ABA law schools see small increase in first-year enrollment

The number of students starting law degree programs at American Bar Association-accredited schools increased for the second straight year.

The ABA released data Thursday showing a 0.8 percent rise in first-year law school enrollment nationwide.

A year ago, the 0.1 percent uptick in matriculation was the first increase since 2010 and came after a 30 percent decrease in the five preceding years.

The 203 ABA schools reported that 37,398 students began their law degree programs this year, 291 more matriculants than last year.

The ABA noted the data contained one less school this year because Charlotte School of Law did not enroll a first-year class and has ceased operations. The school reported welcoming 343 students last year.

Overall law degree enrollment covering all years of students at ABA schools dropped again to 110,156, a 0.7 percent decrease from 2016, which was a smaller decline than in 2016.

That downward trend could eventually be reversed if first-year enrollment continues to grow.

The Law School Admission Council recently reported that as of Dec. 1 there was a 12 percent bump in the number of law school applicants nationwide compared to a year ago. There has also been a sharp rise in the number of LSAT takers even as some schools have shifted to accepting additional tests.

Meanwhile, enrollment in non-juris doctor programs continued to rise this year.

ABA schools reported that 16,482 students were enrolled in LL.M., masters and certificate programs, a 20.5 percent increase compared to the 13,677 students who matriculated last year.

Enrollment data for each school is expected to be posted on an ABA webpage by Friday.