American University Washington College of Law
General Info
The American University Washington College of Law (WCL) is a private ABA-certified American law school. It is located on Massachusetts Avenue in the Spring Valley area of Northwest Washington, DC. WCL is nationally renowned for its International Law, Clinical and Trial Advocacy programs, which are ranked 5th, 2nd and 11th in the nation, respectively, by U.S. News & World Report. In 2008, WCL was included on U.S. News & World Report's college and university rankings list of the Top 100 Law Schools, where WCL consistently ranks in the top 50. In 2007-08, U.S. News' index of diversity recognized WCL as the most diverse top-tier law school in the Washington, D.C. area, and number 3 among top-tier law schools in the nation. Furthermore, WCL is known for its strong programs in both human rights and public interest work.
Contact information
- (Website) https://www.wcl.american.edu/
- (Admissions Dean) wcladmit@wcl.american.edu
- (Location) Washington, DC
American Law School Admissions
American Law School is considered a Somewhat Competitive law school, which accepts only 60% of its applicants. Comparatively, American is Significantly Higher than the average cost for law school.
| Applications | Offers | Matriculated | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2028 | 4605 | 2727 (59.22%) | 421 (9.1%) |
| 25% | Median | 75% | |
| GPA | 2.96 | 3.29 | 3.48 |
| LSAT | 152 | 155 | 158 |
Tuition And Financial Aid
| In-State Resident | Non-Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | $51,002 | $51,002 |
| Part Time | $35,776 | $35,776 |
Living Expenses
- Living on-campus: $23,460
- Living off-campus: $23,460
- Living at home: $23,460
Important Dates
- Early Decision 1: 11/15
- Early Decision 2: N/A
- Regular Decision: 01/31
- Application Fee: $70
American Law School Admissions Predictor Tool
American Law School COMPARISON TOOL
American Law School
American Law School Community
American Law School is considered to have a Favorable student to faculty ratio. The average class size for 1L sections is approximately Above Average compared to other law schools. Student diversity at American is Above Average.
Student body
Faculty Statistics
- Full Time: 102
- Part Time: 221
Faculty
- # Female Faculty: 127
- # Minority Faculty: 43
Ratio
12.6 Students
1 Faculty
Housing Options
- On Campus Housing: Yes
- Graduate Housing: Yes
- Law Specific Housing: No
American Law School Curriculum
The size of 1L sections affects the quality and consistency of teaching in law schools. Generally with smaller 1L section sizes, students receive more individualized attention. American Law School 1L section size is 11% larger than law schools in Washington DC and 23% larger than all PRIVATE law schools.
1L Section Size Comparison
Positions Available in Advanced Courses
- Simulation Courses: 661
- Faculty Supervised Clinics: 230
Students Involved in Advanced Activities
- Field Placements: 358
- Law Journals: 415
- Moot Court/Mock Trials: 0
Attrition Rates
- First Year: 16.7%
- Second Year: 1.8%
- Third Year: 0.0%
- Fourth Year: 0.0%
American Law School Employment
Deciding to attend law school requires a large financial investment with the goal of securing employment upon graduation. The American Law School class of 2023 had an employment rate of 81% with 3% pursuing an additional degree.
Employment Comparison
In 2023, 78.8%% of students reported their employment status 9-months after graduation.
Type of Employment
- Law Firms: 26.0%
- Business: 13.0%
- Government: 27.0%
- Public Interest: 16.0%
- Academia: 4.0%
- District of Columbia: 43%
- Maryland: 17%
- Virginia: 10%
Bar Passage Rates
- Reporting: 78.8%
- First Time Takers: 382
- Average School: 74.8%
- Average State: 76.6%
- Pass Difference: -1.8%
Top Bar Jurisdiction
- New York: 78.6%
- Passed: 98 of 133 (73.7%)
- State Average: 76.6%
- Difference: -4.9%