University of Dayton School of Law

The University of Dayton's College of Law was established in 1922 but closed in 1935 due to the Great Depression. It stayed closed for nearly 40 years, reopening as the School of Law in 1974 and gaining ABA accreditation a year later. Dayton Law is one of the few schools in the nation that offers an accelerated two-year JD program in which prospective law students can begin in the summer and complete their JD requirements in five semesters. This option has attracted middle-aged professionals, parents, and career graduate students who want to fast-track their degrees.

Admissions

The admissions team of the University of Dayton School of Law is dedicated to supporting students in achieving their goals and looks forward to seeing new faces join their program in the 2022 application cycle. With its commitment to helping applicants succeed and their competitive academic standards, the University of Dayton School of Law is an excellent option for those seeking a legal education. 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:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	148 - 152 - 154	150 - 153 - 155
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.24 - 3.48 - 3.7	3.18 - 3.53 - 3.72
Acceptance rate	36.2%	25.8%
Applications received	1265	1448
Acceptances	458	373
Matriculants	47	38

For the 2022 application cycle, the University of Dayton School of Law received an incredibly high number of applications, totaling 1,448. Of these applicants, 373 were offered admission to join the school. Of those accepted, 129 decided to attend the University of Dayton School of Law, with a yield rate of 34.58%.

The median LSAT score 1L class is 153, with the 25th percentile at 150 and a 75th percentile is 155. Similarly, the median GPA is 3.53, with the 25th percentile being 3.18 and the 75th percentile standing at 3.72. With these numbers as reference points, students should strive to exceed the median scores to increase their chances of admission.

The University of Dayton School of Law is an excellent school with an outstanding academic reputation and a tight-knit community of students who support each other through their endeavors. With the right attitude and dedication, students can make their dreams come true by studying at the University of Dayton School of Law.

Application Timeline

The University of Dayton School of Law allows aspiring lawyers to pursue their J.D. degree in a traditional on-campus setting or an Online Hybrid program that combines online and in-person elements. Their admissions process is rolling, and most decisions are made between November 1st and April 1st. However, applicants who submit their applications by May 1st will be eligible for review for scholarship awards. Their Admissions Committee typically notifies applicants of their decision within two to six weeks of submission.

Application Requirements

Applicants must provide an online application with pertinent information about their personal and educational background to be accepted into the University of Dayton School of Law. The application should include a thorough biography disclosing biographical details such as contact information, history of residence, as well as any international experiences or language skills that may have been acquired. Additionally, applicants should provide details about their educational background, including any post-secondary institutions attended and any degrees earned. Finally, applicants should include a comprehensive work history detailing any professional experience they may have acquired.

Transcript

Your undergraduate major can be from any discipline, but acquiring solid reading comprehension, writing, and analysis skills is encouraged. Your undergraduate GPA gives the Admissions Committee an indicator of academic performance. Their Admissions Committee reviews transcripts in detail, looking for grade trends and type, depth, and rigor of courses completed. If you have extenuating circumstances that affected your academic performance, include an addendum to your statement. Your degree may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by the start of law school.

CAS Registration

The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is essential to the University of Dayton School of Law admissions process. It is a gateway for students applying to any ABA-accredited law school and ensures that each applicant's LSAT scores, transcripts, and evaluations are appropriately documented. CAS provides a comprehensive picture of an applicant's academic background and allows for greater collaboration between the University of Dayton School of Law and other law schools across the country.

LSAT OR GRE

The University of Dayton School of Law welcomes applicants to submit either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) when applying for admission. Applicants must ensure that the score was obtained within five years of their expected enrollment in law school - this will be considered during our review process. Applicants must meet the minimum LSAT and GRE scores requirements to be considered for admission.

LSAT SCORE

The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a significant factor in acceptance into the University of Dayton School of Law. Not only does your LSAT score, along with your cumulative undergraduate grade-point average, play a significant role in the admissions process, but the Admissions Committee considers all aspects of your application. The LSAT assesses a candidate's reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logic abilities. Therefore, if you're applying to the University of Dayton School of Law, take your LSAT preparation seriously to enhance your acceptance chances.

GRE

The University of Dayton School of Law now accepts GRE scores for admission consideration. Applicants must register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) to be considered. This requires applicants to submit their transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, and optional diversity statement in addition to their GRE score.

Letter of Recommendation

The University of Dayton School of Law requires prospective applicants to submit at least two letters of recommendation. These letters should come from individuals who can comprehensively analyze a student’s academic and employment records. It is heavily encouraged that these letters come from professors, mentors, or supervisors who have worked closely with the applicant. These letters should be mailed directly to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

Letters of recommendation are essential information to assess a student’s ability and passion for their desired field. These letters help us understand how an applicant may handle the workload and rigorous study that comes with studying law at the University of Dayton School of Law. Furthermore, they also help us better evaluate the applicant regarding their aptitude for law and capacity to think critically as a future attorney.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement should highlight your law school interest and motivation. They also want you to tell them why you believe you are a good candidate for law school and, ultimately, law practice. The statement should give their Admissions Committee additional insight about you and provide a basis for appraising your writing ability. The statement should be one to three pages in length.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The University of Dayton School of Law offers two distinct programs for aspiring law students: a Traditional program and an Online Hybrid J.D. program. Both provide a comprehensive legal education that prepares graduates to serve their communities and practice law, regardless of their path. The cost of tuition at UDSL is charged on a per-credit-hour basis. The Traditional program is $1,274 per credit hour for the 2022-2023 academic year, while the Online Hybrid J.D. program is $1,500 for the same period. Financial aid can help defray costs and assist with tuition payments.

Cost of Attendance

The University of Dayton School of Law provides an estimated budget for students attending for the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters. This budget includes all expenses associated with the academic year, such as tuition, fees, books and supplies, living expenses, meal plans, transportation costs and any other miscellaneous costs. In total, the estimated budget is $55,864. Students should plan ahead to be able to cover these costs. Financial aid is available to help pay for some of the expenses and loans may be taken out if needed. The University of Dayton School of Law has a dedicated financial aid office that can provide advice and assist students with their specific needs related to financing their education. It is important to understand that this budget estimate is just an estimate and actual expenses may vary. It is recommended that students consult with the financial aid office or speak with their academic advisor for a more accurate idea of what costs they can expect during the academic year.

Scholarship

The University of Dayton School of Law offers its students a wide range of scholarship support. All applicants to the School of Law will be considered for financial aid and don't need to submit a different application. The renewal and eligibility of these scholarships are reviewed at the end of each academic year. President's and Dean's Merit Scholarships require a minimum of 2.3 cumulative grade point average for the 1L year to be renewed. On the other hand, Legal Opportunity Scholarships and Law@Dayton Awards do not have any conditions for renewal, and students simply need to remain in good standing at the School of Law to keep receiving these awards. Students will find more information about specific award parameters in their acceptance and scholarship award letters. The University of Dayton School of Law encourages all students to apply for scholarships as they could be eligible for significant financial aid from the institution.

Loans

The University of Dayton School of Law provides various loan options to its students, enabling them to cover their educational costs. The Federal Direct Loan is the primary option and can provide up to $20,500 in funding per academic year. This amount may be lower depending on the student’s borrowing history. The Federal Graduate PLUS loan can also provide up to the total student budget minus other awarded aid. Finally, a Private Alternative Loan can be used for up to the total student budget minus other awarded aid. Depending on a student’s needs and situation, they may choose one or multiple loans to cover their educational expenses. It is important to note that the lifetime aggregate limit for Federal Direct Loan is $138,500 (including undergraduate loans). Therefore, it is essential to plan when considering loan options.

The University of Dayton School of Law provides comprehensive advice and guidance on all available loan options so students can make an informed decision about financing their education. Financial advisors are available to help students understand their options and each loan's implications before committing to it. It is essential to consider your options carefully to make sure that you choose the best option for your needs.

Academics

The University of Dayton School of Law provides a comprehensive program that equips students with the knowledge and experience they need to prepare for their bar exams and practice law. With a challenging core curriculum, concentrations offering certifications in particular practice areas, legal research and writing courses, externships, clinical experiences, and capstone classes, our J.D. program offers a strong foundation for legal studies.

Their courses are taught by full-time and distinguished part-time faculty, including judges and experienced practitioners. Externships let students develop real-world skills under the supervision of a licensed attorney, and their clinical experiences give students a chance to gain hands-on experience in their field of interest. Their capstone courses work to provide closure and test their students' intellectual mettle during their final year at the school of law.

At the University of Dayton School of Law, they strive to ensure their graduates understand legal theory and client needs. With a comprehensive program that prepares you for success in your bar exam and practice of law, they are proud to offer a program that will give you the solid foundation you need.

Externships

University of Dayton School of Law offers a unique and enriching opportunity for students to get hands-on experience in the legal field through an externship program. During this semester-long placement, students will have a chance to shadow experienced attorneys and judges in various settings, such as law firms, government agencies, corporations, courts, or legal aid. This will allow them to gain invaluable knowledge of the legal profession, hone their skills, and make valuable contacts within the legal community.

To receive credit for an externship, students must complete a minimum of 150 hours for one semester. During this time, they will have the opportunity to learn directly from seasoned professionals. This includes observing oral arguments and trials, engaging in legal research and writing projects, participating in client meetings, attending training and seminars, or attending court proceedings.

Law Clinics

At the University of Dayton School of Law, students can engage in clinical practice and get hands-on experience with real clients. During this program, students are partnered up and supervised by a clinical professor to provide legal representation for their assigned cases. Each student is responsible for performing all the necessary steps in their client's defense.

Legal Research and Writing Program

The Legal Research and Writing Program at the University of Dayton School of Law is one of the best in the nation. Ranked in the Top 25 legal writing programs by U.S. News and World Report, this comprehensive two-semester program provides six credit hours to first-year law students. It focuses on helping them develop a deep understanding of legal research, analysis, and writing techniques.

The courses also emphasize professional development, cultural humility & competence, and ethics—all of which are essential for success in today’s legal practice. Classes are taught in small groups by experienced full-time faculty who stay up-to-date with the latest legal writing and research trends.

This program is an invaluable opportunity for law students to gain the necessary skills and knowledge they will need as future legal professionals. With its 30 years of success, the Legal Research and Writing Program at the University of Dayton School of Law continues to be a leader in providing top-quality legal education.

Quality of Life

While the cost of living is low in Dayton, Ohio, there are few amenities in either the city or the surrounding area for law students. To make up for Dayton's lack of social opportunities, the Student Bar Association hosts some activities throughout the semester. However, since administrators frown upon alcohol being served at any social gathering associated with the law school, they don't provide much to help the overloaded students who run the Student Bar Association. This leads to a lower quality of life at Dayton Law and to a student body that seems unhappy with the law school's lack of social events. The city, situated in the heart of the Rust Belt, has been described as a bit depressing because of the decline of American manufacturing. Dayton's population peaked in the 1960s at 262,332 and has fallen ever since. Forbes recently named Dayton on its list of emptiest cities in the United States.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

University of Dayton School of Law is a renowned institution that produces highly talented individuals who can significantly contribute to the legal field. Graduates have become successful lawyers, judges, and advocates in the public interest. The median salary for those who go into private sector jobs after graduating from the University of Dayton School of Law is $57,500. Those in the public sector can expect a median salary of $52,000. An impressive 61.9% of University of Dayton graduates choose to work for law firms directly after graduation, while 3.2% decide to clerk for a judge and 14.3% pursue positions in the public interest. Moreover, 88.4% of University of Dayton graduates pass the bar exam on their first attempt, showing a dedication to academic excellence reflected in their ability to succeed in the legal profession. The University of Dayton School of Law provides an excellent foundation for students who want to make a difference in the legal world. With high salaries, desirable job placements, and a successful pass rate on the bar exam, University of Dayton law graduates are well-positioned to succeed in their chosen careers.

Synopsis

At the University of Dayton School of Law, they believe it is essential for students to develop their lawyering skills beyond the basics. After their first year, students are encouraged to expand their communication abilities further. This can be done through courses such as Appellate Practice and Procedure, Transactional Drafting, and a capstone course during their final year of legal studies. Each of these courses provides a unique opportunity for students to perfect their skillset and confidently approach challenging issues.

Contact Information

University of Dayton School of Law
Keller Hall
Admissions Office
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 2760
Phone: 937-229-3555
Email: lawinfo@udayton.edu

https://udayton.edu/law/jd_programs/index.php

Summary

Established	1922
Location	Dayton, Ohio
Dean	Andrew L. Strauss
2022 US News Ranking	122th
LSAT Median Score	153
GPA Median Score	3.53
Bar Passage Rate	88% (2022)
Employment Rate	30% (2022)
Cost	$36,946
Average Debt	$80,262
Application Deadline	May 1, 2023

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Reference

The University of Dayton School of Law
https://udayton.edu/law/index.php
Rank #122
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