FAQs

You are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions if you have any questions at (401) 254-4555 or lawadmissions@rwu.edu. Some of our most frequently asked questions and the answers to those questions are listed below.

How much does it cost to attend RWU Law?

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With a tuition rate of $41,060 for the 2021-22 academic year, making RWU Law the best-priced ABA-accredited private law school in the Northeast – and one of the best legal education values on the entire East Coast.

What opportunities are available for internships, etc.?

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RWU Law is committed to the belief that experiential learning is at the core of a legal education. In fact, we guarantee that every qualified student will receive a substantial clinical experience through our in-house legal clinics or externship programs.  Please visit our Feinstein Center for Pro Bono and Experiential Education page for more information.

When is the application deadline?

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Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis, but our priority deadline for fall admissions is April 1st.  You are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible due to space limitations.

What does "rolling admissions" mean?

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Decisions are made on an ongoing basis from mid-December through August.

As the application deadline draws near, there are fewer seats left to fill. Thus, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

What are the prerequisites to attend law school?

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In order to attend law school, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree and take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).  It is not necessary for the applicant to have any particular major, as long as they have a bachelor's degree.

Do you have a cut-off point for LSAT and GPA?

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We do not have a specific cut-off point for LSAT and GPA.  However, these two factors are important when we review a student's application.  Last year's median LSAT and GPA for the incoming class can be found on our Class Profile.

Other factors we consider include the personal statement, resume, background and life experience, and letters of recommendation.

What if I took the LSAT more than once?

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The Admissions Committee will consider an applicant's entire testing record, but it will use the highest score in evaluating the overall strength of an application.  Applicants may submit an addendum with their application to address any circumstances surrounding a standardized test performance.

Do I have to wait to apply until after I take the LSAT?

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You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; however, no decision will be made on your application until we have received your CAS Report form LSAC, which includes your LSAT score.

Do you require letters of recommendation?

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One letter of recommendation is required to complete your application. The School of Law welcomes and reads additional letters. Letters must be submitted directly to the LSAC and will be forwarded to the School of Law via the CAS Report. If you have been enrolled in an academic program within the last three years, the School of Law prefers at least one academic recommendation. 

What do you specialize in?

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We offer a variety of electives in many different practice areas.  For a partial list of our elective course offerings, please visit our Course Descriptions.

We are particularly known for our Public Interest law programs and Marine Affairs Institute.

Do you offer any scholarships?

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Despite the tuition reduction implemented by our Affordable Excellence initiative, RWU Law still offers a significant number of scholarships to offset student costs.  Our scholarships are merit-based, and they range up to full tuition.

What is Bristol like?

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Bristol is a charming and historic small town (approximately 22,000 residents) located on picturesque Narragansett Bay.

A classic New England coastal town, Bristol is home to 5 museums, Colt State Park, and is the beginning of the 14-mile East Bay Bike Path, which ends in Providence.

It is conveniently located within a short drive from Providence and Newport, and is only one hour south of Boston, Massachusetts.

How can I find housing near RWU Law?

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Students have several options regarding housing. Students can find apartments in the area utilizing local rental listings compiled by the Office of Admissions.

How can I schedule a visit to RWU Law?

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There are several options to visit RWU Law.  You can attend an Info Session for prospective students or schedule an individual visit in which you can meet one-on-one with an admissions counselor, sit in on a 1L class, and/or take a tour with a student ambassador.  A RWU Law admissions representative may also be in your state attending various law and graduate school fairs.  Check out our fall recruitment map to find out when we will be in your area.  Whether we meet you on campus or on the road, we look forward to meeting you soon!

Close Course Type Descriptions

Course Types

We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.

Core Course

Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility.  Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.

Elective

After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses.  Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.

Seminar

Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.

Clinics/Externships

Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor.  RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.