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University of New Hampshire School of Law
The University of New Hampshire School of Law is a top law school with an established history of providing students with practical, hands-on training to meet the emerging needs of a global society. UNH Law emphasizes individually tailored options to ensure our students are ready to start their legal careers immediately upon graduation. The school’s long history of innovation is illustrated by our world-renowned intellectual property program housed in the Franklin Pierce Center for Intellectual Property and the unique Daniel Webster Scholar Program, the first program of its kind in the nation, allowing students to bypass the traditional two-day bar exam and graduate as members of the New Hampshire bar.
UNH Law offers an intimate learning environment supported by the resources of a major research university. Classes are small, and professors are accessible, fostering mentorship and engagement as they promote a community spirit focused on collaboration between students and faculty.
Located in New Hampshire’s vibrant capital city of Concord, UNH Law is ideally situated one hour from Boston, the Atlantic seacoast, the state’s Lakes Region, and the White Mountains. Their excellent facilities are a short walk from the center of New Hampshire’s state government and the federal courts. Additional academic opportunities, including dual degrees and graduate courses, are offered by the main UNH campus in Durham, 35 miles away.
Contents
History
The University of New Hampshire School of Law has been at the forefront of legal education since 1973, offering a practice-oriented approach to today's complex legal issues and providing students with a hands-on experience that prepares them for success in the 21st century. Their innovative program is designed to give their students the tools they need to navigate the ever-changing legal landscape. Their bar-exam alternative program is one of the many ways they strive to give their students an edge regarding post-graduate success. This unique program allows them to focus on developing their ability to practice law instead of cramming for traditional tests. Their experienced faculty also bring extensive practice experience into the classroom, allowing their students to see real-world examples of their studies. In addition to their bar-exam alternative program and experienced faculty, they also offer a range of legal residencies and clinic programs that give their students a chance to gain hands-on experience at major firms and organizations before graduation. This invaluable experience gives their students a leg up regarding post-graduation job opportunities.
Admissions
The University of New Hampshire School of Law is committed to providing its students with the best education and resources they need to succeed in the 21st-century legal landscape. They invite you to explore what makes them unique and join them in their mission of creating the best legal minds for the future. 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: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 151-155-159 | 151-155-158 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | " 3.05-3.41-3.65" | 3.05-3.45-3.65 |
| Acceptance rate | 51.7% | 60.1% |
| Applications received | 1009 | 1104 |
| Acceptances | 579 | 664 |
| Matriculants | 224 | 237 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle at the University of New Hampshire School of Law, the incoming class profile shows some notable changes compared to the prior year. The middle 50% LSAT score range for admitted students was between 151 and 158, which is nearly identical to the previous cycle’s 151–159. The GPA range for the 25th–75th percentile remained steady at 3.05 to 3.65. A key shift occurred in selectivity: the acceptance rate rose to 60.1%, up from 51.7% the year before, reflecting a higher proportion of admitted applicants. Out of 1,104 applications received, the school extended 664 offers of admission, resulting in an entering class of 237 matriculants, a modest increase from the 224 students who enrolled in 2023–2024. These figures suggest slightly broader accessibility while maintaining consistent academic benchmarks, with a healthy growth in both applications and actual enrollment.
Overall, the University of New Hampshire School of Law is highly desirable, with an impressive pool of applicants, a solid yield rate, and excellent median scores for the 1L class. It is no wonder why those who have been accepted into this school have done so with great enthusiasm and pride.
Application Deadline
The University of New Hampshire School of Law is pleased to announce that applications for Fall 2025 entry into the J.D. program will open by September 15, 2024, with a priority deadline of March 15, 2025, and a final application deadline of July 15, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, especially if they wish to be considered for financial scholarships to help fund their studies. To make applying more manageable and accessible, there is no fee associated with the J.D. program application. UNH Law looks forward to welcoming a new class of students to pursue their legal degrees and join the community in the Fall 2025 semester.
Application Requirements
The University of New Hampshire School of Law encourages prospective students to submit their applications online via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) portal. To apply and be considered for admission, applicants must provide detailed responses to all required questions, a personal statement, a resume, supplementary statements, and an LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report. Applicants must also submit a minimum of two and a maximum of three letters of recommendation.
All applications must be submitted through the LSAC portal to be considered for admission to UNH Law. It is important to note that all parts of your application package are required for your application to be reviewed. Only complete applications will be considered.
They understand that applying to law school can be daunting, and they encourage you to contact us for assistance. Their Admissions team is available to answer any questions or concerns and provide guidance throughout the application process.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the 2025 academic year, UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law sets its base tuition at approximately $42,000 for in-state students and $50,000 for out-of-state students. In terms of financial aid, the law school offers a range of merit and need-based scholarships, and the vast majority of admitted students receive some form of scholarship assistance. In addition, more than 90% of students are eligible for student loans. Awards and scholarships are typically disbursed in two installments (fall and spring) and are processed beginning in February for new admits.
Cost of Attendance
For the 2025 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for a full-time J.D. student at UNH Franklin Pierce includes tuition and fees, as well as living expenses, books and supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous personal costs. Based on current estimates, in-state students may expect a total cost of around $68,442, and out-of-state students around $76,442, before applying scholarships or other financial aid. (These values combine the direct tuition and indirect costs.)
| Category | In-State Estimate | Out-of-State Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $41,348 | $49,348 |
| Living, Room & Board, Personal, Books, Travel, etc. | $27,094 | $27,094 |
| Total Cost of Attendance (COA) | $68,442 | $76,442 |
Finacial Aid
Investing in a law degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law is an important decision for potential students. Before making this crucial next step, it is important to understand the costs involved. Tuition and fees are the direct payments related to enrollment, but there are also associated expenses like textbooks, supplies, housing, food, and medical/dental expenses.
The University of New Hampshire School of Law has various tuition options to help make the cost more manageable for students. With tuition being offered continuously, semester-by-semester, it is easy to budget accordingly. These plans allow you to spread your payments over time, making the cost more manageable.
Financial aid is also available for those who qualify. The University of New Hampshire School of Law offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and loan options to help make law school more affordable. Financial Aid Officers can answer any questions about the different funding options available.
Federal Student Aid
To apply for financial aid from the federal government, one must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). As a graduate student, you are considered independent and thus do not need to provide parental tax information when filling out the form. In addition to this, it is highly recommended that applicants take advantage of the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) when filling out the FAFSA, which will automatically fill in tax information from your last completed tax return.
It is important to note that re-applying for financial aid each academic year requires a new FAFSA form to be filled out. When completing the form, one must indicate the University of New Hampshire's Title IV school code (002589), which will be displayed as "UNH, Durham, NH." This applies to all UNH campuses.
Once your FAFSA form has been completed and sent in, you may receive an estimated financial aid award from the University of New Hampshire School of Law. This award can be adjusted if necessary and will provide you with information on the types of aid available to you as a student at UNH.
Endowed Scholarships
The University of New Hampshire School of Law offers a variety of endowed scholarships to both incoming and returning students that meet the designated criteria. These educational awards provide financial support to those enrolled in the law program and are a way to recognize the contributions of alums, friends, and other members of the UNH Law community.
Need-based Options
Several financial aid opportunities are available to students at the University of New Hampshire School of Law. Most financing comes from student loans requiring a good credit history to qualify. There are both federal and private loan options, with varying interest rates and repayment plans. The Department of Education also offers a Direct Loan program, which is specifically tailored for students studying at the law school. Additionally, on-campus employment is available to students as an option for additional income. All of these financing options can help reduce the overall cost of tuition and make attending law school more accessible for those with financial needs.
Academics and Curriculum
At the University of New Hampshire School of Law, students have the unique opportunity to pursue their Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in a highly personalized way. Their innovative curriculum provides students with many opportunities to develop their legal skills through real-world experiential learning. This format allows students to tailor their education to meet personal and professional goals.
The program's core curriculum provides a thorough grounding in all aspects of law, including contract law, constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, and torts. From there, students can pursue concentrations or certifications in various areas of specialization, such as healthcare law or international business transactions. In addition to classroom learning, students can access co-curricular and extracurricular activities such as the moot court, public interest externships, clinical experiences, and various student organizations.
The University of New Hampshire School of Law was founded to provide students with an academically rigorous and practice-oriented legal education that prepares them for success in various legal careers. Their faculty and staff are committed to helping each student develop the knowledge, skills, and professional network necessary to excel in the legal field. Through a combination of traditional classroom instruction, experiential learning opportunities, and career-building activities, their students gain an unparalleled educational experience that prepares them for success after graduation.
Clinics
The University of New Hampshire School of Law offers several live-client clinics designed to help students gain real-world experience in the legal profession. These clinics allow students to hone their skills by working with actual clients and taking on real cases under the guidance and supervision of experienced attorneys.
Clinical experiences offer a unique opportunity for second and third-year students to gain specific legal skills, such as client interactions and courtroom advocacy. These skills cannot be found in any other law school environment, giving their graduates a distinct advantage when entering the job force after graduation.
Their clinical professors have over 100 years of combined experience in the legal field, providing their students with an invaluable wealth of knowledge and expertise. The University of New Hampshire School of Law offers unmatched clinical opportunities to help its students succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Legal Residencies (Externships)
At the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, they believe a legal education should comprise more than just learning in a classroom setting. As a result, nearly 90 percent of their students complement their academic studies with a legal residency to gain practical experience in the field.
This residency offers students the chance to earn academic credit while developing their practical legal skills in various settings, such as government agencies, law firms, judicial chambers, nonprofit organizations, and corporations. In these placements, students will have opportunities to interview clients, write briefs and even defend cases in courtrooms.
UNH Franklin Pierce is proud to be a leader in providing experiential learning opportunities for their students. They strive to give their students the best possible legal education. Through their residencies, they will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience that will set them up for success in their future legal career.
By committing to a residency program with us, you can be sure that you receive the highest legal education and training. Through this program, you will be able to prepare for the challenges of a legal career and gain invaluable experience in law. With UNH Franklin Pierce, you can be sure that you are receiving an education that extends beyond the classroom walls and equips you with the skills needed for success. They are proud to provide their students with a comprehensive legal education, and they look forward to helping you become the best version of a lawyer you can be.
Moot Court
The University of New Hampshire School of Law is known for its prestigious Moot Court program, a unique opportunity for law students to hone their legal research, writing, and oral argument advocacy skills. By participating in Moot Court, students can demonstrate their abilities before judges and practicing attorneys while competing with other law students from all over the country. The Moot Court program consists of an intramural competition, allowing student teams to draft appellate briefs and argue them in front of a mock United States Supreme Court. Additionally, students can compete in national competitions against other law schools. Through these competitions, participants will gain valuable experience and feedback, which can be used to further their legal development. Whether through intramural or national competitions, the University of New Hampshire School of Law Moot Court program gives students a chance to grow and excel in their legal pursuits.
Employment Prospects and Bar Passage
Graduates of UNH Franklin Pierce benefit from a robust career support system: from day one, students work with career services to develop individualized plans, build professional networks, secure internships or residencies, and prepare for job searches. According to the school’s 2025 bar-admission report, first-time takers from the Class of 2024 had a law school bar passage rate of 79.49%, slightly above the ABA-weighted average of 79.20%. In specific jurisdictions, performance varied—for example, in New Hampshire, the pass rate was 57.14%, compared to the state benchmark for ABA-approved programs of 64.44%. On employment outcomes, the law school’s ABA Employment Summary for 2024 graduates shows a significant percentage of alumni securing full-time, long-term roles requiring bar admission or utilizing a J.D. within months of graduation.
The University of New Hampshire School of Law provides its students with an outstanding education that prepares them for success after graduation, no matter what career path they choose to pursue. Graduates from school leave highly prepared and well-equipped to take on the challenges of their chosen profession. This is why the University of New Hampshire School of Law is one of the best schools for aspiring lawyers in the nation.
Quality of Life
Moving to Concord and getting settled in can be both exciting and intimidating. The University of New Hampshire School of Law (UNH Law) is proud to welcome you to its vibrant campus and the city of Concord, New Hampshire! UNH Law students and staff have created this guide for newcomers to help make the transition easier.
Concord is a great place to live. Concord offers something for everyone, from the bustling downtown area to the beautiful lakes and forests. The city is home to many unique shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it an exciting destination for visitors and locals alike.
When arriving in Concord, take some time to explore your new city. Walk around downtown and take in your new home's sights, sounds, and smells. Visit Concord's many parks and trails and check out the local art scene. The city is full of galleries, studios, and other venues for creative expression.
Regarding housing options, you'll find a wide variety of apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes available in Concord. The UNH Law school is conveniently located just a few blocks from downtown, making it easy to find a place nearby.
Living in Concord also means you're part of the larger New Hampshire community, so take advantage of all the state offers. New Hampshire is home to some of the country's most beautiful scenery, from the stunning White Mountains to the Atlantic coast. The state also boasts a variety of educational and entertainment opportunities, so you'll always have something to do!
Housing
The University of New Hampshire School of Law offers a limited selection of housing for its students, located within a short walking distance from both the school and White Park. Reservation is open on a first-come-first-serve basis, and leases are typically finalized with students in late spring. Students can contact dale.kenny@law.unh.edu to inquire about pricing and availability of the rooms or to be placed on an ongoing waitlist. The University of New Hampshire School of Law strives to provide quality housing options for all its students so that they can focus their energy and resources on achieving academic success during their time at the school. With competitive prices and a convenient location, the University of New Hampshire School of Law housing is an excellent choice for students looking for a place to call home.
The school also provides essential information and support related to off-campus housing in the area. The Off-Campus Housing Office assists students with their search for suitable and affordable accommodations around White Park, providing resources and guidance to help them make informed decisions. The Office also provides essential safety tips for students living off-campus. With the Off-Campus Housing Office's support, students looking for housing can focus on finding a safe and affordable place to call home during their studies at the University of New Hampshire School of Law.
Law Library
The University of New Hampshire School of Law is a premier educational institution, offering students the chance to pursue their legal careers with access to world-class resources. Located in Concord, New Hampshire, overlooking the scenic White Park, the Law Library provides students with various study spaces, collections, and research materials.
The library’s three floors include a primary collection, an Intellectual Property Library, a Kenison Room for rare books, and the Gire Archives. To support the Law School’s curricular and clinical needs, the available legal collection offers domestic legal materials and targeted collections in Social Justice, E-commerce and Technology, International Criminal Law and Justice, and an extensive collection of New Hampshire legal materials.
The library staff provides comprehensive support and instruction for JD (residential and hybrid), MIP, and LLM students through the faculty-approved Informational Literacy Plan, which outlines legal research instruction throughout the curriculum. In addition to working closely with students and faculty on their research, they teach various for-credit legal research and information literacy courses throughout the curriculum. They also offer training, research help, subject area LibGuides, and curated collections to all students and faculty members.
The University of New Hampshire School of Law is committed to providing its students with the best educational resources possible to prepare them for the legal field. Its Law Library is essential to this endeavor, offering a wide array of collections and research materials to help students pursue knowledge.
Symopsis
The University of New Hampshire is an esteemed public research university offering a variety of high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Its mission is to foster learning and knowledge by providing a collaborative environment between faculty and students with the opportunity for teaching, research, creative expression, and service. The university houses three charters: land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant, a testament to its commitment to innovation.
Contact Information
University of New Hampshire
Franklin Pierce School of Law
Admissions Office
2 White Street
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 228.1541
Email: [mailto:admissions@law.unh.edu admissions@law.unh.edu
https://law.unh.edu/admissions
Summary
| Established | 1973 |
| Location | Concord, NH |
| Dean | Megan M. Carpenter |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 125th |
| LSAT Median Score | 155 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.45 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 69.3% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | N/A (2025) |
| Cost | "$41,348 (in-state, full-time),
$49,348 (out-of-state, full-time)" |
| Average Debt | N/A |
| Application Deadline | N/A |
Forum and Discussion
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Reference
University of New Hampshire School of Law
https://law.unh.edu/
Rank #125
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