Advice and ratings on Arizona law schools use many statistics, such as employment prospects, median salary and tuition. Intangibles such as campus life, teaching methods and learning atmosphere may also form the basis of a law school evaluation.

Applicants to accredited law schools in AZ should begin their search by first considering law schools located in their desired geographic area. They also should consider the top law schools in the state where they plan to practice. Applicants should then select the schools that are within their budget and meet their specific needs. There are three general sources for evaluating Arizona law schools:

1. Blogs on AZ law schools. A credible blog or other type of social media may have posts from students, faculty and law school experts sharing their personal experiences with Arizona law schools.
2. Rating services of law schools. Recognized experts may provide ratings of law schools that offer an exceptional education.
3. Recognition for individual law schools. The best law schools will have awards, grants and other accolades for their programs.
   

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Get advice for a law school in AZ through blogs

Blogs contain advice, opinions and comments from law students, professors or lawyers on law schools in Arizona. They may also discuss and analyze law school rankings of Arizona law schools.

I recommend: The Ross-Blakeley Law Library Blog covers events at the Arizona State University Law School and provides news, tips and advice for law school students. Above the Law has an extensive discussion on a ranking system based on practicing attorneys that includes the University of Arizona ranked as 39th.

Study rankings of Arizona law colleges

Rankings for law schools in Arizona are an effective and credible source of advice and ratings. Each rating service should provide its methodology. Rankings typically consist of weighted factors, such as assessments of law professors, selectivity and placement rate.

I recommend: Voir Dire ranks Arizona State University 15th in terms of moot court performance. The Internet Legal Research Group ranks law schools by employment rate, with University of Arizona Law School ranking 35th.

Look at an Arizona law school that is an award recipient

Awards and accolades can be an excellent way of identifying top tier law schools in Arizona. Law schools, individual faculty members or students may receive awards for legal research, academic programs or specific papers. The best law schools will also receive grants for their programs.

I recommend: According to the Arizona Business Gazette, the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law was awarded the Honorable John R. Sticht Excellence in Disabilities Accessibility Award in 2008. The Volunteer Lawyers Program awarded a Distinguished Service Award in 2008 to Toni Massaro, Dean of the University of Arizona Law School.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Law school applicants seeking highly rated Arizona law schools should use the law school ratings to get a good overview of the schools. However, applicants should be more concerned with finding a law school that will meet their particular needs, rather than attending the highest ranked law school on a list. Law school students may also wish to consider attending Arizona law schools online. An online law school in Arizona may provide a more affordable option for busy law school students.

Many opportunities are available for someone who has earned an Arizona law degree. From civil law to criminal litigation to business negotiations, lawyers are in high demand. Law schools generally accept students who hold a bachelor's degree in any major, but they prefer students who majored in business, political science or something similar during their undergraduate years.

Different Arizona law colleges have different requirements, but being the best student you can be will only help your chances. Remember to research each school's admission requirements before applying.

When considering Arizona law schools, do the following:

1. Look into the different public Arizona law universities. These schools are bustling with life and social opportunities.

2. See if perhaps private law schools in AZ are right for you. These schools cost a bit more but the quality of education is known for being of the highest quality.

3. Check to see which AZ law schools are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Attending an accredited school ensures that you'll be eligible to sit for the Bar Exam.

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Check out public law schools in Arizona

Public schools can be just as good as private schools, but for a fraction of the cost. They have large student bodies and foster a feeling of community. The opportunities for networking are great, and after you graduate, you'll be glad you made those contacts.

I recommend: For those interested in psychology as well as law, Arizona State University offers a joint degree program: you'll receive a J.D. as well as a Ph.D. in psychology. The University of Arizona offers five different concentrations available for your Juris Doctor degree. Both of these law schools are accredited by the ABA.

Consider going to a private Arizona law school

Private schools may cost more but each has its own advantages. For example, some colleges use rolling admissions (and thus, no application deadlines) and offer part-time classes as well as full-time schedules.

I recommend: Look over the curriculum at the Phoenix School of Law as well as the tuition and fee schedule. You can apply online whenever you're ready. This is the only accredited private law school in Arizona.

Find reputable and accredited Arizona law schools

The American Bar Association (ABA) approves schools that offer a proper law education, and guarantees that the student can sit for the Bar Exam upon graduation. Laws vary from state to state, but going to an accredited school is a good idea no matter what. Also, checking out the rankings of different schools can help you choose a better school.

I recommend: Find accredited schools in your area at the American Bar Association. Find rankings for Arizona schools on Top-Law-Schools.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Carefully compare Arizona law schools before you make a decision to apply to one. You'll want to find the school that's right for you; some schools may offer law programs that don't appeal to you. Also, consider the professors' experience before deciding.

Arizona law schools pricing and costs is generally very expensive compared to other types of formal education. The bar exam that is taken after graduation from law school also requires additional expenses, such as the course review, exam registration, transportation and accommodations.

The average student leaves law school in AZ with more than $84,000 in debt, which is a major factor in the decision of many law students to seek employment with major law firms, rather than in the public or non-profit sectors. There are three general factors that affect the cost of an Arizona law school:

1. Tuition and other fees. Tuition can vary dramatically between AZ law schools.
   
2. Additional expenses for law schools in Arizona. These costs for Arizona law schools primarily consist of living expenses, books and other school supplies. Law school also requires additional fees, such as the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) fee, the law school application fee and the subscription fee to the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS).
3. Financial aid. Scholarships, grants and loans are a common way to reduce the costs for Arizona law schools.
   

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Compare annual Arizona law school tuition prices

The tuition for private Arizona law schools is often dramatically higher than it is for public law schools. Tuition and other law school expenses are typically less expensive for residents of Arizona than for non-residents. The tuition and other fees for a year of law school in Arizona ranges from $16,000 to $30,000 for residents.

I recommend: The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law has a tuition of about $20,000 per year for residents and $32,000 non-residents. The Phoenix School of Law charges about $30,000 per year.

Determine the other costs of attending Arizona law colleges

Living expenses tend to be determined more by geography than by the law school. Some law schools in Arizona may provide the average costs of living and other pricing information on housing, books, supplies and other miscellaneous law student expenses.

I recommend: The Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law estimates living expenses for its students to be about $19,000 per year. The Internet Legal Research Group provides a figure of about $11,000 for room and board for Arizona State University College of Law.

Save money on Arizona law universities with grants and scholarships

Financial aid, such as grants, loans and scholarships, is the most common way of reducing law school expenses. Federal loans like the Stafford and Perkins loans frequently have the lowest interest rates and are guaranteed by the United States government.

I recommend: The Arizona Black Bar provides scholarships to African-American law students in Arizona who intend to practice law in Arizona. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund provides scholarships each year to Latino law school students in the US, including law students in Arizona.

The State of Arizona has two law schools approved by the State Bar of Arizona and one law school with provisional approval. Consequently, there are many law students in the Grand Canyon State. There are also many prospective law students seeking more information about the state's great law schools. To get the most out of the law school experience in Arizona or to gain insight into prospective law schools on your Arizona law school list, familiarize yourself with the following terms pertaining to law in Arizona.

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State Bar of Arizona

Law students in the State of Arizona should be familiar with the State Bar of Arizona, which was formed in 1865 and incorporated in 1906. Membership in the bar is mandatory for attorneys practicing in the State of Arizona. Today, the organization includes more than 13,000 active attorneys. The overarching mission of the organization is to promote the legal profession in the State of Arizona by enhancing competency, ethics and professionalism.

I recommend: Peruse the State Bar of Arizona's website for more detailed information about the association.

Maricopa County Bar Association (MCBA)

The MCBA was established in 1914 as a voluntary organization. Today the MCBA offers 16 different divisions and sections pertaining to specific areas of law. MCBA members enjoy a variety of benefits, including member pricing for continuing legal education, the monthly Maricopa Law Magazine, weekly bulletins and opportunities to participate in socials and other networking events.

I recommend: For additional information about the mission and activities associated with the MCBA, visit their website.

Arizona Bar Association (ABA) approved law schools

There are two Arizona Bar Association (ABA) approved law schools in Arizona, including the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law and the Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. The Phoenix Law School is provisionally approved by the ABA.

I recommend: For more detailed information about these law schools, review the website for the Official Guide to ABA Approved Law Schools.

Pima County Bar Association (PCBA)

The Pima County Bar Association (PCBA) is a non-profit organization that strives to improve the quality of the practice of law in Pima County, Arizona. Law students can take advantage of the various benefits offered by joining for roughly $15 annually.

I recommend: Visit the website for the PCBA for more detailed information about this association and benefits.

Arizona Supreme Court

The Arizona Supreme Court administers the Arizona Bar Exam and admits lawyers into the Arizona Bar. Anyone interested in practicing law in the State of Arizona should carefully peruse the Rules for Admission of Applicants to the Practice of Law in Arizona.

I recommend: To obtain specific details about requirements to practice law in Arizona visit the Arizona Supreme Court website.

Indian Legal Program (IPL)

The Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law offers the Indian Legal Program (ILP), which includes approximately 30 to 40 students from various tribal nations throughout the United States. The nationally renowned program has received recognition for its ability to prepare students to practice Indian law though rigorous academics and hands on experiences.

I recommend: Visit Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law for additional information about the Indian Legal Program.