According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "graduates with superior academic records from highly regarded law schools will have the best job opportunities." This is essential to consider because the job outlook for lawyers is not what it used to be. New law graduates can expect to face a highly competitive job market in upcoming years. The median salary for all law school graduates in 2007 was $68,500.
One of the principal advantages of attending Yale Law School is its small class size. With only 20 students per class or less, students and faculty work closely with one another during three years of law school. The school also boasts world-renowned faculty and alumni. In addition to the traditional J.D. degree, Yale Law offers joint degree programs such as the J.D./MBA, and J.D./PhD in finance. Students may also complete a law degree in combination with a medical or divinity degree. Ranked the number one law school in the United States by the U.S. News and World Report, tuition is over $48,000 per year, making it the most expensive law school in the nation.
Besides the J.D. degree, Harvard Law students may complete dual degrees in public health, divinity, business administration, divinity, and education. Dual degrees are offered in conjunction with other schools such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. The law school emphasizes public service, as the typical student at Harvard completes over 500 hours of service to the community. There are also opportunities for study and research abroad. Students planning on applying to Harvard Law can expect significant competition as only 835 students were admitted from 7610 applicants in 2010. Tuition is $45,000 per year.
Grants, loans and scholarships at private law schools are typically based solely on financial need. Students may compete for outside scholarships based on academic merit, however. Certain private law schools offer loan forgiveness and protection plans, allowing students to take lower-paying public interest positions. These programs help the new graduate by paying a percentage of student loan payments based on income.