Legal Education Data Deck

KEY TRENDS ON ACCESS, AFFORDABILITY AND VALUE

October

2022

Foreword

The 2022 Legal Education Data Deck utilizes datasets made publicly available by third parties to offer a snapshot of certain trends organized around the three guiding principles of AccessLex Institute’s research agenda: access, affordability and value in legal education. This is a living document that is updated periodically — AccessLex welcomes comments, criticisms and suggestions in order to make this as useful a tool as possible for all those we serve.

The data contained herein exists thanks to the work of the Law School Admission Council, the National Conference of Bar Examiners, the National Association for Law Placement, the American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Labor. We thank these and other organizations for making such data available.

AccessLex Institute uses these data as the basis for the presentation, analysis and commentary contained herein, and takes sole responsibility for the quality and accuracy of such presentation, analysis and commentary.

AccessLex.org iii

About AccessLex Institute

AccessLex Institute, in partnership with its nearly 200 nonprofit and state-affiliated ABA-approved member law schools, has been committed to improving access to legal education and to maximizing the affordability and value of a law degree since 1983. The AccessLex Center for Legal Education Excellence® advocates for policies that make legal education work better for students and society alike, and conducts research on the most critical issues facing legal education today. The AccessLex Center for Education and Financial Capability® offers on-campus and online financial education programming and resources to help students confidently manage their finances on their way to achieving personal and professional success. AccessLex Institute is a nonprofit organization headquartered in West Chester, PA.

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Law Students in the United States

Fall 2021 J.D. Enrollment, by State.

Note: This map includes the 196 ABA-approved AccessLex Institute member schools reporting enrollment as of 2021.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2022a. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute. AccessLex.org

v 2,501 or more 501–1,000

500 or fewer

reported ME VT NH MA CT RI MI NY PA NJ IN OH MN WI MT ND WA MD DE IL WV SD IA ID WY OR VA DC MO KY CO NE CA UT TN NC KS AR NM NV AZ AL SC OK MS TX LA GA FL PR AK HI

1,001–2,500

No J.D. enrollment

Access 1

Applicants, Admission and Matriculation in Law School

Law School Applicants, Admits and Matriculants, 2005–2021 ................................................................................................................................................... 2

Law School Admission Rates, 2005–2021 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Application and Admission Rates by Gender, 2016–2021 ......................................................................................................................................................... 4

Total J.D. Enrollment by Gender, 1982–2021 5

Racial and Ethnic Diversity of Law School Applicants, 2021 ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

Admission Rates by Race/Ethnicity and Overall, 2021 .............................................................................................................................................................. 7

Law School Enrollment

Percentage of Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded to Minority Students ................................................................................................................................................. 8 and Percentage of First-Year Enrolled Minority J.D. Students, 2012–2020

Highest Level of Parent Education Among Graduate Students by Type of Program, 2017–18 9

Percentage of Students Enrolled in Graduate and Professional Programs 10 Who Received Pell Grants as Undergrads, 2017–2018

J.D. and Non-J.D. Enrollment, 2012–2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Percent of 1L Enrollment vs. Percent of 1L Non-Transfer Attrition, 2020–21 12

Number of Law Schools Accounting for Half or More Law Students of Each Race/Ethnicity, 2020 .............................................................................................. 13

J.D. Degrees Awarded

Share of J.D. Degrees Awarded by Race and Ethnicity, 2021 14

Total J.D. Degrees Awarded and Percentage of J.D. Degrees Awarded to 15 Ethnic Minorities at ABA-Approved Law Schools, 2005–2020

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Affordability Value

Average Full-Time Tuition and Fees (in 2021 Dollars) by School Type and Residency, 2012–2020 17

Median Grant Amount Awarded to Full-Time Students, 2012-2020… 18

Share of Full-Time Students Receiving Institutional Grants, 2012-2020 ...................................................................................................................................... 19

Trends in Awarding and Eliminating Conditional Scholarships at ABA Approved Law Schools, 2012-2020 ................................................................................. 20

Percentage of Law Students Who Still Owe on Undergraduate Loans, 2017–18 ........................................................................................................................ 21

Percentage of Law Students Who Worked While Enrolled, by Year and Institution Type, 2004–2016 22

Percentage of Law Graduates Who Borrowed for Graduate Education, by Year and Institution Type, 2004–2016 ........................................................................ 23

Cumulative Amount Borrowed (in 2019 Dollars) by Law Students While Enrolled, by Year and Institution Type, 2004–2016 ......................................................... 24

Average Amounts Borrowed by Graduate Degree Type (in 2019 Dollars) ................................................................................................................................. 25

Occupations Requiring Graduate or Professional Degree with Largest 10-Year Projected Increase in Employment, 2018–2028 ..................................................... 27

Percentage of ABA-Approved Law School Graduates Passing the Bar By Attempt and Administration, 2011-2021 28

First-Time Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of ABA-Approved Law Schools by State, 2021 ........................................................................................................ 29

Change in First-Time Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of ABA-Approved Law Schools, by Exam Jurisdiction, 2020 to 2021 ........................................................ 30

Recent J.D. Graduates by Employment Status, 2010–2021 ...................................................................................................................................................... 31

Full-Time and Part-Time Employment of Recent J.D. Graduates, 2010–2021 32

Recent J.D. Graduate Employment by Sector, 2010–2021 33

Median Salary (in 2021 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by Sector, 2010–2021 ..................................................................................................................... 34

Median Salary (in 2021 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by Employment Type, 2010–2021 .................................................................................................... 35

Whether Graduate Degree Attained in 2008 Was Worth the Cost, 2018 Retrospective .............................................................................................................. 36

Detailed Data Sources

16 26 37 AccessLex.org vi

ACCESS

Law School Applicants, Admits and Matriculants, 2005 – 2021

Between 2020 and 2021, the number of applicants, admitted applicants, and matriculants increased. This marks the fourth consecutive year of increase in the number of applicants; the increase in the number of admitted applicants and matriculants is a departure from 2020’s slight decline of each.

Data Source: Law School Admission Council, 2022. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 2 Fall 2005 Fall 2006 Fall 2007 Fall 2008 Fall 2009 Fall 2010 Fall 2011 Fall 2012 Fall 2013 Fall 2014 Fall 2015 All Terms 2016 All Terms 2017 All Terms 2018 All Terms 2019 All Terms 2020 All Terms 2021

42,500 48,600 71,100

50,000 100,000 Applicants Admitted Applicants Matriculants

Law School Admission Rates, 2005 – 2021

The overall law school admission rate decreased between 2020 and 2021, with 68 percent of applicants receiving offers of admission versus 70 percent in the previous year.

Data Source: Law School Admission Council, 2022. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

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Fall 2005 Fall 2006 Fall 2007 Fall 2008 Fall 2009 Fall 2010 Fall 2011 Fall 2012 Fall 2013 Fall 2014 Fall 2015 All Terms 2016 All Terms 2017 All Terms 2018 All Terms 2019

All Terms 2020 All Terms 2021

71% 67% 59%

75% 68% 78% 0% 50% 100%

Application and Admission Rates by Gender, 2017 – 2021

Female applicants make up an increasing share of law school applicants. Admission rates for men have historically outpaced rates for women, but in 2021 women were admitted at a higher rate than the previous year, which has not occurred for either men or women since 2014. Men continued to experience a decrease in admission rates.

Female Male

Law School Applicants by Gender Law School Admission Rates by Gender

Note: Applicants by gender do not sum to 100%. Since 2014-2015, the American Bar Association has included “Other” as a gender category. The enrollment reported for this category is too small to appear in this figure.

Data Source: Law School Admission Council, 2022. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 4 0% 40% 80% 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 0% 40% 80% 56% 55% 54% 54% 53% 42% 43% 44% 45% 46% 68% 72% 70% 71% 69% 72% 71% 75% 73% 77%

Total J.D. Enrollment by Gender, 19 8 3 -2021

Prior to 2000, male and female J.D. enrollment primarily moved inversely, with male enrollment falling as female enrollment increased. After 2000 they moved in tandem, until female enrollment surpassed male enrollment for the first time in 2017. Since then, female enrollment has increased while male enrollment has declined.

75,000

100,000 67,000 55,100

50,000

70,600 72,700 74,800 46,400

25,000

76,200

61,500

Note: Since 2014-15, the American Bar Association has included “Other” as a gender category. The enrollment reported for this category is too small to appear in this figure.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2022a and 2022b. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

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1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 52,100 64,900 Male Female

Racial and Ethnic Diversity of Law School Applicants, 2021

The racial and ethnic composition of law school applicants has remained relatively stable in recent years. In 2021, White applicants comprised roughly half of the applicant pool, while Black, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino applicants collectively comprised approximately one-third.

Data Source: Law School Admission Council, 2022. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 6 53% 11% 10% 11% 9% 0.4% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Caucasian/White Black/African American Hispanic/Latino incl. Puerto Rican Two or More Asian American Indian/ Alaska Native 0.1% Native Hawaiian/ Other Paci c Islander 6% Not Indicated

Admission Rates by Race/Ethnicity and Overall, 2021

Admissions rates differ markedly between racial/ethnic categories with 76 percent of White applicants gaining admission compared to 48 percent of Black applicants and 56 percent of Hispanic/Latino applicants.

Overall: 70%

Data Source: Law School Admission Council, 2022. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 7

76% 71% 69% 66% 63% 51% 0% 25% 50% 75% Caucasian/White Not Indicated Two or More Asian 48% Native Hawaiian/ Other Paci c Islander Hispanic/Latino incl. Puerto Rican American Indian/ Alaska Native Black/African American 56% 100%

Percentage of Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded to Minority Students and Percentage of First-Year Enrolled Minority J.D. Students, 2014–2021

The increase in the proportion of underrepresented minority students among first-year law school students broadly reflects the change in the proportion among bachelor’s degree recipients over the period from 2013-14 to 2019-20.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2022b. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, 2022. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

Percentage of First-Year Enrolled Minority and Non-minority Students Percentage of Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded to Racial/Ethnic Minority and Non-minority Students AccessLex.org 8 33% 67% 31% 69% 0% 25% 50% 100% 75% 31% 69% 32% 68% 32% 68% 32% 68% 31% 69% 33% 67% 32% 68% 2014 15 2016 17 2015 16 2018 19 2017–18 2020 21 2019 20 39% 61% 0% 25% 50% 100% 75% 35% 65% 36% 64% 37% 63% 38% 62% 2014 15 2013 14 2016 17 2015 16 2018–19 2017 18 2019 20 Minority Minority Non-minority Non-minority

Highest Level of Parent Education Among Graduate Students by Type of Program, 2017–2018

Recent estimates indicate that students who were the first in their families to go to college are in the minority among students enrolled in graduate programs. In 2017–2018, less than 20 percent of law students had a parent whose educational attainment was a high school diploma or less.

High School Diploma or Less College or Beyond

Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine

Other Medicine Law (LLB or J.D.)

Other Doctoral Ph.D.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master ʼ s Education (Ed.D.)

Master of Public Admin or Policy (MPA/MPP)

Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2017-18 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study-Administrative Collection, Graduates (NPSAS-AC:18). Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

Master’s includes: Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education or Teaching, Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Other masters degree

Other Doctoral includes: Doctor of Science or Engineering, Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Doctor of Business or Public Admin, Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA), Doctor of Theology (ThD), Other Doctor’s Degree

Other Medicine includes: Dentistry (DDS, DMD), Chiropractic (DC, DCM), Pharmacy (PharmD), Optometry (OD), Podiatry (DPM, DP, PodD), Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

81%

19%

90% 20% 80% 27% 73% 32% 68% 33% 67% 35% 65% 42% 58% 50% 50% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

0% 10%

AccessLex.org 9

Percentage of Students Enrolled in Graduate and Professional Programs Who Received Pell Grants as Undergrads, 2017–2018

The proportion of students enrolled in graduate and professional programs who received Pell Grants as undergraduate students varies by discipline. It is estimated that nearly 40% of law school students enrolled in 2017-2018 previously received a Pell Grant to help fund their undergraduate studies.

Master of Public Admin/Policy (MPA/MPP)

Master ʼ s Education (Ed.D.)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Law (LLB or J.D.)

Other Medicine

Other Doctoral Ph.D. Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine

Note: Data presented reflects only U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students are excluded from analysis due to differences in financial aid eligibility.

Master’s includes: Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education or Teaching, Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Other masters degree

Other Medicine includes: Dentistry (DDS, DMD), Chiropractic (DC, DCM), Pharmacy (PharmD), Optometry (OD), Podiatry (DPM, DP, PodD), Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

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60% 47% 41% 41% 39% 36% 33% 32% 28%

J.D. and Non-J.D. Enrollment, 2013–2021

Non-J.D. students make up a greater share of law school enrollment today than observed eight years ago. The percentage of non-J.D. students has more than doubled since 2013. However, a slight decrease in the share of non-J.D. occurred in the 2021-2022 academic year.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2022. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

7% 93% 9% 91% 10% 90% 11% 89% 14% 86% 15% 85%

16% 84%

15% 85%

13% 87% Percent J.D. enrollment Percent non-J.D. enrollment 0% 50% 100%

AccessLex.org

2018–19 2019–20 2016–17 2015–16 2014–15 2013–14

2020–21

2021–22

2017–18

Percent of 1 L Enrollment vs. Percent of 1 L Non-Transfer

Attrition, 2020–2021

Minority students are over-represented in the group of students who withdraw between their first and second years of law school. In 2021, minority students comprised 33 percent of enrollment but made up 47 percent of withdrawals. In particular, students identifying as Hispanic/Latino, Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, are over-represented relative to their enrollment.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2022a. Data Presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 12 0% 25% 50% 75% White Hispanic/ Latino Black or African American Two or More Asian Unknown Non Resident American Indian/ Alaska Native Native Hawaiian/Other Paciﬁc

61% 13.2% 19.9% 4.2% 2.8% 1.9% 1.0% 0.5% 3.5% 5.1% 0.2% 0.7% 6.8% 47% 8.1% 16.7% 3.1% 4.1% 1L Attrition 1L Enrollment

Islander

Number of Law Schools Accounting for Half or More Law Students of Each Race/Ethnicity, 2021

The chart displays the minimum number of ABA-approved schools whose combined enrollments make up half or more of each racial/ethnic group. For instance, half of all Asian law students are enrolled at just 33 of the 197 ABA-approved law schools. Overall, this chart indicates that underrepresented minority students are concentrated within a few law schools.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2021a. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 13 0 25 50 75 Native Hawaiian/ Other Paciﬁc Islander Asian 11 21 27 33 37 38 63 Non-resident Alien American Indian/ Alaska Native Hispanic/Latino Black/African American Caucasion/White

Share of J.D. Degrees Awarded by Race and Ethnicity, 2021

In 2021, White students comprised nearly two-thirds of law school graduates, while Black, Asian, and Hispanic/ Latino applicants collectively comprised roughly one-quarter.

Note: “Remaining” includes students who identified as American Indian or Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. Data Source: American Bar Association, 2022a. Data Presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 14 0 25 50 75 Non-resident Alien Two or more races Asian Hispanic/Latino Black/African American Caucasion/White Remaining Groups 1% 3% 3% 6% 12% 7% 63% Unknown Race 4%

Total J.D. Degrees Awarded and Percentage of J.D. Degrees Awarded to Ethnic Minorities at ABA-Approved Law Schools, 2007–2021

The number of J.D. degrees awarded per year increased between 2006 and 2012 but began to decline in 2013. The number of J.D. degrees awarded increased between 2019 and 2020, continuing the slight increase seen between 2018 and 2019. The percentage of degrees awarded to minority students has been stable at 31 percent since 2017.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2022a and 2022b. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 15 2020–2021 35,723 0 30,000 40,000 50,000 10,000 22% 43,588 44,004 44,258 44,495 46,478 46,763 43,767 39,958 37,173 34,991 34,513 34,233 20,000 0% 70% 60% 80% 90% 100% 20% 10% 30% 40% 50% 2007–2008 2008–2009 2009–2010 2010–2011 2011–2012 2012–2013 2013–2014 2014–2015 2015–2016 2016–2017 2017–2018 2018–2019 2019–2020 34,401 31% Share of J.D.s Awarded to Minorities

AFFORDABILITY

Average Full-Time Tuition and Fees (in 2021 Dollars) by School Type and Residency, 2013–2021

Average tuition and fees for full-time students dropped substantially. Average private school tuition and fees dropped to an amount not seen since 2016. Public resident tuition and fees dropped to approximate 2014 levels, and non-resident tuition and fees for public law schools fell below 2013 levels.

Private

$40,000

$20,000

$60,000 $43,130 $27,940 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

$49,120 2020

Public Non-Resident Public Resident

Note: Figures shown are inflation adjusted using the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) from July of the year indicated.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2022a and 2022b. Data presentation, including conversion to real dollars, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

$40,860 $28,480

$50,770 2021

AccessLex.org 17

Median Grant Amount Awarded to Full-Time Students, 2012–2020

The median grant amount awarded to full-time students receiving aid increased by more than 50 percent between 2012 and 2020. In 2012, the median amount law schools awarded to at least half their grant recipients was $14,100. By 2021 that amount increased to $21,400.

$20,000

$15,000

$10,000

$5,000 $0

$25,000 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

$20,600

$21,400 $14,100

$20,375 $18,000 $15,000 $12,500

Note: The median value displayed here is the median of all school level median grant amounts.

$20,000

$19,400 $16,400 2020

Adjusted 2020 Dollars Unadjusted 2012

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2022a. Data presentation, including conversion to real dollars, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 18

Share of Full-Time Students Receiving Institutional Grants, 2012–2020

The share of full-time students who received any grant amount increased from roughly half in 2012 to 73 percent in 2020. Similarly, the proportion of students who received a grant totaling at least half their tuition and fees increased 14 percentage points over the same period. Combined with the increase in median grant amounts shown on the previous page, these changes indicate schools are providing greater tuition discounting to students.

Any grant Greater than full tuition Full tuition At least half tuition Less than half tuition

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2022a. Data presentation, including conversion to real dollars, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 19

2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 56% 37% 3% 14% 4% 5% 25% 39% 72% 75% 38% 29% 66% 50% 75% 0% 25% 100% 6% 41% 2019 37% 6% 20% 2020 2% 28% 73%

Trends in Awarding and Eliminating Conditional Scholarships at ABA Approved Law Schools, 2012–2020

From 2012 to 2020, the share of schools awarding conditional scholarships decreased from 61 percent to 42 percent, with bulk of that change occurring between 2014 and 2015. During the same period, the proportion of all entering law students who received conditional scholarships remained stable, at or near 25 percent. Of the students who received conditional scholarships, a smaller proportion’s awards were eliminated in 2020 compared to previous years.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2022a. Data presentation, including conversion to real dollars, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

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0% 25% 50% 75% 100% 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 31% 26% 24% 25% 61% 42% 2019 Share of Awards Eliminated Share of First Year Class Receiving Share of Schools Awarding 2020

Percentage of Law Students Who Still Owe on Undergraduate Loans, 2017–2018

Nearly half of enrolled law school students are carrying undergraduate debt. In 2017–2018, the average amount of debt still owed among those with outstanding undergraduate loans was nearly $28,000.

Percentage of law students who still owe on undergraduate loans 56%

Percentage of law students who do not owe on undergraduate loans

Note: Data presented reflects only U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students are excluded from analysis due to differences in financial aid eligibility.

AccessLex.org 21

44%

Percentage of Law Students Who Worked While Enrolled, by Year and Institution Type, 2004–2016

More than half of enrolled law students reported earnings from off-campus employment at both public and private, nonprofit schools. Their median hourly earnings were $15 in 2015–2016.

Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Educational Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, NPSAS:04, NPSAS:08, NPSAS:12 and NPSAS:16. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 22 0% 100% 2004 2008 2012 2016 55% 55% 55% 56% 58% 57% 55% 56% 55% 59% 57% 58%

Institution types Public Private nonprofit

All

Percentage of Law Graduates Who Borrowed for Graduate Education, by Year and Institution Type, 2004–2016

A majority of law graduates use loans to fund their graduate education. However, the proportion of graduates who borrowed declined by 17 percentage points between 2012 and 2016.

Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Educational Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, NPSAS:04, NPSAS:08, NPSAS:12 and NPSAS:16. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 23 0% 100% 2004 2008 2012 2016 87% 83% 89% 92% 95% 91% 88% 89% 88% 71% 66% 71%

Institution types Public Private nonprofit

All

Cumulative Amount Borrowed (in 2020 Dollars) by Law Students

While Enrolled, by Year and Institution Type, 2004–2016

As the percentage of law graduates who borrowed declined, the average cumulative amount of graduate debt also decreased between 2012 and 2016.

Note: Minimum reporting standards were not met for law school graduates who attended public institutions in 2016. Data presented reflects only U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Foreign/international students are excluded from analysis due to differences in financial aid eligibility. Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Educational Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, NPSAS:04, NPSAS:08, NPSAS:12 and NPSAS:16. Data presentation, including conversion to real dollars, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute. AccessLex.org

$64,400 $112,200 $96,500 $94,700

$67,200 $108,300

0% 40,000 20,000 80,000 60,000 120,000 100,000 160,000 140,000 2004 2008 2012 2016

$137,700 $126,200

$113,000 $148,500 $132,400 All Institution types Public Private nonprofit

Average Amounts Borrowed by Graduate Degree Type (in 2020 Dollars), 2016

Compared to other 2016 graduate degree recipients, law graduates borrowed, on average, less for their undergraduate education, but more for their graduate education. The average amount law students borrowed for undergraduate education was $2,300 less than the overall average of $26,900 (8.5 percent). However, the amount law students borrowed for graduate school exceeded all other graduate and professional degree recipients except medical students.

AccessLex.org 25 Master of Business Administration (MBA) 0 $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000 $250,000 $28,700 $27,800 $60,000 $27,900 $61,600 $17,500 $86,000 $22,100 $27,900 $114,900 $61,100 Master ʼ s Master or Public Admin or Policy Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Doctor or Philosophy (Ph.D.) Other Doctoral Law (LLB or J.D.) Other Medicine Medicine or

Medicine $24,800 $20,400 $173,400 $31,000 $221,800 $87,500 $139,800

Osteopathic

citizens and permanent residents. Foreign/international

are

For Undergraduate For Graduate For Graduate and Undergraduate

Note: Data presented reflects only U.S.

students

excluded from analysis due to differences in financial aid eligibility. Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Educational Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, NPSAS:16. Data presentation, including conversion to real dollars, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

VALUE

Occupations Requiring Graduate or Professional Degree with Largest Projected Increase in Employment, 2019 – 2029

The latest occupational outlook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects lawyer positions will have the third largest increase in openings among positions requiring a graduate or professional degree.

Health specialties teachers post secondary

Physical therapists Lawyers

all other and ophthalmologists, except

Data Source: U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020, September. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 27

Physicians,

pediatric Veterinarians 0 14,200 32,300 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 52,100 18,500 47,000

Percentage of ABA-Approved Law School Graduates Passing the Bar by Attempt and Administration, 2011 – 2021

Bar passage rate declines have been most pronounced for February takers in recent years, falling 16 percentage points from 2011 to 2020 for first-time takers and 19 percentage points for repeat takers over the same period. Meanwhile, July first-time takers’ bar passage rates fluctuated between 83 percent and 74 percent, declining from 82 percent in 2020 to 77 percent in 2021. Similarly, July repeat takers’ pass rates dropped sharply from 40 percent in 2020 to 22 percent in 2021. COVID-19 pandemic disruptions may have affected the number of bar exam attempts and bar passage rates in 2020.

63%

77% 34% 22%

February, First-Time February, Repeat

July, First-Time July, Repeat

Data Source: National Conference of Bar Examiners, 2012–2022. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute. Note: 2020 bar passage rates include data from states which adopted the use of diploma privilege in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those graduating with diploma privilege are counted as successfully passing the bar exam. AccessLex.org

25% 50%

33%

52%

43%

75% 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 100% 83%

78%

2020

30% 66% 74% 2021

First-Time Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of ABA-Approved Law Schools by State, 2021

In 2021, 77 percent of all first-time exam takers from ABA-approved law schools passed the bar. However, bar passage rates vary among jurisdictions, generally ranging from 60 to 90 percent.

Note: Bar passage is shown by the state of bar administration, not the location of the exam taker’s law school.

Data Source: National Conference of Bar Examiners, 2022. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 29 69% or less 70%–74% 75%–79% 80% or more 63% ME 62% VT 69% NH 80% MA 73% CT 74% RI 72% MI 86% NY 75% PA 69% NJ 74% IN 79% OH 79% MN 78% WI 76% MT 66% ND 83% WA 75% MD 81% DE 76% IL 60% WV 70% SD 73% IA 77% ID 75% WY 81% OR 78% VA 71% DC 74% MO 77% KY 76% CO 69% NE 77% CA 90% UT 71% TN 80% NC 78% KS 77% AR 77% NM 66% NV 76% AZ 74% AL 74% SC 78% OK 82% MS 78% TX 74% LA 78% GA 70% FL 34% PR 80% AK 74% HI

*Delaware canceled both February and July bar exams in 2020.

Change in First-Time Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of ABA-Approved Law Schools, by Exam Jurisdiction, 2020 – 2021

Between 2020 and 2021, a majority of states reported decreases in first-time bar passage rates among graduates of ABA-approved law schools. Of the 37 jurisdictions where pass rates declined, seven reported decreases greater than ten percentage points. However, given the anomalous circumstances surrounding bar examinations in 2020, comparisons to 2021 should be interpreted with caution.

Data Source: National Conference of Bar Examiners, 2021 and 2022. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

*Delaware canceled both February and July bar exams in 2020.

AccessLex.org 30 N/A 6%–14% 1–5% No change -5% – -1 -10% – -6% -21% – -11% -21% ME -16% VT -7% NH -4% MA -2% CT 14% RI -6% MI 0% NY -5% PA -2% NJ -6% IN -5% OH -5% MN -1% WI -6% MT -12% ND 12% WA -2% MD DE* -5% IL 21% WV 0% SD -9% IA 0% ID 1% WY -6% OR -6% VA -4% DC -11% MO -4% KY -4% CO -16% NE -1% CA 12% UT -9% TN -4% NC -11% KS -7% AR -9% NM -5% NV -1% AZ -6% AL 1% SC -9% OK 3% MS 3% TX 14% LA 2% GA 1% FL -1% PR 4% AK -6% HI

Recent J.D. Graduates by Employment Status, 2010 – 2021

Data Source: National Association for Law Placement, 2022. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 31 Bar passage required J.D. advantage Unemployed-Seeking All others 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 50,000 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 15% 6% 11% 68% 12% 10% 13% 65% 9% 10% 15% 66% 9% 10% 14% 67% 9% 9% 15% 68% 8% 8% 12% 72% 8% 7% 12% 73% 12% 11% 13% 64% 11% 11% 14% 64% 41,156 41,623 42,139 35,815 33,966 2019 7% 6% 11% 76% 44,339 44,637 38,627 33,007 33,510 2020 7% 8% 10% 75% 33,235 2021 6% 5% 11% 78% 34,562

Employment outcomes for the Class of 2021 were particularly strong compared to previous cohorts. Between 2020 and 2021, both the number of J.D. graduates and the number of employed graduates increased. The percentage of graduates with jobs requiring licensure rose three percentage points, and the number of graduates in these positions reached a high not seen since 2014. Likewise, the cohort unemployment percentage fell three percentage points.

Full-Time and Part-Time Employment of Recent J.D. Graduates, 2010 – 2021

The percentage of employed recent J.D. graduates who had a full-time job rose to 97 percent, a two-point increase over 2020. According to the NALP, this is likely one of several employment statistics affected by a spike in demand for legal services after the 2020 pandemic’s effect on employment trends began to subside.

Note: The percentage of employed recent J.D. graduates who had a full-time job rose to 97 percent, a two-point increase over 2020. According to the NALP, this is likely one of several employment statistics affected by a spike in demand for legal services after the 2020 pandemic’s effect on employment trends began to subside. Data Source: National Association for Law Placement, 2022. Data Presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 32 2010 34,902 35,278 37,693 36,519 31,336

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 8% 7% 7% 6% 5% 29,802 2019 33,449 89% 88% 92% 93% 93% 94% 95% 95% 96% 29,364 2020 95% 2021 37,424 90% 31,756 97% 3% 5% 4% 5% 10% 12% 11% Full-time

30,092 29,947

Part-time

Recent Graduate Employment by Sector, 2010 – 2021

While the total number of recent J.D. graduates who are employed rose by about 2,400 in 2021, the distribution of employment across sectors remained relatively unchanged from 2020. 57 percent of recent graduates held jobs in private practice, while business, academic, and judicial clerk positions each represented 11 percent of recent graduates.

Note: These data are based on law school graduates whose employment status was reported to NALP and may not be fully representative of the

school graduating class indicated. In 2014, NALP changed the timing of the survey administration from 9 months post-graduation to 10 months post-graduation. Use caution when interpreting data and comparing from year to year. Data Source: National Association for Law Placement, 2022. Data Presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

Private practice Public interest Judicial clerk Business Academic Unknown Government AccessLex.org 33 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 36,043 35,653 37,538 36,530 33,469 31,354 30,104 29,953 15% 13% 9% 7% 51% 18% 12% 9% 8% 50% 18% 12% 9% 7% 51% 18% 12% 9% 7% 51% 18% 12% 9% 7% 51% 17% 12% 10% 7% 51% 16% 12% 11% 7% 53% 14% 12% 11% 7% 54% 13% 12% 11% 7% 55% 29,804 11% 13% 12% 8% 55% 37,730 2020 29,382 11% 12% 11% 9% 57% 2021 31,763 11% 11% 9% 57% 11%

total law

Median Salary (in 2021 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by Sector, 2010 – 2021

The median salary for private practice, business, government, and judicial clerk jobs fell in 2021, while the overall median salary rose by $5,000 to $80,000. While the dollar amounts for the aforementioned employment sectors rose compared to those reported in 2020, after adjusting for inflation, the adjusted salaries represented a decline in real dollars from 2020.

Note: These data are based on law school graduates whose employment status was reported to NALP and may not be fully representative of the total law school graduating class indicated. In 2014, NALP changed the timing of the survey administration from 9 months post-graduation to 10 months post- graduation. Use caution when interpreting data and comparing from year to year.

Private Practice, $131,500 Business, $81,000 Median, $80,000

Government, $65,000 Judicial Clerk, $61,000 Academic $58,000

Public Interest, $58,000

Data Source: National Association for Law Placement, 2022. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute. AccessLex.org

34 2010 $30,000 $50,000 $70,000 $90,000 $110,000 $130,000 $170,000 $150,000 2018 2017 2019 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2020 2021

Median Salary (in 2021 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by Employment Type, 2010 – 2021

The median salary for jobs requiring bar passage, as well as other professional jobs, rose to $80,000 in 2021. The median salary for J.D.-advantaged jobs remained relatively stable at $70,000. However, due to the relatively high inflation rate over the previous year, the median salary by employment type fell to $75,000, from an adjusted 2020 median of $78,750.

$75,000

$55,000

$45,000

$25,000

2010 $0

Bar Passage Required, $80,000

J.D. Advantage, $70,000 Median, $75,000 Other Professional, $80,000

Non-Professional, $42,000

Note: These data are based on law school graduates whose employment status was reported to NALP and may not be fully representative of the total law school graduating class indicated. In 2014, NALP changed the timing of the survey administration from 9 months post-graduation to 10 months post-graduation. Use caution when interpreting data and comparing from year to year.

Data Source: National Association for Law Placement, 2022. Data Presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute. AccessLex.org 35

2018 2017 2019 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 $65,000 $85,000 $35,000 2020 2021

Percentage of Advanced Degree Recipients Who Believe Their Graduate Degree Was Worth the Cost

A longitudinal study of Class of 2008 college graduates found that, among those who earned an advanced degree, a majority agreed their graduate education was worth the cost. However, those who earned an advanced degree in legal professions and studies (including J.D. recipients) were the exception—just under half (48%) agreed their graduate education was worth the cost.

Business, management, and marketing Health professions and related sciences Education Theology and religious vocations Psychology Architecture, planning, and related services

Mathematics and statistics Public administration/ social services Legal professions and studies

Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Baccalaureate and Beyond (B&B:08/18): First Look at the 2018 Employment and Educational Experiences of 2007–08 College Graduates. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 36 74%

26%

0% 75%

68%

68% 32% 65% 35% 60% 40% 60% 40% 57% 43% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 48% 52%

25%

32%

Yes No

Detailed Data Sources

American Bar Association. (2022a). Compilation – All Schools Data. Section of Legal Education – ABA Required Disclosures

Retrieved from http://www.abarequireddisclosures.org

American Bar Association. (2022b). Statistics. Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. Retrieved from https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/statistics.html

National Conference of Bar Examiners. 2011–2021 Statistics. The Bar Examiner.

Retrieved from https://thebarexaminer.org/statistics

U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Baccalaureate and Beyond: 2008/2018 (B&B). Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/datalab/powerstats

Law School Admission Council. (2022). Data Library. Retrieved from https://www.lsac.org/data-research/data

U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, 2004:2016 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS). Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/datalab

National Association for Law Placement. (2022). Recent Graduates. Retrieved from https://www.nalp.org/classof2021

U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics 2020, Table 322.20.

Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d21/tables/dt22_322.30.asp

U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, National Postsecondary Student Aid StudyAdministrative Collection: 2018, Graduates (NPSAS-AC).

Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/datalab/powerstats

U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2020, September). Projections of Occupational Employment, 2019–2029. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/emp/data/occupational-data.htm

AccessLex.org 37

Legal Education Data Deck - Key Trends on Access, Affordability and Value, October 2022