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« TLS Profiles - TLS Programs - TLS Stats - Rankings Penn State University Dickinson School of Law
Currently, Penn State does not have very high standards for admission. In 2008, the GPA’s of matriculating students ranged from 3.34 to 3.76 for the 25th to 75th percentiles, while LSAT scores ranged from 154 to 159 for the same percentiles. Overall, 34% of applicants were admitted (898 out of 2,675). Penn State also accepts students on a part-time basis. Admissions standards for these applicants are consistently lower than those set for full-time applicants. Last year, the GPA’s for students admitted to the part-time program ranged from 3.29 to 3.72 for the 25th to 75th percentiles, and LSAT scores ranged from 153 to 155. For 2009-2010, PSU full-timers paid $33,600 in tuition. To the surprise of many students, these rates do not change depending on one’s state-of-residence. So, even though PSU Law is a public institution, Pennsylvania residents do not enjoy an in-state discount. They have little to complain about, however, as the total cost of attendance at PSU law is under $60,000—this is increasingly a rarity among American law schools. For those who struggle to meet that the cost of attendance, the financial aid office awards financial aid to more than 40% of its students, and there is also a loan repayment assistance program for JD graduates. Bar Passage & Employment Prospects
After passing the Bar, most PSU graduates stay in the area. In 2007, 47% of PSU graduates found work in Pennsylvania, while almost 56% stayed in the Middle Atlantic Region (PA, NY and NJ); but PSU grads do not seem to be as restricted to their region as do graduates of most schools similarly ranked. 23% of 2007 graduates, for instance, found jobs in the South Atlantic states, while 4% made it as far as the Pacific Coast. In which fields of law do PSU graduates generally end up specializing? Well, more PSU grads went to work in private-practice than in any other field; but Penn-Staters had no problem securing employment in other fields as well: In 2008, 21% went to work for the government, 20% secured judicial-clerkships, 2.5% found public-interest jobs, and 2.5% went into academia. In 2007, those who went into the private sector earned the most, with a median starting salary of $102,500 (38% reporting). Those in public service started with a median salary of $40,000. Academics Penn State Law boasts a nationally-ranked program in Dispute Resolution. Tied for 12th with Northwestern University in the USNews specialty rankings, this program is sure to make PSU graduates stand out. Unfortunately, however, PSU does not currently seem to stand out in many other fields. This does not mean that students cannot have a well-rounded and enriching academic experience, however; to the contrary, a low student-faculty ratio, strong clinical offerings, and several dual-degree options make this not only a possibility, but likelihood. Penn State students are encouraged to take advantage of the schools many extracurricular offerings. One could do research, for example, with the Miller Center for Public Interest Advocacy, or the Institute for Sports Law, Policy and Research. PSU students can also gain valuable, hands-on experience by participating in such clinics as the Refugee Clinic, Child Advocacy Clinic, or the Clinic on Elder Law and Consumer Protection, to name a few. For students who really want to specialize in a particular field, and get a leg-up on the competition, Penn State offers a number of dual-degrees. Students can combine their JD with MA’s in International Affairs, Education, or even Forest Resources, among other options. PhDs are also available (there is even a JD/PhD in Wildlife Science). Quality of Life
Pennsylvania is a diverse state. Attractions within driving distance vary from hiking the Appalachian Trail to riding roller-coasters at Hershey Park. Students can also take a ski trip in the Poconos or spend a weekend in Philadelphia. As is the case with most law schools not located in major cities, social life can be as fun or as boring as the student makes it. The opportunities are there at both PSU campuses, they just require some effort. Conclusion An already strong law school expecting numerous improvements, the Penn State University School of Law is one school that every student should be keeping their eye on. Quick Reference U.S. News Ranking: 65th |
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With a recent influx of donations and a rapidly-growing alumni network, the Penn State University Dickinson School of Law is on the move. As the school makes its expected climb in the rankings, students can anticipate increasingly strong career prospects as well as new faculty and clinics to go with the school’s already strong offerings. Prospective students beware, as this will inevitably make the admissions process more competitive.
LSAC reports that nearly 81% of PSU Law graduates pass the Pennsylvania Bar on their first try. This is a subpar passage rate when compared to the state-wide rate of 83%. 
Unlike most schools, The Dickinson School of Law has two campuses: one in Carlisle and one in University Park. The University Park location shares a campus with the school’s large undergraduate institution, while the Carlisle campus is quieter, more low-key. Wherever the campus, PSU Law provides its students with plenty of opportunities to get out of the library and enjoy themselves. The school offers a number of social clubs and intramural sports, as well as cultural gatherings.