Seton Hall University announced via a press release on Tuesday that it has expanded its program that permits students who qualify to save over 50 percent on tuition. The program has been extended to include the law school. The program was created and enacted last year. In the academic year of 2013-14, tuition will decrease to $22,330 for eligible incoming first-year students.
The program began last year so students could attend the private university for tuition rates that are closer to those of Rutgers University’s in-state tuition rates. The reason that the program is being extended to the law school is so it can offer “a private legal education at a public school price.”
The President of Seton Hall University, Dr. Gabriel Esteban, said the following in the press release: “Similar to the program for undergraduate study, this initiative reflects Seton Hall’s commitment to serving our community. It provides access to a high-quality private education at a cost comparable to a public institution.”
The dean of the law school, Patrick E. Hobbs, said in the press release that “The legal industry is undergoing substantial change, and for those who choose law, we have a duty to respond in a meaningful way – making legal education more practice oriented and employment focused as well as more affordable. Our Legal Practice Curriculum, numerous clinics, pro bono programs and comprehensive intern and externship programs address the first concerns; this tuition cut will help to answer the next, making Seton Hall Law School more affordable for those who wish to attend.”
The Dean of Enrollment Management, Gisele Joachim, said the following in the press release: “Extending the University’s tuition reduction program to our Law School helps lend clarity and transparency to merit-based financial aid and the process of financing a legal education. We believe it’s critically important to share as much information as possible with our students about the economic drivers of a legal education: tuition, financial aid and employment outcomes. In this instance, the tuition reduction program is quite simple: admitted students who meet our eligibility criteria automatically receive the reduction. And if they meet our criteria for renewal, they will receive that tuition reduction until they graduate. ”
In the press release, the school noted the specifics for the program, which are as follows:
- To qualify for this tuition discount, students must have an LSAT score of 158 and higher and an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher;
- Students who apply to Seton Hall Law and meet the academic criteria will automatically receive this tuition rate reduction;
- Open to first-time, first-year full-time or part-time students entering Seton Hall Law in Fall 2013;
- This program is open to students from all states; and
- Students may also be eligible for additional merit and/or need-based financial aid.