Widener School of Law–Delaware
Since 1975, Delaware Law has been a highly respected institution in the region for over 40 years. Their law classes have graduated nearly 12,500 alumni, many of whom have become leaders in the legal field. Their professors are highly accomplished and well-known scholars whose work is often cited by legal professionals nationally and internationally. They are known for their innovative teaching approaches and tackling complex legal issues.
Contents
Admissions
The Delaware Law admission process considers many factors when reviewing applications, including academic achievement, work and life experience, extracurricular activities, and community service. They welcome diversity and strongly encourage women and ethnic minorities to apply. In addition, they require all applicants to submit a personal statement and highly recommend submitting a diversity statement.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 153 154 159 | 148 - 150 - 152 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 2.92 3.15 3.35 | 2.87 - 3.19 - 3.51 |
| Acceptance rate | 62.7% | 62.1% |
| Applications received | 1139 | 1180 |
| Acceptances | 714 | 1180 |
| Matriculants | 47 | 39 |
TAP
The Trial Admissions Program (TAP) allows applicants not admitted to be considered for law school. This program recognizes the potential for law school despite lower UGPA or standardized test scores. Only candidates that take the LSAT will be considered for TAP. Except for transfer students from ABA-approved law schools, Delaware Law does not grant JD credit for coursework taken before matriculation at the Law School.
Application Requirement
When you create an account on the LSAC website, you can begin the application process for Delaware Law. This process is paperless, and we only accept applications through your LSAC account. Any documents you want to submit as part of or in support of your application must also be submitted electronically here. The application fee is waived until February 3rd. Note: Delaware Law does not accept applications from students who have been academically disqualified from and are not in good standing at their previous law school. Once you submit your application, all communication between you and Delaware Law is handled via their check your application status page on their website and the primary email address you provided on your application.
LSAT
The LSAT is the main test used by Delaware Law for admissions and is administered multiple times throughout the year. More information can be found on the LSAC website. The GRE may also be considered for admission, but applicants must meet certain criteria. They must place in the top 10% of their undergraduate class or have a GPA of 3.5 or higher through six semesters of coursework. In addition, all official GRE score reports must be submitted for the past five years by December 1st of the year before enrolling. The GRE scores must also be equivalent to the top 50th percentile LSAT score based on the Educational Testing Services (ETS) GRE to LSAT conversion tool. Finally, an application must be submitted, including all GRE results, by December 1st of the year before enrolling.
Register for Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
Registration for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is required for all applicants to Delaware Law School. CAS assembles all your records, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional transcripts and letters of recommendation, and delivers them electronically to Delaware Law. For more information on CAS registration, visit lsac.org.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is an integral part of the application process, as it allows you to tell the admissions committee more about yourself. There is no specific topic, so you can write about whatever you want. You can share your academic accomplishments and experiences, but you should also discuss your interests and goals. The personal statement is an excellent opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are as a person beyond your test scores and GPA.
Letters of Recommendation
If you would like to be considered for admission to Delaware Law, you must submit your Letters of Recommendation through CAS. Letters of Recommendation are strongly suggested but not required for admission to Delaware Law. The most helpful letters are usually written by former professors, employers, or associates who have specific knowledge of your academic and professional achievements.
Transcripts
Please send transcripts from all the undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools you have attended to CAS so they can review your academic record. To be admitted to Delaware Law, you must have completed your baccalaureate degree by the time you start law school. An official final transcript showing receipt of your degree is required and must be sent from your degree-granting institution before your matriculation.
Character and Fitness
Your application's character and fitness questions should be answered completely and honestly. You are obliged to update your responses if they change, even after applying. In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of attending law school can be a lot to handle, but Delaware Law offers many scholarships to help make the investment more manageable. Along with competitive tuition and fees, we have various financial aid resources to help students cover the cost of their education. They encourage students to apply for financial aid as soon as they are admitted, and their staff is available to help with any questions you may have.
| Class | Division | Number of Credits | Tuition |
| Fall, 2022 1st Yr JD | Regular (full-time) | 32 | $57,376.00 |
| 2nd Yr JD | Regular (full-time) | 30 | $53,790.00 |
| 3rd Yr JD | Regular (full-time) | 28 | $50,204.00 |
| Fall, 2022 1st Yr JD | Extended (part-time) | 24 | $43,032.00 |
| 2nd, 3rd, 4th Yr JD | Extended (part-time) | 22 | $39,446.00 |
Combine your tuition cost with the components below to calculate your Cost of Attendance.
2022-2023 COA Components for JD Students
2022-2023 COA COMPONENTS FOR JD STUDENTS
| JD Regular Division | JD Extended Division | |||
| Off-Campus (includes campus housing) |
Commuter (living with parents) |
Off-Campus (includes campus housing) |
Commuter (living with parents) |
|
| JD Regular Division | JD Extended Division | |||
| Off-Campus (includes campus housing) |
Commuter (living with parents) |
Off-Campus (includes campus housing) |
Commuter (living with parents) |
|
| Fees* | $120 | $120 | $120 | $120 |
| Personal | $4,077 | $4,077 | $4,077 | $4,077 |
| Transportation | $3,168 | $3,168 | $3,168 | $3,168 |
| Room & Board | $13,284 | $4,743 | $13,284 | $4,743 |
| Books | $1,650 | $1,650 | $1,320 | $1,320 |
| Loan Fees | $1,162 | $1,162 | $1,162 | $1,162 |
| TOTAL | $23,461 | $14,920 | $23,131 | $14,590 |
2022-2023 AVERAGE COST OF ATTENDANCE:
| JD Regular Division | JD Extended Division | |||
| Off-Campus (includes campus housing) |
Commuter (living with parents) |
Off-Campus (includes campus housing) |
Commuter (living with parents) |
|
| Estimated Credit Load | 30 | 30 | 22 | 22 |
| Tuition | $53,790 | $53,790 | $39,446 | $39,446 |
| Fees* | $120 | $120 | $120 | $120 |
| Personal | $4,077 | $4,077 | $4,077 | $4,077 |
| Transportation | $3,168 | $3,168 | $3,168 | $3,168 |
| Room & Board | $13,284 | $4,743 | $13,284 | $4,743 |
| Books | $1,650 | $1,650 | $1,320 | $1,320 |
| Loan Fees | $1,162 | $1,162 | $1,162 | $1,162 |
| TOTAL | $77,251 | $68,710 | $62,577 | $54,036 |
Attending law school for the 2022-2023 academic year will be $1793.00 per credit hour. Students in their final year of law school will have an additional $675 added to their cost of attendance to cover the cost of one bar exam.
Scholarship
A law degree can be expensive, but Delaware Law offers generous merit-based scholarships, federal loans, and work-study programs to make the investment more manageable. Our Financial Aid staff is available to discuss your options for financing your legal education.
Scholarships and fellowships
Scholarships and fellowships are important at Delaware Law because they make legal education more affordable while also recognizing the significant achievements of their applicants. Their generous scholarship program provides renewable awards for as high as $111,000 throughout a student's full-time legal education. This is intended to recognize and honor their entering students' many distinctive academic, personal, and professional accomplishments. Delaware Law merit-based scholarships are awarded at the time of acceptance and are renewable for up to three years full-time. Four years for part-time students, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic performance.
- First State Merit Scholarship
The Delaware First State Merit Scholarship is offered to students with vital academic records who have demonstrated leadership and service backgrounds. This scholarship recognizes Delaware's history as the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.
- Delaware Select Merit Scholarship
The Delaware Select Merit Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate excellent academic achievement, high LSAT scores, and leadership and service experience. This scholarship is offered to help students attend Delaware Law School, which is nationally renowned for its commitment to civility, integrity, and thoughtful decisions that benefit the greater good. If you are an outstanding applicant and meet the eligibility requirements, you could be a recipient of this scholarship.
- Dean’s Select Merit Scholarship
The Dean's Select Merit Scholarship is a highly competitive award given to the top applicants to Delaware Law School. These scholarships are based on academic achievement and personal and professional accomplishments. Candidates selected for this scholarship have demonstrated leadership and service backgrounds and extracurricular involvement at the undergraduate level and are of solid character. The review of their accomplishments indicates that they are likely to significantly contribute to the law school and the communities they serve.
JD Grants
The Delaware Dean's Grant is a small grant awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. To be considered for this grant, students must complete their financial aid applications by April 1. The Delaware State Grant is awarded to Delaware residents with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and demonstrate financial need.
Loans
There are several loan options available to students seeking tuition assistance. You may be able to borrow money to pay for tuition, books, and living expenses, up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid you receive. The federal government offers subsidized and unsubsidized loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs. If you meet the criteria below, you should be eligible to borrow a Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan. If you are in a graduate program and require additional funding after receiving other aid, consider a GradPLUS Loan.
Academics and Curriculum
The Juris Doctor (JD) degree program at Delaware Law is highly respected and carries a lot of responsibility. As a JD candidate, you will work closely with some of the nation's most highly respected legal scholars and practitioners. Their experiential learning approach will encourage you to participate in clinics, externships, and trial advocacy. Their strong signature programs provide opportunities to delve more deeply into your interest. They offer a three-year, full-time JD degree program with day classes and a four-year, part-time program with evening classes. This allows you to choose the schedule that best balances your life and work commitments.
Faculty
The instructors are experienced professionals with a record of accomplishments in law. They bring their backgrounds into the classroom, offering real-world insights while supporting your intellectual and professional development. The faculty spends hours outside class mentoring our JD candidates one-on-one or in small groups, helping guide them toward becoming practicing lawyers.
Classroom
As a JD candidate, you must complete at least 12 experiential learning credits. These opportunities give you hands-on experience and help you establish yourself following graduation. In the process, you'll gain powerful industry connections in America's corporate capital.
Experiential Learning
The Delaware Law School offers many unique opportunities for students to gain real-world legal experience. The school has clinics and externships which allow students to work with clients and represent them in court. Many extracurricular activities and organizations allow students to develop their legal skills. Lastly, the school encourages volunteerism and community service.
Law Clinics
Here’s where you’ll have the chance to handle real cases for clients and cultivate the confidence you need as a lawyer in the courtroom.
- Delaware Civil Law Clinic: JD candidates provide pro bono legal representation, advice, and referrals to victims of domestic violence.
- Innocence Delaware Legal Clinic: JD students partner with the nonprofit Innocence Delaware to represent individuals unjustly incarcerated in the state.
- Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Clinic: Students obtain certification to represent indigent plaintiffs in criminal trials.
- Veterans Law Clinic: JD students advocate and seek compensation for veterans living with disabilities.
- Environmental and Natural Resources Clinic: Students represent not-for-profit organizations and individuals in court seeking to protect the environment and help uphold existing legislation.
Externships
Externships are an excellent way for JD candidates to earn academic credit while sharpening their research and writing skills and getting a firsthand look at the day-to-day life of a practicing attorney or judge. Delaware Law connects students with over 150 externship sites, with opportunities in many different fields, such as:
- Clinical, Judicial, and Health Law: JD candidates work directly with judges, public defenders, government officials, and other legal professionals.
- Josiah Oliver Wolcott Fellowship: Select JD candidates have an opportunity to serve as a clerk for the Delaware Supreme Court justice.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
The median salary for JD graduates from Widener University—Delaware who work in the private sector is $72,500. If they go into the private sector, a grad can expect to make $51,726. 39.5% of law graduates from Widener University—Delaware go directly to work for law firms, while 37.1% clerk for a judge. 4.8% of graduates go into public interest. 67.8% of Widener University—Delaware graduates pass the bar on their first try.
Quality of Life
Delaware Law's campus is in a quaint, walkable suburban setting with easy access to 60 percent of Fortune 500 companies in the United States. This provides many opportunities for students to gain experience and build their careers. In addition, the Delaware State Courts offer additional opportunities for students to practice law and launch their legal careers. The Career Development Office at Delaware Law is committed to helping students achieve their career goals. They offer workshops, training sessions, and networking events to help students prepare for life after law school. Furthermore, JD candidates have access to a network of over 12,000 alums who can provide support and advice.
Housing
Campus housing at Delaware Law offers a variety of options to fit your needs and lifestyle preferences. You can choose from single-occupancy residence halls to one- or two-bedroom apartments. Living on campus provides many benefits, including easy access to cultural and recreational activities, ample free parking, and 24-hour security. Please note that the campus is tobacco-free, and only service animals are allowed in residences.
Concord Residence Hall
The Concord Residence Hall is a three-story residence hall that offers single occupancy, same-gender housing in 66 fully furnished rooms. As a Concord Residence Hall resident, you'll enjoy many amenities and conveniences, such as comfortable living spaces, on-site laundry facilities, and 24/7 security.
Shipley Hall
As a resident of Shipley Residence Hall, you'll enjoy many amenities and conveniences. These include single occupancy, same-gender housing in 76 fully furnished rooms. You'll also have access to the following amenities: a twin bed, dresser, desk, chair, and two bookcases; wireless internet access and Ethernet; central air-conditioning and heating; an in-room microwave and refrigerator; kitchens and bathroom facilities on each wing; a shared student study room on the first floor with a conference table, chairs, and whiteboards; a shared television lounge on the second floor; coin-operated washers and dryers on the second floor; and a shared exercise room with a treadmill, bikes, ellipticals, and weights.
Town-Home Apartments
Their town-home apartments offer furnished one- and two-bedroom units that are perfect for students. Their units are based on a nine-month lease, which runs during the academic year. You'll have everything you need to make your space feel like home, but you're also welcome to bring in additional furniture, lamps, area rugs, and wall hangings to make it feel truly personal. As a resident, you'll enjoy many great amenities and conveniences.
Off-Campus Housing
Off-campus housing can be found at many affordable apartment complexes in the area. Students interested in off-campus housing should research the different complexes to find the one that best suits their needs.
Synopsis
Delaware Law is focused on preparing professionals with the skills and tools to shape their law careers. This may involve choosing a concentration in a specialty area or participating in a dual-degree program. Delaware Law offers many resources and support services to help JD candidates reach their career goals.
Contact Information
Delaware Law School
Office of Admissions
4601 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803
Phone: 302.477.2703
Email: delawarelaw@widener.edu
Apply Here!
Summary
| Established | 1975 |
| Location | Wilmington, DE 19803 |
| Dean | Alicia Kelly |
| 2022 US News Ranking | 147 |
| LSAT Median Score | 150 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.19 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 68% (2022) |
| Employment Rate | 29% (2022) |
| Cost | $57,376 |
| Average Debt | $117,443 |
| Application Deadline | 15-May-2023 |
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Reference
BCG Attorney's Advice for Associates
LSD Law
Ranked 147
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
