Demand for law school is down significantly.
Since 1963, 1L enrollment dropped more than 2% just three times, making 2011's sharp drop unprecedented. But after 2011, large annual drops became the norm. With 1L enrollment declining in sequential years, total enrollment fell quickly and schools now face severe revenue pressure. Since the 1L enrollment peak in 2010, 1L enrollment has fallen 28% to the lowest point since the 1970's. The average 1L enrollment is the lowest it's been since the 1960's.
The blue plotbands on the graph below reflect U.S. recessions as defined by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
This chart compares enrollment in 2010, when law school enrollment peaked, to enrollment in 2014, by school. Year to year changes between 2010 and 2014 are not reflected on this chart. To view those details on a school-by-school level, click on a school here. The table on that page also lets users sort by enrollment change.
Green indicates a net increase between 2010 and 2014. Red indicates a net decrease between 2010 and 2014. Hover over a column to view the school and details.