Nationwide, as the academic year commences, law schools are revving up for action. However, amidst this flurry of activity, one of the recently inaugurated law schools in the United States is encountering a bump in the road due to its diminutive entering class.
Wilmington University School of Law, a novel educational institution in Delaware, swung open its doors with 20 pioneer students, starkly contrasting to the envisioned initial cohort of 65. This discrepancy has prompted some concern, though Phillip Closius, the school's dean, remains optimistic. In a statement to Reuters, Closius conceded, "I just overestimated it. I had no prior exposure to launching a nascent school while concurrently seeking prestigious accreditation. Our outreach efforts fell short of the necessary magnitude to achieve the projected enrollment figures."
To meet the target of 65 students, Closius discloses that the school necessitated approximately double the 103 applications it garnered in the present academic cycle.
Framing the scenario against a backdrop of financials, the school's tuition fees stand remarkably low at a mere $24,000. Closius anticipates a surge in enrollment after obtaining the coveted ABA accreditation, citing this affordability as a compelling draw for prospective students. The anticipation is set for the school's eligibility for provisional certification in the year 2025.
With a modest enrollment of 20 students, Closius assures those embarking on their first year at Wilmington Law will be privy to an intimate and personalized "one-on-one experience."
As this distinctive institution navigates its initial challenges, we extend our best wishes to the Wilmington Law community.
