University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Penn Law benefits from both the law school's collegial culture and the broader resources of the Penn campus. The law school occupies Silverman Hall, a modern facility completed in 2016 that provides state-of-the-art classrooms, extensive study spaces, and student lounges designed to foster community. The building's location at the edge of Penn's campus places students within easy walking distance of the undergraduate campus amenities, including libraries, recreation facilities, and dining options, while maintaining the distinct character of the law school community. Student organizations reflect the diversity of interests within the law student body. Law journals including the Penn Law Review and specialized publications in areas like constitutional law, international law, and gender studies provide scholarly publishing opportunities. Advocacy organizations, affinity groups, and practice-focused societies offer programming, community, and professional development. The law school's formal mentorship programs connect first-year students with upper-level mentors who provide guidance on navigating law school and planning careers. Philadelphia offers an appealing setting for graduate study, with lower living costs than New York or Washington while providing access to a major metropolitan area's cultural and professional resources. Most law students live in off-campus apartments in University City or nearby neighborhoods such as Center City or Graduate Hospital. The law school's location provides convenient access to both Philadelphia's extensive restaurant and nightlife scene and quieter residential neighborhoods. Common student concerns include managing the demanding workload while maintaining well-being, though the law school's Office of Student Affairs provides support services and the collaborative culture helps mitigate the stress that characterizes some peer law schools.
Location & Surroundings
The University of Pennsylvania campus occupies University City in West Philadelphia, an urban neighborhood that has transformed significantly over recent decades. The campus provides a defined, walkable environment with green spaces, historic architecture, and modern facilities, while remaining connected to the broader Philadelphia metropolitan area. Center City Philadelphia, with its concentration of law firms, courts, and businesses, lies just across the Schuylkill River, accessible by walking, bicycle, or the frequent SEPTA transit service. Philadelphia's climate features four distinct seasons, with humid summers, cold winters with occasional significant snowfall, and pleasant spring and fall periods. The city's mid-Atlantic location places it within easy reach of other major East Coast cities, with New York roughly 90 minutes by train and Washington approximately two hours. Philadelphia International Airport provides convenient domestic and international connections for students traveling for interviews, externships, or personal reasons. The Philadelphia legal market, while smaller than New York, offers robust opportunities for law students. Major national and regional law firms maintain significant Philadelphia offices, particularly those serving the area's substantial financial services, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries. Federal courts including the Third Circuit Court of Appeals provide clerkship opportunities that can launch distinguished legal careers. The city's history as a center of American governance—from Independence Hall to the Constitution Center—provides tangible connections to the legal profession's significance in democratic society. Cost of living in Philadelphia remains considerably lower than in New York or San Francisco, allowing students to manage law school expenses more comfortably while still enjoying urban amenities.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Legal education at Penn represents a significant financial investment, with annual tuition exceeding $70,000 and total cost of attendance approaching $100,000 per year when living expenses are included. Over three years, students should expect total costs approaching $300,000 before interest on loans. Penn provides financial aid through a combination of need-based grants, merit scholarships, and federal loans. Approximately 70% of students receive some form of financial aid, and the law school has expanded grant aid in recent years to reduce student debt burdens. The Toll Public Interest Center administers Penn Law's Public Interest Scholar program, which provides substantial loan forgiveness for graduates who pursue qualifying public service careers. This program makes public interest law financially viable for Penn graduates who might otherwise be precluded by educational debt. Additionally, many students receive funding for unpaid public interest summer positions through school-sponsored fellowship programs. Career outcomes for Penn Law graduates are exceptional by any measure. More than 90% of graduates secure employment within 10 months of graduation, with the vast majority entering jobs that either require bar passage or prefer JD holders. Major law firm employment, typically at salaries starting around $215,000 plus bonuses, accounts for approximately 60-70% of the class. Judicial clerkships, including prestigious federal appellate positions, attract another significant cohort. Public interest and government positions, though representing a smaller percentage of graduates, include distinguished placements in federal agencies, prosecutors' offices, and major nonprofit organizations. The Penn Law alumni network, particularly strong in Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, provides career support throughout graduates' professional lives.
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