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Northeastern University School of Law

The information on this page was provided by the law school.

Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs


The JD Program

Introduction

What’s the true definition of “experiential learning?” Graduating with nearly a full year of legal experience under your belt. Clinics, simulation courses, moot court competitions and other experiential learning opportunities are all part of the mix at Northeastern—just as they are at virtually every other law school—but only Northeastern guarantees every student nearly a year of full-time work experience in diverse environments through our signature Cooperative Legal Education Program. That’s why we have been nationally recognized as a top law school for practical training.

Consistently recognized as one of the top public interest law schools in the nation, the school’s commitment to social justice extends through the curriculum, co-op program, clinics, institutes and student groups, frequently reaching beyond the doors of the law school into the communities of Boston and around the globe. Our talented students, graduates, and faculty understand what it is lawyers do, how they should do it, and the difference they can make in the lives of others.

Northeastern law students are people who believe that if you don’t agree with the system, change it. They’re risk takers who enjoy using the law—and their careers—in both traditional and nontraditional ways. They’re team players who thrive when learning together, as opposed to succeeding at the expense of others. They’re realists who believe practical experience is critical to legal education, but they’re also passionate idealists who truly believe they can change the world.

The School of Law is a national leader in education, research, and service initiatives addressing the most pressing challenges facing society. Through the clinics, institutes, centers, and special programs, faculty and students advocate together for those too often underrepresented in the justice system. 

Putting Public Service into Practice

Nationally recognized as a leader in public interest law, Northeastern shares, supports, and encourages our students’ passion for justice. On average, 90 percent of students fulfill the school’s public interest law requirement through a public interest co-op. In addition, students take advantage of the school’s outstanding clinics and many student organizations are dedicated to improving people’s lives.

Financing Your Education

Last year, the School of Law awarded over $6.7 million in scholarships and grants to first-year students. A variety of merit-based scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students. These merit-based scholarships are guaranteed for the upper-level years as long as the student remains in good standing. The law school also provides co-op stipends, endowed scholarships, faculty awards, and a Loan Deferral and Forgiveness Program for qualified graduates pursuing careers in public interest law.

Additional Degrees

On-Campus LLM students may choose the General Program, which offers maximum flexibility to let you take the courses you want and need — to qualify for a US bar exam or to do whatever you choose as a lawyer who wants to make a difference — or one of our concentrations, which provide a competitive advantage in specific fields of interest. Students in the 12 month On-Campus LLM program complete a full-time co-op.

The Online LLM offers a 100 percent online flexible learning format designed for working attorneys. Online LLM students have the opportunity to participate in an optional one-week immersion experience in the San Francisco Bay Area.

For nonlawyers, Northeastern offers a Master of Science in Media Advocacy, a Master of Legal Studies, and graduate certificates in several areas of law. 

Learn more about the JD program at NUSL

Student Life

Career Placement and Bar Passage

You'll receive one-on-one guidance from a professional development advisor in the Center for Co-op and Career Development throughout your three years of law school. With assistance, you'll design a professional development strategy that includes both co-op and post-graduate planning. We’ll help you think creatively about your career.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have had the opportunity to assess your skills and interests, refine your resume and fine-tune your interview and job search skills — and you’ll have tested those skills in three separate workplaces.

Class of 2020 Major Areas of Legal Practice*

Law Firms: 40.4%
Public Interest: 28.1%
Judicial: 12.3%
Business and Industry: 11.1%
Government: 8.2%

*Due to rounding, percentages may not always appear to add up to 100%.

Learn more about career placement at NUSL

Tuition and Aid

Expense Cost
Tuition
$56,940.00
Fees
$253.00
Expected Cost of Attendance
$76,693.00

Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers

Northeastern seeks a student body with a broad set of interests, backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives. Such diversity is important in a law school which must train its graduates not only to analyze and interpret the law, but also to reflect on competing viewpoints, advance arguments persuasively in a variety of forums and develop policies affecting a broad range of people.

In making admission decisions, Northeastern University School of Law gives weight to the undergraduate GPA, LSAT score and other factors candidates bring to the process. For example, in making admissions decisions, the Admissions Committee considers letters of recommendation, essays, graduate training, special academic distinctions or honors, difficulty of the academic program completed, work experience and significant achievement in nonacademic activities or public service. If it appears that an applicant experienced disadvantages that adversely affected her or his past performance, this is considered in assessing the applicant’s potential to distinguish himself or herself in the study and practice of law.

Learn more about admission at NUSL

Admitted Applicant Profile

25-75% UGPA Range at Northeastern:

3.56 to 3.85

25-75% LSAT Score Range at Northeastern:

159 to 165

25-75% UGPA Range at Northeastern:

3.56 to 3.85

25-75% LSAT Score Range at Northeastern:

159 to 165

25-75% UGPA Range at Northeastern:

3.56 to 3.85

25-75% LSAT Score Range at Northeastern:

159 to 165