Legal Education Data Deck
Key trends on access, affordability and value
JULY 2023
Foreword
The 2023 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 2022 J.D. Enrollment, by State.
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
501–1,000 1,001–2,500 500 or
No
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
2,501 or more
fewer
J.D. enrollment reported
Table of Contents 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, 2017–18 9 Percentage of Students Enrolled in Graduate and Professional Programs Who Received Pell Grants as Undergrads, 2017–2018 ........................................................................................................................................................... 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
Detailed Data Sources 16 27 38 AccessLex.org vi
Contents Affordability 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, 2017–18 ........................................................................................................................ 22 Percentage of Law Students Who Worked While Enrolled, by Year and Institution Type, 2004–2016........................................................................................... 23 Percentage of Law Graduates Who Borrowed for Graduate Education, by Year and Institution Type, 2004–2016 24 Cumulative Amount Borrowed (in 2022 Dollars) by Law Students While Enrolled, by Year and Institution Type, 2004–2016 ......................................................... 25 Average Amounts Borrowed by 2016 Graduates by Graduate Degree Type (in 2022 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 by Race and Ethnicity, 2022................................................................................................................................................................. 32 Ultimate Bar Passage by Race and Ethnicity, 2021 .................................................................................................................................................................. 33 Recent J.D. Graduate Employment by Sector, 2010–2021 34 Median Salary (in 2021 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by Sector, 2010–2021 35 Median Salary (in 2021 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by Employment Type, 2010–2021 .................................................................................................... 36 Whether Graduate Degree Attained in 2008 Was Worth the Cost, 2018 Retrospective .............................................................................................................. 37
Table of
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%. Since 2014-2015, 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: 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% 2% 2%
Another
Female Male
Gender Identity
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.
Percentage of Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded to Students of Color and Non-Students of Color
Percentage of First-Year Enrolled Students of Color and Non-Students of Color
Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023b. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, 2021. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
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, 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.
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)
19% 81%
0% 10% 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% High School Diploma or Less College or Beyond 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.
Note: Data presented reflects only U.S. citizens and permanent residents. 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, 2017-18 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study-Administrative Collection, Graduates (NPSAS-AC:18). Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 10 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 60% 47% 41% 41% 39% 36% 33% 32% 28%
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)
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.
by AccessLex Institute. AccessLex.org
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%
Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023b. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary
11
Percent of 1 L Enrollment vs. Percent of 1 L Non-Transfer 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.
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
Hispanic/Latine Black/African
Caucasion/White
American Indian/ Alaska Native
American
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 Alaskan 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 22 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
Before adjusting for inflation, tuition and fees appear to have 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, 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
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.
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, including conversion to real dollars, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 22
56% 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 23 0% 100% 2004 2008 2012 2016 55% 55% 55% 56% 58% 57% 55% 56% 55% 59% 57% 58% All Institution types Public Private nonprofit
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 24 0% 100% 2004 2008 2012 2016 87% 83% 89% 92% 95% 91% 88% 89% 88% 71% 66% 71% All Institution types Public Private nonprofit
Cumulative Amount Borrowed (in 2022 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 25 0% 40,000 20,000 80,000 60,000 120,000 100,000 160,000 140,000 2004 2008 2012 2016 $67,700 $117,900 $101,400 $108,300 $152,400 $141,400 $76,900 $123,900 $125,000 $164,300 $148,300 180,000
All Institution types Public Private nonprofit
Average Amounts Borrowed by 2016 Graduates by Graduate Degree Type (in 2022 Dollars)
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 $540 less than the overall average of $24,800 (2 percent). However, the amount law students borrowed for graduate school exceeded all other graduate and professional degree recipients except medical students.
For Undergraduate For Graduate For Graduate and Undergraduate
Note: 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 26 Master of Business Administration (MBA) 0 $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000 $250,000 $32,000 $31,000 $66,800 $31,000 $68,500 $19,500 $95,800 $24,600 $31,100 $114,800 $68,000 Master ʼ s Master of Public Admin or Policy Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Other Doctoral Law (LLB or J.D.) Other Medicine Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine $27,600 $22,700 $193,000 $34,500 $247,000 $97,400 $155,600 $300,000 $54,100 $52,600 $45,400 $87,300 $100,700 $127,900 $137,900 $186,500 $230,600
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 38,400 59,400 25,000 50,000 100,000 112,700 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 74 percent in 2022. Similarly, July repeat takers’ pass rates dropped sharply from 40 percent in 2020 to 23 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% 74% 23% 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, 72 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 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. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 30 69% or less 70%–74% 75%–79% 80% or more 72% ME 59% VT 61% NH 79% MA 69% CT 58% RI 74% MI 73% NY 73% PA 70% NJ 75% IN 79% OH 87% MN 63% WI 76% MT 69% ND 77% WA 75% MD 64% DE 74% IL 65% WV 79% SD 83% IA 69% ID 60% WY 77% OR 78% VA 76% DC 78% MO 70% KY 73% CO 81% NE 64% CA 89% UT 67% TN 72% NC 80% KS 73% AR 79% NM 61% NV 70% AZ 76% AL 76% SC 68% OK 82% MS 74% TX 73% LA 77% GA 64% FL 46% PR 61% AK 74% HI
canceled both February and July bar exams in 2020.
*Delaware
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 33 jurisdictions where pass rates declined, six 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. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
*Delaware canceled both February and July bar exams in 2020.
AccessLex.org 31 N/A 6%–14% 1–5% No change -5% – -1 -10% – -6% -21% – -11% 9% ME -3% VT -8% NH -1% MA -4% CT -16% RI 2% MI -13% NY -2% PA 1% NJ -1% IN 0% OH 8% MN -15% WI 0% MT -5% ND -6% WA 0% MD -7% DE -3% IL 5% WV 9% SD 9% IA -4% ID -15% WY -4% OR 0% VA -5% DC -4% MO -7% KY -3% CO 8% NE -13% CA -1% UT -4% TN -8% NC 2% KS -4% AR 2% NM -5% NV -6% AZ 2% AL 2% SC -10% OK 0% MS -4% TX -1% LA -1% GA -6% FL 12% PR -19% AK 0% HI
First-Time Bar Passage by Race and Ethnicity, 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% of White graduates passed the bar on their first attempt, whereas only 57% of Black graduates and 69% of Hispanic/Latine graduates passed on their first attempt.
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Cacusian/White
Data Source: American Bar Association, 2023. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
Two or More Races
Black/African American Asian Native American/Alaska Native Hispanic/Latine incl. Puerto Rican
AccessLex.org 32
0% 25% 50% 75% 2019 2020 2021 100% 2022 85% 85% 83% 57% 88% 61% 61% 66% 74% 74% 72% 79% 70% 72% 76% 47% 75% 74% 69% 69% 60% 80% 82% 78% 78% 71% 69% 76%
Ultimate Bar Passage by Race and Ethnicity, 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% of White graduates passed the bar within one year of graduation, compared to 72% of Black graduates and 81% 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% 84% 83% 92% 88% 90% 82% 75% 71% 68% 94% 87% 71% 81% 81% 88% 89% 80% 79% 94% 91% 91% 72% 79% 51% 81% 85% 86% 89% 89% 89% 83% 87% 86%
Cacusian/White Black/African American Asian Native American/Alaska Native Hispanic/Latine incl. Puerto Rican Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Two or More Races
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 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.
Private practice Public interest Judicial clerk Business Academic Unknown Government AccessLex.org 34 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%
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.
Data Source: National Association for Law Placement, 2022. Data presentation, analysis, and commentary by AccessLex Institute. AccessLex.org 35
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 Public Interest, $58,000 Government, $65,000 Judicial Clerk, $61,000 Academic $58,000 Private Practice, $131,500 Business, $81,000 Median, $80,000
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.
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 36 2010 $0 $25,000 $45,000 $55,000 $75,000 2018 2017 2019 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 $65,000 $85,000 $35,000 2020 2021 Bar Passage Required, $80,000 Non-Professional, $42,000 J.D. Advantage, $70,000 Median, $75,000 Other Professional, $80,000
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
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
Law School Admission Council. (2023). Data Library. Retrieved from https://www.lsac.org/data-research/data
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 Bachelor’s degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions, by race/ethnicity and sex of student: Selected academic years, 1976-77 through 2020-21
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, 2004:2016 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/classof2022
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