What are your median GPA and LSAT? For the Fall 2007 entering class, the median GPA is 3.48 (25%-3.22; 75%-3.70) and the median LSAT is 155 (25%-152; 75%-158).
What is your tuition? 2007-2008: Full-time is $28,500; Part-time is $20,500.
What is your application deadline? The preferred deadline is April 1, but students are admitted on a rolling basis until the class is full. It is always best to apply as early as possible after September 15.
Do you have rolling admissions? Yes. The Admissions Committee begins reading files in December. We begin mailing decisions shortly thereafter.
Do you have evening classes? There are a few evening classes for upper division students but none for the first year students. There is no part-time evening program available. There is a Part-time, Weekend Schedule available for students who are unable to attend the full time day program.
What percentage of your students are students of color? The student body is approximately 15% students of color.
What is your bar passage rate? On average, 88% of our students passed the Minnesota bar.
What are your areas of focus? Hamline has focus areas in: Business, Corporate and Commercial Law, Child Advocacy, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Conflict Resolution, Criminal Law, Health Law, Intellectual Property, International Law, Labor and Employment Law, Public Law and Human Rights, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Property Law, and Litigation & Trial Practice.
What type of scholarships are offered? The scholarships for incoming students are all merit based. There are a wider variety of scholarships available for continuing students. There are scholarships available for entering and continuing students of color as well (also merit based).
How do I apply for financial aid? Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov as soon as possible after January 1. Remember to list Hamline's federal school code, 002354, as a recipient of your FAFSA analysis.
Do you have spring admission? No. Students are only admitted in the Fall term unless they are transferring from another law school or entering the LL.M. program.
Is a bachelor’s degree required for admission? Yes, from an accredited institution.
Is the LSAT required for admission? Yes. No exceptions are made for anyone entering the J.D. program.
Is my LSAT score valid? We will accept LSAT scores from 5 years prior to the semester you are applying for.
Where do your alumni reside after graduation? Hamline alumni reside in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several foreign countries. The largest alumni populations outside Minnesota are in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas, Wisconsin and the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Do you have an Academic Success Program? Yes, the Academic Success Program (ASP) tutors are available to meet with students on a variety of issues. The Academic Success Program focuses on the process involved in developing skills necessary to succeed in law school and practice as a lawyer.
Is there a special admission program? Our Founders Enrollment Program is based on our Founder's vision that despite numbers, certain applicants should be given a chance to attend and excel in law school. This program is offered to applicants who have objective risk elements in their application (low LSAT and/or low GPA) while having strong subjective indicators (such as professional experience, letters of recommendation, excellent personal statement). Each year, 20 seats are available in our weekday section for The Founders Enrollment Program students who are selected through the regular admissions process. These students are offered outright admission. Requirements for the program are:
- Taking a mandatory Legal Methods/Practice class as an introduction to the study of law. This course is intensive and meets for 20 hours in early August, prior to orientation. The tuition for this class is $250, which includes the required book fee.
- Attending law school part-time (11 credits per semester) during the first year, paying part-time tuition, and limited to the same outside work limitations as full-time students.
- Meeting weekly during the first year of law school with an Academic Success Tutor.
What is the average debt load for Hamline graduates? Hamline School of Law graduates typically carry a law school debt averaging between $70-75,000 at the time of graduation.
What is the placement rate for Hamline graduates? 97% of Hamline School of Law graduates are employed within nine months of graduation. The average starting salary is $53, 079.
What fields of law do Hamline graduates usually end up working in?
44% Private Practice
30% Business and industry
9% Judicial clerkships
9% Government6% Public interest
2% Academic