Easiest ABA Accredited Online Law Schools

Lawyers make an average salary of $145,760 per year. The field looks promising with a 5 percent job growth outlook. However, becoming a lawyer is not all sunshine and rainbows. The work is very stressful. You’ll be dealing with a large number of cases, working under tight deadlines, and navigating conflicts between your client and the opposing counsel.

This is exactly why lawyers are required to undergo intense training. The only schools that can execute flawless training are those approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

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ABA-accredited law schools are typically very selective. But if you’re not graduating at the top of your class, do not worry. There is still hope for you to get into law school.

When we say “easiest ABA accredited online law schools,” we do not mean that these schools expect less from their students or have less rigorous coursework. They are still accredited by the ABA, which means their curricula are still as hard as other law schools. Rather, these schools have high acceptance rates with flexible admission requirements.

This article aims to show you the easiest ABA accredited online law schools and help you get into them. The following schools are also known for their flexibility and affordability, which working professionals need.

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Understanding ABA Accreditation

Before we get to the list of the best online ABA law schools with easy admission, you should first fully understand what graduating from an ABA-accredited law school means.

The legal profession has high standards for its practitioners. While not all states require an ABA-accredited law degree to become licensed, most do require you to graduate with a J.D. from an ABA-accredited program.

The ABA began developing accreditation standards in 1938 to protect the public from unqualified lawyers.

Law programs undergo a multi-year process for ABA accreditation, starting with provisional approval, followed by up to five years of evaluations. After full approval, they are monitored through periodic visits and an annual questionnaire to ensure continued compliance.

When you attend a non-ABA-accredited law school, you may face very limited career opportunities. You may not even get the chance to sit for the bar exam or practice the law profession in many states. The only good side of these schools is they are very easy to get into (and most often cheap). Yet, the short-term advantages of attending unaccredited law schools are overshadowed by the challenges in the legal profession.

Historically, ABA accreditation was only granted to traditional on-campus law programs. But thanks to technological advancements and recent changes, online programs can now request to be reviewed and accredited by the ABA. The rise of ABA accredited online J.D. programs has created new opportunities for students seeking flexibility.

What Makes an Online Law School “Easier” to Get Into?

Let’s start focusing on what factors have contributed to choosing the easiest ABA accredited online law schools.

1. Higher Acceptance Rates

These schools have higher acceptance rates, ranging from 40% to 60%. Then again, this does not equate to having low academic standards. They still have high expectations from students, but only when they’re already enrolled. Most of these schools have lower LSAT scores and GPA requirements.

2. Flexible Admission Policies

Another aspect is flexible admission policies. These schools might often put less emphasis on the LSAT or look at a wider range of factors in your application, like professional experience and your GRE. Other schools waive LSAT requirements for high GPA applicants. It offers a real advantage if your LSAT score isn’t quite where you’d like it to be or if you have a strong background in another field that could enrich your law school experience.

3. Supportive Academic Environment

Finally, these online law degrees from ABA-accredited schools prioritize creating a supportive academic environment, offering:

robust tutoring services
mentorship programs
plenty of opportunities for interaction with professors and fellow students

While online learning requires self-motivation and self-discipline, an environment that fosters excellence is a must. Students perform better with the right support from their instructors, mentors, and fellow law students.

Top Easiest ABA Accredited Online Law Schools

Here are the top 5 ABA approved law schools with flexible admission policies, high acceptance rates, and strong support services.

1. Mitchell Hamline School of Law (Hybrid J.D.)

Acceptance Rate: ~62%
LSAT Requirement: Flexible, some waivers available
Program Type: Hybrid (mostly online with some in-person components)

Mitchell Hamline has a high acceptance rate and offers flexibility with its admissions process, including waiving the LSAT requirement for some applicants. The hybrid format allows students to complete most coursework online, with only occasional in-person components. As one of the best part-time ABA accredited online law schools, this setup is ideal for professionals who need flexibility in their schedules.

2. Syracuse University College of Law (JDinteractive Program)

Acceptance Rate: ~50-60%
LSAT Requirement: Required but offers alternative pathways
Program Type: Fully online with live, interactive sessions

Syracuse offers one of the best ABA-approved law schools with flexible admission policies. Consider this one if you’re looking for accredited online J.D. programs with low GPA requirements. It accepts students with high GRE scores and does not solely consider applicants’ LSAT scores, which makes it more accessible to a wider range of students.

3. University of Dayton School of Law (Online Hybrid J.D.)

Acceptance Rate: ~45-55%
LSAT Requirement: Can waive for experienced applicants
Program Type: Hybrid with online coursework

If you are looking for affordable ABA online law schools and already have experience in a law-related position, consider DU’s Online Hybrid J.D. program. This program allows for flexible scheduling, particularly for part-time students.

4. Southwestern Law School (Scale Program – Hybrid Online J.D.)

Acceptance Rate: ~50%
LSAT Requirement: Required but considers holistic applications
Program Type: Hybrid (Online & In-Person)

Southwestern is not only one of the top law schools with high acceptance rates online but also among the fastest. Its Scale Program is a fast-track, two-year J.D. program combining online courses and in-person sessions. The admissions process is holistic, which means it considers factors like work experience and community involvement, not just LSAT scores.

5. Loyola University Chicago School of Law (Weekend J.D. Program)

Acceptance Rate: ~55%
LSAT Requirement: Required but accepts lower scores than top-tier schools
Program Type: Hybrid (mostly online, in-person weekends)

Loyola’s Weekend J.D. program is designed for full-time workers and offers weekend classes. This flexibility allows students to pursue a law degree without having to quit their jobs. Loyola also has more lenient LSAT requirements than many top-tier schools.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an ABA-Accredited Online Law School

Before you get too excited, listen first. While the schools above are considered as among the easiest ABA accredited online law schools to get into, not all of them may be the right fit for you. Take into account the following before deciding which of the easiest law schools to get into with ABA accreditation:

Bar Exam Eligibility: Ensure the online program qualifies for the bar in your state.
Cost and Financial Aid: Each school has different tuition rates. Compare them and see which is closest to your budget. You should also consider scholarships and employer tuition reimbursement for educational costs. While student loans are readily available, make them your last resort.
Curriculum and Learning Format: Choose between fully online and hybrid (part online, part in-person). Whichever you choose, make sure that live lectures, recorded sessions, and discussion forums are available.
Student Support Services: Also see to it that you will have access to mentors, tutors, career services, and bar prep support.
Employment and Bar Pass Rates: Research graduate success rates and job placement assistance.

Admission Process and Tips for Acceptance

Strong LSAT/GRE Scores: If the school requires standardized test scores, make sure your LSAT or GRE score is competitive.
Compelling Personal Statement: Use your statement to highlight your passion for law, relevant work experience, and why you’re a good fit for the program.
Letters of Recommendation: Strong recommendations can make a significant difference in your application.
Apply Early: Many online law schools offer rolling admissions, which raises early applicants’ chances of acceptance.

Conclusion

Remember that a legal professional’s reputation is key to finding work. Employers prefer graduates from reputable ABA-accredited law schools. These schools ensure students are well-prepared for the bar exam and the practice itself, with a 75% pass rate within two years.

Again, here’s the list of the easiest ABA accredited online law schools to get into:

Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Syracuse University College of Law
University of Dayton School of Law
Southwestern Law School
Loyola University Chicago School of Law

Then again, there’s no one-size-fits-all in education. Take the time to research your options, understand the costs, and choose a school that aligns with your career goals and personal needs.

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