Akron Law: A highly ranked law school in a low-cost city

07/29/2016

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Photo by Shane Wynn

The University of Akron School of Law is one of the nation’s most highly ranked law schools in an inexpensive city, according to Law.com.

The site juxtaposed two lists: Forbes’ listing of the 25 most affordable cities, and U.S. News and World Report’s law school rankings.

Akron’s School of Law placed seventh on the list, and notably, it has the lowest tuition among those listed. Tuition at the University of Tennessee College of Law (No. 1 on the list) is $37,903. No. 2 is Oklahoma City School of Law, with tuition at $34,330.

By comparison, Akron Law costs $24,522 annually. That is $8,000 less than the next least expensive law school on the list, Wayne State University School of Law.

Enrollment increasing

“We are seeing a healthy increase in the number of students we are attracting from out of state and internationally,” said Ryan Vacca, interim co-dean of Akron Law. “Part of it is certainly our cost; we are a great value in legal education. Part of it is Akron. Our city is a vibrant, resurgent low-cost community. Plus, we abut a national park, and we enjoy all the benefits of being close to a big city, Cleveland.”

Enrollment of first-year J.D. students at Akron Law increased 26 percent last year and looks to increase yet again this year. This goes against the trend of declining enrollments at law schools nationally.

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