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DePaul University College of Law
The DePaul University College of Law boasts nationally-ranked programs and a downtown-Chicago location. Moreover, the school's alumni network is strong, and the professors are well-respected. However, the school has limitations, including weak national placement and facilities that need updating.
Contents
History
In 1897, the Illinois College of Law was established in Chicago by Howard N. Ogden (1864-1915). The college's purpose was to provide an education that met the requirements for admission to the bar. Initially located at 160 W. Washington St., its growing student body necessitated a move to a larger facility at 301 Erie St. by 1904.
At the time, Illinois College of Law was the only law school not on the east coast, offering both day and evening instruction for its students. It was a successful local bar school with an academic post-graduate program, prospering for 15 years before merging with DePaul University in 1912.
Admissions
The admissions process at DePaul University College of Law is highly competitive, and those who are accepted have achieved excellent academic results. Students should ensure that they put together a strong application to increase their chances of acceptance. Those who are successful in the admissions process can look forward to an excellent legal education and strong prospects.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 150 - 155 - 156 | 152 - 156 - 157 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 2.96 - 3.41 - 3.66 | 3.25 - 3.57 - 3.73 |
| Acceptance rate | 50.0% | 44.3% |
| Applications received | 1684 | 1894 |
| Acceptances | 842 | 839 |
| Matriculants | 145 | 130 |
During the 2022 application cycle, DePaul University College of Law had an impressive 1,894 applications. Of these applicants, 839 were offered a spot in the class, and ultimately 205 were accepted and enrolled. This means that 24.43% of those offered acceptance took advantage of this opportunity.
The median LSAT score of accepted students was an impressive 156, with the 25th percentile of 152 and the 75th percentile of 157. The median GPA was 3.57, with the 25th percentile being 3.25 and the 75th percentile is 3.73.
These results demonstrate that applicants are highly sought after by DePaul University College of Law each year and that the university is highly selective in its admissions process. Accepted students have achieved excellent academic results, setting them up for success as they continue their legal education.
Ultimately, DePaul University College of Law offers a high-quality educational experience to those selected, making it an attractive option for aspiring lawyers. Those interested in applying should ensure they have the best academic credentials to make them competitive applicants.
Tuition and Financila Aid
DePaul University College of Law offers a three-year package rate for first-year JD full-time students at an estimated tuition of $50,636 and a package rate for part-time students at an estimated tuition of $32,900. These rates are the projected rates for the 2022–2023 academic year. The DePaul University Board of Trustees reviewed and adjusted the tuition rates annually.
The three-year package rate for JD students covers tuition for each student's first three years in the program, including all law school courses, a required Legal Writing course, and an introductory study abroad experience. In addition to this tuition, there is a $1,000 flat annual fee for JD students to cover additional expenses and services.
DePaul University College of Law offers scholarships and grants to help defray the cost of tuition. Scholarships and grants are awarded based on academic achievement and financial need. For more information about available scholarships and grants, please visit DePaul's Office of Financial Aid.
The college also offers a tuition payment plan that allows students to pay their tuition for several months. This option can help make attending law school more manageable financially for some students. Details about the tuition payment plan can be found on the Office of Student Financial Affairs website.
For those receiving financial aid, DePaul University College of Law requires that all first-year students enter into a three-year loan repayment agreement. This agreement binds the student to make payments on educational loans for the duration of their enrollment in the college.
The DePaul University College of Law is dedicated to providing an accessible and affordable legal education for all students. With its package rate system, generous scholarships, and tuition payment plan, the college strives to ensure that every student can pursue a legal education.
Cost of Attendance
When budgeting for education at DePaul University College of Law, it is essential to consider all the estimated expenses that may be incurred. For full-time students, tuition for the day program is estimated to cost $50,636 plus an additional $496 in fees and $2,496 for loan origination fees. Books and supplies will cost an additional $1,650, and living expenses are estimated to total $21,848. The estimated total is $77,126.
For part-time students looking to attend DePaul University College of Law, tuition for the part-time program is estimated to cost $32,900 plus an additional $496 in fees and $1,768 for loan origination fees. Books and supplies will cost an additional $1,650, and living expenses are estimated to total $21,848. The estimated total is $58,662.
Budgeting accurately when planning to attend DePaul University College of Law is essential. Taking into account all expenses before or while attending can help ensure that you can finance your education to the best of your ability.
Scholarships
DePaul University College of Law offers financial aid opportunities to its incoming first-year students. Scholarships are granted based on academic merit, with those displaying superior achievement most likely to receive an award. The College of Law considers all accepted applicants when determining who should receive scholarships and notifies them of their eligibility upon accepting their offer.
In addition to scholarships, financial aid is available through loan programs and employment opportunities. The College of Law’s Office of Financial Aid assists students in applying for loans, grants, and work-study options. Furthermore, the office provides helpful resources on budgeting, managing expenses, and understanding the terms of individual loan agreements.
The College of Law also encourages students to pursue external aid options. Extracurricular activities, such as student organizations and summer internships, offer unique ways to receive funding for law school. Furthermore, federal grants and scholarships are available through the government or private endowments.
Academics and Curriculum
DePaul University College of Law is located in the heart of Chicago, putting it at the center of some of the most prestigious legal institutions in the country. Home to a knowledgeable and experienced faculty, the college has earned its place as a top-ranked school for healthcare and intellectual property law, according to USNews.
The location has also proven beneficial for students seeking internships or summer jobs. With the federal and county courthouses nearby, DePaul's alum network helps to bolster even more job opportunities for its graduates.
Though there have been some criticisms of the college, such as "terrible" classrooms and career services center complaints, most reviews praise the overall quality of the education. With a strong faculty and ample location amenities, DePaul Law School stands out as one of the most respected legal institutions in the nation.
DePaul is an excellent choice for prospective students looking to jump-start their legal careers. The experienced faculty, prime location, alumni network, and top rankings provide the resources and opportunities for a successful career. With everything the college offers, DePaul Law School is an excellent choice for those seeking a legal degree.
Experiential Learning
At DePaul University College of Law, they understand that your legal education is about more than just the bookwork and theory. To give you the strength and confidence to succeed in the legal field, they offer a variety of experiential learning programs. Through these experiences, you will have the opportunity to work with real clients on real legal issues in their legal clinics, take part in dispute resolution and client counseling through practical skills courses, engage in a variety of externships and sharpen your ability to argue cases through competitions and writing courses.
Legal Clinics
Legal Clinics at DePaul University College of Law are an excellent opportunity for law students to put the theory they learn in the classroom into practice. After their first year, students can use the clinics to hone their lawyering skills by providing legal services to actual clients with real-world legal issues. The university offers a variety of In-House and Field Clinics to suit various interests, from criminal law practice and business law to counseling asylum seekers.
In-House Clinics are located within the college and allow students to be the primary contact for their clients and counsel them directly on their legal issues. Depending on the Clinic, credits range from 3 to 8, and there are semester-long or year-long options.
Field Clinics, on the other hand, provide law students with a hands-on experience in their chosen field by placing them in partner organizations such as government agencies, courts, and social service organizations. While working with these organizations, students can practice basic lawyering skills such as interviewing clients, conducting research, preparing written legal documents, and even appearing in court.
DePaul University College of Law's Legal Clinics is a great way for law students to get hands-on practice experience while building their resumes. The university offers various In-House and Field Clinic options to meet aspiring lawyers' needs. With these clinics, law students can sharpen their legal knowledge and skills and gain invaluable experience in law practice.
DePaul Law currently offers clinical programs in the following practice areas:
- Asylum & Immigration
- Business Law
- Civil Litigation and Health Law
- Civil Rights*
- Criminal Appeals
- Croak Community Legal Clinic
- Family Law
- Technology/Intellectual Property
Externship Program
The DePaul University College of Law Externship Program is an innovative approach to bridging the gap between legal theory and practice, allowing students to gain firsthand legal work experience with judges, government agencies (federal, state, or local), not-for-profit organizations, and for-profit entities such as private law firms and corporations. The program is designed to allow students to be part of a legal team and learn how to apply the law in real-world settings.
Students who participate in the DePaul University College of Law Externship Program will have access to experienced supervision from their site supervisor and guidance and feedback on their work. They will also attend site visits, guest lectures, and networking events to understand the industry better. Through this program, students will gain valuable work experience that can benefit their future careers.
The DePaul University College of Law Externship Program is an excellent opportunity for law students to bridge the gap between theory and practice and gain firsthand legal work experience. The program provides an invaluable experience that will benefit students in their future legal career endeavors.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
DePaul University College of Law is a top-tier institution that allows its students to pursue their legal aspirations. With an emphasis on professional skills, DePaul graduates are well-equipped for success in the job market. The median starting salary for JD graduates employed in the private sector is an impressive $75,000—more than $18,000 higher than the national median. DePaul’s graduates are also competitive in employment in the public sector, with a median starting salary of $56,750.
Regarding finding legal positions after graduation, 57.5% of DePaul University law graduates choose to work for law firms, while 2.0% take a position as a clerk for a judge. 8.0% go into public interest fields. These positions offer opportunities for JD graduates to hone their skills and gain valuable experience.
Lastly, DePaul’s students are well-prepared to pass the bar exam on their first try—75.4% of DePaul graduates pass on their first try compared to the national average of 58%. With such high success rates on the bar exam, it’s no wonder that DePaul University is one of the top choices for aspiring lawyers seeking a quality legal education.
Quality of Life
DePaul University College of Law is conveniently located in the heart of Chicago, one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in America. The city is full of life and offers something for everyone, from breathtaking lakefront beaches to iconic deep-dish pizza. There’s no shortage of things to do in Chicago; the music scene is diverse, the sports culture is engaged, and the nightlife is endless. DePaul Law provides students with easy access to all of these amenities while providing an excellent legal education at one of the top law schools in the country. With a beautiful library, numerous student organizations, and great career services, there’s no doubt that students can find success at DePaul Law. DePaul Law can provide both, whether you’re looking for an exciting urban environment or a challenging legal education. See what Chicago offers and join the diverse community of scholars at DePaul Law!
Synopsis
DePaul Law School offers sound academics and a vibrant and diverse social scene. The latter is more attractive than the former, however, and prospective students should be aware of the school's academic limitations.
Contact Information
DePaul University
College of Law
Admissions Office
Loop Campus
Lewis Center
9th Floor
25 East Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: (312) 362-8701
Email: lawinfo@depaul.edu
https://law.depaul.edu/admission/jd-admission/Pages/default.aspx
Summary
| Established | 1912 |
| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Dean | Jennifer Rosato Perea |
| 2022 US News Ranking | 105 |
| LSAT Median Score | 156 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.57 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 75% (2022) |
| Employment Rate | 32% (2022) |
| Cost | $32,900 |
| Average Debt | $127,320 |
| Application Deadline | May 1, 2023 |
Forum and Discussion
DePaul University College of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
https://law.depaul.edu/Pages/default.aspx
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