Best part time law schools-Although law school is usually considered a full-time job, you can still earn your JD degree by attending a part-time program. Part-time programs can be attended by all students. However, they are more popular with working professionals and people who have graduated from undergraduate school.
We’ll be discussing the main reasons why someone might choose to go part-time over a full time program in this article. Part-time law school can be a daunting prospect. We will help you make an informed decision, and offer some helpful tips for success.
What does it mean to be a part-time student in School?
Part-time students and full-time students are different in that they take a greater number of credits each semester.
Part-time undergraduate students typically take 11 credits or less per semester. Part-time graduate students typically take less than nine credits per semester. Graduate students in their dissertation or thesis course do not usually need to fulfill this requirement.
A large number of students are part-time. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that 7.7 million of the 19.6million students who attended these schools in fall 2019 were part-time students.
Why Part Time Law School?
Part-time law school is an option for professionals who wish to pursue a law degree but want to continue working. Although the American Bar Association (ABA), dropped its 20-hour-per-week work limit to full-time students, many law schools limit the hours a student can work each week. This makes it difficult for professionals to continue working while attending law school.
Part-time law school is a good option for those who have been away from school for some time, for people who have other daily obligations or for someone who wants to get their law degree but doesn’t want to commit to a full-time program.
Whats Best Part-Time Law Schools
Students who want to work part-time while they study law can consider part-time programs. This blog post will help you decide if part-time is right for you. Are you looking for the right fit? These law schools offer part-time programs:
- American University (Washington).
- Brooklyn Law School
- California Western School of Law
- Capital University
- Cleveland State University (Cleveland-Marshall).
- Concordia University
- CUNY
- DePaul University
- Duquesne University
- Florida A&M University
- Florida International University
- Fordham University
- George Mason University
- Georgetown University
- George Washington University
- Georgia State University
- Golden Gate University
- Hofstra University (Deane)
- Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago–Kent)
- Indiana University, Indianapolis (McKinney).
- Lewis & Clark College (Northwestern).
- Loyola Marymount University
- Loyola University Chicago
- Loyola University New Orleans
- Marquette University
- Mitchell Hamline School for Law
- New England Law Boston
- New York Law School
- North Carolina Central University
- Northern Kentucky University (Chase).
- Nova Southeastern University (Broad).
- Pace University (Haub).
- Quinnipiac University
- Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey
- Saint Louis University
- Santa Clara University
- Seattle University
- Seton Hall University
- South Texas College of Law Houston
- Southwestern Law School
- Stetson University
- St. John’s University
- St. Mary’s University
- Suffolk University
- Temple University (Beasley).
- The Catholic University of America
- Touro College (Fuchsberg)
- University of Akron
- University of Arkansas, Little Rock (Bowen).
- University of Baltimore
- University of Connecticut
- University of Denver (Sturm).
- University of Detroit Mercy
- University of Hawaii-Manoa, Richardson
- University of Houston
- University of Illinois-Chicago John Marshall
- University of Maryland (Carey).
- University of Massachusetts–Dartmouth
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas
- University of San Diego
- University of San Francisco
- University of the District of Columbia (Clarke).
- University of the Pacific (McGeorge).
- University of Toledo
- Wayne State University
- Western New England University
- Delaware Widener University
- Widener University, Pennsylvania (Commonwealth)
- Yeshiva University (Cardozo).
Part Time Law Schools: The Pros and Cons
Below is a list that outlines the benefits and drawbacks of part-time study at a law school. These can be compared to each other to help make a decision about whether to enroll in a part-time program.
The Pros and Cons of a Part Time Law Program
- Flexibility. Part-time law programs offer more flexibility than their counterparts in terms of entry requirements. It might be worth looking into if you have a low LSAT score or a low UGPA. These programs are generally more flexible in terms of admission standards. Part-time law programs offer flexible scheduling, which is great for students who have full-time jobs or families.
- Stability. Part-time applicants rarely apply outside their local area. Part-time programs in their home city allow them to avoid relocation costs and keep their daily routine.
- More financial freedom Part-time programs let you attend fewer classes over a longer time. You can continue working full time if you so choose. This may allow you to repay some or all of your principal student loans while still at school. You can offset the cost of your legal education by having a job while you are in school. Only the tuition cost would be covered by borrowing. You may not need to borrow any loans in some cases depending on whether you receive tuition assistance from your employer and/or your income.
- “Safety Nets” The ability to retain company-provided insurance and to contribute to a company’s retirement plan are two personal benefits that many people value. Both of these benefits are possible if you can keep your job and go to school. Due to the prohibitive cost of health insurance, many law students do not have it. Many consider the loss of earnings during three years of full-time school as an additional expense to a law degree. PT students have the opportunity to earn and contribute to a retirement plan, which is a positive.
The Cons of a Part Time Law Program
- It takes longer. This con is what most students consider when making a decision. It is not desirable to stay in school longer than necessary, especially for a costly endeavor like law school. The less appealing things begin to look the longer you wait to get your JD.
- Expensive. It’s surprising that part-time programs don’t cost as much as full-time ones. Part-time students in PT programs are often more expensive than full-time students.
- Limited school options/job prospects. Very few schools offer part-time programs in law school, so there are very few choices. Part-time programs are not offered by many of the best law schools. This is because prestige, ranking and status are important considerations. Part-time students may have limited job prospects due to this.
- Missed opportunities for networking. Part time students don’t spend as many hours on campus. Part-time students are also more likely to be on campus for three years than traditional students, which makes it difficult for them and their classmates to make connections. Networking is essential. Most schools offering part-time programs are either regional or local schools. This means that most students will stay within their school’s geographic area. Your job prospects after graduation can be hampered by not networking.
- Lower grades. Part-time students are responsible for at least two major responsibilities. Part-time students may find their schoolwork suffers due to the additional workload, even if they have fewer classes.
- Poor job performance. Adding school to your full-time job schedule can also lead to poor job performance.
- Part time “stigma.” While it is less common, part-time law programs are perceived as being lower quality or less rigorous than full-time programs. Part-time law program graduates may be less likely to get job offers or receive lower pay.
How to succeed for Part Time Law Students:
These tips will help you succeed in a part-time program in law if you choose to enroll.
Really weigh the pros and cons
You should carefully weigh the pros and cons of a part-time program before you decide to enroll in one. Consider your day and how you might fit a part time law program into your schedule. Part-time law programs have both advantages and disadvantages. This will ensure that you are not caught off guard or burn out and can help you stay on the right path to your JD degree.
Take Control of Your Time
Part-time students and those who have other obligations are more likely to need time management. Plan your day and work out what you have to do. This will allow you to complete your tasks with minimal stress.
Plan Ahead
You can plan your day around upcoming events at work and law school, increasing your chances of success. If you are aware of an interview day at work, plan ahead to block off time from work. If you know that you will be staying later at work, you can complete your assignments and study ahead of time to make more time for your career.
You will be more successful if you are more aware of future events and better prepared for them.
Participate in School Events
Although it may seem daunting to balance your day with studying, class and flying off to school, it is essential that you attend campus events whenever possible. These events provide opportunities for you to network and make possible employment connections. You will also get to know your fellow classmates and future coworkers better.
Your Path to a JD Degree
Part-time law school can make it difficult. Even the most hardworking and dedicated students can find it difficult to balance work and family obligations. Part-time law school is a great way to fit your life and get your JD degree.
