University of North Dakota School of Law

Established in 1899 and accredited in 1923, the University of North Dakota School of Law is the only ABA-accredited law school in North Dakota. The law school is located in Grand Forks, about seventy-five miles from the Canadian border. Some of UND's most notable alumni include US Representatives Earl Pomeroy and Edward Devitt; H.F. Gierk II, chief judge of the US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; and several chief justices of the North Dakota Supreme Court.

History

The University of North Dakota School of Law is a historic institution established in 1899, the first professional school within UND. At the time, they were led by Guy H. Corliss, the then-Chief Justice of North Dakota's Supreme Court. John E. Blair, a Harvard Law graduate, served as the school's first full-time instructor, secretary, and curriculum director. In 1904, under new dean Andrew Bruce, the admission requirements were lowered to only two years of high school education; despite this change, nearly all students passed their courses, which led to a jump in enrollment.

Since these early days, the University of North Dakota School of Law has become a premier educational institution renowned for its commitment to providing excellent legal education grounded in the principles of justice and fairness. The school emphasizes practical learning experiences that give students the knowledge and skills to practice law effectively. In addition, UND Law regularly hosts prominent speakers who address topics relevant to contemporary practice. By providing students with the guidance and resources they need to succeed, UND Law has become a leader in legal education.

Today, the University of North Dakota School of Law continues this commitment to excellence, developing innovative programs that prepare students for success in today's legal profession. Through its faculty, staff, and alum network, UND Law provides a supportive environment for legal education, ensuring that students receive the instruction they need to reach their professional goals. As UND Law continues its mission of excellence and innovation, it remains a cornerstone of quality legal education in the Midwest.

Admissions

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	158 - 163 - 165	160 - 163 - 164
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.62 - 3.73 - 3.91	33.44 - 3.68 - 3.81
Acceptance rate	18.0%	31.3%
Applications received	1790	1909
Acceptances	322	597
Matriculants	316	363

University of North Dakota School of Law has a highly competitive application process. During the 2022 admissions cycle, 386 applicants applied, and 211 were offered admission. 87 out of those 211 applicants accepted their offer, meaning that 41.23% of all applicants offered admission decided to attend the School of Law.

The 1L class at the University of North Dakota has a median LSAT score of 150, with the 25th percentile being 147 and the 75th percentile being 153. The median GPA for the 1L class is 3.39, with the 25th percentile GPA being 3.12 and the 75th percentile GPA being 3.68.

The University of North Dakota School of Law is an excellent choice for students looking for an institution with academic rigor and high standards. A yield rate of 41.23% demonstrates the school’s commitment to providing an education that meets its aspiring law students’ needs. The rigorous admissions process has given rise to a highly competitive student body, creating an ideal environment for students who want to challenge themselves and develop their legal knowledge.

Aspiring law students should consider the University of North Dakota School of Law as they apply to law schools during the 2022 admissions cycle. The school provides excellent opportunities for those willing to work hard and rise to meet its high standards. With a median LSAT of 150 and a median GPA of 3.39, it is an excellent choice for those looking to challenge themselves and pursue their legal ambitions.

It should be noted that the admissions process at the University of North Dakota School of Law is highly competitive, and only a small number of applicants will be offered admission each year. It is essential to take the time to research and familiarize yourself with the application process to increase your chances of being accepted into this prestigious institution.

Application Deadlines

The University of North Dakota School of Law has a set time frame for applications that all prospective students must adhere to. The deadline for completing application files is April 1st of the year before the applicant's desired enrollment period. After this date, applicants may be accepted until July 15th; however, these individuals may face rejection due to many students already admitted. To ensure the review process is started, all applicants must submit a non-refundable $35 application fee with their materials. Please do so to ensure a complete application and timely processing.

Acceptance

The University of North Dakota School of Law requires incoming students to begin their studies at the start of the Fall Semester. To guarantee their place in the program, all admitted students must make a non-refundable acceptance deposit of $300 to reserve their spot. The money is returned when all tuition fees are paid in full, and the School follows the guidelines of the Law School Admission Council by not requiring this deposit before April 1. New students need to note that if they do not make their acceptance deposits in time, their place in the program may be forfeited and offered to another student. Therefore, all applicants need to read the rules regarding acceptance deposits and make sure they submit payment promptly. The University of North Dakota School of Law provides an excellent education. They encourage all accepted students to take advantage of this opportunity by submitting their acceptance deposit as soon as possible.

Credential Assembly Service CAS

The University of North Dakota School of Law requires that all applicants register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). This service is administered by the Law School Admission Council and provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating and submitting law school applications. When registering, students must provide their undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores. The CAS will compile this information into a single report sent to all law schools to which an applicant has applied. This streamlines the application process and ensures that law schools receive accurate, consistent information about applicants. Registration with the Credential Assembly Service is essential to successfully apply to the University of North Dakota School of Law.

LSAT

The Law School Admission Council administers the LSAT, a mandatory examination for applicants who want to be admitted to the University of North Dakota's School of Law. This test is not intended to measure an applicant's knowledge in any subject but their aptitude for legal study. The LSAT is offered four times annually, with applicants encouraged to register for an administration. This will ensure the score is reported to the school before April of each year. This allows applicants time to have their application files reviewed by the admissions committee before they fill up with other applicants. Taking and performing well on the LSAT is vital to gain admission into the University of North Dakota's School of Law.

Transfers

Transferring to the University of North Dakota (UND) School of Law requires that students meet specific criteria related to their cumulative grade point average (GPA). Upon completion of one entire semester at UND, the student's GPA will be calculated, and a class rank will be assigned. This calculation will factor in the credits earned at their previously attended institution and any credits earned at UND. The GPA calculation is based on a 4.0 grading scale.

In addition, to be eligible for admission to the School of Law's J.D program, transfer students must either complete the first-year curriculum or have taken substantially equivalent courses and passed them successfully during their studies elsewhere. Any courses that have yet to be taken, or are deemed not substantially equivalent, must be completed at UND after admission.

The transfer student process is designed to ensure successful integration into the UND School of Law and best prepare students for their careers in law. The University's goal is to provide an equal opportunity for all qualified students to pursue an excellent legal education.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The University of North Dakota School of Law is a highly rated institution known for its premier legal education and strong academic performance. The tuition for the 2022/2023 year is based on credits enrolled and varied depending on state residency status. For North Dakota residents, the tuition rate is $579.85 per credit enrolled in. Minnesota residents pay $834.07 per credit enrolled in, and US non-residents pay $1,088.27 per credit enrolled in. All tuition rates are subject to change annually by policy set forth by the University of North Dakota Board of Trustees.

The school also offers several financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and work-study programs to help students pay for their education. In addition, the school offers loan forgiveness programs, student employment opportunities, and emergency aid funds. The University of North Dakota School of Law encourages students to apply for financial aid to ensure they have access to all available resources.

Overall, the University of North Dakota School of Law provides students with an excellent legal education and the opportunity to excel in their chosen careers. With reasonable tuition rates, generous financial aid options, and a commitment to excellence, UND School of Law is an excellent choice for aspiring legal professionals.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is essential to affording higher education, and it comes in many different forms. Scholarships are one of the most popular types of financial assistance for aspiring students, as they are gifts that don’t have to be paid back. Grants also fall into this category, though they tend to focus more on specific needs such as childcare or disability services and are usually need-based.

Loans

Loans are another type of financial aid that must be repaid with interest. They can come from the federal government, state governments, colleges, or private lenders. Employment is also a form of financial aid in which students work either on or off campus to earn money to pay for college expenses.

Grants

A grant is a monetary award that does not need to be repaid, though if the student decides to leave school earlier than expected, they may have to give back some of the money. Grants are awarded depending on an applicant's financial situation, and to determine eligibility for grants, applicants must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The University of North Dakota School of Law offers a variety of grants to help make pursuing an education more accessible and attainable. These grants are available to both undergraduate and graduate students at UND. Grants can be need-based, merit-based, or even subject-specific. They are designed to provide financial assistance to those who may otherwise be unable to cover tuition costs. Applying for grants can open up more opportunities and make it easier to pursue an education. The UND School of Law is dedicated to helping students succeed, so they have invested in various grant programs that offer financial support. If you are interested in applying for grants at UND, contact the Financial Aid Office for more information. They can guide the different options and help you determine what type of grant best suits your needs. With grants, students can get closer to realizing their educational dreams.

Academics and Curriculum

At the University of North Dakota School of Law, first-year law students are immersed in a rigorous program of study. Classes for 1Ls feature large lecture classes with up 83 students total. The faculty-to-student ratio is 14.4 to 1, as the school has 21 professors on staff. Each law student follows the same schedule of courses in the first year, which typically includes civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, legal process, property, and torts.

Though the workload is demanding, students report that it's manageable. Their peers say that the University of North Dakota School of Law professors is brilliant, accessible, and friendly. With the support of faculty members and their peers, students at the University of North Dakota School of Law can excel in a legal education that prepares them for their future careers.

Joint Degree Programs

Joint degree programs at the University of North Dakota School of Law and the UND School of Graduate Studies offer an opportunity for students to complete two prestigious degrees in a shorter amount of time. With just eight semesters, students can combine their studies to gain deeper insight into various legal subjects. Applicants must be admitted to the law school and the graduate studies program to be eligible for this program.

The joint degree programs offered at UND include a Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA), a Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences (JD/MSHES), and a Juris Doctor/Master of Social Work (JD/MSW). With the JD/MBA program, students understand business and law comprehensively. The JD/MSHES program focuses on legal issues in human health, the environment, and natural resources. Finally, the JD/MSW program enables students to learn about legal topics related to social work practice.

The joint degree program at the University of North Dakota offers students a unique and advantageous opportunity to earn two valuable educational credentials in a condensed amount of time. With just eight semesters, they can gain a comprehensive understanding of both law and their chosen field, setting them up for success in their career pursuits.

Experimental Learning

At the University of North Dakota School of Law, students have numerous experiential learning opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience in legal studies. These experiences allow students to develop a comprehensive set of skills deemed as "practice-ready" for when they graduate. As part of their curriculum, each student must complete six credit hours through externships, simulation courses, skills competitions, and other programs.

At UND Law, students can gain invaluable experience in various fields, such as criminal law, by participating in the Innocence Project. This program allows students to investigate wrongful convictions and advocate on behalf of those who were wrongfully convicted. The experience allows our students to understand the complexities of criminal law, such as challenges in gathering evidence, developing witness testimonies, and constructing legal arguments.

UND Law also offers simulation courses that enable students to understand common legal issues encountered by practicing lawyers. These courses provide students with the opportunity to hone their skills in the areas of trial preparation, negotiation, and mediation. Through each of these simulations, students can apply the fundamentals they have learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios.

EXternships

At the University of North Dakota School of Law, students have numerous experiential learning opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience in legal studies. These experiences allow students to develop a comprehensive set of skills deemed "practice-ready" for graduation. As part of their curriculum, each student must complete six credit hours through externships, simulation courses, skills competitions, and other programs.

At UND Law, students can gain invaluable experience in various fields, such as criminal law, by participating in the Innocence Project. This program allows students to investigate wrongful convictions and advocate on behalf of those who were wrongfully convicted. The experience allows our students to understand the complexities of criminal law, such as challenges in gathering evidence, developing witness testimonies, and constructing legal arguments.

Quality of Life

The University of North Dakota School of Law is an excellent choice for those interested in studying law. It provides the community and amenities of a college town, such as brand-new housing options for on-campus and off-campus living. The cost of living in North Dakota is relatively low, making it easy to remain within budget. When considering Grand Forks, it is essential to note that the temperatures can drop below zero during the winter. However, despite the cold weather, crime in Grand Forks is practically nonexistent.

Many student organizations at UND Law create a great social atmosphere for students on campus. Additionally, there are several bars nearby that students can easily access. These establishments provide a great opportunity for students to socialize and unwind after long days of studying or attending classes.

Overall, the University of North Dakota School of Law is a great option for law students looking for an excellent educational experience in a safe and affordable environment. With its vibrant campus life, cold weather, and low cost of living, UND Law provides a unique educational experience that can prepare its students for success.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

University of North Dakota School of Law is a great place to earn a JD degree. After earning their degree, alums had a median salary of $64,649 if they chose to work in the private sector. This number rises to an average of $66,000 for those in the same field. Of the graduates that enter the workforce, 46.6% go to work for law firms, 15.5% clerk for a judge, and 1.7% enter public interest careers. Additionally, 85.7% of the University of North Dakota graduates pass the bar on their first try. All these facts make UND School of Law an excellent choice in legal education and career preparation. UND School of Law provides quality education and successful opportunities for its students, with a supportive community to back them in their journey. Those who invest in their future at the University of North Dakota School of Law can look forward to an impressive job market and solid career prospects.

Synopsis

The law school boasts a combination of rock-bottom tuition prices for residents and a decent in-state reputation. Salaries may not be high for graduates, but the average amount of student debt does not dwarf them. Since the cost of living in the state is low and the likelihood of getting a job is high, any debt incurred from law school should not be completely unmanageable. Students who want to work in North Dakota should have a few reservations about applying to UND.

Contact Information

University of North Dakota School of Law
Office of JD Admissions
215 Centennial Drive, Stop 9003
Grand Forks, ND 58202
(701) 777-2047
admissions@law.und.edu
http://www.law.und.nodak.edu

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Reference

LSD Law
Ranked 147
Guide to Fee Waivers
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