Deciding where to go to law school is one of the biggest decisions you can make. So, if you’re wondering if attending law school at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) is a good option, we’re here to help you think things through.
In this guide, we’ll help you answer common questions, such as:
How many HBCUs offer law degrees?
Which HBCU has the best law school program?
How much does it cost to attend an HBCU law school?
What LSAT score do you need to attend an HBCU law school?
What are the pros and cons of attending an HBCU for law school?
But before answering those questions, let’s begin with a brief overview of the historical importance of HBCU law schools.
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(click to skip ahead)What are the HBCU law schools?
HBCU law schools are academic institutions that offer legal education and training with a unique focus on the African-American experience and social justice. These law schools are an integral part of the broader network of HBCUs, which have played a crucial role in providing higher education for African-Americans for over a century.
Historically Black colleges and universities were established in response to the systematic exclusion of African Americans from predominantly White institutions (PWIs) during the era of segregation.
According to John Pierre, Chancellor of the Southern University Law Center, HBCU law schools produce around 25% of the law degrees earned by Black students in the United States, even though HBCUs only represent 3% of law schools across the nation.
How many HBCU law schools are there?
There are over 100 HBCUs. However, only six HBCUs offer law school programs:
Howard University
Texas Southern University
Florida A&M University
Southern University
North Carolina Central University
The University of the District of Columbia
We’ll get into some detail on each of these schools below.
List of HBCU law schools
Below, we’ll share essential information about the six HBCU law school programs, including the estimated annual cost of attendance, the law degree programs offered, and the median undergraduate GPAs and LSAT scores for successful applicants.
Howard University School of Law
Founded in 1869, Howard University School of Law was the first historically Black law school in the United States. It’s also one of the most prestigious. Throughout its history, it has played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, producing influential lawyers and judges, such as the first black woman lawyer, Charlotte E. Ray.
Quick facts
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type: Full-time
Estimated annual cost of attendance: $71,710
Law degree programs: JD, JD/MBA, Master of Law (LL.M.)
2022 median undergraduate GPA: 3.49
2022 median LSAT score: 154
2022 acceptance rate: 31.16%
Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University
Founded in 1947, the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University has a rich history of promoting diversity and equality in legal education. As one of the most diverse law schools in the country, it is deeply committed to addressing critical urban issues. It is named after the distinguished U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, honoring his legacy and commitment to justice and equality.
Quick facts
Location: Houston, Texas
Type: Full-time
Estimated annual cost of attendance: $45,072 (Texas residents); $52,295 (non-residents)
Law degree programs: JD, Master of Law (LL.M.)
2022 median undergraduate GPA: 3.12
2022 median LSAT score: 151
2022 acceptance rate: 35%
Florida A&M University College of Law
Florida A&M University College of Law, established in 1949, is committed to providing an exceptional legal education to a diverse student body. Its mission emphasizes serving historically underserved communities and nurturing future legal professionals dedicated to equitable justice and the rule of law.
Quick facts
Location: Orlando, Florida
Type: Part-time and full-time options available
Estimated annual cost of attendance: $31,180-$42,440 (Florida residents, off-campus); $50,440-$61,700 (non-residents, off-campus)
Law degree programs: JD
2023 average undergraduate GPA: 3.52
2023 median LSAT score: 151
2022 acceptance rate: 35.48%
Southern University Law Center
Established in 1947, the Southern University Law Center was founded in response to a landmark lawsuit by an African-American man seeking to attend law school at a Louisiana academic institution. The Law Center’s mission is to “provide access and opportunity to a diverse group of students from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups to obtain a high-quality legal education with training in both civil and common law.”
Quick facts
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Type: Part-time and full-time options available
Estimated annual cost of attendance: $40,378-$45,682 (Louisiana residents); $52,978-$59,282 (non-residents)
Law degree programs: JD, JD/MPA, JD/MBA
2022 median undergraduate GPA: 3.13
2022 median LSAT score: 146
2022 acceptance rate: 59.71%
North Carolina Central University School of Law
Established in 1939, North Carolina Central University School of Law has a rich history of delivering quality, personalized, practice-oriented, and affordable legal education to historically underrepresented students from diverse backgrounds. They aim to enhance diversity within the legal profession and empower graduates to become highly competent and socially responsible lawyers committed to public service.
Quick facts
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Type: Part-time and full-time options available
Estimated annual cost of attendance: $44,572 (North Carolina residents); $67,243 (non-residents)
Law degree programs: JD, JD/MBA, JD/MLS/MIS, JD/MPA, JD/MPP
2022 median undergraduate GPA: 3.32
2022 median LSAT score: 148
2022 acceptance rate: 35.73%
The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law
Founded in 1972, the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law is committed to public interest and community service. With a strong focus on practical training and one of the most comprehensive clinical requirements among U.S. law schools, it provides hands-on experience to ensure graduates are well-trained to “practice law, promote justice, and change lives.”
Quick facts
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type: Part-time and full-time options available
Estimated annual cost of attendance: $47,111 (D.C. residents); $53,829 (D.C. metropolitan area residents); $60,046 (non-residents)
Law degree programs: JD
2022 median undergraduate GPA: 3.15
2022 median LSAT score: 150
2022 acceptance rate: 50.29%
"Top" HBCU law schools
It's essential to approach the idea of "top" HBCU law schools with a nuanced perspective. While rankings can provide some guidance, they don't tell the whole story. Instead, they offer a snapshot of a school's performance based on various factors, which may not align perfectly with your personal goals and values.
That said, among HBCUs, Howard University School of Law often emerges as the most well-respected and renowned. With its rich history, commitment to civil rights, and influential alumni, Howard has established itself as a leading institution for legal education.
North Carolina Central University School of Law is another institution frequently recognized for its emphasis on public interest law, civil rights, and community service.
However, it's crucial to consider that what makes a law school "top" can vary greatly depending on your aspirations and career objectives. Factors such as location, faculty expertise, available resources, costs, and specific programs may matter more to you and your goals than overall rankings.
Should I attend an HBCU law school?
No matter where you choose to apply for law school, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Here, we discuss some potential pros and cons of attending an HBCU law school.
The pros
Diverse and inclusive environment. HBCUs offer a unique and inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds come together. This diversity can enrich your legal education by exposing you to various perspectives and cultivating a strong sense of community.
Commitment to social justice. HBCU law schools have a historical and ongoing commitment to social justice and civil rights. Their curricula often reflect this dedication, providing a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing careers in public interest law, civil rights, and related fields.
Focused approach to diverse perspectives. HBCU law schools are well-known for their emphasis on issues related to racial justice and inequality. This focused approach can be particularly valuable if you have a strong interest in these areas and want to make a difference through your legal practice.
Contribution to diversity. By attending an HBCU law school, you contribute to the ongoing effort to diversify the legal profession, which is crucial for addressing systemic disparities and promoting equity.
The cons
Smaller alumni networks. Compared to larger institutions, HBCU law schools may have smaller alumni networks, which can affect post-graduation job placement and professional connections.
Perceptions and biases. Some employers may be less familiar with the prestige and quality of education offered by HBCU law programs, potentially impacting the recognition of your qualifications.
Limited specialized programs. If you're interested in a highly specialized field of law, some HBCU law schools may not offer as broad a range of courses or resources compared to larger institutions.
Financial considerations. Some HBCU law schools may face funding and resource limitations, potentially leading to fewer scholarships, limited extracurricular programs, or reduced career services.
Final thoughts
Researching law schools is an important step in your journey toward becoming a lawyer. When deciding whether to attend an HBCU law school, consider the advantages and disadvantages we've discussed.
Ultimately, the right choice for you will align with your career goals, personal values, and priorities.
For more information as you prepare, check out the following resources:
If you're looking for personalized guidance, we recommend speaking with our graduate school admissions consultants. We can help you craft a strong personal statement and navigate the law school application process.
Schedule a consultation and begin taking the next step in your law school journey!
Ameer is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
