The William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has again been named one of the nation’s 60 “Best Value” law schools for 2017, based on factors including the relatively low amount of debt carried by graduates and good job prospects for employment after graduation.
Each year The National Jurist magazine releases a list of the nation’s best value law schools based on six factors, including tuition, student debt, cost of living, employment rate and percentage of graduates who pass the bar exam over two years.
Employment rate is weighted the most at 35 percent, with tuition and debt weighted at 25 and 15 percent, respectively.
The UH law school earned a B+ rating. While resident tuition increased slightly, the employment rate within a few months of graduation jumped from 72.4 percent in 2015-16 to 76.8 percent in the most recent ranking.
The list is considered the Honor Roll among law schools, specifically naming those offering students a quality education at an affordable price. Compiled by one of two sister publications that track trends and value in legal education, the national ranking helps prospective students identify schools that offer top value.
Acting School of Law Dean Melody K. MacKenzie said she is gratified that the UH law school continues to remain one of the country’s best value schools year after year. “Not only does Richardson provide one of the most comprehensive and unique legal educations in the country, but we continue our strong efforts to provide as much financial aid as possible to our students and to keep student debt low.”
—By Beverly Creamer
