WEST CHESTER, PA — AccessLex Institute® has released its updated Legal Education Data Deck, providing valuable insights into law school admissions, diversity, and financial aid trends. The report highlights persistent disparities in access and affordability within legal education, emphasizing the need for systemic change.
The data reveals significant differences in admission rates among demographic groups. While 79% of White law school applicants received at least one offer of admission in 2024, only 45% of Black applicants were admitted. Gender disparities also persist, with 72% of male applicants gaining admission compared to 68% of female applicants.
The report also highlights concerning attrition rates. Black and Hispanic students accounted for 22% of first-year law school enrollment in the 2023-2024 academic year but made up 33% of non-transfer attrition after their first year. Conversely, White students represented 58% of first-year enrollment yet only 47% of this attrition group.
Financial aid distribution further underlines equity gaps. Institutional grants make up just 11% of the aid awarded to Black law students and 16% for Hispanic/Latine students, compared to 36% for White students. Conditional scholarships, which are linked to academic performance, have become less common, with only 19% of entering students receiving them in 2023, the lowest level since 2011.
“The Data Deck serves a dual purpose of informing the public of key trends in legal education while also providing evidence to support AccessLex Institute’s ongoing work to improve access, affordability, and value in legal education,” said Tiffane Cochran, Vice President of Research at AccessLex Institute. “The latest updates to the publication underscore the need for continued effort in these areas while strengthening our resolve to address them.”
With this comprehensive analysis, AccessLex Institute continues to shine a light on critical disparities within the legal education system, urging stakeholders to take action for a more equitable future.
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