FAQ—Mitchell and Hamline Combination Why are Mitchell and Hamline combining? In February, William Mitchell College of Law and Hamline University School of Law announced a historic agreement to become one institution. Never before had an independent law school joined with one affiliated with a university to create a new independent law school. The two St. Paul schools have been providing top-flight, real-world legal educations for a total of more than 155 years, and both could have successfully continued as separate institutions. But leaders at both places realized the schools’ shared values were strong and their strengths complementary. And both have a history of embracing institutional change, tracing their roots back through a series of mergers to a total of six predecessor schools.
The schools’ top officials envisioned a new combined institution, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, that would offer students an unparalleled mix of top-ranked programs, a variety of certificate and dual-degree offerings in addition to the J.D., and an extensive alumni network. They realized they had the chance to create a new model of legal education for the 21st century, one built on innovation and compound strengths. Assuming ABA acquiescence in late 2015, the two schools plan to cease independent operations and combine to form Mitchell Hamline prior to the start of spring classes in January 2016. Acceptance at Mitchell or at Hamline will serve as acceptance to the combined school.
Which classes and programs will be available to me in fall 2016? All of the things that make William Mitchell and Hamline such great law schools will remain in place—the clinics, centers, institutes, externships, and special programs. Hamline has topranked programs in alternative dispute resolution and health law; Mitchell has a nationally renowned clinical program and the unique on-campus, online Hybrid Program. Those and other distinctive programs will remain and grow. There will, however, be some combining of similar programs.
I’m interested in applying to the Hybrid Program. How does the combination affect me? The Hybrid Program experience will not change. The first-year professors, the curriculum, and the program structure will all remain the same.
Why is a combined school better for students than either school would have been individually? It will have everything the individual schools had, plus more, made available to all. Students get more enrollment options than at any other law school in the country, an alumni network of more than 18,000 people, and access to Hamline University’s athletic facilities and cultural programs. The goal is to create the top law school in the Midwest for students who want a rigorous, practical, and problem-solving approach to legal education.
Will the combined law school administer veterans benefit programs? Yes. You are welcome to contact William Mitchell’s Office of Financial Aid with your questions about all veterans benefit programs at finaid@wmitchell.edu or 651-290-6403.
How many students will Mitchell Hamline have? How big will my classes be? The combined school will have 900+ students. First-year classes are expected to have about 45–50 students, and upper-level classes will generally have 25–60. Where will I attend classes? The combined school will be located on William Mitchell’s existing campus in St. Paul. We encourage you to visit as you consider your plans for the fall. You can make arrangements by contacting our Office of Admissions. Should I apply now, or wait until the combination happens? Apply now! Because the college admits on a rolling basis, it is to your advantage to apply early in the application process. Applying early also gives you the greatest chance for scholarship money and provides you with sufficient time to make a decision about which law school is the best fit for you.
What will happen to tuition? Tuition for 2016–17 for the combined school is being finalized. We anticipate announcing it in the spring of 2016, before the deadline by which you would have to make an enrollment commitment.
Whom do I contact about financial aid? William Mitchell’s Office of Financial Aid can be reached at finaid@wmitchell.edu or 651-290-6403. William Mitchell’s school code for the FAFSA is G02391. Be sure to file your FAFSA as soon as possible after Jan. 1, 2016.
Questions? Please contact Admissions admissions@wmitchell.edu 651-290-6476
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