West Virginia University College of Law

West Virginia University College of Law, the only law school in the state of West Virginia, is a public law school located in Morgantown, WV. It was founded in 1878, and distinguished alumni include several congressmen, senators, and other politicians and diplomats from West Virginia.

History

West Virginia University College of Law has a long and distinguished history dating back to 1878, when it was founded as the first professional school in West Virginia. Classes were held in Woodburn Hall, one of the oldest buildings on campus. In 1879, William R. Thompson of Hinton, WV, became the college's first to receive an LLB.

In 1894, the West Virginia Law Review was founded as the fourth oldest law review in the country. 1895 saw WVU College of Law graduate its first female, Agnes Westbrook Morrison, with West Virginia being one of the earliest states to educate women in law and admit them to the bar.

In 1914, the college was admitted to membership in the Association of American Law Schools, and then in 1923, it moved into its new building on University Avenue – Colson Hall. That same year, WVU College of Law became fully accredited by the ABA and has remained so ever since. 1925 saw the West Virginia University Chapter of the Order of the Coif installed to recognize the top 10% of the graduating law school class, while 1926 saw the beginning of the Baker Cup Competition at WVU College of Law.

Admissions

The West Virginia University College of Law, located in Morgantown, West Virginia, is a public and ABA-accredited law school that offers students a rigorous legal education with a strong emphasis on service, leadership, and professional development. For the 2025 admissions cycle, the application opens on September 15, 2024, with a priority deadline of March 15, 2025, and a regular deadline of July 1, 2025. Supporting documents, such as letters of recommendation and test scores, are due by March 22 for priority applicants and July 8 for regular applicants. The College of Law follows a holistic admissions process, considering not only academic performance but also leadership, community involvement, life and work experiences, and personal statements that demonstrate a candidate’s interest in pursuing law. Financial support is also available through merit-based scholarships, which do not require a separate application, ensuring all admitted students are considered for funding opportunities, including programs such as the Bloom Scholarship that provide substantial tuition assistance.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	152-155-158	152-156-158
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.25-3.59-3.88	3.25-3.58-3.83
Acceptance rate	41.1%	43.8%
Applications received	534	496
Acceptances	241	217
Matriculants	107	95

For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle at West Virginia University College of Law, the data shows a steady academic profile with LSAT scores ranging from 152 to 158 in the 25th to 75th percentile, and GPAs falling between 3.25 and 3.83. The acceptance rate for this cycle was 43.8%, a slight increase from the previous year’s 41.1%. Out of 496 applications received, 217 were offered admission, resulting in 95 students matriculating. This demonstrates a competitive but accessible admissions environment, maintaining consistent academic expectations while reflecting a modest decline in overall applications compared to the prior cycle.

Admission Process

At WVU Law, applicants' academic credentials and unique experiences are essential in assessing their preparedness for law school. This is why it is mandatory to begin the application process online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The WVU Law Application for Admission can be found on LSAC, and you must also register and submit your Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report.

In addition, you will need to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). They understand that each applicant has different backgrounds and experiences that shape their readiness for law school, so they encourage applicants to provide any additional information they feel will best highlight their qualifications.

Cost of Attendance

West Virginia University College of Law continues to provide an affordable and high-quality legal education for both residents of West Virginia and non-residents. The cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, books and supplies, and living expenses. For the 2025 academic year, West Virginia residents taking part in the Loyalty Tuition Program can expect the first-year cost to be approximately $25,272, while non-residents face an estimated cost of $42,120. Beyond tuition, students should budget around $3,400 annually for books and supplies and approximately $11,970 for living expenses.

The law school also supports students with a variety of financial aid options, including need-based grants, merit scholarships, and federal or private loan programs. A budgeting system is available to guide students through financial planning, ensuring that the pursuit of a legal education is manageable. With these resources, students can effectively plan their legal education costs and take advantage of the financial tools provided to make their degree more affordable.

Academics

The West Virginia University College of Law is an esteemed institution with a rich academic history and impressive legal specialties. These specialties include business law, international law, and family law, all of which are areas in which the school excels. In particular, the school takes considerable pride in its fourth oldest law journal in the nation, the West Virginia Law Review.

The school also emphasizes practical experience and fundamental professional skills in its students. As such, WVU Law offers several opportunities for its students to gain hands-on legal knowledge, including study abroad programs in Mexico and Brazil. Furthermore, first years must take a prescribed set of core classes, such as property, civil procedure, and criminal law. This rigorous curriculum ensures students are well-prepared for their legal careers.

The West Virginia College of Law plans to expand its clinical programs, focusing on energy and sustainability law. Additionally, the school plans to open a medical assistance clinic with the WVU Health Sciences Center. Overall, WVU Law is an excellent choice for those seeking to pursue a legal education and the many opportunities that come along with it.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

West Virginia University College of Law offers graduates a solid outlook when it comes to both bar passage and employment. The ultimate bar passage rate, which reflects graduates who successfully pass the exam within two years of graduation, stands at about 84 percent—well above the American Bar Association’s required minimum. For first-time takers, the pass rate is closer to 69 percent, which highlights the importance of preparation and persistence, as many graduates succeed on subsequent attempts. On the employment side, WVU Law benefits from its position as the only law school in West Virginia, giving its graduates a strong local network and access to opportunities in government, public service, and the state court system. Nationally, employment for law graduates has been trending upward, with more than 80 percent of graduates securing full-time, long-term positions requiring bar passage within 10 months of graduation, and even higher numbers finding roles where a law degree provides a distinct advantage. For WVU students, this translates into favorable prospects, particularly for those planning to build careers in West Virginia or surrounding regions. While competition may be tougher for top-tier private firm roles or placements outside the state, most graduates can expect accessible pathways into meaningful legal careers with the right academic preparation and professional development.

Quality of Life

Morgantown, WV (population 29,000) is a classic small college town. Students accustomed to life in Manhattan or a similar locale will no doubt have some adjusting to do, but Morgantown can be an excellent choice for those who enjoy small-town life. The cost of living is low relative to major cities, and Pittsburgh is not too far away for those craving big-city outings. Students will find plenty of bars and eateries catering to their crowd and also be able to cheer on WVU's football team.

Synopsis

Although WVU is hardly the best choice for someone interested in practicing in a major legal market  (in fact, most recently, not a single firm from NY, DC or CA participated in WVU's on-campus interview process), it is an excellent choice for those who wish to practice in WV. It can take advantage of rock-bottom in-state tuition prices.

Contact Information

WVU College of Law
Admissions Office
101 Law School Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506-6130
Phone: (304) 293-5301
Fax: (304) 293-6891
Email: wvulaw@mail.wvu.edu

Summary

Established	1878
Location	Morgantown, WV
Dean	Susan Brewer
2025 US News Ranking	117th
LSAT Median Score	156
GPA Median Score	3.58
Bar Passage Rate	69.4% (2025)
Employment Rate	61.2% (2025)
Cost	"$26,604 (in-state, full-time), $44,730 (out-of-state, full-time)"
Average Debt	$85,125
Application Deadline	July 31, 2025

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

West Virginia University College of Law, Morgantown, WV
https://www.law.wvu.edu/
Rank #117
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