Legal Education Data Deck - KEY TRENDS ON ACCESS, AFFORDABILITY AND VALUE November 2019 - AccessLex
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Legal Education Data Deck KEY TRENDS ON ACCESS, AFFORDABILITY AND VALUE November 2019
Foreword
AccessLex Institute® offers this 2019 Legal Education Data Deck for
the use of the legal education community, policymakers, and others
interested in viewing a snapshot of certain data and trends organized
around the three driving principles of AccessLex Institute’s research
agenda: access, affordability and value. This is a living document that
will be updated periodically—AccessLex Institute welcomes comments,
criticisms and suggestions so that this document will be a useful tool
to those we serve.
In compiling this data deck, we have utilized publicly available datasets
from third parties, including but not limited to the Law School Admission
Council, the National Conference of Bar Examiners, the National
Association for Law Placement and the American Bar Association Section
of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. We thank these and other
organizations for making such data available.
AccessLex Institute uses these data as the basis for the presentation, analysis
and commentary contained herein, and takes sole responsibility for the
quality and accuracy of such presentation, analysis and commentary.
AccessLex.org iii
About AccessLex Institute
AccessLex Institute, in partnership with its nearly 200 nonprofit and
state-affiliated ABA-approved member law schools, has been committed
to improving access to legal education and to maximizing the affordability
and value of a law degree since 1983. The AccessLex Center for Legal
Education Excellence® advocates for policies that make legal education
work better for students and society alike, and conducts research on the
most critical issues facing legal education today. The AccessLex Center for
Education and Financial Capability® offers on-campus and online financial
education programming and resources to help students confidently
manage their finances on their way to achieving personal and professional
success. AccessLex Institute is a nonprofit organization with offices in
West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. and with accredited
financial counselors throughout the U.S.
AccessLex.org ivLaw Students in the United States
Fall 2018 J.D. Enrollment at AccessLex Institute Member Law Schools, by State.
2,501 or more 1,001–2,500 501–1,000 500 or fewer No J.D. enrollment reported
WA
PR
MT ME
ND
OR MN VT
ID NH
SD WI NY
MA
WY MI
RI
IA PA
NE CT
NV OH
UT IL IN NJ
CA CO WV DE
KS VA
MO MD HI
KY
NC DC
TN
AZ OK
NM AR SC
MS AL GA
TX LA AK
FL
Note: This map includes only the ABA-approved AccessLex Institute member schools as of 2018.
Data Source: American Bar Association, 2019a. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org vTable of Contents
Access 1
Applicants, Admission and Matriculation in Law School
Law School Applicants, Admits and Matriculants, 2005–2018 2
Law School Admission Rates, 2005–2018 3
Application and Admission Rates by Gender, 2014–2018 4
Total J.D. Enrollment by Gender, 1981–2018 5
Racial/Ethnic Diversity of Law School Applicants, 2014–2018 6
Admission Rates by Race/Ethnicity and Overall, 2014–2018 7
Law School Enrollment
Percentage of Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded to Minority Students and Percentage of
First-Year Enrolled Minority J.D. Students 8
Full-Time and Part-Time Minority J.D. Enrollment, 2009–2016 9
Highest Level of Parent Education Among Graduate Students by Type of Program, 2015–2016 10
Percentage of Students Enrolled in Graduate and Professional Programs Who
Received Pell Grants as Undergrads, 2015–2016 11
2007–2008 Bachelor’s Degree Recipients Who Completed Graduate Degrees by 2012,
by Family Income in 2006 and Graduate Program Area 12
J.D. and Non-J.D. Enrollment, 2009–2018 13
J.D. Degrees Awarded
Total J.D. Degrees Awarded at ABA-Approved Law Schools, 2005–2018 14
Percentage of J.D. Degrees Awarded to Ethnic Minorities, 1987–2018 15
AccessLex.org viTable of Contents
Affordability 16
Average Full-Time Tuition and Fees (in 2018 Dollars) by School Type and Residency, 2012–2018 17
Percentage of Law Students Who Still Owe on Undergraduate Loans, 2015–2016 18
Percentage of Law Students Who Worked While Enrolled, by Year and Institution Type 19
Percentage of Law Graduates Who Borrowed For Graduate Education, by Year and Institution Type, 2004–2016 20
Cumulative Amount Borrowed (in 2018 Dollars) by Law Students While Enrolled, by Year
and Institution Type, 2004–2016 21
Value 22
Occupations Requiring Graduate or Professional Degree With Most Projected Job Openings, 2016–2026 23
Percentage of ABA-Approved Law School Graduates Passing the Bar on the First Try,
by Month of Exam, 2009–2018 24
First-Time Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of ABA-Approved Law Schools by State, 2018 25
Change in First-Time Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of ABA-Approved Law Schools, by Exam Jurisdiction, 2017 to 2018 26
Recent J.D. Graduates by Employment Status, 2009–2018 27
Full-Time and Part-Time Employment of Recent J.D. Graduates, 2009–2018 28
Recent J.D. Graduate Employment by Sector, 2009–2018 29
Median Salary (in 2018 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by Sector, 2009–2018 30
Median Salary (in 2018 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by Employment Type, 2009–2018 31
1992–1993 Bachelor’s Degree Recipients Who Earned a Graduate Degree by 2003,
by Whether or Not They Believe Graduate Education Was Worth the Cost 32
2007–2008 Bachelor’s Degree Recipients Who Earned a Graduate Degree by 2012,
by Whether or Not They Believe Graduate Education Was Worth the Cost 33
Detailed Data Sources 34
AccessLex.org viACCESS
Law School Applicants, Admits and Matriculants, 2005–2018
The number of applicants, admitted applicants, and matriculants for all terms increased between 2017 and 2018.
This increase comes after a slight dip was observed in all these categories between 2016–17.
Applicants Admitted applicants Matriculants
60,700
56,400
42,300
44,000
37,500
37,100
36,300
All Terms ʻ17 All Terms ʻ18
Source: Law School Admission Council, 2019. American Bar Association, 2019a and 2019b. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 2Law School Admission Rates, 2005–2018
The overall law school admission rate declined by three percent between 2017 and 2018, falling from
75 to 72 percent as the number of law school applicants increased.
77% 78% 78% 76%
75% 75%
71% 72%
67% 67% 69%
66%
63%
59%
All Terms ʻ16 All Terms ʻ17 All Terms ʻ18
Source: Law School Admission Council, 2019. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 3Application and Admission Rates by Gender, 2014–2018
Female applicants make up an increasing share of law school applicants but admission rates for males
continue to outpace those of females.
Male Female
100%
80% 80% 79% 78% 78%
76% 76% 75%
74% 74%
71%
60%
53% 54%
51% 52%
50% 50% 49%
47% 46% 45%
40%
20%
0%
Fall 2014 Fall 2015 All Terms 2016 All Terms 2017 All Terms 2018 Fall 2014 Fall 2015 All Terms 2016 All Terms 2017 All Terms 2018
Law School Applicants by Gender Law School Admission Rates by Gender
Data Source: Law School Admission Council, 2019. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 4Total J.D. Enrollment by Gender, 1981–2018
Prior to 2000, male and female J.D. enrollment mainly moved inversely, with male enrollment
falling as female enrollment increased. After 2000 they moved in tandem, until female enrollment
surpassed male enrollment for the first time in 2017. Since, female enrollment has increased while
male enrollment has declined.
Male Female
80,000
77,634
60,000
58,461
53,011
43,245
40,000
20,000
0
2018
Note: Since 2014–15, the American Bar Association has included “other” as a gender category. The enrollment reported for this category in 2014–2015 is too small to
appear in this figure.
Data Source: American Bar Association, 2019b. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 5Racial/Ethnic Diversity of Law School Applicants, 2014–2018
The racial and ethnic composition of law school applicants has remained relatively stable over the last five years.
White applicants comprise nearly two-thirds of the applicant pool.
Fall 2014 Fall 2015 All Terms 2016 All Terms 2017 All Terms 2018
100%
90%
80%
70%
62% 62% 61% 62% 63%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
15% 15% 15% 15% 15%
13% 13% 13%
10% 11% 12% 11% 10% 10% 11% 11%
3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2%
0% .5% .5% .4% .5% 0%
Caucasian/ Black/ Hispanic/Latino Asian Puerto Rico American Indian/ Native Hawaiian/
White African American Alaskan Native Other Pacific Islander
Note: Applicants who identify as more than one race/ethnicity are reported in each.
Data Source: Law School Admission Council, 2019. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 6Admission Rates by Race/Ethnicity and Overall, 2014–2018
Between 2017 and 2018, admission rates declined across nearly all racial/ethnic categories. Admission rates
increased slightly for Puerto Rican applicants.
Caucasian White Asian American Indian/Alaska Native Hispanic/Latino Puerto Rican
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander Black/African American Overall admission rate
85% 85%
83% 83%
81%
76% 76% 75% 74%
71% 72% 71% 70% 71% 71% 72%
71%
68% 68% 69% 68% 68% 69%
67% 67% 67% 67%
65% 66% 65%
63% 63% 63% 63%
59%
57% 56%
54%
51% 49%
Fall 2014 Fall 2015 All Terms 2016 All Terms 2017 All Terms 2018
Note: Applicants who identify as more than one race/ethnicity are reported in each.
Data Source: Law School Admission Council, 2019. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 7Percentage of Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded to Minority Students
and Percentage of First-Year Enrolled Minority J.D. Students
The increase in the proportion of first-year law school students who are minorities mirrors the change in the
proportion among bachelor’s degree recipients over the past seven years.
2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18
33% 34%
31% 32% 31% 31% 32%
29% 30% 30%
28% 27%
25% 26%
Percentage of Bachelor’s Degrees Percentage of First-Year Enrolled Minority
Awarded to Minorities J.D. Students
Data Source: American Bar Association, 2019b. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences,
National Center for Education Statistics, 2018. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 8Full-Time and Part-Time Minority J.D. Enrollment, 2009–2016
Minority students make up a greater percentage of part-time than full-time J.D. students, comprising
38 percent of part-time law students in 2016.
Full-time Part-time
Data Source: American Bar Association, 2018a and 2018b. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 9Highest Level of Parent Education Among Graduate Students by
Type of Program, 2015–2016
Recent estimates indicate that students who were the first in their families to go to college are in the minority
among students enrolled in graduate programs. In 2015–2016, about 10 percent of law students had a parent
whose educational attainment was a high school diploma or less.
HS diploma Associates/Certificate/ Bachelor’s Master’s degree Doctoral Degree— Doctoral Degree—
or below Some College degree or equivalent professional practice research/scholarship
5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 5% 3%
9% 8% 8% 7% 9% 7% 7% 3%
5% 6% 7% 6%
5% 12% 6% 6%
17% 9%
14% 17%
17%
23% 21% 22% 20% 21%
22% 12% 19% 22%
23% 13%
20% 16%
25%
24% 28% 25% 23% 21%
21% 25% 23%
21%
25%
23% 23%
25%
25%
30% 26% 22%
27% 31% 27% 26% 27%
29%
22% 23%
25%
23%
27%
13% 20% 21%
15% 15% 15% 16% 17% 17% 17% 17%
10% 11%
5%
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Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Educational Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study,
NPSAS:16. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 10Percentage of Students Enrolled in Graduate and Professional
Programs Who Received Pell Grants as Undergrads, 2015–2016
The proportion of students enrolled in graduate and professional programs who received Pell Grants as
undergraduate students varies by discipline. In 2015–2016, over a third of law school students previously
received a Pell Grant to help fund their undergraduate studies.
100%
90%
80%
70%
62%
60%
57%
50% 48%
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44% 45%
42%
40% 38%
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36% 37%
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30% 31%
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Note: Data presented reflects only U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Foreign/international students are excluded from analysis due to differences
in financial aid eligibility. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 112007–2008 Bachelor’s Degree Recipients Who Completed
Graduate Degrees by 2012, by Family Income in 2006
and Graduate Program Area
Compared to the overall U.S. population, few 2007–2008 bachelor’s degree recipients who completed graduate
degrees by 2012 came from lower income families. In particular, a high percentage of law school graduates come
from high-income families. Of those who completed graduate degrees in legal education by 2012, two-thirds
came from families earning $90,000 or more.
$50k or less $50k to $90k $90k to $130k $130k or more
*Estimated income distribution among all U.S. households. Calculated using those households reporting positive income on 2006 American Community Survey.
Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, Baccalaureate and
Beyond Longitudinal Study, B&B:08/12a; U.S. Census, 2006. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 12J.D. and Non-J.D. Enrollment, 2009–2018
Non-J.D. students make up a greater share of law school enrollment today than they did at the start of
the decade. The percentage of non-J.D. students has increased from 6 percent to 16 percent since 2009.
Percent J.D. enrollment Percent non-J.D. enrollment
11% 14% 16%
89% 86% 84%
2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19
Data Source: American Bar Association, 2019b. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 13Total J.D. Degrees Awarded at ABA-Approved Law Schools,
2005–2018
The number of J.D. degrees awarded per year increased overall between 2004 and 2013, but began to
decline in 2014. In 2018, about 34,500 J.D. degrees were awarded.
50k
2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18
Data Source: American Bar Association, 2019a and 2019b. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 14Percentage of J.D. Degrees Awarded to Ethnic Minorities,
1987–2018
The proportion of law degrees awarded to racial and ethnic minorities has increased over the last 30 years.
In 1987, nearly 10 percent of law degrees were awarded to racial and ethnic minorities; in 2017–2018, that
figure has grown to just over 30 percent.
30.6%
9.8%
ʼ1 7
8
ʼ1
ʼ1
6-
7-
ʼ1
Data Source: American Bar Association, 2019a and 2019b. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 15AFFORDABILITY
Average Full-Time Tuition and Fees (in 2018 Dollars) by School
Type and Residency, 2012–2018
Average tuition and fees for full-time students has been relatively flat across all sectors over the last seven years.
Since 2012, average full-time resident tuition and fees at public law schools has actually decreased by 2 percent;
private law school tuition and fees have decreased 0.4 percent; and public non-resident tuition and fees have
decreased 6 percent.
Private Public non-resident Public resident
$47,630
$43,490
$40,140
$38,730
$25,160 $27,110
2016 2017 2018
Note: Data presented are most recent as of August 2019. Figures shown are inflation adjusted using the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) from July
of the year indicated with 1982–84 as the base years. The following schools did not report data in the given year, and are excluded from the average tuition and fees
calculation indicated: Appalachian School of Law (2017 private); Lincoln Memorial (2017 private); Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (2017, 2016 and 2015 public
non-resident); Stanford University (2017 public non-resident); Northwestern University (2016 public non-resident); University of Puerto Rico (2015 public non-resident);
and Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (2014 private).
Data Source: American Bar Association, 2019a. Data presentation, including conversation to real dollars, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 17Percentage of Law Students Who Still Owe on Undergraduate
Loans, 2015–2016
Nearly half of enrolled law school students are carrying undergraduate debt. In 2015–2016, the median amount of
debt still owed among those with outstanding undergraduate loans was $25,500.
Percentage of law students who still Percentage of law students who do
owe on undergraduate loans not owe on undergraduate loans
45% 55%
Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Educational Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study,
NPSAS:16. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 18Percentage of Law Students Who Worked While Enrolled,
by Year and Institution Type
More than half of enrolled law students reported earnings from off-campus employment at both public and
private, nonprofit schools. Their median hourly earnings were $15 in 2015–2016.
All Institution types Public Private nonprofit
70%
60% 58% 57%
55% 56%
50%
40%
30%
56% 59% 57% 58%
55% 55% 55% 55%
20%
10%
0%
2004 2008 2012 2016
Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Educational Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study,
NPSAS:04, NPSAS:08, NPSAS:12 and NPSAS:16. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 19Percentage of Law Graduates Who Borrowed For Graduate
Education, by Year and Institution Type, 2004–2016
A majority of law graduates use loans to fund their graduate education. However, the proportion of graduates who
borrowed declined by 17 percentage points between 2012 and 2016.
All Institution types Public Private nonprofit
100%
92%
90% 87% 88%
80%
71%
70%
60%
50%
95%
89% 91% 89% 88%
40% 83%
71%
30% 66%
20%
10%
0%
2004 2008 2012 2016
Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Educational Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), National Postsecondary Student
Aid Study, NPSAS:04, NPSAS:08, NPSAS:12 and NPSAS:16. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 20Cumulative Amount Borrowed (in 2018 Dollars) by Law Students
While Enrolled, by Year and Institution Type, 2004–2016
As the percentage of law graduates who borrowed declined, the average cumulative amount of graduate debt
also decreased between 2012 and 2016.
All Institution types Public Private nonprofit
$160,000
$146,600
$140,000 $135,900
$123,400 $129,400
$120,000
$112,200 $111,100 $111,500
$100,000 $96,500 $97,100
$80,000
$68,900
$64,400
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
2004 2008 2012 2016
Note: Minimum reporting standards were not met for law school graduates who attended public institutions in 2016. Data presented reflects only U.S. citizens
and permanent residents. Foreign/international students are excluded from analysis due to differences in financial aid eligibility.
Data Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Data presentation, including conversion to real dollars, analysis and
commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 21VALUE
Occupations Requiring Graduate or Professional Degree With
Most Projected Job Openings, 2016–2026
The latest occupational outlook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects lawyer positions will have the
most job openings among positions requiring a graduate or professional degree.
New (Added) Jobs Job Openings
0 20k 40k 60k 80k 100k 120k 140k
Lawyers 65,000 40,700 105,700
Health Specialties
60,600 25,800 86,400
Teachers, postsecondary
Physical therapists 67,100 17,700 84,800
Educational, Guidance, School,
36,700 35,300 72,000
or Vocational Counselors
Nurse Practitioners 56,100 14,400 70,500
Note: Detail may not sum to totals due to rounding. Job openings from growth represent projections for job creation. Job openings from
replacement are projected based on expected retirement and other employment departures.
Data Source: U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017, October.
AccessLex.org 23Percentage of ABA-Approved Law School Graduates Passing
the Bar on the First Try, by Month of Exam, 2009–2018
Bar passage rate declines have been most pronounced for February takers in recent years, falling from
74 to 62 percent between 2014 and 2018. Over the same time period, July bar passage rates have fluctuated
around 75 percent.
February July
100%
90%
85%
83% 83% 82%
80% 81%
78% 78% 78%
76% 75% 75%
73% 73% 74% 74% 74%
70% 69%
66%
64% 62%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Data Source: National Conference of Bar Examiners, 2009–2018. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 24First-Time Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of ABA-Approved
Law Schools by State, 2018
In 2018, 73 percent of all first-time exam takers from ABA-approved law schools passed the bar. However, bar
passage rates vary among jurisdictions, generally falling between 60 and 85 percent.
80% or more 75%–79% 70%–74% 69% or less
PR
WA
MT ME
ND
OR MN VT
ID NH
SD WI NY
MA
WY MI
RI
IA PA
NE CT
NV OH
UT IL IN NJ
HI
CA CO WV DE
KS VA
MO MD
KY
NC DC
TN
AZ OK
NM AR SC
MS AL GA
TX LA AK
FL
Note: Bar passage is shown by the state of bar administration, not the location of the exam taker’s law school.
Data Source: National Conference of Bar Examiners, 2018. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 25Change in First-Time Bar Passage Rates for Graduates of
ABA-Approved Law Schools, by Exam Jurisdiction, 2017 to 2018
Between 2017 and 2018, a majority of states saw decreases in first-time bar passage rates among graduates of
ABA-approved law schools.
Increase Decrease No Change
PR
WA
MT ME
ND
OR MN VT
ID NH
SD WI NY
MA
WY MI
RI
IA PA
NE CT
NV OH
UT IL IN NJ
HI
CA CO WV DE
KS VA
MO MD
KY
NC DC
TN
AZ OK
NM AR SC
MS AL GA
TX LA
AK
FL
Data Source: National Conference of Bar Examiners, 2017 and 2018. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 26Recent J.D. Graduates by Employment Status, 2009–2018
The percentage of recent law graduates who obtain employment in jobs requiring bar passage has increased
over the past six years, and jumped five percentage points between 2016 and 2018. The unemployment
rate has also improved—however, it is important to note that while the unemployment rate has declined,
the total pool of recent graduates has been shrinking since 2013.
Bar passage required J.D. advantage Unemployed-seeking All others
50,000
44,339 44,637
45,000
40,833 41,156 41,623 11%
42,139
12% 38,627
40,000 9%
14% 15% 12%
11% 35,815
11%
10%
9% 33,966 33,510
35,000 6% 6% 10% 9%
10% 8% 8%
13% 14%
9% 15% 9%
30,000 11% 13% 8% 7%
14%
15% 12% 12%
25,000
20,000
15,000 71% 68% 64% 64%
65% 66% 67% 68% 72% 73%
10,000
5,000
0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Note: These data are based on law school graduates who employment status was reported to NALP and may not be fully representative of the total law school
graduating class indicated. In 2014, NALP changed the timing of the survey administration from 9 months post-graduation to 10 months post-graduation.
Use caution when interpreting data and when comparing from year to year.
Data Source: National Association for Law Placement (2019). Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 27Full-Time and Part-Time Employment of Recent J.D. Graduates,
2009–2018
The percentage of recent law school graduates employed in part-time positions has steadily declined since
2011 as more graduates obtain full-time employment each year.
Full-time Part-time
10% 11% 12% 10% 8% 7% 7% 6% 5% 5%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
These data are based on law school graduates who employment status was reported to NALP and may not be fully representative of the total law school
graduating class indicated. In 2014, NALP changed the timing of the survey administration from 9 months post-graduation to 10 months post-graduation.
Use caution when interpreting data and when comparing from year to year.
Data Source: National Association for Law Placement (2019). Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 28Recent J.D. Graduate Employment by Sector, 2009–2018
Since 2014, the proportion of graduates working in private practice has increased while the percentage
working in business has steadily decreased. The proportion of graduates working in government,
public interest and academic jobs has remained flat over this period, with only judicial clerkships
seeing a slight increase.
Private practice Business Government Judicial clerk Public interest Academic Unknown type
7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7%
6% 7% 8%
9% 9% 9% 10% 11% 11% 11%
9% 9%
9%
11% 12% 12% 12% 12% 12%
12% 12% 12%
13%
13% 14% 13%
18% 18% 18% 17% 16%
15% 18%
56% 54% 55%
51% 50% 51% 51% 51% 51% 53%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Note: These data are based on law school graduates who employment status was reported to NALP and may not be fully representative of the total law school
graduating class indicated. In 2014, NALP changed the timing of the survey administration from 9 months post-graduation to 10 months post-graduation.
Use caution when interpreting data and when comparing from year to year.
Data Source: National Association for Law Placement (2019). Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 29Median Salary (in 2018 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by
Sector, 2009–2018
The median salary for the class of 2018 graduates working in private practice is $120,000, down from the high
point of $152,100 for the class of 2009, but continuing to increase from a low of $95,200 for the class of 2011.
Other sectors show smaller fluctuations but have been relatively stable throughout this period.
Private Practice Government Judicial Clerk Business Academic Public Interest Unknown
$160k
$140k
$120k
$100k
$80k
$60k Median
$40k
$20k
$0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Note: These data are based on law school graduates who employment status was reported to NALP and may not be fully representative of the total law school
graduating class indicated. In 2014, NALP changed the timing of the survey administration from 9 months post-graduation to 10 months post-graduation. Use caution
when interpreting data and when comparing from year to year.
Data Source: National Association for Law Placement (2019). Data presentation, including conversion to real dollars, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 30Median Salary (in 2018 Dollars) of Recent J.D. Graduates by
Employment Type, 2009–2018
For all employment categories, the median salary of class of 2018 graduates is lower than the median
for the class of 2009. However, median salary has been trending upward for almost all employment
categories in recent years.
Bar passage required J.D. advantage Other professional Non professional
$90k
$80k
$70k
Median
$60k
$50k
$40k
$30k
$20k
$10k
$0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Note: These data are based on law school graduates who employment status was reported to NALP and may not be fully representative of the total law school graduating
class indicated. In 2014, NALP changed the timing of the survey administration from 9 months post-graduation to 10 months post-graduation. Use caution when interpreting
data and when comparing from year to year.
Data Source: National Association for Law Placement (2019). Data presentation, including conversion to real dollars, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 311992–1993 Bachelor’s Degree Recipients Who Earned a Graduate
Degree by 2003, by Whether or Not They Believe Graduate
Education Was Worth the Cost
When surveyed 10 years after graduation, most 1992–1993 bachelor’s degree recipients who had since earned a
graduate degree agreed that their graduate education was worth the cost, regardless of program type. Over 80
percent of law-related degree recipients felt their education was worth the money.
Graduate education not worth its cost Yes, graduate education worth its cost
Note: Data are shown by major/field of study as reported by the survey respondent and include all graduate degree types (i.e., master’s,
professional, doctoral). Therefore, “law” includes J.D. recipients, but could also include Master of Legal Studies and similar recipients.
Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal
Study B&B:93/03. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 322007–2008 Bachelor’s Degree Recipients Who Earned a
Graduate Degree by 2012, by Whether or Not They Believe
Graduate Education Was Worth the Cost
The perspectives of more recent graduate degree recipients are noticeably different. In 2012, 52 percent of
2007–2008 bachelor’s degree recipients who had since earned a graduate degree in legal professions and
studies felt their education was worth the cost.
Graduate education not worth its cost Yes, graduate education worth its cost
Note: Data are shown by major/field of study as reported by the survey respondent and include all graduate degree types (i.e., master’s,
professional, doctoral). Therefore, “Legal professions and studies” includes J.D. recipients, but could also include Master of Legal Studies
and similar recipients.
Data Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal
Study, B&B:08/12b. Data presentation, analysis and commentary by AccessLex Institute.
AccessLex.org 33Detailed Data Sources
American Bar Association. (2019a). Compilation – All Schools Data. National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2009). 2008 Statistics.
Section of Legal Education – ABA Required Disclosures. The Bar Examiner, 78(2): 16–19.
Retrieved from http://www.abarequireddisclosures.org/ Retrieved from http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2Fdmsdocument%2F155.
American Bar Association. (2019b). Statistics. Section of Legal National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2010). 2009 Statistics.
Education and Admissions to the Bar. The Bar Examiner, 79(1): 16–19.
Retrieved from https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/statistics.html Retrieved from http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2Fdmsdocument%2F152
Law School Admission Council. (2019). Data Library. National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2011). 2010 Statistics.
Retrieved from https://www.lsac.org/data-research/data The Bar Examiner, 80(1): 16–19.
Retrieved from http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2Fdmsdocument%2F156..
U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences,
National Center for Education Statistics, 2004:2016 National
National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2012). 2011 Statistics.
Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS).
The Bar Examiner, 81(1): 16–19.
Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/datalab
http://www.ncbex.org/dmsdocument/146
National Association for Law Placement. (2019). Recent Graduates.
National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2013). 2012 Statistics.
Retrieved from https://www.nalp.org/classof2018
The Bar Examiner, 82(1): 16–19.
http://www.ncbex.org/dmsdocument/145
National Conference of Bar Examiners. 2009–2018 Statistics.
The Bar Examiner.
Retrieved from https://thebarexaminer.org/statistics/ National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2014). 2013 Statistics.
The Bar Examiner, 83(1): 16–19.
Retrieved from http://www.ncbex.org/dmsdocument/144.
National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2008). 2007 Statistics.
The Bar Examiner, 77(2): 16–19.
Retrieved from http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2Fdmsdocument%2F154.
AccessLex.org 34Detailed Data Sources (continued)
National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2015). 2014 Statistics. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences,
The Bar Examiner, 84(1): 18–21. National Center for Education Statistics, 2007–08 National
Retrieved from http://www.ncbex.org/dmsdocument/164. Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:08)
Computation by NCES PowerStats on 8/20/2018.
National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2016). 2015 Statistics.
U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences,
The Bar Examiner, 85(1): 14–49.
National Center for Education Statistics, 2008–12 National
Retrieved from http://www.ncbex.org/assets/media_files/Bar-Examiner/articles/2016/BE-
Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:12)
March2016-2015Statistics.pdf.
Computation by NCES PowerStats on 8/20/2018.
National Conference of Bar Examiners. (2017). 2016 Statistics. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences,
The Bar Examiner, 86(1): 14–28. National Center for Education Statistics, 2015–16 National
Retrieved from http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2Fdmsdocument%2F205. Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:16)
Computation by NCES PowerStats on 8/20/2018.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2006). 2006 American Community Survey
1-Year Estimates. Household Income, National [Data]. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences,
Retrieved [2/12/2016] from www.ipums.org. National Center for Education Statistics. (2017). IPEDS Data Center
Complete Data Files. 2016 Completions [Data file].
Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx.
U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences,
National Center for Education Statistics, 1993/2003 Baccalaureate
and Beyond Longitudinal Study (B&B:93/03) U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences,
Computation by NCES PowerStats on 8/31/2015. National Center for Education Statistics. (2018). Digest of
Education Statistics, Table 322.20.
Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d16/tables/dt16_322.20.asp?current=yes.
U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences,
National Center for Education Statistics, 2003–04 National
Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:04) U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Computation by NCES PowerStats on 8/20/2018. (2017, October). Projections of Occupational
Employment, 2016–26.
Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2017/article/occupational-
projections-charts.htm
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