Frequently Asked Questions

Curriculum and Programs

What degrees are offered at Belmont University College of Law?
We offer a Juris Doctor degree.

How many credit hours does a law student need to complete the Juris Doctor?
A law student must complete 88 credit hours to earn the Juris Doctor.  Included in this total hour requirement is a rigorous writing component that is completed during the second or third academic year.  It takes three academic years to complete the Juris Doctor degree.

Does Belmont Law offer any specialty or certificate programs?
We offer three certificate programs in Criminal Law, Entertainment and Music Business Law, and Health Law.

Does Belmont Law offer summer courses?
The College of Law does not offer summer courses.  We encourage students to find employment in the legal profession during this period of time.  During the summer, there are many opportunities for students to make professional contacts in the legal community and gain valuable work experience.

Does Belmont Law offer a part-time evening program?
We do not offer a part-time evening program. We offer a full-time program of study only.

When do I begin my law study at Belmont?
First-year law students matriculate in August. There is no spring or summer enrollment for first-year law students.

What sort of computer or laptop do I need for law study at Belmont?
Be sure that your computer's operating system is compatible with our exam software, Exam4. For a list of compatible operating systems, visit: https://www.exam4.com/support/. 

What are the qualifications for admission to the Bar? 
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting that jurisdiction. The governing body in Tennessee is the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners.

Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners. The National Conference of Bar Examiners also has helpful information regarding the Uniform Bar Examination.

Admissions and Financial Aid

When is the application deadline?
May 1, 2024. Applications and all required materials will be accepted through May 1, 2024 and will be considered as long as there are still seats available in the class. The College of Law will accept the April LSAT score by no later than May 3, 2024.

What is the application fee?
$50. 

What are the basic requirements for applicants to Belmont University College of Law?
A bachelor’s degree earned prior to the beginning of the first law school semester from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and a valid LSAT score. If a student has not taken the LSAT, the College of Law may review a GRE score for a limited number of applicants under the Alternative Academic Evaluation process. Furthermore, an applicant must register with the Law School Admission Council’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and submit a personal statement. Letters of recommendation are welcome but not required.

If I have taken the LSAT more than once, will Belmont Law use the highest score?
If taken multiple times, the College of Law will consider all scores present on the CAS report. 

What is a competitive LSAT score at Belmont Law?
The median LSAT for the Fall 2022 entering class was 160 and the median undergraduate GPA was 3.70. Detailed enrollment statistics can be found on our ABA Required Disclosures page.

Can AAE students apply Early Decision?
No, AAE students cannot apply via the Early Decision process; Early Decision applicants must supply an LSAT score, and AAE applicants must not have taken the LSAT.

Can 3+3 students apply Early Decision?
No, 3+3 students may not apply through the Early Decision process. The 3+3 application is available 12/01/23 through 2/1/24.

Do AAE applicants need an LSAT score?
No. The AAE application process stipulates that AAE applicants must not have taken the LSAT.

Do 3+3 applicants need an LSAT score?
It is possible for a 3+3 applicant to pursue admission through AAE stipulations. If AAE stipulations cannot be met, then the 3+3 applicant must take the LSAT.

What is the tuition amount for entering law students?
Tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is $52,370.  The total cost of attendance is $82,940 - this amount includes tuition and fees, rent/housing, transportation costs, books and supplies, and personal expenses. Please note the total cost of attendance is a maximum figure and is set by the University each year. It represents the amount a student is eligible to borrow in Federal educational loans. Furthermore, the cost of attendance varies from student to student depending on personal needs. A breakdown of the cost of attendance can be found on our ABA Required Disclosures page.

What scholarships are available to law students?
We offer Bruin scholarships to entering students and awards range from 25% to 100% tuition remission. Every admitted applicant is automatically under scholarship consideration and there is no application process for Bruin Scholarships. Applicants are also encouraged to explore outside scholarship opportunities; although not exhaustive, a list is available through the Law School Admission Council. 

Students who are most competitive for scholarships, will be those who exceed both of our LSAT and undergraduate GPA medians. 

What scholarships are Early Decision applicants eligible for?
Admitted Early Decision candidates may be eligible for the Dean’s Scholars Program. They are also eligible for Bruin scholarships.

What scholarships are AAE applicants eligible for?
Students admitted through the AAE process may be eligible for the Bell Tower Scholars Program. The Bell Tower Scholars Program is a merit-based, half tuition remission scholarship. Students admitted through the AAE process with a GRE score will not be eligible for merit-based scholarships.

What scholarships are 3+3 applicants eligible for?
Students admitted to Belmont Law through the 3+3 application are eligible for Bruin scholarships.

What financial aid (grants, loans, veteran’s benefits) are available to law students?
Pell grants are not available to law students; however, law students may apply for Federal Loans (Direct and Direct PLUS). A maximum of $20,500 is available in Direct loans, and students may fund the remaining cost of attendance with Direct PLUS loans. Belmont's School Code is 003479.

Federal Student Aid for Law School: Steps to Take

1. Fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible. Submitting your FAFSA in a timely manner allows you to learn about any Direct Unsubsidized Loans you have qualified for.
2. If you are a graduate or professional student, you can borrow up to $20,500 each year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Learn more.
3. Be sure that you also apply for a Direct PLUS Loan if you will need to borrow more than $20,500 annually.  
4. Completing your Direct Plus Loan Application is a separate step, in addition to completing your FAFSA. 

Read through this helpful PDF entitled Federal Student Loans: Basics for Students for more information.

Qualifying veterans may be eligible for the GI Bill or the Yellow Ribbon Program.