What is the Average Class Size in Law Schools?

Choosing the right law school is an essential aspect for aspiring legal professionals. Among the many factors you must consider, class size is a crucial aspect that can influence learning. The average class size not only reflects the approach to education but also affects the level of interaction.

This article delves into the nuances of class sizes across different law schools. We explore how these sizes vary from one place to another and how these differences affect the quality of education and the professional growth of students. Read on to explore the different insights into the dynamics.

What is the Typical Class Size in Law School?

Determining the average class size in law schools can be pretty complex, as it varies significantly from one institution to another; however, there are some insights from the available data.

For instance, class sizes can be inferred from the class profiles among the top law schools (often referred to as T14 schools). These profiles usually include the number of students admitted each year, but they don’t always explicitly state the average class size per course or section.

Schools like Harvard, Columbia, Cornell, and the University of Chicago have detailed class profiles. Still, these primarily focus on the demographics and qualifications of admitted students rather than specific class sizes.

On the other hand, a report by U.S. News provides some data on class sizes, specifically regarding upper-division law courses. It states that among 188 ranked law schools, the average number of upper-division courses with fewer than 25 students during the 2018-2019 school year was 115.

This suggests that smaller class sizes are more common in upper-division courses than larger lecture-style classes typically found in lower-division courses. The report also lists specific law schools that have a high number of such small-sized classes. Below are the number of upper-division courses with fewer than 25 students according to different universities:

• American University: 300
• Yeshiva University: 299
• Indiana University: 280
• Columbia University: 260
• University of Miami: 248
• University of Notre Dame: 240

So, while it is difficult to pinpoint the average law school class size, we can have a general idea of how many classes have less than 25 students per class.

However, we can also dive into the law school student-to-faculty ratio to further understand the typical class size in different universities. Three of the prime examples of law schools and their student-to-faculty ratio include:

1. University of California, Irvine School of Law (UCI Law): The student-faculty ratio is reported as 8:1. This suggests a relatively intimate learning environment where students may have more opportunities for personal interaction with faculty members.

2. Northwestern Pritzker School of Law: The school reports its ratio as 4.8:1. This lower ratio indicates an even smaller class size and potentially more personalized attention from professors.

3. Yale University Law School: As one of the top-ranked law schools, the ratio is 6:1. This suggests a place where students can expect close interactions and better attention from professors.

Small vs. Large Class Sizes in Law Schools

In law schools, deciding between small and large classes involves a complex balance of benefits and challenges. Below, we discuss each aspect in detail and elaborate on the advantages and challenges. We will first elaborate on the benefits and challenges of small class sizes, then briefly touch on the larger ones.

Benefits of Small Class Sizes

There are various benefits of studying law in a small class size, including:

• Personalized instruction: Smaller classes allow for more individualized attention from instructors. Teachers can adapt their teaching to cater to different learning styles, fostering a more engaging and supportive learning environment.
• Enhanced participation: In smaller classes, students often have more opportunities to participate in discussions and debates, which can improve their critical thinking and communication skills.
• Stronger relationships: Smaller ones can foster closer relationships between students and teachers and among peers. This can lead to a more supportive and collaborative learning atmosphere.
• Increased engagement: With fewer students, teachers can more easily identify and address individual students’ needs, potentially leading to higher student engagement and academic performance.

Challenges of Small Class Sizes

As with everything, some challenges come with having smaller class sizes. Some of those include:

• Limited perspectives: With fewer students, a narrower range of perspectives and experiences may be shared in the classroom. This could potentially limit exposure to diverse viewpoints, which is crucial in law.
• Pressure to perform: Students in smaller classes might feel more pressure to participate and perform well, as they are more visible to instructors and peers.
• Resource constraints: Smaller classes generally require more instructors for the small number of students, which can strain a school’s resources. This often leads to higher costs or fewer available courses.
• Peer dynamics: While solid relationships can benefit, they can also lead to challenges in group dynamics. Issues like groupthink and lack of diversity in opinions might arise.

Large Class Sizes

In contrast, large class sizes often have a broader range of perspectives and can facilitate exposure to various opinions. However, they may lack the personal touch and close-knit community feel of smaller classes. Students in large classes might not receive as much individualized attention and might find it more challenging to form close relationships with their instructors.

Law Schools with Most Students

If we want to rank law schools by class size, the best resource we could utilize would be a comprehensive study on law schools. Here are the top law schools, ranked from the highest number of student enrollment to the least:

• Georgetown University Law Center: 3024
• James E.Rogers College of Law: 2544
• New York University School of Law: 2136
• Harvard Law School: 2029
• The George Washington University Law School: 1968
• Columbia Law School: 1783
• Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law: 1619
• Fordham University School of Law: 1569
• Texas A&M University School of Law: 1404
• University of Miami School of Law: 1389
• Berkeley School of Law: 1349

This is a reflection of the largest law schools in the United States. So, how competitive is law school?

Law Schools That Have Small Classes

The smallest law schools often have a smaller class size, but the top schools also have a smaller one. That is because smaller schools do not have enough resources to allocate enough material to larger classes, and the top schools focus on providing quality education and interactions for all their students.

Law schools with small class sizes offer a more intimate learning environment, which can benefit students seeking closer interaction with faculty and peers. Based on U.S. News data, Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School tops the list with 514 upper-division courses having fewer than 25 students.

Other notable schools with small class sizes include the Washington College of Law at American University and Yeshiva University’s Cardozo School. These small class sizes can enhance discussion, provide greater access to professors, and encourage active participation.

How Does Class Size Affect Learning as a Law Student?

Class size significantly influences learning experiences, especially for law students. Several studies and observations across different settings provide insights into how class size impacts learning. Some of the impacts include:

Enhanced Teacher-Student Interaction

With smaller class sizes, studies show more personalized interaction between students and teachers. In smaller classes, teachers can more easily focus on individual students’ needs, providing them with attention and support.

Improved Classroom Management and Participation

Research illustrates that teachers find it easier to manage smaller classes, which results in fewer distractions and a more controlled learning environment. This allows for greater student participation, especially from those who might feel overwhelmed or sidelined in larger classes.

Better Academic Performance and Long-Term Success 

Research suggests that students in smaller classes tend to achieve higher in various subjects. Additionally, the benefits of smaller classes extend beyond immediate academic performance, influencing long-term factors such as college attendance rates, earning potential, and civic participation.

More In-Depth Exploration of Topics

With fewer students, teachers have more time to delve deeply into subjects, allowing them to expand on areas of interest and engage students more thoroughly in the material. This can lead to a deeper understanding and retention of the subject matter.

Teacher Satisfaction and Retention

Smaller classes contribute to teacher satisfaction. When teachers can effectively manage their classrooms and provide quality instruction, they are more likely to feel fulfilled and stay longer in their positions. This benefits educational institutions, ensuring a stable and experienced teaching workforce.

Wrapping Things Up: What is the Average Class Size in Law Schools?

In summary, selecting the right law school is a critical decision for aspiring legal professionals. Class size plays a role in this choice. This article has delved into law school class size and how smaller classes often lead to more personalized instruction, enhanced participation, and stronger relationships.

Moreover, the largest law school endowments often contribute to the quality of education by providing resources that can impact class sizes. These can help schools balance small and large class sizes, ensuring students receive the attention needed. While it is difficult to pinpoint the average law class size, our exploration provides a general idea of what to expect.