Southern Illinois University School of Law
SIU Law School is a collaborative community that allows students to thrive. Through relationships, experiences, and connections, the law school opens doors for students to navigate their careers on their terms. The school has an affordable tuition rate for all domestic students, which allows students more freedom to chart their career paths. The faculty is nationally recognized for its legal scholarship and are known for its excellent teaching.
SIU is a nationally ranked public research university that is dedicated to access and opportunity, inclusive excellence, creativity, and student success. Their unique traditions help them to provide their students with the best possible education and prepare them for future careers. They also work to improve their communities and make a positive impact on the lives of those around us.
Contents
History
SIU Carbondale is a comprehensive university, Founded in 1869, focused on research and student-centered initiatives. The school has a strong commitment to service and outreach, and in 2013 alone, more than 237,000 residents of central and southern Illinois benefited from the school's 578 initiatives with community partners.
SIU Carbondale is a diverse school that has been around for many years. Minority students comprise 29% of the population, and the school offers many degrees to students of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. The area surrounding the campus is also very beautiful, with plenty of parks and recreational areas nearby.
Admissions
The School of Law Admissions Committee will review every application holistically. This means they will consider many factors, including GPA and LSAT scores, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and work experience. They welcome applications from students with any academic background.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 147 - 150 - 152 | 147 - 149 - 151 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 2.91 - 3.29 - 3.6 | 2.94 - 3.36 - 3.62 |
| Acceptance rate | 49.8% | 59.2% |
| Applications received | 456 | 456 |
| Acceptances | 227 | 270 |
| Matriculants | 16 | 11 |
The 1L class at Southern Illinois University—Carbondale has a median LSAT of 149. The 25th percentile LSAT is 147, and the 75th percentile LSAT is 151. The median GPA is 3.36. The 25th percentile GPA is 2.94, and the 75th percentile GPA is 3.62.
Application Checklist and Deadline
The application deadline for fall 2023 is July 15, 2023. However, they will continue to accept applications until the class is entire. Applicants must complete the necessary application requirements to be considered for admission as a first-year JD students. Once a file is complete, please allow up to three weeks for a committee decision to be reached. All admission decisions are posted to the applicant's online status checker. The Admissions Office will notify recommenders upon an applicant's acceptance to the School of Law.
Application Requirements
The following is the content for an application for admission to law school. The application can be found online at lsac.org. In your own words, write a personal statement discussing your reasons for wanting to attend law school. Include your current resume, LSAT score, and transcripts from all institutions you have attended, including graduate work, if applicable. Additionally, include two letters of recommendation from people who know you well.
Qualifications For Admissions to the Bar
The following is the content for an application for admission to law school. The application can be found online at lsac.org. In your own words, write a personal statement discussing your reasons for wanting to attend law school. Include your current resume, LSAT score, and transcripts from all institutions you have attended, including graduate work, if applicable. Additionally, include two letters of recommendation from people who know you well.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The SIU Board of Trustees approved not increasing tuition rates for undergraduate, graduate, and Law students for the next school year. However, mandatory fees will be increased slightly. The tuition rates for undergraduate and graduate students at SIUC will be $321.25/hour for the fall 2022 semester. The tuition rates for students in the School of Law and the School of Medicine will be $547.00/hour and $827.00/hour, respectively. Here is the Estimated Law Budget.
The mandatory student fees for the upcoming school year will be increasing. The general student fee for on-campus students will go up to $120 per hour, while the fee for off-campus and online students will remain at $72.60 per hour. However, students who take on-campus and off-campus/online courses in the same term will only have to pay the $120 per hour on-campus rate for all of their courses. Additionally, all undergraduate students will continue to be separately charged the $3 flat Student-to-Student Grant Fee, which is refundable.
Scholarship and Award
At SIU School of Law, they offer competitive admissions scholarships that can cover the cost of tuition. These scholarships are awarded to students at the time of admission and are unconditional and guaranteed for all three years of legal education as long as the recipient remains in good academic standing. Some additional scholarships and awards enrolled SIU School of Law students may apply for.
- Endowed Admissions Scholarships
- Ameren Corporation Frankie Muse Freeman Trailblazer
- Rosemary T. Bickett Memorial Scholarship
- Beth and Darin Boggs Scholarship
- Pat Caporale Scholarship
- Class of 1994 – Outstanding Research Assistant
- Al H. and James A. Chesser Endowed Scholarship
- Howard B. Eisenberg Client Service Award
- Bessie Engram Community Service Award
- August L. "Gus" Fowler Scholarship
- Lisa Franke Scholarship
- Gilbert Family Memorial Scholarship
- Harold W. "Hank" Hannah Agricultural Law Scholarship
- Jackson County Bar Association Scholarship
- David C. Johnson Scholarship
- Julius A. and Norma H. Johnson
- Lincoln's Inn (Certificate Only)
- Thurgood Marshall Award
- Judge James O. Monroe, Jr. Award
- Scott H. Nichols Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Andrew Range Scholarship
- Judge Richard E. Richman Ethics Scholarship
- Judge Richard E. Richman Endowed Scholarship
- Donny J. Schmeder Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Edgar O. and Bonnie Zimmer Law Scholarship
- Competitive Apply To Scholarships
- Bar Exam Support Funds
International Students
The University of Illinois School of Law requires all applicants, regardless of their country of origin, to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to be considered for admission. To be admitted, applicants must have a minimum score of 600 (PBT), 250 (CBT), or 100 (IBT). If applicants do not meet the minimum TOEFL score, they will be required to retake the test. In addition, all international applicants must complete the Application Material Checklist and have their academic records sent directly to LSAC for translation and evaluation. Admitted international students who need an I-20 form to enter the United States must contact the SIU Center for International Education.
Transfer Applicants
Transfer students can usually transfer up to 30-semester credits from another law school. To be admitted as a transfer student, you must satisfy all graduation requirements of the SIU School of Law (90 semester hours). This may require taking a first-year course that you didn't take at your original law school, or one that the Associate Dean determines is different from your original school. Your official transcripts from your current law school must show all grades earned in all courses, and you must also provide a letter of good standing from your current law school dean or registrar. Admitted transfer students will be required to provide course descriptions for syllabi for all first-year law courses completed for a transcript evaluation of transfer credit.
Visiting Students
Students who wish to attend Southern Illinois University School of Law as visiting students must be in good standing at their home law school and have completed at least one year of law school. Visiting students are limited to taking 30-semester credits at SIU School of Law, and the credits earned can be transferred back to the student's home school to count towards graduation requirements. To attend SIU School of Law as a visiting student, the applicant must complete an Application Material Checklist and have an official law school transcript from their current law school showing grades earned in all courses sent to the Law School Admission Council. The applicant must also provide a letter of good standing from their law school dean or registrar certifying their good standing.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
The median salary for JD graduates from Southern Illinois University—Carbondale who work in the private sector is $55,000. If they go into the private sector, a grad can expect to make $57,000. 63.3% of law graduates from Southern Illinois University—Carbondale go directly to work for law firms, while 0.0% clerk for a judge. 6.7% of graduates go into public interest. 50.6% of Southern Illinois University—Carbondale graduates pass the bar on their first try.
SIU law graduates are among the most sought after in the country. Their nationally ranked program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in any legal field. Their graduates are equipped for a lifetime of success and have the opportunity to shape their careers to fit their passions. With their deep connections to the profession and global ties, their graduates are ready for anything and can succeed anywhere.
Quality of Life
Student life at SIU is filled with many opportunities to get involved on campus. Housing, dining, and student center facilities are all top-notch and offer many amenities for students to take advantage of. There are also plenty of student recreation center options, including a climbing wall and an outdoor pool. The university calendars are jam-packed with events and activities for students to get involved in, and plenty of multicultural resources are available for students who want to connect with others from different backgrounds. Lastly, fraternities and sororities offer a great way for students to connect with other passionate students on campus.
Law Library
The law library provides access to a variety of electronic legal materials, as well as a rich print and microform collection. In addition, the law library has evolved to meet the changing nature of legal research and user expectations by providing wireless access. Law students also have virtual and physical access to the university's Morris Library, which houses a significant research collection. Law librarians are committed to teaching law students the fundamentals of legal research.
Housing
University Housing offers a variety of living options to fit all students' needs. Whether you are a freshman, a non-traditional student, married with children, or a graduate student, we have an option that will fit your lifestyle. Make sure to review the eligibility requirements for apartment living to see if you qualify.
Students who choose to live in our Residence Halls can choose between the West and East campus locations. They offer single and double occupancy options, living learning communities, and much more.
The three apartment complexes on campus have different options for housing. There is housing for singles, graduate students, and families.
LLCs are one of the many ways we support our residents' personal development and academic success. They offer students a chance to live with others with similar majors or interests. This can be a great way to get more out of your college experience, as you can connect with people who have similar passions and can help you navigate college life.
At University Housing, they work to provide their students with a variety of housing options that accommodate their needs. This includes gender inclusivity housing, veteran housing options, international student housing, and accessibility features. They want to ensure that all of their students feel comfortable and supported while living on campus.
Synopsis
SIU School of Law provides an excellent foundation for students to thrive in their legal careers. Through the Lawyering Skills and Professionalism Program, which the ABA has praised, students can apply their knowledge in the real world from day one. In addition, there are many opportunities for Field Experiences that give students practical experience. The alum network is also very powerful and can help recent graduates find jobs and externships. Carbondale is a great place to live, with plenty of opportunities for students to get involved on campus and in the community.
Contact Information
School of Law, Southern Illinois University
1150 Douglas Drive, Mailcode 6804
Carbondale, Illinois 62901
Admissions Office
Email: lawadmit@siu.edu
Phone: 618-453-8858
https://law.siu.edu/admissions/index.html
Summary
| Established | 1869 |
| Location | Carbondale, Illinois 62901 |
| Dean | Camille M. Davidson |
| 2022 US News Ranking | 147 |
| LSAT Median Score | 149 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.36 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 51% (2022) |
| Employment Rate | 0% (2022) |
| Cost | $16957 (On/Off-Campus –Resident Year 1 ) |
| Average Debt | $69,614 |
| Application Deadline | 15-Jul-2023 |
Forum and Discussion
Southern Illinois University School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
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Reference
Southern Illinois University School of Law
Ranked #147
LSD Law
BCG Attorney's Advice for Associates
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
