Legal Education Data Deck

Key trends on access, affordability, and value

JANUARY 2024

Foreword

The 2024 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

Note: This map includes the 196 ABA-approved AccessLex Institute member schools reporting enrollment as of 2022.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023a. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute. AccessLex.org v 2,501 or more

Fall 2022 J.D. Enrollment, by State.

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

501–1,000 1,001–2,500 500 or fewer No J.D. enrollment reported

AccessLex.org vi Access 1 Applicants, Admission and Matriculation in Law School Law School Applicants, Admits, and Matriculants, 2005-2022 ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Law School Admission Rates, 2005-2022 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Application and Admission Rates by Gender, 2018-2022 4 Total J.D. Enrollment by Gender, 1983-2022 5 Racial and Ethnic Diversity of Law School Applicants, 2022 ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 Admission Rates by Race/Ethnicity and Overall, 2022 .............................................................................................................................................................. 7 Law School Enrollment Percentage of Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded to Students of Color and Percentage of First-Year Enrolled J.D. Students of Color, 2015-2021 .................................................................................................................................... 8 Highest Level of Parent Education Among Graduate Students, by Type of Program, 2019-2020 9 Percentage of Students Enrolled in Graduate and Professional Programs Who Received Pell Grants as Undergrads, 2019-2020 ............................................................................................................................................................ 10 J.D. and Non-J.D. Enrollment, 2013-2022 11 Percent of 1L Enrollment vs. Percent of 1L Non-Transfer Attrition, 2021-2022 12 Number of Law Schools Accounting for Half or More of Law Students of Each Race/Ethnicity, 2022 .......................................................................................... 13 J.D. Degrees Awarded Share of J.D. Degrees Awarded by Race and Ethnicity, 2022 14 Total J.D. Degrees Awarded and Percentage of J.D. Degrees Awarded to Students of Color at ABA-Approved Law Schools, 2006-2021 ................................................................................................................................................. 15

Table of Contents

Detailed Data Sources 16 27 40 AccessLex.org vi

Value Average Full-Time Tuition and Fees (Unadjusted) by School Type and Residency, 2015-2022...................................................................................................... 17 Average Full-Time Tuition and Fees (in 2022 Dollars) by School Type and Residency, 2015-2022 ............................................................................................... 18 Median Grant Amount Awarded to Full-Time Students, 2013-2021 19 Share of Full-Time Students Receiving Institutional Grants, 2013-2021 ...................................................................................................................................... 20 Trends in Awarding and Eliminating Conditional Scholarships at ABA-Approved Law Schools, 2013-2021 ................................................................................. 21 Percentage of Law Students Who Still Owe on Undergraduate Loans, 2019-2020 ..................................................................................................................... 22 Percentage of Law Students Who Worked While Enrolled, by Year and Institution Type, 2004-2020 23 Percentage of Law Graduates Who Borrowed for Graduate Education, by Year and Institution Type, 2004-2020 24 Cumulative Amount Borrowed (in 2023 Dollars) by Law Students While Enrolled, by Year and Institution Type, 2004-2020 .......................................................... 25 Average Amounts Borrowed by 2020 Graduates by Graduate Degree Type (in 2023 Dollars) .................................................................................................... 26 Occupations Requiring Graduate or Professional Degree with Largest Projected Increase in Employment, 2021-2031 28 Percentage of ABA-Approved Law School Graduates Passing the Bar by Attempt and Administration, 2012-2022 29 First-Time Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of ABA-Approved Law Schools by State, 2022 ........................................................................................................ 30 Change in First-Time Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of ABA-Approved Law Schools, by Exam Jurisdiction, 2021-2022............................................................ 31 First-Time Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of ABA-Approved Law Schools by Race/Ethnicity, 2022 .......................................................................................... 32 Ultimate Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of ABA-Approved Law Schools by Race/Ethnicity, 2021 33 Recent J.D. Graduates by Employment Status, 2011-2022 ....................................................................................................................................................... 34 Full-Time and Part-Time Employment of Recent J.D. Graduates, 2011-2022 .............................................................................................................................. 35 Recent J.D. Graduate Employment by Sector, 2011-2022 ........................................................................................................................................................ 36 Median Salary (in 2023 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by Sector, 2011-2022 37 Median Salary (in 2023 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by Employment Type, 2011-2022 38 Percentage of Advanced Degree Recipients Who Believe Their Graduate Degree Was Worth the Cost ....................................................................................... 39

Table of Contents Affordability

Access

Law School Applicants, Admits and Matriculants, 2005-2022

Between 2021 and 2022, the number of applicants, admitted applicants, and matriculants decreased. Compared to 2021, the number of applications decreased by nearly 10,000 in 2022, returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Data Source: Law School Admission Council, 2023. 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 All Terms 2022 38,000 43,600 62,500 0 50,000 100,000 Applicants Admitted Applicants Matriculants

Law School Admission Rates, 2005-2022

The overall law school admission rate rose two percentage points between 2021 and 2022, with 70 percent of applicants receiving offers of admission in 2022. This marks the first increase in admission rates in the last seven years.

Data Source: Law School Admission Council, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 3 71% 67% 59% 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 75% 70% 78% 70% 0% 50% 100% All Terms 2020 All Terms 2021 All Terms 2022

Application and Admission Rates by Gender, 2018-2022

Although women continue to make up a larger share of law school applicants, men continue to be admitted at a higher rate. Compared to 2021, the admission rate for both men and women increased by one percentage point in 2022.

Law School Applicants by Gender

Law School Admission Rates by Gender

Note: Applicants by gender do not sum to 100%. Public data on admission outcomes is only available for female and male applicants, but some applicants decline to provide this information to LSAC or self-identify as transgender, gender nonbinary, or genderqueer/gender fluid. Therefore, the proportions of male and female applicants do not sum to 100%.

Data Source: Law School Admission Council, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 4 0% 40% 80% 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 0% 40% 80% 75 % 72% 72% 70% 71% 71% 69% 68% 67% 68% 56% 56% 55% 54% 54% 42% 42% 43% 44% 45% Female Male

Total J.D. Enrollment by Gender, 1983-2022

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, J.D. enrollment among women has increased while decreasing among men.

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

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023a and 2023b. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 5 0 25,000 50,000 75,000 100,000 58,000 67,700 74,800 46,400 69,000 78,500 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 51,000 65,100 Male Female

Racial and Ethnic Diversity of Law School Applicants, 2022

The racial and ethnic composition of law school applicants has remained relatively stable in recent years. In 2022, White applicants comprised roughly half of the applicant pool, while Black, Asian, and Hispanic/Latine applicants collectively comprised approximately one-third.

Data Source: Law School Admission Council, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 6 51% 11% 11% 11% 10% 0.4% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Caucasian/White Black/African American Hispanic/Latine 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, 2022

Admissions rates differ markedly by applicants’ race and ethnicity. Seventy-eight percent of White applicants received at least one law school admission offer compared to 48 percent of Black applicants and 58 percent of Hispanic/Latine applicants.

Data Source: Law School Admission Council, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 7

78% 72% 70% 67% 67% 52% 0% 25% 50% 75% Caucasian/White Not Indicated Two or More Asian 48% Native Hawaiian/ Other Paci c Islander Hispanic/Latine incl. Puerto Rican American Indian/ Alaska Native Black/African American 58% 100% Overall: 70%

Percentage of Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded to Students of Color and Percentage of First-Year Enrolled J.D. Students of Color, 2015-2021

The increase in the proportion of students of color among first-year law school students mirrors the change in the proportion among bachelor’s degree recipients over the period from 2014-15 to 2020-21.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023b. 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 Students of Color and Non-Students of Color Percentage of Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded to Students of Color and Non-Students of Color AccessLex.org 8 0% 25% 50% 100% 75% 2015–16 2017–18 2016–17 2019–20 2018–19 2021–22 2020–21 35% 33% 32% 32% 32% 31% 31% 65% 67% 68% 68% 68% 69% 69% Students of Color Non Students of Color 0% 25% 50% 100% 75% 2015–16 2014–15 2017–18 2016–17 2019–20 2018–19 2020–21 33% 32% 38% 34% 35% 36% 37% 67% 68% 62% 66% 65% 64% 63% Students of Color Non Students of Color

Highest Level of Parent Education Among Graduate Students, by Type of Program, 2019 -2020

Among law students in 2019-2020, 22 percent had a parent whose highest educational attainment was less than a bachelor’s degree. Relative to other graduate programs, only medical school students were less likely to have a parent who had not attained a bachelor’s degree.

Law (LLB or JD)

PhD

Other Medicine

Other Doctoral

Master's

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Public Admin or Policy

EdD

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

Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20). Retrieved on October 10, 2023.

Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 47% 59% 50% 43% 35% 33% 22% 18% 25% 16% 23% 28% 30% 27% 24% 26% 25% 28% 27% 29% 35% 40% 54% 56%

37% 30% 32%

than

Degree Bachelor’s Degree Graduate Degree AccessLex.org 9

Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine

Less

a Bachelor’s

Percentage of Students Enrolled in Graduate and Professional Programs Who Received Pell Grants as Undergrads, 2019 -2020

The proportion of students enrolled in graduate and professional programs who received Pell Grants as undergraduate students varies by discipline. Among law students in 2019-2020, 37 percent received a Pell Grant during their undergraduate studies. Relative to other graduate programs, this proportion was only higher than PhD and medical school students.

Master of Public Admin or Policy

Master's

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Other Medicine

EdD

Other Doctoral

Law (LLB or JD)

PhD

Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine

Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20). Retrieved on August 6, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 10 53% 50% 50% 44% 42% 39% 37% 33% 32%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

J.D. and Non -J.D. Enrollment , 2013-2022

The share of non-J.D. student enrollment in law school has more than doubled over the last 10 years, comprising nearly 20 percent of total law school enrollment.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023b. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 11 2019–20 2020–21 2017–18 2016–17 2015–16 2014–15 7% 93% 9% 91% 10% 90% 11% 89% 14% 86% 15% 85% 2021–22 16% 84% 2022–23 15% 85% 2018–19 13% 87% Percent J.D. enrollment Percent non-J.D. enrollment 2013–14 17% 83% 0% 50% 100%

Attrition, 2021-2022

In 2021-2022, students of color comprised 35 percent of first-year enrollment and 34 percent of withdrawals after the 1L year — a significant improvement over 2020-2021 when students of color comprised 47 percent of students who attritted after the first year but only 33 percent of first-year enrollment.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023a. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

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

AccessLex.org 12 0% 25% 50% 75% White/ Caucasian Hispanic/ Latine Black or African American Unknown Non Resident American Indian/ Alaska Native Native Hawaiian/Other Paciﬁc Islander 58.9% 14.7% 12.9% 2.8% 1.9% 1.0% 0.5% Two or More 4.2% 4.2% 0.2% 0.1% Asian 7.0% 7.2% 59.3% 8.1% 8.7% 3.1% 4.7% 1L Attrition 1L Enrollment

Number of Law Schools Accounting for Half or More of Law Students of Each Race/Ethnicity, 2022

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 196 ABAapproved law schools. Overall, this chart indicates that students of color are concentrated within a few law schools.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023a. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 13 0 25 50 75 Native Hawaiian/ Other Paciﬁc Islander Asian 11 22 25 33 36 37 64 Non-resident Alien American Indian/ Alaska Native Hispanic/Latine Black/African American Caucasion/White

Share of J.D. Degrees Awarded by Race and Ethnicity, 2022

In 2022, White students comprised nearly two-thirds of law school graduates, while Black, Asian, and Hispanic/ Latine applicants collectively comprised roughly one-quarter.

Note: “Remaining” includes students who identified as American Indian or Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023a. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 14 0 25 50 75 Non-resident Alien Two or more races Asian Hispanic/Latine Black/African American Caucasion/White Remaining Groups 1% 3% 3% 6% 13% 7% 63% Unknown Race 4%

Total J.D. Degrees Awarded and Percentage of J.D. Degrees Awarded to Students of Color at ABA-Approved Law Schools, 2006-2021

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 remained roughly the same between 2020 and 2021. As the number of graduates has declined, the proportion of law degrees awarded to students of color has increased from roughly 23 percent to 31 percent.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023a and 2023b. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 15 2021–2022 35,728 2020–2021 35,723 0 30,000 40,000 50,000 10,000 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% 2007–20082008–20092009–20102010–2011 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 Students of Color 43,518 2006–2007 23%

Affordability

Average Full-Time Tuition and Fees (Unadjusted) by School Type and Residency, 2015 -2022

Without adjusting for inflation, tuition and fees increased steadily between 2015-2022.

Note: The following schools are excluded from figures shown due to changes in accreditation or status between 2015-2022: Arizona Summit Law School, Charlotte School of Law, Florida Coastal School of Law, Hamline University, Indiana Tech Law School, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, University of La Verne, Whittier Law School. The following schools are excluded due to missing tuition data during the period shown: Creighton University, Florida State University, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, University of Puerto Rico, University of Tulsa, Washington University.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023a and 2023b. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 17 $0 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000 $38,560 $25,370 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 $42,320 $29,670 $53,740 Public Non-Resident Public Resident Private $43,710

Average Full-Time Tuition and Fees (in 2022 Dollars) by School Type and Residency, 2015 -2022

When adjusted for inflation, average tuition and fees for full-time students appears to have decreased between 2020-2022. Nominal increases in tuition have not kept pace with unusually high inflation in the last two years.

Note: Figures shown as adjusted for inflation are adjusted using the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) from July of the year indicated. The following schools are excluded from figures shown due to changes in accreditation or status between 2015-2022: Arizona Summit Law School, Charlotte School of Law, Florida Coastal School of Law, Hamline University, Indiana Tech Law School, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, University of La Verne, Whittier Law School. The following schools are excluded due to missing tuition data during the period shown: Creighton University, Florida State University, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, University of Puerto Rico, University of Tulsa, Washington University.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023a and 2023b. Data presentation, including conversion to real dollars, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 18 $0 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000 $47,820 $31,460 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 $42,320 $29,670 $53,740 Public Non-Resident Public Resident Private $54,200

Median Grant Amount Awarded to Full-Time Students, 2013-2021

The median grant amount awarded to full-time students receiving aid nearly doubled from 2010 to 2019. In 2013, the median amount law schools awarded to at least half their grant recipients was $13,500. By 2021, that amount increased to $23,000.

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

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023a. Data presentation, including conversion to real dollars, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 19 $5,000 $0 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 $23,000 $19,000 $16,000 $13,500 $22,500 $15,000 $20,100 $17,400 2020 Adjusted 2022 Dollars Unadjusted $21,000 $21,000 2021

Share of Full-Time Students Receiving Institutional Grants, 2013-2021

The share of full-time students who received any grant amount increased from roughly 60 percent in 2012 to over four-fifths in 2021. Similarly, the proportion of students who received a grant totaling at least half their tuition and fees increased 17 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.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023a. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 20 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 3% 4% 23% 40% 69% 73% 38% 27% 60% 50% 75% 0% 25% 100% 6% 39% 2019 40% 6% 16% 2020 3% 32% 81% 2021 78% 40% 29% 6% 1% Any grant Greater than full tuition Full tuition At least half tuition Less than half tuition

Trends in Awarding and Eliminating Conditional Scholarships at ABA-Approved Law Schools, 2013-2021

From 2013 to 2021, the share of schools awarding conditional scholarships decreased from 61 percent to 40 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 greater proportion’s awards were eliminated in 2021 compared to previous years.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023a. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 21 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 31% 24% 28% 23% 61% 40% 2020 Share of Awards Eliminated Share of First Year Class Receiving Share of Schools Awarding 2021

Percentage of Law Students Who Still Owe on Undergraduate Loans, 2019-2020

Nearly half of enrolled law school students are carrying undergraduate debt. In 2019-2020, the average amount of debt still owed among those with outstanding undergraduate loans was nearly $27,000.

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

AccessLex.org 22

Percentage of law students who do not owe on undergraduate loans Percentage of law students who still owe on undergraduate loans 54% 46%

Percentage of Law Students Who Worked While Enrolled, by Year and Institution Type, 2004-2020

More than half of enrolled law students reported earnings from off-campus employment at both public and private, nonprofit schools.

Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, NPSAS:04, NPSAS:08, NPSAS:12, NPSAS:16, and NPSAS:20. Retrieved on August 22, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 23 All Institution Types Public Private nonprofit 0% 100% 55% 55% 55% 57% 60% 55% 56% 59% 58% 58% 55% 56% 58% 57% 59% 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020

Percentage of Law Graduates Who Borrowed for Graduate Education, by Year and Institution Type, 2004-2020

A majority of law graduates use loans to fund their graduate education, and the overall proportion who borrowed increased by 5 percentage points between 2016 and 2020.

Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, NPSAS:04, NPSAS:08, NPSAS:12, NPSAS:16, and NPSAS:20. Retrieved on August 6, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 24 0% 100% 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020 87% 83% 83% 89% 92% 95% 91% 88% 89% 88% 71% 76% 66% 71% 71% All Institution types Public Private nonprofit

Cumulative Amount Borrowed (in 2023 Dollars) Among Law Students Who Borrowed While Enrolled, by Year and Institution Type, 2004-2020

Although the percentage of law graduates who borrowed increased between 2016 and 2020, the average cumulative amount of graduate debt among those who borrowed decreased by more than $4,000.

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, National Center for Education Statistics, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, NPSAS:04, NPSAS:08, NPSAS:12, NPSAS:16, and NPSAS:20. Retrieved on August 6, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 25 0 40,000 20,000 80,000 60,000 120,000 100,000 160,000 140,000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020 $75,700 $131,900 $113,400 $111,500 $162,100 $148,500 $79,200 $127,600 $133,000 $174,800 $143,100 $114,600 $180,800 $155,700 180,000 All Institution types Public Private nonprofit

Average Amounts Borrowed by 2020 Graduates by Graduate Degree Type (in 2023

Dollars) Among Those Who Borrowed

Among those who borrowed, compared to other 2020 graduate degree recipients, law graduates borrowed, on average, less for their undergraduate but more for their graduate education. The average amount law students borrowed for their undergraduate education was $600 (2 percent) less than the overall average of $31,900. However, the amount law students borrowed for graduate school exceeded all other graduate and professional degree recipients, except those in medicine and other health professions, such as dentistry.

Note: Cumulative amount borrowed for graduate education is unavailable for Master of Public Administration or Policy degree recipients in 2020. Data presented reflects only U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students are excluded from analysis due to differences in financial eligibility.

Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, NPSAS:04, NPSAS:08, NPSAS:12, NPSAS:16, and NPSAS:20. Retrieved on August 6, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 26 Master of Business Administration (MBA) $0 $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000 $250,000 $33,400 $32,600 $72,200 $32,000 $102,200 $22,000 $81,000 $27,200 $19,400 $117,700 $76,600 Master’ s Master of Public Admin or Policy Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Other Doctoral Other Medicine Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine $32,100 $221,100 $30,200 $141,500 $143,100 $66,900 $57,200 $60,800 $- $$81,700 $77,600 $121,000 $208,700 $131,700 $31,300 $157,300 Law (LLB or J.D.)

For Undergraduate For Graduate For Graduate and Undergraduate

Value

Occupations Requiring Graduate or Professional Degree with Largest Projected Increase in Employment, 2021-2031

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

Data Source: U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 28 Nurse Practitioners Lawyers Health Specialities Teachers, Postsecondary Physical Therapists Physician Assistants 0 39,300 59,400 25,000 50,000 100,000 110,700 40,400 80,200

Percentage of ABA-Approved Law School Graduates Passing the Bar by Attempt and Administration, 2012-2022

Bar passage rate declines have been most pronounced for February takers in recent years, falling 11 percentage points from 2012 to 2022 for first-time takers and 12 percentage points for repeat takers over the same period. Meanwhile, July first-time takers’ bar passage rates fluctuated between 82 percent and 74 percent, declining from 82 percent in 2020 to 77 percent in 2022. Similarly, July repeat takers’ pass rates dropped sharply from 40 percent in 2020 to 26 percent in 2022. COVID-19 pandemic disruptions may have affected the number of bar exam attempts and bar passage rates in 2020.

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.

Data Source: National Conference of Bar Examiners, 2013–2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 29 0% 25% 50% 75% 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 100% 81% 35% 72% 44% 77% 26% 61% 32% 78% 37% 64% 40% 2020 2021 2022 July, First-Time July, Repeat February, First-Time February, Repeat

First-Time Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of ABA-Approved Law Schools by State, 2022

In 2022, 75 percent of all first-time exam takers from ABA-approved law schools passed the bar. However, bar passage rates vary among jurisdictions, generally ranging 58 to 89 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, 2023. Retrieved on September 7, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 30 69% or less 70%–74% 75%–79% 80% or more 71% ME 58% VT 62% NH 81% MA 71% CT 58% RI 74% MI 83% NY 73% PA 70% NJ 75% IN 79% OH 87% MN 70% WI 76% MT 69% ND 80% WA 76% MD 64% DE 75% IL 65% WV 79% SD 83% IA 69% ID 60% WY 77% OR 78% VA 80% DC 79% MO 70% KY 74% CO 81% NE 72% CA 89% UT 72% TN 72% NC 80% KS 73% AR 79% NM 61% NV 71% AZ 83% AL 76% SC 68% OK 75% MS 75% TX 73% LA 78% GA 64% FL 47% PR 63% AK 74% HI

Change in First-Time Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of ABA-Approved Law Schools, by Exam Jurisdiction, 2021-2022

Between 2021 and 2022, a majority of states reported decreases in first-time bar passage rates among graduates of ABA-approved law schools. Of the 30 jurisdictions where pass rates declined, three reported decreases greater than ten percentage points.

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, 2023. Retrieved on September 7, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute

AccessLex.org 31 N/A 6% – 14% 1 – 5% No change -5% – -1% -10% – -6% -21% – -11% 8% ME -4% VT -7% NH 1% MA -2% CT -16% RI 2% MI -3% NY -2% PA 1% NJ -1% IN 0% OH 8% MN -8% WI 0% MT -5% ND -3% WA 1% MD -7% DE -2% IL 5% WV 9% SD 9% IA -4% ID -15% WY -4% OR 0% VA -1% DC -3% MO -7% KY -2% CO 8% NE -5% CA -1% UT 1% TN -8% NC 2% KS -4% AR 2% NM -5% NV -5% AZ 9% AL 2% SC -10% OK 1% MS -3% TX -1% LA 0% GA -6% FL 13% PR -17% AK 0% HI

First-Time Bar Passage by Race and Ethnicity, 2019-2022

Between 2019-2022, first-time bar passage varied by race and ethnicity, with White graduates passing the bar during the first attempt at a higher rate than their peers across all 4 years. In 2022, 83 percent of White graduates passed the bar on their first attempt, whereas only 57 percent of Black graduates and 69 percent of Hispanic/Latine graduates passed on their first attempt.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 32 Cacusian/White Black/African American Asian Native American/Alaska Native Hispanic/Latine incl. Puerto Rican Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Two or More Races 0% 25% 50% 75% 2019 2020 2021 100% 2022 85% 83% 57% 61% 69% 69%

Ultimate Bar Passage by Race and Ethnicity, 2017-2021

Between 2017-2021, among ABA-accredited law school graduates who sat for the bar within one to two years of graduation (referred to as “ultimate” bar passage), White graduates passed at higher rates than their peers. In 2021, 91 percent of White graduates passed the bar within one year of graduation, compared to 72 percent of Black graduates and 81 percent of Hispanic/Latine graduates.

Note: Ultimate bar passage data for 2021 contains data for the graduating classes in that year after one year. Ultimate bar passage data for 2017-2020 contains data for the graduating classes after two years.

Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 33 0% 25% 50% 75% 2017 2018 2019 100% 2021 2020 82% 75% 92% 94% 87% 81% 91% 72% 81%

Native American/Alaska Native

incl. Puerto Rican Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Two or More Races

Cacusian/White Black/African American Asian

Hispanic/Latine

Recent J.D. Graduates by Employment Status, 2011-2022

Employment outcomes for the Class of 2022 were strong compared to recent cohorts. Between 2021 and 2022, both the number of J.D. graduates and the number of employed graduates increased. However, the percentage of graduates with jobs requiring licensure remained the same, while the number of graduates in these positions reached a high not seen since 2013. The cohort unemployment percentage remained the same.

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, 2023. Retrieved on August 22, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

Bar Passage Required Unemployed-Seeking J.D. Advantage All Others AccessLex.org 34 65% 64% 64% 66% 67% 68% 72% 73% 76% 75% 78% 78% 13% 13% 14% 15% 14% 15% 12% 12% 11% 10% 11% 9% 10% 11% 11% 10% 10% 9% 8% 7% 6% 8% 5% 5% 12% 12% 11% 9% 9% 9% 8% 8% 7% 7% 6% 6% 41,623 44,339 44,637 42,139 38,627 35,815 33,966 33,510 33,007 33,235 34,562 36,295 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 50,000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 -

Full-Time and Part-Time Employment of Recent J.D. Graduates, 2011-2022

The percentage of employed recent J.D. graduates who had a full-time job rose to 98 percent, a one-point increase over 2021. According to 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, 2023. Retrieved on August 22, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and

commentary

AccessLex Institute. AccessLex.org 35 88% 90% 92% 93% 93% 94% 95% 95% 96% 95% 97% 98% 12% 10% 8% 7% 7% 6% 5% 5% 4% 5% 3% 2% 35,278 37,424 37,693 36,519 33,449 31,336 30,092 29,947 29,802 29,364 31,756 32,695 10,000 0 20,000 30,000 40,000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Full-Time Part-Time

Recent J.D. Graduate Employment by Sector, 2011-2022

While the total number of recent J.D. graduates who are employed rose by about 500 in 2022, the distribution of employment across sectors remained relatively unchanged from 2021. In 2022, those employed in private practice comprised 58 percent of recent graduates; those employed in business, government, or judicial clerkships comprised 10-11 percent each.

Data Source: National Association for Law Placement, 2023. Retrieved on August 22, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute. AccessLex.org 36

50% 51% 51% 51% 51% 53% 54% 55% 55% 57% 57% 58% 18% 18% 18% 18% 17% 16% 14% 13% 11% 11% 11% 10% 12% 12% 12% 12% 12% 12% 12% 12% 13% 12% 11% 11% 9% 9% 9% 9% 10% 11% 11% 11% 12% 11% 11% 10% 8% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 8% 9% 9% 9% 35,653 37,538 37,730 36,530 33,469 31,354 30,104 29,953 29,804 29,382 31,763 32,318 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Private Practice Government Business Judicial Clerk Public Interest Academic Unknown

Median Salary (in 2023 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by Sector, 2011-2022

Adjusting for inflation, the median salary for those in private practice increased by $7,000 from 2021 to 2022; however, the median overall salary for recent J.D. graduates declined by $2,000. The median salaries for academic and judicial clerk jobs fell by more than $3,000 whereas they remained largely unchanged for business, government, and public interest jobs.

Data Source: National Association for Law Placement, 2023. Retrieved on August 22, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 37 Academic, $61,800 Business , $91,200 Judicial Clerk , $64,500 Private Practice , $154,500 Government , $72,100 Public Interest, $63,900 Median , $87,600 $30,000 $50,000 $70,000 $90,000 $110,000 $130,000 $150,000 $170,000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Median Salary (in 2023 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by Employment Type, 2011-2022

The inflation-adjusted overall median salary fell $2,000 between 2021 and 2022. Although the real (unadjusted) salaries for all employment types except Other Professional increased by $5,000 from 2021 to 2022, these gains were less than the rate of inflation.

Data Source: National Association for Law Placement, 2023. Retrieved on August 22, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.

AccessLex.org 38 Bar Passage Required , $88,400 Other Professional , $81,600 Non - Professional , $51,500 Median , $87,600 $25,000 $35,000 $45,000 $55,000 $65,000 $75,000 $85,000 $95,000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 J.D. Advantage, $77,300

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.

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 37 74% 26% 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 0% 75% 25% 68% 32% 68% 32% 65% 35% 60% 40% 60% 40% 57% 43% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 48% 52% Yes No AccessLex.org 39

Detailed Data Sources

American Bar Association. (2023a). Compilation – All Schools Data. Section of Legal Education – ABA Required Disclosures

Retrieved from http://www.abarequireddisclosures.org

American Bar Association. (2023b). 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. 2009-2023 Statistics. The Bar Examiner.

Retrieved from https://thebarexaminer.org/statistics

U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics 2022, Table 322.20.

Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d22/tables/dt22_322.20.asp?current=yes

Law School Admission Council. (2023). Data Library.

Retrieved from https://www.lsac.org/data-research/data

U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Projections of Occupational Employment, 2021–2031.

Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/emp/data/occupational-data.htm

U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, 2004:2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS).

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

National Association for Law Placement. (2023). Recent Graduates.

Retrieved from https://www.nalp.org/classof2022

AccessLex.org 40