Western New England Law School

The School of Law provides students with a strong foundation in legal theory, combined with numerous experiential learning opportunities. As the only law school in western Massachusetts, their students can access excellent clinical and externship opportunities at local courts, businesses, and law firms. The graduates leave with the practical skills they need to turn their passions into professions.

History

The School of Law at Western New England University has a long and distinguished history. The school was founded in 1919 as part of the Springfield Division of Northeastern College. The full-time JD program was introduced in 1973, and the Blake Law Center became the new home of the JD program in 1979. In 2011, Western New England became a University with five academic divisions, including the School of Law.

The Western New England University School of Law is the only ABA-accredited law school in Massachusetts outside of Boston. It has a diverse student body, with students coming from more than 30 states and Canada. The School of Law offers full- and part-time programs, which attract students who are just starting their careers and have extensive professional experience. Some students are interested in becoming lawyers, while others plan to use their legal education to further their professional careers.

The students who attend Western New England University School of Law come from various backgrounds and have varying career objectives. However, one thing they all have in common is that they are drawn to the school's philosophy of collaborative teaching and learning and the faculty's dedication to teaching. As a top institution of higher education, they are fully committed to providing their students with a well-rounded legal education that will enrich their lives.

Admissions

If you’re considering law school for the 2025 admissions cycle, Western New England University School of Law offers a welcoming, student-centered environment in Springfield, Massachusetts. The school is known for its personal approach to admissions and legal education, creating a close-knit atmosphere where students feel supported from the moment they inquire. WNE Law’s curriculum blends legal theory with hands-on training, giving students the chance to participate in clinics, externships, moot court, and legal writing opportunities that help them build real-world skills before graduation. The program offers flexibility through both full-time and part-time study options, along with dual-degree pathways for students who want to tailor their legal education to broader career goals. With more than a century of history and a well-established regional reputation, the school provides strong local connections and an alumni network that’s especially valuable for those planning to practice in Massachusetts or nearby states. If you’re looking for a law school where you’ll receive personalized attention and practical experience, WNE Law may align well with your goals.

Applying to Western New England University School of Law is simple and free. Click here to apply.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	147-150-153	148-150-154
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	2.92-3.30-3.57	2.95-3.29-3.67
Acceptance rate	63.5%	61.6%
Applications received	667	724
Acceptances	399	446
Matriculants	85	106

For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, Western New England University School of Law reported LSAT scores in the 25th to 75th percentile range of 148 to 154, and GPAs ranging from 2.95 to 3.67 for incoming students. The school received 724 applications, an increase from the previous year, and offered admission to 446 applicants. This resulted in an acceptance rate of 61.6 percent. Out of those accepted, 106 ultimately enrolled, reflecting a notable rise in matriculants compared to the prior class.

When to Apply

The application for fall 2025 is now available online. The Admissions Committee typically begins reviewing and admitting applicants in November and completes most of its decisions by April. Applying after March 15 may reduce your chances of admission because many seats are already offered by that point. Each completed application is reviewed to determine whether the applicant is academically prepared and motivated to succeed in a rigorous law school curriculum. LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs remain key factors, but the Committee also evaluates personal statements, letters of recommendation, résumés, and any supplemental materials you choose to submit. Applicants are encouraged to apply during the fall before the year they plan to enroll. Once your application is complete or once the Committee begins its review cycle, you can expect a decision within about four weeks.

How to Apply

To be considered for admission for fall 2025, you’ll need to submit an application, your LSAT score, and other required materials. It’s strongly recommended that you take the LSAT during the year before you plan to enroll so you have time to retake it if needed. You’ll also need to register with the Credential Assembly Service and arrange for your transcripts to be sent for evaluation. During the review process, the Admissions Committee considers your undergraduate academic record and, if applicable, any graduate-level work.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation but may submit up to four letters. The Admissions Committee prefers letters that discuss your intellectual attributes, ability to reason, and ability to write clearly and persuasively. Letters that describe these characteristics in general terms are much less valuable than those that cite specific examples of your strengths. The most persuasive letters often come from faculty members familiar with your academic abilities. If you graduated from college some years ago, you should include a letter from an employer or coworker to provide insights into these areas. Unless they are familiar with your professional or academic abilities, recommendations from family, friends, or politicians are not helpful.

Applicants can submit their letters of recommendation in two ways. They can download and complete the Cover Sheet, which they should then provide to those writing recommendations on their behalf. The people writing the recommendations can then send us their letters of recommendation attached to the required cover sheet. Or, applicants can elect to utilize LSAC's Letter of Recommendation service (included with your CAS registration). More info is available at www.lsac.org.

Personal Statement

All applicants require a personal statement to law school. The purpose of the personal statement is to allow the admissions committee to assess your writing ability and learn more about you. In your statement, you should discuss your interest in law school and what you hope to do with your legal education in the future. This statement should be at most 1,000 words.

Résumé

The Admissions Committee looks at work experience and extra-curricular activities when considering applications. All applicants must submit a current résumé.

Character and Fitness

If you answer one of the character and fitness questions on your application with a "yes," you must include an appendix explaining what happened. In your explanation, you should talk about how you have grown or changed from this experience.

Optional Addenda

You may submit an optional supplement if you wish to convey additional information to the Admissions Committee. This could include clarification of your educational record or obstacles you have overcome in pursuing higher education. You may also submit a diversity statement explaining to the Admissions Committee what background, experience, and perspective you will bring to the classroom experience at the School of Law.

TOEFL / IELTS

Applicants who have completed their secondary education in a language other than English are encouraged to submit official score reports for either the TOEFL or IELTS exams. However, there is no required minimum score.

Interviews

At Brown, they do not conduct interviews as part of the admissions process. However, prospective students are invited to contact the Office of Admissions and schedule a visit for informational purposes.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the 2025–2026 academic year, Western New England University School of Law lists full-time J.D. tuition and mandatory fees at 53,020 dollars. The part-time J.D. program tuition for students entering in fall 2025 or earlier is 39,139 dollars. These figures may change if the university updates its rates. Most students at WNE Law receive some form of financial assistance, with more than ninety percent of full-time students awarded grants or scholarships. The average scholarship amount is roughly 30,000 dollars, which significantly reduces the overall cost for many students. The school’s estimated annual cost of attendance, which includes living expenses, books, supplies, and personal costs, is approximately 69,840 dollars. Part-time students should also note that summer or extra credits may involve an additional per-credit charge. Overall, while tuition appears high, the combination of grants and scholarships makes WNE Law more affordable for the majority of applicants.

Cost of Attendance

Planning for law school means understanding not only tuition, but also the realistic day-to-day expenses that shape your full financial picture. Western New England University School of Law bases its estimates on typical living costs for single students, including housing, food, transportation, and academic materials. The following table reflects the updated 2025 cost information using the most current tuition figures and the school’s published total annual estimate.

Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)
Full Time (9-months)	2025–2026	Part Time (9-months)	2025–2026
Tuition	$53,020	Tuition	$39,139
Fees	$1,850	Fees	$900
Academic and Bar Success Materials	$650	Academic and Bar Success Materials	$500
Books	$1,700	Books	$1,700
Room & Board	$13,500	Room & Board	$13,500
Personal	$2,500	Personal	$2,500
Transportation	$3,120	Transportation	$3,120
Total	$69,840	Total	$61,359

These updated figures give you a clearer picture of what to expect financially for the 2025 academic year. While tuition represents the largest portion of expenses, remember that most WNE Law students receive grants or scholarships, which can significantly reduce the final cost. Careful planning, early FAFSA submission, and exploring all forms of aid will help you prepare confidently for the investment ahead.

Financial Aid

Private and Grad PLUS loans are similar in that they are both credit-based loans. The main difference between the two is that Grad PLUS loans are only offered to students taking six credits or more, while private loans are available to all students. Both loans have a fixed interest rate and a deferment period. However, the Grad PLUS loan has an origination fee of 4.2 percent, while private loans do not charge an origination fee. Additionally, the Grad PLUS loan requires no debt-to-income test, while private loans typically offer a lower interest rate if approved by a credit-worthy co-signer.

Scholarships

They are committed to making legal education affordable for our students at Western New England University School of Law. Over the past three years, an average of 75% of Western New England University law students received scholarships, and 90% received some form of financial aid overall. Law school is a significant investment; they will work with you to ensure you have the resources available to finance your legal education. This section provides information on scholarships, loans, and work-study awards.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

For the most recent reporting year, Western New England University School of Law showed that a little more than 80 percent of its graduates secured employment within nine months of graduation. Most of these positions were full time, and nearly half required passing the bar to practice law. A significant portion of graduates also entered J.D.-advantage roles, where a law degree is beneficial even if bar admission is not required. Many students found work in small and mid-sized law firms, while others moved into government, business, or public interest positions. These outcomes reflect a school that performs solidly in placing graduates, especially within the New England region. If you plan to build your career in Massachusetts or nearby states, the employment results suggest you’ll have realistic access to regional legal roles. Prospective students targeting large national firms or highly competitive placements, however, may want to consider how the school’s results align with their long-term goals.

Bar Passage

Recent bar exam outcomes for Western New England University School of Law show a clear upward trend. The first-time bar passage rate rose to more than 77 percent for the most recent class, an improvement over the previous year's results. Students taking the Massachusetts bar exam performed particularly well, with more than 80 percent passing on their first attempt. Performance in other jurisdictions, such as Connecticut, was slightly lower but still reflected steady progress. These results suggest that the school’s academic support systems and bar preparation programs are helping students become better equipped for licensure. Even with this improvement, it’s important for prospective students to compare the school’s numbers with the statewide averages in the jurisdiction where they plan to take the bar exam.

Quality of Life

Western New England University School of Law continues to offer a supportive and modern academic environment in 2025. Students have access to advanced multimedia classrooms, a fully equipped law library, and a high-tech moot courtroom designed to simulate real legal practice. The Blake Law Center remains the core of academic life, providing a collaborative space for studying, research, and extracurricular activity. The campus is located in a quiet residential area of Springfield, Massachusetts, offering law students a balance between focused study and access to the city. Springfield is still the third-largest city in the state, with a population that has grown slightly in recent years as new businesses and industries move into the region. The city is less than 90 miles from Boston and less than 140 miles from New York City, making it a convenient location for students who want to stay connected to major legal markets. Springfield continues to be home to notable cultural and entertainment landmarks, including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield Symphony Hall, the MassMutual Center, MGM Springfield, and Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in New England.

Events

The Big E remains one of the most popular annual events in New England, drawing more than a million visitors each year. Held every September, it continues to feature regional food, agricultural exhibits, major concerts, and its signature parade. Springfield’s annual Parade of Big Balloons remains a beloved tradition that brings residents and visitors downtown every November to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Bright Nights at Forest Park continues to be one of the largest holiday light displays in the country, attracting families from across the Northeast for its miles of illuminated displays. The World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, held each spring, remains a signature community event that brings thousands of people downtown for food, entertainment, and local pride.

Places to Visit

The Springfield region continues to offer a wide range of attractions for students looking to unwind or explore. Yankee Candle Village remains a major tourist destination known for its themed shops, seasonal displays, and interactive experiences. The Storrowton Village Museum continues to bring New England’s past to life with restored 18th- and 19th-century buildings and reenactment programs. Six Flags New England, located a short drive from campus, remains the region's largest amusement park and offers roller coasters, water rides, shows, and seasonal events. The Quabbin Reservoir remains a popular destination for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor exploration. Students also frequently visit the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, one of the largest malls in New England with more than 200 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Springfield’s location also allows easy access to year-round outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and trail exploration throughout Western Massachusetts.

Synopsis

The law school provides a variety of opportunities for on-campus involvement. There are many great organizations that you can get involved with based on your interests and activities. These organizations are a great way to get leadership experience and develop valuable skills.

Contact Information

Western New England Law School
Law Admissions
1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield MA 01119
Phone:
413-782-1406
800-782-6665
Email: admissions@law.wne.edu

Summary

Established	1919
Location	Springfield MA 01119
Dean	Zelda B. Harris
2025 US News Ranking	166th
LSAT Median Score	150
GPA Median Score	3.29
Bar Passage Rate	68.6% (2025)
Employment Rate	N/A (2025)
Cost	"$51,510 full-time, $38,030 part-time"
Average Debt	$91,802
Application Deadline	July 31, 2025

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

LSD Law
Ranked 166 BCG Attorney's Advice for Associates
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
Guide to Fee Waivers