Located in the state capital of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Widener Law Commonwealth is the Pennsylvania campus of Widener University’s law programs. Since receiving its ABA accreditation in 1988, the school has carved a space for itself in the region through a strong focus on government law, advocacy, and practical legal education.
Admissions and Affordability
With an acceptance rate of 66.5%, Widener Law Commonwealth offers a welcoming opportunity for aspiring law students, while maintaining its academic standards. Here’s a quick glance at the cost of attendance:
- Tuition & Fees: $55,000
- Living Expenses (Off Campus): $31,000
- Living Expenses (On Campus): Not Applicable
- Students Receiving Grants: 94%
Notably, 94% of students receive financial assistance, making the school one of the most generous in terms of tuition support. Additionally, there are no conditional scholarships, eliminating uncertainty about future financial aid.
Academic Programs and Joint Degrees
Widener Law Commonwealth keeps its degree offerings focused yet flexible:
- Primary Degree: Juris Doctor (JD)
- Joint/Dual Degrees:
- JD/MBA (online, in partnership with Widener School of Business)
- JD/MSLS (Master of Library Science)
These joint degrees are designed to prepare students for evolving legal careers that intersect with business, research, or technology.
Certificates and Specializations
For students looking to specialize, Widener Law Commonwealth offers certificate programs that reflect its strengths in public law and advocacy:
- Advocacy Certificate
- Administrative/Constitutional Law Certificate
- Business Advising Certificate
- Environmental Law Certificate
- Legislation Certificate
These certificates provide targeted training that can enhance job-readiness in specific sectors of legal practice.
Learning Environment and Student Body
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 6.34:1 and an average first-year section size of 47, Widener Law Commonwealth offers personalized attention and strong mentorship opportunities. The total JD enrollment stands at 401, ensuring a small-school feel with a tightly-knit academic community.
Experiential Learning and Extracurricular Life
Practical legal training is at the core of Widener Law Commonwealth’s mission. The Central Pennsylvania Law Clinic gives students direct client interaction, while externships and advocacy competitions provide real-world experience.
Journals:
- Widener Commonwealth Law Review
Clinics:
- Central Pennsylvania Law Clinic
Student Associations (a sampling from a broad list):
- American Constitution Society
- Black Law Students Association
- Environmental Law & Policy Society
- Federalist Society
- Latin American Law Students Association
- OUTLaw
- Trial and Appellate Advocacy Honor Societies
- Women’s Law Caucus
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
These organizations foster leadership, networking, public service, and an inclusive campus environment.
Legal Skills Competitions and Global Exposure
Students can sharpen their litigation skills in competitions like the Hugh B. Pearce Trial Advocacy Competition and participate in:
- Interscholastic Moot Court and Trial Teams
- Summer Study Abroad in Rome
These programs underscore the school’s commitment to experiential learning and global legal awareness.
Career Outcomes and Bar Passage
Widener Law Commonwealth alumni pursue a broad range of legal careers:
- Bar Passage Rate (1st Time / 2 Years): 53.8% / 80.3%
- Graduates Employed: 85.9%
- In Jobs Requiring Bar Passage: 71.8%
- In Law Firm Jobs: 36.5%
While first-time bar passage rates are lower than average, the two-year success rate and employment figures reflect the school’s ability to support long-term outcomes. The Career Development Office provides strong support for job placement and clerkship opportunities, particularly in government and public interest law—fields closely connected to the school’s Harrisburg location.
