UH Law School Earns “Best Value” Ranking by PreLaw Magazine

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law was again ranked among the nation’s “Best Value” law schools in the fall 2021 issue of PreLaw magazine.

The UH law school was one of the nation’s 60 law schools recognized by the publication.

The list factored in variables such as bar pass rate, employment, tuition, cost of living and indebtedness upon graduation. The most significant variables were the employment rate, which was weighted at 35%, and tuition at 25%.

Among UH law students, 65% received grants and scholarships during the 2019-20 academic year, according to information released by UH.

Acting Director of Admissions Loreto Coloma, Jr. said, “It has been helpful that our tuition has remained frozen for the last several years, and will continue through the 2022-23 academic year. In tandem with the other ways the administration supports its students, it’s no surprise the law school has been able to remain a Best Value school.”

The UH law school earned a B+ rating, with an ultimate bar pass rate of 90.67% and a graduate employment rate of 88.2%. According to data cited in the article, the average student debt accumulated from a private law school is about $133,480; UH law school’s average student debt is $59,792.

“On average, 30% of students enter private practice, 30% find government work, and 30% take on judicial clerkships,” said Trisha Y. Nakamura, director of career services and professional development.

The law school has also been recognized nationally earlier this year for its international and environmental law programs, excellent student and faculty diversity, and the significant number of graduates pursuing jobs in public service. More prospective students are choosing Richardson as well, as this year the law school received its highest number of applications in nine years.

*Courtesy University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa