What does the J.D. program cost?

Get more info on the current tuition and fee schedule for the J.D. program

What is the tuition payment cadence?

Students pay semester-by-semester as they advance through the program. Learn more about the financial aid process .

Is financial aid available at The Colleges of Law?

Yes. Students attending The Colleges of Law are eligible for Title IV financial aid.

Is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) required for admission?

No. COL does, however, require the LSAT for candidates seeking admission as a “special student” or admission after a prior law school disqualification.

Can I be admitted without a bachelor’s degree?

While most students at The Colleges of Law have a bachelor’s degree, applicants with an A.A. or A.S. degree or at least 60 acceptable academic semester units are also admitted (so long as the applicants have a sufficiently high GPA or LSAT score).

What if I don’t have 60 undergraduate units?

“Special students” with fewer than 60 acceptable academic semester undergraduate units may be admitted if they meet other requirements.

From who should I obtain the required letter of recommendation for my application?

Because this is an academic program, we recommend that prospective students first seek a letter from someone who can speak to their academic abilities – a former professor or academic advisor. If not available – then another legal professional. Or both if possible.

What should I include in my personal statement?

Your personal statement is your opportunity to convey to the Admissions Committee anything that contributes to your suitability, motivation, and skills to pursue a law degree. This might include details about your life experience, employment or volunteer history, maturity, moral character, and ability to communicate.

When can I begin my law studies at the Colleges of Law?

Students are admitted to begin the program in the fall or spring semester. See our Academic Calendar for current start dates.

When are classes held?

Fall and Spring ClassesnnSanta Barbara Campusn6:30pm–9pm, Monday, Tuesday, and ThursdaynnVentura Campusn6:30pm–9pm, Monday, Wednesday, and ThursdaysnnSummer Classesn6:30pm–9:30pm, Monday–Thursday & some Saturdays (depending on electives)

What kind of instructor teach at The Colleges of Law?

Our faculty are attorneys, judges, and elected officials who bring their practical experience to the classroom. Many have taught at The Colleges of Law for as long as 10–30 years; each is an integral part of the legal community our graduates will be joining.

What is the average class size?

Classes in the first year of the curriculum at The Colleges of Law may have 30–65 members, while advanced courses and seminars usually have 10–45 students. The average class size is approximately 25 students—small enough so that each student receives personal attention and large enough to hear a wide range of viewpoints in discussion.

After I graduate, can I sit for the bar exam?

Yes. J.D. graduates are academically qualified to sit for the California Bar Examination.Learn tips on how to prepare for the California Bar .

What can I do before classes start to better prepare myself for law school?

While you do not need to pursue a particular undergraduate major to succeed in law school, the ability to write well is important. Some students find it helpful to brush up on English composition skills by taking a college-level course or reviewing self-study texts. Among our recommended titles: The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace by Joseph M. Williams How to Succeed in Law School by Gary Munneke, J.D.

ACCREDITATION

As a nonprofit, regionally accredited law school, we have built an outstanding reputation in the legal community, empowering students to seek out rewarding careers in law and related fields.

The Colleges of Law is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Our Juris Doctor (J.D.) program is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California as a single institution with two campuses in Santa Barbara and Ventura. The Colleges of Law’s degree-granting authority, in connection with its J.D. students’ qualifications to take the California Bar Examination and obtain admission to practice law in California, is based upon its accreditation by the Committee of Bar Examiners. The Colleges of Law is not accredited by the American Bar Association.

Students who attend the Colleges of Law may establish an exemption from the First-Year Law Students’ Examination by successfully completing the first year JD course of instruction and advancing to the second year unless they are J.D. students admitted as “special students.”

California Business and Professions Code Section 6061.7 and The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, requires all schools like The Colleges of Law (COL) to disclose certain information to current and prospective students. COL created this page to fulfill its responsibilities under both laws.

Click here to read COL’s Business and Professions Code Section 6061.7(a) Information Report.

ADMISSION TO PRACTICE LAW IN CALIFORNIA

Juris Doctor graduates of The Colleges of Law are academically qualified to sit for the California Bar Examination. Admission to practice law within California is governed by the Office of Admissions of the State Bar. All J.D. students must register with that office; forms are available at the State Bar website.

In addition to meeting the academic requirements to sit for the California bar, students must also comply with the Rules of the State Bar. Additional information about State Bar requirements can be found in the Colleges’ General Catalog.

ADMISSION TO PRACTICE LAW OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA

Juris Doctor applicants who wish to practice law in states other than California should be aware that as a prerequisite to taking the bar examination, most states require graduation from a law school approved or accredited by the American Bar Association or by the state supreme court or examining committee.

Study at, or graduation from, this law school may not qualify a student to take the bar examination or be admitted to practice in jurisdictions other than California. A student who intends to seek admission to practice outside of California should contact the admitting authority in that jurisdiction for information regarding its education and admission requirements before enrolling.

CALIFORNIA BAR EXAM

Thanks to our accredited J.D. degree program, our graduates are academically qualified to sit for the California Bar Examination. Over and above that, they have completed a J.D. program specifically designed to develop the skills that the Bar Examination demands: a solid grasp of legal fundamentals, strong predictive and persuasive writing abilities, and excellent time management.

Our innovative Fourth-Year Bar Studies course helps each student create an effective, individualized approach to Bar Exam study. We also offer a customized extended Bar Exam preparation program in conjunction with the premier bar review provider, BARBRI.

California Bar Examination Statistics