The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law

Columbus School of Law, the law school of the Catholic University of America, is ranked 94th by the US News and World Report. The law school was established in 1892 and is generally considered the fourth-best law school in DC, behind Georgetown, George Washington, and American University. Famous alumni of the Columbus School of Law include Senators Tom Harkin and Robert Patrick Casey, Jr.

Admissions

The Catholic Law admissions team is dedicated to helping applicants reach their goals. They proudly offer an automatic application fee waiver for anyone who applies through the LSAC before their preferred deadline. In addition, they strongly encourage prospective students to take advantage of their virtual resources—including information sessions, student panels, and faculty presentations.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	154 - 156 - 158	155 - 158 - 160
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.25 - 3.4 - 3.56	3.33 - 3.5 - 3.67
Acceptance rate	41.9%	39.7%
Applications received	1214	1493
Acceptances	508	593
Matriculants	93	124

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law (CUA) is one of the most competitive law schools in the United States. During the 2022 application cycle, CUA received an astounding 1,493 applications from prospective law students hoping to secure a seat in their prestigious 1L class. Out of those 1,493 applicants, only 593 were offered admission.

The 1L class size is 161, and the yield rate for those admitted was an impressive 26.81%. This means that out of the 593 applicants offered admission, 159 were accepted, making up the entirety of the CUA 1L class for 2022.

The median LSAT score for the CUA 1L class is a competitive 158, with the 25th percentile LSAT score of 155 and the 75th percentile LSAT score of 160. For GPA, the median is 3.5, with the 25th percentile at 3.33 and the 75th percentile at 3.67.

Application Deadline

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is now accepting applications for the Fall 2023 Entering Class. With applications opening on September 1, 2022, it’s key to submit yours by the early decision deadline of December 1, 2022, to be considered for admission.

Application Process

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law offers an exceptional opportunity for prospective law students to pursue a legal education. To be accepted into this prestigious institution, several requirements must be met. Firstly, all applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an institution accredited by one of the regional associations and demonstrate satisfactory performance on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The preferred deadline to apply for admission is March 15, and first-year students begin their studies in the fall semester.

To ensure an application is complete, applicants must submit the following: a completed application form with a waived non-refundable application fee of $65; an official transcript from the undergraduate institution; two letters of recommendation; a statement of interest in the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law; and scores from the LSAT. Additional materials may be requested to make an informed admission decision.

The admissions process for The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is highly competitive, and students must meet a set of high standards to be considered for admission. This includes solid academic background, a commitment to legal study, leadership qualities, and interpersonal skills. In addition, the admissions process involves an interview and an evaluation of any extracurricular activities or work experience the applicant may have.

Transfer Applications

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law allows students to be admitted with advanced standing from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools. Once students have completed their first year at another law school, they can apply to transfer to The Catholic University of America. All applicants must possess a good standing with the original school and be eligible to continue their studies.

Tuition And Financial Aid

The Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law offers students a quality legal education and generous tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 school year. Full-time day program tuition and fees include $27,910 each semester and a one-time charge of $480 for new students during their first fall semester. Additionally, students are responsible for a technology fee of $345 per semester, a library fee of $100 per semester, a Law School Activity Fee of $75, and an SBA fee of $65 each semester. All tuition and fees combined equal a total cost of $28,975 during the first fall semester for incoming first-year and 2L and 3L students, excluding the new student fee. With its affordable tuition and fee structure, The Catholic University of America provides excellent value for quality legal education.

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law offers a part-time evening program, allowing students to complete their studies while managing other obligations. Students enrolled in this program pay annual tuition based on the number of credit hours they take, typically from $1,925 to $19,250. In addition to tuition, there are additional fees that students must pay. These include a one-time New Student Fee of $480 for first-year students only, a Technology Fee of $205 per semester, a Library Fee of $50 per semester, a Law School Activity Fee of $60 per semester, and a Student Bar Association (SBA) Fee of $65 per semester. The total for the fall semester for first-year students is $20,110. For second and third-year students, the New Student Fee is excluded from this amount.

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law offers a variety of payment options to make tuition more accessible to part-time students. These include monthly installment plans, scholarships and grants, loan programs, employer tuition reimbursement, and other outside sources. With these payment options, the school allows students to pursue their legal education without worrying about the financial burden.

Cost of Attendance

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law has a cost of attendance estimated at $28,588 for the year. This does not include medical insurance, which may be added case-by-case to accommodate individuals with dependents and spouses. This cost of attendance is broken down into four categories: rent and utilities ($15,474, or $1,719 per month), food ($5,738, or $152 per week for 38 weeks), local transportation ($2,774, or $73 per week for 38 weeks), and miscellaneous personal expenses ($2,780, or $73 per week for 38 weeks). Additionally, books and supplies are estimated to cost $1,822 ($911 per semester). Financial aid is available to cover these expenses within a maximum of $28,588, and students should be mindful of their spending habits to save time. With careful planning and discipline, students can keep their costs down.

Financial Aid

Law school can be a significant investment but one that yields lucrative rewards in the long run. The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law strives to make this journey more accessible by offering a wide selection of scholarships and loan options. With their financial aid initiative, you can make your dream of becoming an attorney more realistic than ever.

Alumni Scholarship

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law offers an Alumni Scholarship that can provide a first-year or transfer student up to $4,000 over their four years in law school. This award is funded through alum nominations and requires the submission of a completed Alumni Scholarship Recommendation Form to the Admissions Office. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, demonstrate financial need, and reflect a commitment to the Catholic mission of the school. The Law School Admissions Office will review all Alumni Scholarship Recommendation Forms submitted and award scholarships accordingly. Adjustments cannot be made after an admissions decision has been made.

Merit-Based Scholarships

At The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, all applicants for the J.D. program are evaluated for merit-based scholarship awards during the admissions process. No separate application is necessary, and these awards are typically communicated at the time of acceptance to the University. Generally, scholarship awards are renewed each year for the entire duration of the J.D. program, provided that all necessary conditions for renewal are met. Award amounts are distributed in six (or eight, for part-time enrollment) semester-based equal installments and may be used for summer sessions; however, the total amount awarded over the average duration of enrollment cannot exceed the amount that would have been awarded based on six (or eight) semester-based awards.

Veteran's Benefits (Yellow Ribbon Program)

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is a proud partner with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program helps to cover tuition and fees that exceed what is covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, allowing those who are 100% eligible for benefits under it to receive extra assistance for their education.

Law Preview Scholarships

Law Preview Scholarships from BARBRI is an incredible opportunity for incoming law students to jump-start their educational journey. Through the generous support of various schools, law firms, companies, and bar associations, these scholarships provide access to top-tier legal academics and attorneys who specialize in preparing first-year students for the rigors of law school. With the support of these sponsors, recipients will gain invaluable insights into the legal profession and build strong foundations to set them up for success as they start their careers. Some sponsors also provide mentorship opportunities throughout the student’s 1L year so they can stay connected with the legal community while continuing to learn and grow in their legal education.

Academics and Curriculum

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is a prestigious institution that offers students various legal programs. The academic rules listed on the school's website are enforced by the faculty and updated periodically to ensure they remain relevant. These rules provide clear guidance for students regarding their expectations and obligations as student body members. In addition, the school also allows for exceptions to these rules in extraordinary cases. The Dean or Academic Dean may grant exceptions if good cause can be shown. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with all academic regulations and follow them to ensure their successful academic careers at the school. This is essential to upholding the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law's commitment to providing a quality educational experience. Students must adhere to the school's regulations to ensure a positive and successful learning environment. In conclusion, The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law's academic rules provides guidelines and expectations for students while allowing for exceptions in extraordinary cases when a good cause can be shown. Students must familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure a successful academic experience.

First-Year Courses

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is committed to providing its students with a rigorous and comprehensive legal education. To ensure that their students have the necessary basic legal knowledge before moving on to more advanced topics, they have developed a required set of courses for both day and evening divisions.

For day-division students, the first-year curriculum includes seven required courses, three of which (Civil Procedure, Contracts, and Lawyering Skills) are taken over the entire academic year. Additionally, Constitutional Law is divided into two classes in the Spring of the first year and the Fall of the second year. Evening-division students must complete all seven required courses within the first two years of law school.

These courses are designed to provide students with the foundational legal knowledge they need to succeed in their future studies. The curriculum is rigorous and comprehensive, covering various topics such as torts, criminal law, civil procedure, contracts, and legal reasoning. With this solid base of legal knowledge, our students will be well-equipped to tackle the more advanced courses they will encounter later in their law school careers.

Practice Areas

For upper-level law students who want to focus their studies on a particular area of the legal field, The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law offers multiple options. Not only can students opt to pursue a practice area concentration, but they can also choose from one of several intensive certificate programs. In addition to these educational pathways, those already enrolled in a graduate program at Catholic University can take advantage of the joint degree programs available here.

Practical Training

At the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, students are rigorously trained in the practicalities of law, allowing them to become competent in their craft upon graduation. Through clinics, externships, and moot court opportunities, students gain invaluable experience in the legal system. In addition to these tools, transition-to-practice capstone courses teach students the professional skills needed to succeed. The Catholic Law experience prepares students to become well-rounded legal professionals ready for a successful career. With this combination of classroom and experiential learning, their students emerge as lawyers with the confidence and know-how needed to excel in any area of law.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

JD graduates from the Catholic University Of America have many opportunities for success after graduation. According to data gathered by the National Association for Law Placement, those who work in the private sector have median earnings of $131,000 upon graduation. This is considerably higher than the average salary of $51,363 for those in the public sector.

Furthermore, most Catholic University Of America graduates (89.3%) pass the bar on their first try. This provides further evidence that students who receive their JD from this institution are well-prepared for the challenges of legal practice and have a good chance at success after graduating.

Regarding career paths, over half of the graduates (50%) go on to work for law firms, while 24.4% clerk for a judge and 3.5% go into public interest positions. This demonstrates that the Catholic University Of America's JD program provides students with a wide range of career options after graduation. Furthermore, it showcases the university's commitment to providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen fields.

Quality of Life

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is an excellent law school for those looking to make a successful and fulfilling future for themselves. With rigorous legal study, students can acquire the essential skills needed to succeed in their profession, such as developing sound legal analysis, improving legal writing proficiency, and honing their oral advocacy capabilities. Furthermore, the university's practical approach to legal education allows students to learn by doing and choose between various areas for academic emphasis. The school is connected with professors who are personally invested in their student's success, a close-knit group of classmates, and an extensive alum network. The easy access to many externships via the CUA/Brookland metro stop and convenient on-campus parking make the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law an ideal choice for those pursuing a law degree. Overall, it is an excellent place for students to gain the legal skills necessary for a successful career in today's competitive world.

By choosing The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, you make a wise investment in yourself and your future. With the many resources available to students, graduates will be well-equipped with the skillset necessary for success as a legal practitioner.

Convenient Facilities

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is an exceptional place to study law and further one's legal education. Located on 176 acres of park-like land in Washington D.C., the Law School building opened in 1994 and set the standard for modern law schools across the country. Its impressive facilities include high-tech classrooms, courtrooms, administrative offices, an auditorium, and a student lounge/cafeteria.

The Law School is easily accessible by the Brookland-CUA Metro Station on the D.C. Metro's red line, or students may choose to drive with a parking garage attached to the Law School building for their convenience. Security patrols are provided 24/7 to ensure a safe and secure environment. Additional features such as lockers, a student gym, and nearby cafeterias can be accessed by students on campus. Faculty offices and the Columbus Community Legal Services (CCLS) are also on-site.

In short, The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law provides an ideal setting to pursue a legal education. With its modern facilities, easy access, and secure environment, the Law School is an excellent choice for those looking to further their studies in this field.

Law Library

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is home to an extensive and inviting library that facilitates individual and collaborative study. The Law Library provides access to students for an impressive number of hours each week, offering reference assistance nearly 70 hours per week and staying open for over 100 hours in total. Inside, the library has been organized to provide work and social spaces, with seating for 502 people and several study/meeting rooms.

The library collection contains 468,000 volume equivalents and is kept up to date with the latest research databases, such as Westlaw Edge, Lexis Advance, and Bloomberg Law. In addition, it houses multiple collections in communications law, securities law, and public policy. Students can access study aids (online, print & audio), textbooks for required and staple courses, past and graded exams, and unlimited printing.

The staff of the Law Library is one of the best in the D.C. metro area, with librarians who are heavily trained both in Catholic Law and at other law libraries around the country. They are available to assist students with any questions or needs while in the library. The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law Law Library is an invaluable resource for all law students and provides an excellent environment for studying and learning.

Brookland

Monroe Street Market, located in the Brookland neighborhood near The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, is a vibrant and exciting place to visit or live. It's bustling with activity, from apartment buildings and the University's official Barnes & Noble bookstore to restaurants, art galleries, performance venues, and more.

In addition to the things to do within the neighborhood, students can also take advantage of all that D.C. offers with quick access outside Brookland on public transportation or by car. The Washington Post says it best: "Brookland is a great place for law school students to live and explore - both nearby and in the rest of the city." With its unique mix of culture, amenities, and convenience to the law school, Brookland is an ideal destination for CUA law students.

On-Campus Housing

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law offers limited on-campus housing space for the 2020-21 Academic Year. This opportunity is available to graduate, law, and non-traditional students interested in this unique living experience that comes with being an on-campus resident. Applications will be accepted, and assignments will be made based on space availability in the order that applications are received. Click here for more information.

Off-Campus Housing

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law provides an off-campus housing listing service for its students, faculty, staff, and alums. This service is available for registered users who can search for rental or sale properties, purchase furniture and take part in message boards – allowing students to find potential roommates. Please visit https://offcampushousing.cua.edu to view off-campus housing options.

Synopsis

Catholic University's Columbus School of Law could be a very solid choice for someone looking to practice law in Washington DC or Maryland. Many of their specialty programs offer compelling opportunities for applicants with corresponding interests. On the other hand, potential applicants ought to consider the law school's high tuition very carefully against the relatively low possibility of getting a high-paying "biglaw" job.

Contact Information

Columbus School of Law
Physical Address:
Office of Admissions
Suite 340
3600 John McCormack Rd., NE
Washington, DC 20064

Mailing Address:
Office of Admissions
The Catholic University of America
Cardinal Station
Washington, DC 20064

Phone: 202-319-5151
Email: admissions@law.edu

https://law.edu/admissions/juris-doctor/index.html

Summary

Established	1897
Location	Washington, DC
Dean	Stephen C. Payne
2022 US News Ranking	94th
LSAT Median Score	158
GPA Median Score	3.5
Bar Passage Rate	89% (2022)
Employment Rate	63% (2022)
Cost	$28,975 ([2L and 3L] 28,495 [1L]Full-Time (Day) Program) $20,110([2L and 3L] $19,630 [1L]Part-Time (Day) Program)
Average Debt	$159,241
Application Deadline	March 15, 2023

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

https://law.edu/
Rank #94
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