The University of Georgia School of Law has once again been recognized as the nation's Best Value in legal education, marking the fifth time it has received this accolade in seven years. The school previously held the top spot in the National Jurist ranking last year and achieved a three-year streak from 2018 to 2020.
"Our vision is to redefine what it means to be a great national public law school: Offering a world-class, hands-on, purpose-driven education, while striving to be the best return on investment in legal education,” said School of Law Dean Peter B. "Bo" Rutledge. He emphasized that their success is measured by quality job placements and bar exam passage rates for graduates, alongside reduced student debt.
Key achievements include a 95% employment rate for the Class of 2023 within ten months post-graduation and an almost perfect bar passage rate of 99.48% for the Class of 2021 across multiple jurisdictions. Since 2013, student borrowing has decreased by over $8.2 million or 54%, with half of the students not taking loans for the 2023-24 academic year.
For the academic year 2022-23, financial aid was provided to 92% of students, with all first-generation college graduates and veterans receiving assistance. These groups are guaranteed at least a quarter scholarship, with some receiving full-tuition scholarships.
Rutledge acknowledged contributions from various stakeholders including President Jere W. Morehead (J.D.’80), alumni, faculty, staff, and students: "Our school’s sustained success has been made possible by so many... Thank you all for your support!"
He added that their efforts aim to make legal education more accessible and allow students to pursue careers based on passion rather than debt: "Together, we are making the dream of a legal education more accessible and empowering our students to decide how they will serve state and society."
“In short," Rutledge concluded, "we are redefining what it means to be a great national public law school.”