The University of Akron School of Law offers a top-notch legal education at an affordable price. U.S. News & World Report lists our Intellectual Property Law, Trial Advocacy, and Part-time Studies programs as among of the best in the country. We also consistently earn high grades for IP, Trial Advocacy/Litigation and Practical Training from the National Jurist preLaw magazine.
As for affordability, tuition and fees for both Ohio residents and students from other states are under $25,000, and scholarships are guaranteed for up to three years in the full-time program or four years in the part-time program so long as you remain in good standing. Eighty-five percent of our most recent entering class received scholarships. Plus, our graduates’ average debt load is the lowest among Ohio’s law schools and among the lowest in the country.
Akron Law is nationally known for its emphasis on experiential learning. You can represent real clients, appear in court, draft agreements, help advise startup businesses, and hone your skills in competitions. Our trial advocacy teams are among the best in the country, with 23 national and regional titles and a No. 5 national ranking for 2018-2019. We offer seven live-client clinics, including our nationally recognized Reentry Clinic  and Immigration & Human Rights Law Clinic. Our Trademark Clinic is specially designated by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to allow students to prosecute trademark applications.
Opened in fall 2017, our newly renovated C. Blake McDowell Law Center features the latest classroom technology, the innovative David and Ann Amer Brennan Courtroom, plentiful study space, accessible student services, and the beautiful Beatrice K. McDowell Common with a café and fireplace for gatherings, events, or just hanging out.
Most law schools require you to begin your JD studies in the fall, but at Akron Law you can begin in January, May or August. Part-time students can complete all required courses with just two days a week of on-campus classes through our new Blended Online course schedule. Full-time students can earn both a JD and a Master’s degree in business, accountancy, taxation, public administration, applied politics, or intellectual property law in four years or less.
We are among the top schools in Ohio for bar passage and we have further enhanced our bar-preparation program through a partnership with bar review leader BARBRI that provides every student with tailored support services throughout their time at Akron Law at no additional cost. Our graduates’ employment rate has consistently exceeded 90% in recent years, above the national rate of about 88%. For joint degree holders, IP Certificate holders and JD/LL.M. graduates, the employment rate runs at or near 100%.
Northeast Ohio is a wonderful place to live and learn the law. The greater Akron area is a magnet for jobs, technology, and investment in industries including health care, education, manufacturing, bioscience, and polymers. Akron Law students have easy access to outdoor recreation, music and performing arts, and many pro sporting attractions. From Akron Law’s downtown location, students can walk to the state and federal courthouses and many law offices, as well as a variety of dining, entertainment, and residential options.