Texas A&M University Lowers and Locks Tuition for Law School

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas A&M University has announced it will lower its full-time resident tuition and fees for the School of Law by more than 15 percent, beginning with the fall 2016 semester.

In embracing its public mission Texas A&M regularly reviews its tuition and fees to ensure affordability and quality.  With the acquisition of the Texas A&M University School of Law (TAMU Law) in 2013, recent evaluation of the tuition and fees has resulted in an announcement to lower full-time resident tuition and fees by 15.39% percent from $33,092 to $28,000, effective academic year 2016-2017.

"This is an important part of our transition of the law school from the private to public institution model," Texas A&M University President Michael K. Young said. "By lowering tuition, we are working to ensure our students have much broader opportunities for serving the public at all levels once they graduate.  This is an important part of our land-grant mission that benefits not just our students as individuals, but each of us across society."  

This adjustment will also benefit currently enrolled students.  Beginning with the fall 2016 semester, Texas A&M Law will guarantee a locked tuition rate for entering and continuing law students. This annual tuition rate will be locked in for four academic years from the first date of enrollment. After the expiration of four academic years, students will pay the current year's rates each term until completion; this is consistent with Texas A&M University's approach and commitment to students enrolled in other academic programs including all undergraduate and select graduate degrees.

"Texas A&M University School of Law is transforming legal education in Texas while effectively managing resources entrusted by students and the state," said John Sharp, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.  "This decision is further evidence of how Texas A&M seeks to deliver the best education at the best value to parents, students and taxpayers."

The move is the latest in a series of transitions demonstrating Texas A&M's commitment to enhancing legal education for Texas.

"As the newest public law school in Texas, our focus is on adding value for our students and preparing them to lead.  We embrace our University commitment to transforming the destinies of Texans by connecting with first-generation law students across the state, particularly from underserved communities," Dean Andrew P. Morriss said. "This approach helps our state by building a legal profession that will make Texas even better."

The school has boosted the overall scholarship budget by 65% and launched new programs. These include five clinics (Trademarks, Patents, Entrepreneurship, Wills & Estates, and Innocence), as well as a Professionalism & Leadership Program building on the Aggie Core Values of Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect, and Selfless Service. TAMU Law has also reduced its entering class size and added 12 new faculty resulting in a dramatically improved student to faculty ratio of 11.1:1.

SOURCE Texas A&M University School of Law

Related Links

http://law.tamu.edu