American University (Washington)

Law School Overview

U.S. News Rankings

Ranking score and category

Rank Category Name #50 Best Law Schools

Specialties #2 in Clinical Training Locked in Intellectual Property Law #5 in International Law Locked in Law Firms Rank Schools #5 in Part-time Law Locked in Trial Advocacy

Law School Overview

Students at the American University Washington College of Law study in a major hub of American law and politics, Washington, D.C. The Washington College of Law offers a robust externship program, which sets students up in federal governmental bodies, nonprofits, and more. Students also have a variety of dual degree program options, including a J.D./M.A. in International Affairs through the School of International Service, a J.D./M.B.A. through the Kogod School of Business, and a J.D./M.S. (master of science) in Justice, Law and Society with the School of Public Affairs. The Washington College of Law also offers a part-time J.D. program, which takes four years, and evening courses.

Through more than 10 clinics, students can get experience in legal areas including domestic violence, criminal justice, and federal tax law. The AU Washington College of Law runs many centers, programs, and projects, including the War Crimes Research Office and the United Nations Committee against Torture Project. There are also more than 50 student organizations to check out and a variety of legal publications, such as the Business Law Brief, the American University Law Review, and The American Jurist. The American University Washington College of Law was the first law school founded by women, and females make up more than 50 percent of the student body.

Through the school’s Public Interest Loan Repayment Assistance Program (PILRAP), graduates who work in public interest jobs may be eligible for loan repayment assistance. Notable alumni of the AU Washington College of Law include Robert Byrd, former senator from West Virginia, and Ed Tapscott, former coach of the NBA’s Washington Wizards.

Year founded	1896
Public/private	Private
Law school designation	National

Admissions

Application deadline	March 1
Full-time program application fee	$70
Part-time program application fee	$70
Admissions Phone	(202) 274-4101
Admissions E-mail	wcladmit@wcl.american.edu
Web site	http://www.wcl.american.edu

Academics

Full- and part-time faculty	374
Student-faculty ratio	11.7 - Low
Total faculty	391

Student Body

Enrollment (full-time)	1,243
Gender distribution (full-time)
J.D. candidates graduating in 2009-2010	467

Cost

Tuition and fees
Full-time: $43,458 per year Part-time: $30,468 per year
Room and board	$14,852

Careers

Graduates known to be employed at graduation	73.1% - Medium
Median private sector starting salary	$145,000
Median public service starting salary	$52,000

Library

Total volumes and volume equivalents

627,786

* Law School Overview details based on 2010 data