is offered through federal, institutional, and outside scholarships or employment. Grad PLUS loans are one such option, federally-funded credit-based loans with a few different benefits that make them attractive. For example, they often come with low-interest rates and flexible repayment options such as automatic withdrawal from one's bank account. Additionally, over time, Grad PLUS loans can be used to cover the entire cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses.

Government Student Loans

The Seattle University School of Law provides several financial aid options for needy students. The Unsubsidized Stafford loan is a federal loan available up to $20,500 per year at an interest rate determined by the government starting July 1st each year. This loan has a six-month grace period after graduation or when enrollment drops below half-time before repayment begins. Additionally, the Grad PLUS loan is a credit-based federal loan offered to students whose needs still need to be fully met by other government loan programs, scholarships, or employment income. This type of loan helps bridge any financial gaps that may be present. It’s important to note that private loans (also credit-based) can be taken out in addition to the Grad PLUS loan, but it’s not required.

Seattle U Law Scholarships

Seattle University School of Law offers a wide range of scholarships to eligible students with financial aid needs. These scholarships are awarded regardless of any separate application process, except for the Scholars for Justice Award, The Douglas R Nash Native American Law Scholarship, Law Librarianship Scholarship, and the Outlaws Civil Rights Scholarship.

Outside Scholarships

Outside Scholarships are monetary awards from sources outside of Seattle University or governmental agencies that can be used to offset a student's cost of education. These awards generally require the student to apply and may have specific criteria regarding who is eligible to receive them.

Work-study and Student Employment

Seattle University School of Law offers students a range of on-campus employment opportunities, either through need-based federal work-study or non-work-study. This allows students to engage in meaningful part-time jobs within the Law School or other departments and locations around Seattle University's campus.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

Seattle University School of Law provides its graduates an excellent education and impressive job prospects. On average, those who enter the private sector can expect to earn $75,000 in the first year of professional life - well above the national median of $68,945. This is mainly because over 55% of law graduates go directly to work for law firms. Additionally, 12.2% go on to clerk for a judge, and 7.1% go into public interest jobs. Seattle University School of Law graduates is much better prepared than their peers when entering the workforce.

The school also boasts an impressive bar passage rate of 91.7%. This means that almost all graduates who take the bar exam are successful on their first try, giving them a great start to begin a legal career. Seattle University School of Law graduates is well-prepared and ready to enter the professional world. They can expect to be competitive in the job market and earn salaries that exceed the national average.

Academics

Seattle University School of Law is a popular educational option for aspiring legal professionals, offering students the chance to experience the city life of Seattle with access to numerous externship opportunities. It boasts a Top-40 clinical training program and an excellent legal writing program, ranked in the top three according to USNews specialty rankings.

The school has recently constructed a new, tech-friendly building, further enhancing the law school experience. Additionally, the school offers an array of clinical offerings and externship locations near downtown Seattle.

Despite its strong points, some things could be improved to attending this school. The grading curve is challenging, and the growing class size reduces students' access to professors. Furthermore, students have noted the administration's shortcomings in creating unnecessary and frustrating obstacles. Despite this, many students can gain a positive academic experience overall thanks to Seattle University School of Law's varied clinical offerings, excellent legal writing program, and location near downtown Seattle.

Quality of Life

Seattle University School of Law is an excellent choice for students seeking quality legal education. Located in Seattle, Washington, the school offered an urban environment alive with activity and culture and surrounded by opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The student body at Seattle University School of Law is diverse and welcoming, drawing in students from all backgrounds and ages. The faculty and staff at the law school are dedicated to helping students reach their full academic potential. The school is known for its rigorous curriculum and challenging grading curves, making it an excellent choice for aspiring lawyers who want to push themselves academically.

The Seattle University School of Law also offers students a unique learning experience as it is a Jesuit institution. It focuses on social justice and fosters an ethical legal system. This makes the school an excellent choice for those looking to make an impact in their local community or beyond.

Overall, Seattle University School of Law is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue a quality legal education with the opportunities to explore the unique culture of Seattle, Washington. It's an ideal place to grow academically, explore socially, and make a lasting impact.

Seattle University School of Law is an excellent option if you want to take your legal career to the next level. With its diverse student body, challenging curriculum, and emphasis on social justice, Seattle University School of Law will provide the tools you need to succeed.

Synopsis

Seattle is a great place to spend three years. What's more, the new building and the school's strong legal writing and clinical training programs demonstrate the school's ability to prepare its students for a wonderful legal career; starting such a career may prove to be a problem, however, as Seattle's weak career prospects will continue to be an issue.

Contact Information

Seattle University
School of Law
Admissions Office
901 12th Avenue,
Sullivan Hall
Seattle, WA 98122-1090

Phone: 206-398-4200
Email: lawadmis@seattleu.edu
https://law.seattleu.edu/admission/apply/jd-program-admission/

Summary

Established	1994
Location	Seattle, WA
Dean	Anthony E. Varona
2022 US News Ranking	116th
LSAT Median Score	157
GPA Median Score	3.36
Bar Passage Rate	92% (2022)
Employment Rate	32% (2022)
Cost	$53,806
Average Debt	$130,581
Application Deadline	July 15, 2023

Forum and Discussion

Seattle University School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums

Reference

Seattle University School of Law
https://law.seattleu.edu/
Rank #116
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