Southern University Law Center

The Southern University Law Center has become one of the nation’s premier law schools. It continues to be dedicated to providing an unparalleled education experience to all its students. The school’s commitment to excellence in academics and clinical experience, coupled with its rich history of producing highly successful attorneys, makes it a destination for many aspiring legal professionals. With its long-standing tradition of excellence, the Southern University Law Center will remain a leader in legal education for years to come.

History

The Southern University Law Center is committed to providing the highest quality legal education to students from all backgrounds. The school was founded in 1947 when the Board of Liquidation of State Debt appropriated $40,000 for its operation. It was created to provide legal training and education to African-American students, and since then, it has become one of the nation’s most diverse law schools.

The faculty comprises experts in their respective fields from all over the world and offers a wide range of courses that provide students with an incredible learning experience. Classes cover constitutional law, family law, criminal procedure, appellate practice, and professional responsibility. In addition to its academic offerings, the Law Center also offers a variety of clinical experiences that allow students to receive hands-on experience in the legal field.

The Southern University Law Center has produced many distinguished alums over the years. Among them are former civil rights attorney and political leader Jesse N. Stone, Jr., Alvin Basile Jones, Leroy White, Ellyson Fredrick Dyson, and Alex Louis Pitcher of the class of 1950. These alumni have made significant contributions to the legal profession in their work for equal rights for all individuals.

Today, the Southern University Law Center is dedicated to providing its students with an excellent education that prepares them for success in the legal profession. The school continues to strive for excellence in the classroom and through its clinical experiences, ensuring that each of its students receives an education of the highest caliber. With a commitment to producing well-rounded graduates who are prepared to succeed in their chosen field, the Law Center will remain one of the nation’s leading law schools for many years.

Admissions

Southern University Law Center offers a variety of degree programs for new applicants, and the deadline for applying is May 1st. The Office of Admissions is available to provide guidance and assistance throughout the entire process. 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 - 144 - 146	144 - 146 - 148
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	2.65 - 2.98 - 3.33	2.72 - 3.03 - 3.39
Acceptance rate	61.6%	53.9%
Applications received	962	1129
Acceptances	593	609
Matriculants	15	24

Southern University Law Center is a highly-regarded institution for legal education. During the 2022 application cycle, a total of 1,129 individuals applied to the school, and 609 of them were offered admission. Of those 609 offers, 335 applicants accepted, meaning that Southern University had an impressive yield rate of 55.01%. The students accepted into the 1L class at Southern University showed impressive academic credentials. The median LSAT score for incoming students was 146, with a 25th percentile of 144 and a 75th percentile of 148. Similarly, the GPA for the 1L class had a median of 3.03, with 25th and 75th percentiles of 2.72 and 3.39, respectively. Southern University Law Center is committed to providing its students with a rigorous educational experience, as evidenced by the high standards of their incoming class. Its highly-qualified student body demonstrates that this school remains a popular choice for those seeking legal education in the United States. Suppose you are interested in pursuing a legal education at Southern University Law Center. In that case, their admissions team can answer any questions about the application process or life as a student. With top-notch faculty and high academic standards, this institution is an excellent choice for those pursuing a career in law.

Application Fee

Southern University Law Center requires all applicants to submit a $75 non-refundable application fee. This fee is charged regardless of an individual's acceptance status, so that even if they are not admitted to the program, the university will not refund the money. Applicants must pay this fee in order to be considered for admission.

Application Process

To attend Southern University Law Center, prospective students should get started by registering on the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website. This is available at LSAC.org and will give applicants access to the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). The LSAT is a key component of the admissions process and is offered several times a year. Students should also subscribe to the Credential Assembly Services (CAS), which requires gathering transcripts and requesting letters of recommendation. Should any post-graduate courses be completed after applying, sending a final official transcript directly to SULC as soon as possible is essential. The last step is to submit the electronic application to SULC with a $75 non-refundable fee. This can be done by clicking on the link provided. Once these steps are completed, prospective students have successfully started their journey to becoming a student at Southern University Law Center.

It is important to note that the admissions process for SULC is competitive, and there is no guarantee of admission. However, prospective students should feel confident as they have taken the necessary steps to begin this process and will be one step closer to their goal of attending SULC.

Official Transcripts

For prospective enrollees of the Southern University Law Center, all official transcripts from any pre-existing college or university coursework must be submitted for evaluation and consideration. This includes any courses taken after submitting their application for acceptance at the Law Center. Provide proof of earned degrees before enrollment in the fall semester to avoid a denial of enrollment.

The transcripts should be submitted electronically to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), following their instructions and policies, for further evaluation and consideration. Any additional transcripts must also be submitted to LSAC for evaluation by the Southern University Law Center before enrollment. All official documents must be complete and accurate to ensure that prospective students are fully considered for admission.

The Southern University Law Center remains dedicated to providing quality legal education and upholding the highest standards of academic excellence. Adhering to this philosophy, they require all applicants to submit official transcripts upon application and before enrollment to provide a complete assessment of their educational background. LSAC must receive all transcripts for the Law Center to evaluate their candidacy. They appreciate your understanding and adherence to this policy.

Cost of Attendance

When deciding on the cost of attending Southern University Law Center, tuition and fees should not be the only factor considered. To accurately calculate the total cost of attendance, students should also factor in other costs such as living allowances, books and supplies, transportation expenses, and miscellaneous costs. It is recommended that each student obtains their course materials, which may include textbooks and other course resources. The estimated cost of required books and supplies is approximately $1,400 to $1,800 per year for a full-time student. Therefore, it is essential to research recent changes in course offerings before purchasing books and supplies to ensure the correct selection of materials. Lastly, living expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and other incidental costs should also be considered when calculating the total cost of attendance. For an independent student living off campus, these expenses are estimated to be approximately $9,000 per semester. It is important to remember that lifestyles may vary, and this estimate does not provide an exact figure for all students.

Refunds for Matriculating Students

Student refunds provided by the Southern University Law Center are managed and dispersed by their Finance Department. Upon enrollment, individuals will receive an email notification to their SULC account providing information on when their refund will become available. Refunds are generally made available within one week after the beginning of classes. This helps students to gain access to funds for textbooks, living expenses, and other necessary items for their studies. Additionally, the Finance Department can assist students in managing their financial aid. The department is committed to helping make sure that all SULC students have the support they need to complete their legal education.

Financial Aid

Southern University Law Center offers several forms of financial aid to its students. The Program Average Award is available based on need and merit and provides scholarships to eligible students. Other Scholarships are also available based on need, merit, or both. Additionally, Research Assistants are offered at Southern University Law Center (SULC) depending on funding availability.

Furthermore, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available for up to $20,500 per academic year. The Graduate PLUS loan offers up to the cost of attendance, less any other aid, and provides the most significant financial assistance possible.

Ultimately, Southern University Law Center strives to make legal education accessible to all students through its various financial aid offerings. With the help of federal loans and scholarships, SULC can provide a quality legal education that is still within reach for many students.

Academics and Curriculum

Southern University Law Center (SULC) is a prestigious law school offering students a rigorous education. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, SULC offers classes in various areas of law such as torts, contracts, criminal law, civil procedure and legal research.

The faculty at SULC consists of 55 highly-trained professors bringing with them decades of experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is an impressive 12.4 to 1, creating a learning environment that is both intimate and effective. As the coursework at SULC is known to be intense and demanding, the grading curve is set to a hard C level which serves as a sort of filter for students who cannot keep up with the academic rigor. As a result, around 20 percent of students do not return for a second year.

However, despite the intense workload, professors at SULC are highly regarded by their students and appreciated for their intelligence and amicability. The low student-to-faculty ratio gives students the opportunity to cultivate relationships with their professors and take advantage of their wisdom and insights.

For those who are searching for a challenging yet rewarding law school experience, SULC is a great choice. Students can rest assured that they are in good hands with the faculty at Southern University Law Center.

Clinics

The Clinical Education Program at the Southern University Law Center is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and techniques to practice law in various contexts. Through this program, learners will gain an understanding of the real-world implications of legal representation as they observe faculty members and engage in hands-on activities. In addition, students are required to complete an externship to gain practical experience. During this time, they will work under the supervision of experienced attorneys and learn from their expertise. Furthermore, students can also participate in seminars focusing on relevant topics such as ethics, legal writing, litigation strategies, and more.

The Clinical Education Program at Southern University Law Center is dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge and skills to handle any legal issue. Through real-world experience, intensive supervision, externships, and dynamic seminars, this program is an invaluable opportunity for students to understand the law and equip themselves with the necessary tools to succeed in their future careers.

Externships

Externships at Southern University Law Center offer students the chance to gain valuable real-world experience while gaining academic credit. The externship program is open to second and third-year law students looking to explore legal work in the Baton Rouge area and its surrounding cities. This program provides students with a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in their field and make valuable connections with professionals outside of law school.

Additionally, Southern University Law Center provides faculty-led seminars and other activities to help externship students reflect on their experiences in the field. This allows for a more robust learning experience focused on real-life applications of legal topics. The faculty-led seminars help students better understand the practical aspects of their field and prepare them for success in their future professional lives.

Finally, by developing an externship/internship program with graduate institutions in the state, Southern University Law Center is creating and fostering an intern/extern placement opportunity that will be invaluable to students. Through this program, students can gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the various types of legal work and the different employment settings in which lawyers practice. This will be a great benefit to any student seeking to start or further their career in law.

Overall, Southern University Law Center's externship program provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to gain real-world experience in the law field while also earning academic credit. Through faculty-led seminars and their partnership with graduate institutions, students can further develop their understanding of legal topics and make connections that could prove invaluable in their professional lives.

Quality of Life

Baton Rouge hosts various recreational activities and employment opportunities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking higher education and career development. The city features a range of annual parades and festivals and is close to the iconic city of New Orleans, allowing for weekend getaways. Southern University Law Center (SULC) provides a diverse student population with the opportunity to gain an education in the legal profession. The campus is also home to various student organizations and activities from which students can choose. In addition, affordable housing can be found in Baton Rouge, which makes it easier for students to plan their finances accordingly. Despite these benefits, crime rates are higher than the national average; however, SULC has several security measures to ensure its students feel safe.

Studying at Southern University Law Center is an opportunity for academic and personal growth. The school provides ample resources and activities for its student body and is conveniently located near the state capital and close enough to New Orleans for weekend trips. With its diverse student population, SULC is sure to be an enriching experience for those who attend.

Housing

Southern University Law School offers limited dormitory accommodations for law students on the university campus. These dormitories houses mature students and seniors, each room designed to accommodate two people. All interested students must submit an application form to the Housing office and pay a security deposit of $150 to apply, with rooms assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on this process, students can contact the Director of Housing via phone at (225) 771-3590 or 1-800-432-5899.

For those who prefer not to live in campus housing, many apartments and houses throughout Baton Rouge offer suitable living accommodations for law students. Many of these places offer easy access to campus and the city's other amenities, making them an ideal choice for law students looking for off-campus living arrangements.

Students should also be aware that Southern University Law School offers various resources to help orient and support new law students, including housing tips and advice, financial aid, and academic support services. Law students can access the most up-to-date information and resources needed to make informed decisions about their housing choices through these resources.

No matter where they choose to live, Southern University Law Center is committed to creating an environment that promotes safety and student success. With dormitory rooms, off-campus options, and dedicated support services, Southern University Law Center is here to ensure law students have the quality housing options they need.

Synopsis

The cheap in-state tuition, high student-body diversity, and small class sizes are good reasons to want to attend SULC, particularly for Louisiana residents. However, the low bar-passage rate should worry prospective students. The lack of information about average student debt and median starting salaries makes a more detailed assessment difficult. Living expenses in Baton Rouge are low, but the crime rate is not. Diversity at the school is exceptional, but little can be gleaned about its ability to place students in regional or national jobs. Before attending SULC, you should discuss any concerns with an admissions counselor.

Contact Information

Southern University Law Center
Office of JD Admissions
2 Roosevelt Steptoe Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70813
P: 225.771.2552
F: 225.771.2474
E: admission@sulc.edu

Summary

Established	1947
Location	Baton Rouge, LA 70813
Dean	John Pierre
2022 US News Ranking	147
LSAT Median Score	146
GPA Median Score	3.03
Bar Passage Rate	76.6% (Updated Year 2020)
Employment Rate	48.8% (Updated Year 2020)
Cost	$17,434
Average Debt	$20,500 (per academic year)
Application Deadline	1-May-2023

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

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