WEST CHESTER, PA — AccessLex Institute has released its newest Legal Education Data Deck, shedding light on various trends in law school admissions, degrees awarded, bar passage rates, and financial aid.
The data reveals persistent racial and ethnic disparities in law school admissions. While 79% of White applicants received at least one offer, only 47% of Black applicants did. Despite these challenges, the number of law degrees awarded to students of color reached a historic high of 31% in 2023.
Students of color made up 35% of first-year enrollments in the 2022-23 academic year but also accounted for 46% of withdrawals after the first year, a rise from the previous year. Bar passage rates also show disparities, with White examinees having higher first-time pass rates compared to their peers of color. However, the gap narrows for ultimate bar passage within two years after graduation.
Financial aid trends indicate that the proportion of law schools offering conditional scholarships decreased from 61% to 37%. Yet, the overall percentage of students receiving these scholarships remained stable. Additionally, nearly half of enrolled law students carry undergraduate debt, with an average outstanding balance of over $28,000.
“The latest trends in the Data Deck demonstrate that law schools have become more diverse and more generous with financial aid; yet challenges with the accessibility, affordability, and value of J.D. programs remain,” stated Tiffane Cochran, Vice President of Research, AccessLex Institute. “Despite these perennial issues, I am encouraged that law schools are equally persistent in advancing inclusivity and equity in legal education and the profession.”
AccessLex Institute continues to monitor these trends to help improve access, affordability, and value in legal education.
