Top Accelerated Law Degree (3+3 programs) For Legal Careers

What Is a 3+3 Law Program?

If you’re interested in 3+3 accelerated law degree programs, read on. Here, we’ll discuss what these programs are and how they work, among others. By the end of this article, you’ll know whether a 3+3 law program is for you.

What is a 3+3 law program in the first place? This is an accelerated legal education pathway where students:

Earn an undergraduate degree and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in only six years. (The traditional pathway demands at least seven years of study)
Spend the first three years of their study completing undergraduate courses. (These courses apply toward their bachelor’s degree)
Follow up with another three years in law school to earn their JD degree. (The credits earned also count toward completion of their bachelor’s degree)

These programs are usually partnerships between four-year universities and law schools. Due to their rigorous curriculum, these programs have selective admissions. Applicants must meet high GPA and LSAT thresholds, complete prerequisite courses, and more.

How does a typical 3+3 law program save time and money?

Decreases time-to-degree from seven years to six years
Saves one academic year of direct and indirect costs
Accelerates entry into the workforce and, thus, allows for earlier loan repayments. In turn, it means lower interest payments.

Who are the ideal candidates for 3+3 accelerated law programs?

Highly motivated students with effective time management and organizational habits
Academically strong individuals with a clear interest in law
Students seeking affordable ways to earn a JD degree and become lawyers
Individuals who thrive in fast-paced, structured, and rigorous learning environments

In short, if you’re a budget-conscious individual who wants to become a lawyer the fastest way possible, go for it.

Benefits of Accelerated Law Degrees

Before we discuss their benefits, let’s first set realistic expectations. Accelerated 3+3 law programs have their share of challenges, too. These aren’t for the lazy, unmotivated, and mediocre learners.

You must prepare yourself for the heavy academic workload, resulting in intense pressure. There are limited internship opportunities, flexibility in courses, and time for personal growth.

If you can overcome these challenges, you’ll love their benefits:

Get access to financial aid. Many programs offer a wide range of scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.
Graduate in six years instead of seven years. You’ll have a head start over your peers in traditional programs.
Enjoy tuition and other savings. You’ll save $46,029 in tuition and fees and $26,464 in living expenses.
Start your legal career sooner. You’ll gain real-world experience and earn income sooner.

Did you know that lawyers earned $151,160/year in median wages (BLS, May 2024). Even the lowest earners took in $72,780/year. But you can earn more than $239,200/year, too.

Lawyers are in demand, too. Their projected job growth is 5% (BLS, 2023-2033). This is as fast as the average for all occupations.

Their diverse workplaces include law firms, government agencies, corporations, and non-profits. Lawyers can go into private practice, too.

The legal industry also offers a wide range of specializations. Criminal defense, family law, immigration law, and tax law are a few examples.

The bottom line: You can do so many things and make an impact when you’re a lawyer. Now is the best time to consider 3+3 law programs for this reason.

How 3+3 Programs Work

Accelerated 3+3 law programs combine undergraduate and law school studies in one go. Here’s what you can expect during the six-year program.

First 3 years: undergraduate studies

Students enroll in their choice of an approved undergraduate major. Pre-law, English, and political science are popular choices.

During their undergraduate studies, students complete general education and major-specific courses. Students usually receive academic advising services to stay on track.

In their third year of undergraduate studies, students submit a formal application for law school.

Last 3 years: law school coursework

The first year of law school (1L) is the fourth year of undergraduate study. Upon successful completion, students receive their bachelor’s degree.

Then, students complete the JD curriculum in their second (2L) and third (3L) years in law school. Successful completion means being awarded the JD degree.

Again, admission into a 3+3 law program isn’t easy. While admissions criteria differ between programs, common criteria include:

Between 3.4 and 3.7 cumulative GPA by the end of your junior year in college.
Satisfactory LSAT score. Some programs may waive it under certain conditions (e.g., exceptional academic record).
Letters of recommendation from pre-law advisors and/or professors.
Completion of major-specific and other required courses before admission to law school.
Completed formal application to law school.

Note that not all 3+3 programs are cohort-based (i.e., students progress as a group). Be sure to check the program specifics.

Top 3+3 Law Schools to Consider

University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

Philadelphia, PA

UPenn, an Ivy League university, is among the top 3+3 law schools for many reasons. Graduates enjoy elite job placement, for starters.

Estimated JD Tuition: About $73,000/year

Program Highlights:

Coordinated interdisciplinary submatriculation programs are available. Choices include BA/JD Program in Arts & Sciences and Law, BSN/JD Program, and Penn Engineering/Penn Law Program.
Law school admission is based on academic performance.
An LSAT score may or may not be required, depending on the program.

Notable Features:

Prestigious Ivy League education
Interdisciplinary access to different colleges
Personalized academic support
Small law class size

University at Buffalo School of Law (SUNY)

Buffalo, NY

UB offers one of the most affordable law degrees in the U.S. Aside from affordable tuition and fees, it offers financial aid to students.

Estimated JD Tuition: About $28,000/year (in-state)

Program Highlights:

The accelerated program is open to students in many SUNY colleges.
Bachelor’s degree students must apply in their junior year.

Notable Features:

Access to all resources and services at the School of Law starting in their first year
Robust law school programming (e.g., networking reception and programs)

Boston College

Boston, MA

If you’re looking for an enriching experience, consider Boston College. Indeed, it’s among the best fast-track law degree programs because of it.

Estimated JD Tuition: $70,115/year

Program Highlights:

Selective admissions – 3.80 median GPA, 167 median LSAT (2024 entering class)
Over 88% of students receive financial aid

Notable Features:

A BigLaw recruitment top school
Plenty of excellent hands-on learning opportunities
Competitive academic environment

Drexel University Kline School of Law

Philadelphia, PA

Undergraduates in selected BA and BS programs are welcome to earn their combined bachelor’s and law degree. Majors include history, English, psychology, business, political science, and sociology.

Estimated JD Tuition: Around $57,000/year

Program Highlights:

Students must complete major-specific courses as well as a second minor or major, when applicable
Rigorous GPA, LSAT and other eligibility requirements by your junior year

Notable Features:

Practice-focused curriculum with an emphasis on co-op experiences
Technology-centric coursework
Emphasis on entrepreneurial law

Rutgers Law School

Newark & Camden, NJ

This is among the best law schools for 3+3 programs because of its affordable cost and quality education. During the first year, students complete six core law classes. Afterwards, they can create a customized legal education plan.

Estimated JD Tuition: About $29,000/year (in-state)

Program Highlights:

Choose from two campuses, but gain access to shared resources and services
Competitive admissions criteria – 3.61 GPA and 158 LSAT
Strong academic advising services

Notable Features:

Access to the regional legal industry (i.e., prestigious legal education)
No specific pre-law track required
Social justice and public interest focus

Tips for Applying to 3+3 Law Programs

Due to their selective admissions criteria, it takes early planning to succeed. Here’s how to get started and increase your chances of admission.

Understand admission requirements. Start by researching the eligibility criteria and admission requirements. Every program has its specifics, so be sure to take notes. Check, too, that your chosen major meets the eligibility requirements. Not all majors are accepted. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria isn’t a guarantee for admission.
Know the GPA and test score expectations. Maintaining a strong cumulative GPA is a must. Boost your application profile by taking rigorous classes and/or Honors courses. Not all 3+3 law programs require a satisfactory LSAT score, usually 155+. Again, check for the program specifics. In some programs, GRE or GMAT scores are accepted in lieu of an LSAT score.
Know the application deadlines. Use a digital calendar and alarms to keep track of application deadlines. The crucial ones include declaring intent and submitting your law school application.
Prepare strong letters of recommendation and personal statements. Boost your chances, too, by submitting a compelling personal statement. Choose trusted professors and academic advisors for your letters of recommendation.

Paying for a 3+3 Law Program

Financing your 3+3 law studies can be a significant challenge. You’re paying for both a bachelor’s degree and a JD degree. Based on Education Data figures, you’ll spend around $332,300 over six years.

Fortunately, there are upsides to it. For starters, a law degree opens up diverse legal career paths in the public and private sectors. Most of these career paths offer competitive salaries and benefits, too. You can enjoy high returns on investment if you play your cards right.

You’ll also find a wide range of financial aid options.

FAFSA and federal aid

The foremost law school financial aid is via FAFSA, the mother document for federal aid. You must apply every year or else lose the opportunity.

Law school scholarships

Both need- and merit-based scholarships are available for law students. Check out these law school-specific scholarship programs.

ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund
Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholarship
AccessLex Law School Scholarship Databank
NAACP Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship
American Association for Justice (AAJ) Women for Justice Scholarship

However, it’s important to look for tuition-saving law degrees in the first place. Public universities offer more affordable tuition and fees. Consider non-profit universities, too.

Then, consider these budgeting tips to make the financial costs less burdensome.

Use paid internships and summer jobs to earn extra income.
Track your expenses and minimize unnecessary spending.
Consider living at home if it’s possible.
Be as frugal as you can be.

Paying for a 3+3 law program doesn’t have to be an obstacle. Plan early, apply to as many financial aid programs as you can, and be frugal.

Is a 3+3 Law Degree Right for You?

Ask yourself these questions to determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Do I really want to be a lawyer?
Do I have a strong academic record and other eligibility requirements?
Do I thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment?
Do I have the financial resources for it? If not, do I have the persistence to apply for financial aid?

If you answered “yes” to all these questions, then you may be the right fit.

But it’s also important to consider its pros and cons.

Pros:

Graduate one year sooner with a bachelor’s and JD degrees.
Save time and money on direct and indirect costs.
Start your legal career sooner.

Cons:

You have less time to enjoy the traditional college experience.
There is high pressure to achieve good academic performance

There’s also the matter of career readiness. Yes, you’re prepared academically. But your limited internship and leadership experience can be a hindrance.

Job placement rates also vary between programs. Go for top-tier law schools if you want their prestige to precede your job applications.

Conclusion: A Smart Option for Future Lawyers

Indeed, accelerated 3+3 law programs offer many benefits. You’ll graduate sooner, save more money in tuition, and enter the workforce earlier. If you want to enjoy these benefits, consider them now.

Start exploring the best programs early. You’re more likely to find the right program for you because you did your research.

Here are resources that you can also use to your advantage.

Start your legal journey today.