About the College of Law
Established in 1878, the West Virginia University College of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. Since 1952, the ABA Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education as the recognized national agency for the accreditation of professional schools of law.
Further information as to the Standards and Rules of Procedure for the Approval of Law Schools by the American Bar Association may be obtained from the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, 750 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611. Phone: (312) 988-6738 | Fax: (312) 988-5681 | legaled@americanbar.org
Mission
Preparing 21st century lawyers and leaders to serve the public, government, and business—both locally and globally—while focusing on justice, ethics, professionalism, and service in a diverse, vibrant, and respectful community.
American Bar Association Data
ABA Consumer Information (PDF)
ABA Employment Summary - WVU Law Class of 2012 (PDF)
Bar Passage Rate: 80% (2012)
Total Enrollment: 406
Costs 2012 – 2013
| 1st Year Law Students only |
| Expenses | Residents | Non – Residents | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $17,240 | $32,924 | |
| Books & Supplies | $2,400 | $2,400 | |
| Living Expenses | $10,270* | $10,270* | |
| Loan Fee Offset | 98 | 98 | |
| Computer Purchase | $1,500 | $1,500 |
West Virginia University allots $10,276 for living expenses for the academic year. This gives you approximately $1,141 a month for nine months.
To apply for financial aid, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the year you are planning to attend.
Admissions Credentials for Class of 2015
| LSAT | GPA | |
| 75th % = | 158 | 3.65 |
| 50th % = | 154 | 3.36 |
| 25th % = | 152 | 3.14 |
| Applicants: | 984 |
| Enrolled: | 140 |
| Average Age: | 25 |
| Age Range: | 20 to 47 |
| Male: | 64% |
| Female: | 36% |
| Minority: | 9% |
Employment Outcomes – Class of 2011
National Association for Law Placement (NALP) Class of 2012 Summary (PDF)
Total Professional Employment (full-time/part-time) 9 months after graduation: 89.2%
Bar Passage Required (full-time): 77.7%
Morgantown
A Vibrant, Growing Community
Morgantown, WV, is the home of the College of Law. The outdoors, cultural events, shopping, diverse restaurants, and lots of housing options all make Morgantown a great place to live. The population of Monongalia County, which includes Morgantown, is just under 100,000 (US Census Bureau). Its proximity to West Virginia’s growing High Technology Corridor and major cities makes Morgantown a natural crossroad for ideas, cultures, and investment. Morgantown is approximately 75 miles south of Pittsburgh and 200 miles from Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Cleveland; 300 miles from Cincinnati and Philadelphia. Visit WVU’s Welcome to Morgantown for more information.
Nationally Recognized Quality of Life
Vibrant and dynamic, Morgantown has retained its small-town atmosphere and is widely regarded as a great place to live.
- Forbes named Morgantown the 7th best place for business and careers among U.S. metro areas under 150,000 population
- Inc. named Morgantown the 12th Hottest Small City: Boomtown among U.S. metro areas under 150,000 population
- Kiplinger’s Personal Finance named Morgantown the 29th Smartest Place to Live in the U.S.
- Named “Best Walking City” in West Virginia, 34th Best in the Country by Prevention magazine
- The “Guide to Life in America’s Small Citie” named Morgantown the 3rd Best Small City in America, citing the availability of outdoor recreation opportunities and the presence of WVU as key community assets.
- The American Institute for Economic Research has named Morgantown a Top 10 College Town.