Pennsylvania residents applying to law school have a new reason to consider Penn State: a renewable annual grant of $20,000 available through the Commonwealth Scholars program.
“We have a superb academic program with some of the nation’s finest classroom teachers and experiential learning opportunities. Yet our research shows that some individuals are unable to take advantage of it because of cost. This program will increase access to legal education for well-qualified Pennsylvania residents who otherwise may not have considered us,” said Interim Dean James W. Houck, distinguished scholar in residence and vice admiral, judge advocate general corps, U.S. Navy (retired).
The grant is available to students attending either the University Park or Carlisle campus and is renewable for all three years of study, resulting in a $60,000 savings for Commonwealth Scholars. The Commonwealth Scholars program is offered to all prospective J.D. students who apply and are admitted to Penn State Law and enrolling in fall 2014; and are able to demonstrate that Pennsylvania is their primary residence. In addition, Commonwealth Scholars remain eligible for additional scholarships and need-based financial aid.
Penn State Law had the highest first-time bar pass rate of all Pennsylvania schools on the July 2013 bar exam. The current first-year class is comprised of students from 23 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.
Students interested in learning more about the Commonwealth Scholars Program are invited to attend a webinar at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 and should visit www.law.psu.edu/commonwealth-scholars for more information.
About the law school
Penn State Law, formally known as The Dickinson School of Law of The Pennsylvania State University, has campuses in both Carlisle and University Park, Pennsylvania. With a $150 million investment in new faculty appointments, world class facilities at both campuses, and exciting new clinics, Penn State Law is preparing its students to engage in a lifetime of advocacy, counseling and service on both the national and international stages. The law school was formed from a merger in 2000 of The Dickinson School of Law, founded in 1834 in Carlisle, Pa.; and Penn State University, a research institution.