The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law

Located at the heart of the Southwest in Tucson, Arizona, The James E. Rogers College of Law brings a lot to the table. Tuition is low, classes are small, and the clinical offerings are strong. To top it all off, the weather is known to be fantastic. As is the case with many schools of a comparable ranking, students should keep their career interests in mind when deciding whether or not to send in that seat deposit.

History

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law has a long history of providing excellent legal education, founding in 1915. However, they always look for ways to improve and innovate in partnership with their students, alums, faculty, and the legal profession. They are exploring new paths to further advance legal education and the legal profession.

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law is a prestigious law school that offers degrees to students of all levels of education, from undergraduate to doctoral. The college has a rich history of graduating successful lawyers and leaders and is backed by the University of Arizona, one of the country's top research universities. The faculty at the law school are highly distinguished and include members of esteemed national academies, Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winners, and celebrated thought leaders. The college strives to provide its students with a world-class education and offers many opportunities to grow and excel in their legal careers.

Admissions

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law provides many different options to help students become successful legal professionals. The school offers an array of knowledge and skills necessary for any career in law. Additionally, the school provides opportunities for real-world experience to prepare students for their future careers better.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	161 - 163 - 164	158 - 163 - 164
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.31 - 3.56 - 3.78	3.37 - 3.66 - 3.81
Acceptance rate	27.7%	24.7%
Applications received	1460	1739
Acceptances	405	430
Matriculants	192	212

The University of Arizona College of Law accepts applications only from students who can commit to studying law full-time. However, such a commitment will not be enough to ensure admission; although the school's admissions standards are at the lower end for tier-1 schools, they are still competitive. In 2009, the GPA's of matriculating students ranged from 3.32 to 3.70 for the 25th to 75th percentiles, respectively. LSAT scores ranged from 159 to 163 for the same percentiles. The median GPA and LSAT were 3.51 and 161.

Application Requirement

To complete our JD application, the following items must be submitted: Bachelor’s Degree, Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Scores or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores, Completed Application and Residency Classification Information, Letters of Recommendation (two or more), Personal Statement (double-spaced, four pages max), Resume.

Bachelor’s Degree

Earned by your law school enrollment date from an accredited college or university

LSAT or GRE

If you have taken the LSAT, your LSAT score will be used in making your admissions decision. You may apply before you take the LSAT or GRE or receive your score, but your application will not be complete until we have received your official score report for either test.

Applicants who elect to take the GRE (instead of the LSAT) must instruct the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to send the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law all GRE test scores from the prior five-year period. Applicants who have taken the GRE can log in to their ETS account and select the University of Arizona as a recipient of GRE results using the ETS UA code: 2670.

Completed Application and Residency Classification Information

To apply to attend the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, you must sign up for the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS). You must also disclose your social security number to complete the application. If admitted, you must complete the Statement of Residency Classification (SORC) to determine your residency status. To be eligible for in-state tuition or receive financial aid funded or subsidized by state monies, students must Verify their Lawful Presence through their UAccess Student Center. Don't hesitate to contact the Residency Classification Office directly for more information on residency classification.

Letters of Recommendation

These should substantively detail your analytical abilities and writing skills. You should have these sent directly to the online LSAC services for submitting letters. For additional advice on obtaining letters of recommendation, click here.

Personal Statement (double-spaced, 4 pages max)

Write a personal statement describing your unique characteristics and qualities, including education and work experiences, talents and special interests, socioeconomic background, involvement in community affairs and public service, or any other circumstances that have helped shape your life or given it direction. For personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements.

Resume

A resume is one of the best ways to describe the range of your work and volunteer experiences, skills, and interests. If you have been out of college for more than one year, please explain any gaps in your resume. For advice about creating a professional law school resume, click here.

Other Considerations

Applicants who want to become lawyers should know that bar admission requires a review of character and moral fitness. They encourage you to learn more about the character and fitness requirements of various state bar associations before you decide on a law school. In addition to passing a bar examination, there are other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. It is important to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which you intend to seek admission. You can find contact information for all relevant agencies through the National Conference of Bar Examiners website.

Transfers

If you are considering transferring to the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, the deadline to apply has already passed. There are many reasons why students may choose to transfer to law schools. You may find that your first choice school was not the best fit for you or that your interests or circumstances have changed. You may also want a school that better aligns with your goals and personality. Each fall semester, the University of Arizona Law welcomes a select group of highly qualified transfer students. The requirements for transfer are simple, and your status as a student is identical to that of returning 1Ls. To read a fantastic article about transferring, click here.

Tuition and Expenses

At the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law they are committed to excellence and access to legal education. Their tuition rates are significantly less expensive than most public law and private schools, allowing their students to graduate with smaller debts. They also offer a generous JD scholarship program and numerous options for financial aid. This makes our law school a more affordable option for students pursuing a legal education.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance estimates what it will cost you to attend school for one academic year. This includes charges billed directly to you, such as tuition and fees, and an estimated budget for indirect expenses, such as room and board, books and supplies, travel, and miscellaneous costs. Although you may be awarded financial aid up to the cost of attendance, you may choose to borrow less than that amount.

Direct Expenses for Residents*

Tuition: $24,500
Mandatory University Fees: $1,667.36
Total: $26,167.36

Direct Expenses for Non-residents*

Tuition: $29,000
Mandatory University Fees: $1,667.36
Total: $30,667.36

Estimated Indirect Expenses

Room/Board: $13,000
Books and Supplies: $1,200
Travel/transportation: $4,100
Loan Fees: $100
iCourse Fee: **$50
Miscellaneous: $4,050
Loan Fees: *Based on fees assessed at time of loan disbursement
Total Estimated Indirect Expenses: $22,500

Total Direct + Estimated Indirect Expenses

Residents: $48,667.36
Non-Residents: $53,167.36

Financial Aid

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law is dedicated to providing its students with a world-class legal education while making the process affordable. They offer a variety of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and grants, to make attendance possible for residents and non-residents alike. They believe that all students interested in pursuing a career in law should have the opportunity to do so, and they work hard to make the programs accessible and affordable.

Scholarship

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law offers a variety of merit- and need-based scholarships. Admitted JD students are automatically considered for these awards as part of the admissions process; no separate application is necessary. Some scholarships may have specific additional requirements, but all applicants must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law offers a number of merit-based scholarships to incoming JD students. These scholarships are awarded as part of the admission process and no separate application is required. For more information on these awards, applicants should contact the Admissions office at law-admissions@email.arizona.edu

PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIPS

If you achieve a class rank at or above the 90th percentile, you will be eligible for a $10,000 scholarship award for law school's second and third years.

Academics

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law is one of the 44 colleges and schools at the University of Arizona. It is consistently ranked as one of the top law schools in the country and has produced many successful alumni. The college offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for a successful career in law.

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a top-quality legal education. The school has a long history of success, and its graduates have gone on to have careers in law. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding legal education, the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law is the right choice for you.

Faculty

The James E. Rogers College of Law faculty is highly accessible and experienced. They are nationally known for their work in various law fields, and they ensure that students stay current and relevant with their teachings. The ratio of students to faculty is 4.5:1, allowing more one-on-one time between faculty and students. With this accessibility and experience, the James E. Rogers College of Law faculty can help students reach their full potential as lawyers.

Their faculty are very active in practicing law and shaping it. For example, Robert Glennon, a Regents’ Professor and the Morris K. Udall Professor of Law and Public Policy, is very involved in water policy and law. He is passionate about making changes to environmental policy in order to help with America's water crisis.

Diversity

At the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona, they believe that diversity of thought, background, experience, and culture is important for creating a better community and for building better professionals. They strive to maintain an environment where diversity is celebrated in its broadest sense. This includes promoting open-mindedness, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and a broad foundation of cultural understanding.

Study Abroad

At the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, you can go beyond boundaries in your legal education by studying abroad or earning an international dual degree. Study abroad programs offer a multijurisdictional, global perspective on law, while their dual degree options allow you to customize your legal education by combining courses from two different countries. With so many options available, you can tailor your legal education to fit your specific interests and career goals.

Study abroad opportunities are available to second and third-year law students who are in good standing and have a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Students can earn up to 29 credits towards their JD degree by participating in approved study abroad programs. To receive credit for the courses taken during the study abroad program, students must earn a minimum grade of C or equivalent. All credits earned through study abroad will be transferred as Pass/Fail credits. While studying abroad, students will have access to all student services, including the library. Students must contact one of their Law Study Abroad Advisors as soon as possible to discuss their interests and objectives for joining a study abroad program.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law has a ten-month overall employment rate of 89.7%. 88.1% of these graduates are employed in full-time, long-term bar-passage-required or JD-advantage positions. 5.6% of the graduates are unemployed and seeking work.

Successful careers don't happen by accident. Just as you invest time, energy, and money in your legal education, the University of Arizona Law is heavily invested in your career success. The following data underscores our students' strength in getting jobs and our comprehensive approach to professional development.

American Bar Association Employment Summary Reports:

U.S. States of Largest Employment:

Arizona
California
Colorado

Employment By Sector:
(Percentages = Total graduates in category / All employed graduates)

Law Firms: 43.4%
Judicial Clerkships: 27.4%
Government: 15.0%
Public Interest: 8.0%
Business & Industry: 4.4%
Education: 1.8%

The bar exam is a test that law students must pass to become lawyers. At the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, students routinely post passage rates well above the state average. Additionally, the innovative February Bar Exam option and the standing as a Uniform Bar Exam state give students more career opportunities after they pass the bar exam.

	February	july
2022	60% (State average: 58.2%)	77.3% (State average: 73.5%)
2021	80.6% (State average: 72.8%)	78.0% (State average: 78.3%)
2020	76.9% (State average: 65.5%)	84.1% (State average: 86.5%)
2019	66.6% (State average: 60.8%)	67.7% (State average: 78.3%)
2018	64.2% (State average: 58.5%)	73.1% (State average: 74.5%)
2017	74% (State average: 53.6%)	76.1% (State average: 69.4%)
2016	71.1% (State average: 61.1%)	74% (State average: 64.3%)
2015	78.6% (State average: 65.9%)	83.6% (State average: 65.7%)
2014	78.6% (State average: 71.4%)	88.6% (State average: 74.6%)

*October 2020 (Non-UBE) 46.2% (State Average 58.9%)

Graduates from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law make an average starting salary of $68,500 if they work in the Private Sector. If they go into the private sector, a grad can expect an average salary of $46,274. Of all law graduates from the University of Arizona, 31.0% go directly to work for law firms, while 26.2% clerk for a judge. 11.9% of graduates go into public interest. 72.1% of the University of Arizona graduates pass the Bar on their first try.

While these numbers paint a picture of stability, one would be unwise to assume success was guaranteed for all graduates. According to U.S. News, this is illustrated by the fact that only 75% of graduates secure employment at the time of graduation. In the school's favor, however, it should be noted that that number jumped to 95% when sampling students nine months after graduation. The bottom line seems to be that Arizona is not Yale. Every graduate will not have many high-paying jobs to choose from, but for those that perform, the road to a successful legal career is open and ready to be traveled.

Quality of Life

The University of Arizona is more than just a place for students to receive higher education. It offers many activities and traditions that students can get involved in, as well as people to meet and memories to make. The student life sections will provide everything a Wildcat would want to know about the school.

There are many different dormitories at the University of Arizona and fraternity and sorority houses. It can be beneficial to live in a certain district or in a living-learning community. There are also many great on-campus dining options.

The University of Arizona College of Law is known to offer students all the benefits of the uniquely relaxed atmosphere that is the Southwest. The skies are sunny, and the opportunities to get out and play are vast. Students who enjoy outdoor recreation seem to be especially drawn to Tucson, where running and biking are popular ways to de-stress, as are extreme sports such as rock climbing. But we can't evaluate the quality of life at a law school without discussing life in the classroom-that is, after all, where most of a student's time will be spent.

It seems that the sunshine even makes its way into the lecture halls, where the small size of the school (only 2 classrooms hold over 100 students) is said to contribute to the non-competitive atmosphere. Students interviewed by the Princeton Review note that while the school does have some gung-ho students, overall it is "the opposite of cutthroat." Law school will be stressful at times, that goes without saying; but when the atmosphere is friendly inside and out, it certainly makes life go a little more smoothly.

Students should be aware that the law school is connected to the large U. of A. undergraduate campus. This could affect a student's law school experience and whether it is positive or negative likely depends upon your views on a large Greek system.

Curriculum and Areas of Expertise

Nationally, the University of Arizona fails to stand out. The first-year curriculum does not deviate from the norm in any significant way. Further, the school did not make it onto any of US News' specialty rankings lists. Nevertheless, students have plenty of opportunities to specialize and hone their skills. Take, for example, the clinical offerings that will allow Arizona grads to have the edge regarding jobs in their state. Specifically, Arizona offers clinics that address the geopolitical needs of the state - including Immigration Law and Indigenous Peoples Law.

Also appealing are the opportunities to obtain joint and advanced degrees. At the University of Arizona, the student can complement their legal studies with a Ph.D. in American Indian Studies, Economics, or Latin American Studies or they can add an L.L.M. in International Trade Law. So, while Arizona may not be high on the specialty rankings lists, there seems to be little reason to doubt that students are provided the opportunity to become well-qualified and well-rounded attorneys.

Externships

The James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona offers a variety of externship opportunities for its students. These externships provide valuable real-world experience and help to enhance the educational experience. Externships are available in several legal fields, including government, non-profit, legislative, and corporate law.

Judicial Externships

Externships with judges allow students to work and learn from judges and their staff. This allows students to gain better insight into the legal system, develop their legal skills, and demonstrate their ability to work with a supervisor. Placements are available in the Federal District Court, the United States Bankruptcy Court, the Arizona Court of Appeals Division Two, and the Pima County Superior Court. Students can register for Law 693-002 to participate in an externship. The number of credits a student registers for typically depends on how long they will be participating in the externship; 2 credits is standard during the school year but more or less allowed upon consultation with a professor. No particular academic achievements are required, but students are encouraged to be enrolled in or have taken Evidence, and completion of Advanced Legal Writing and Research is helpful.

Journals

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law publishes law school journals that explore new areas of research in the theory and practice of law. Student editorial boards work under the direction of student and faculty leadership to publish regular volumes, which can include notes or articles from scholars nationwide, jurists, and students whose writing and research reflect professional and scholarly quality. Editorial boards are selected in a competitive process with established selection criteria every spring. The journals allow many students to gain highly valued skills as they learn to research, write, edit and manage the publication's business operations.

Clinics

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law guarantees that every student wanting a clinic placement can have one. In their clinics, students work under the supervision of faculty attorneys and veteran practitioners on actual cases, public policy initiatives, community outreach and education, and other projects with significant client impact. Community partners and student-run clinics offer additional clinical opportunities. At the University of Arizona Law, they infuse practical training into everything they do. Their clinics are a core element of ensuring their students graduate fully prepared to practice law and seek justice for their clients.

Synopsis

The University of Arizona is not a T-14 law school. It probably never will be. Nevertheless, this school can serve as a launch pad to a long and rewarding career in law-especially in its home state. What's more, it seems like a fun place to spend three years.

Contact Information

University of Arizona James E. Rogers
College of Law
Building Address
1201 E. Speedway Blvd.
Tucson, Arizona 85721

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 210176
Tucson, AZ 85721

Admissions
Phone: (520) 621-3477
Email: law-admissions@email.arizona.edu
law.arizona.edu/admissions

Summary

Established	1915
Location	Tucson, AZ
Dean	Marc L. Miller
2022 US News Ranking	45th
LSAT Median Score	163
GPA Median Score	3.66
Bar Passage Rate	72% (2022)
Employment Rate	62% (2022)
Cost	$26,167.36 RESIDENT $30,667.69 NON-RESIDENT
Average Debt	$68,211
Application Deadline	July 15, 2023

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Reference

https://law.arizona.edu/
Rank #45
LSD Law
LSAC Guide
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