Colorado Law School: Costs and Employment Statistics
Prospective law students must carefully weigh the financial investment of their education against the potential for professional success. For those considering the University of Colorado, understanding the total cost of attendance and the historical context of employment reporting is essential for making an informed decision.
Financial Investment and Costs
The total cost of attendance—which encompasses tuition, mandatory fees, and general living expenses—varies depending on the residency status of the student. For the 2013-2014 academic year, the annual cost was $51,110 for residents and $58,620 for nonresidents.
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Beyond annual costs, the long-term financial impact of debt is a critical consideration. According to estimates from Law School Transparency, the debt-financed cost of attendance over a three-year period reached $197,814 for residents and $219,168 for nonresidents.
| Category | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Total Cost | $51,110 | $58,620 |
| 3-Year Debt-Financed Total | $197,814 | $219,168 |
Employment Statistics Controversy
The school's employment reporting became a point of public debate in October 2009. The journal Law Week Colorado published a report claiming that only 35% of the Class of 2009 had secured jobs by the time of graduation.
University officials strongly disputed these findings. SuSaNi Harris, the former Assistant Dean of the Office of Career Development, attributed the report to a "miscalculation" and a "misunderstanding," suggesting that the publication had confused the definitions of "employed" and "unemployed."
Associate Dean Dayna Matthew further argued that the figures were "premature." She indicated that the National Association of Legal Professionals (NALP)—the organization responsible for standardizing legal employment data—would release more favorable statistics in February 2010. Matthew explained that NALP figures are typically more positive because they discount graduates who fail to report their employment status.
Despite these assertions from the university, Law Week Colorado maintained its original statistics, noting that the university had not provided new data to refute the report.
Key Facts
- Annual Resident Cost: $51,110 (2013-2014).
- Annual Nonresident Cost: $58,620 (2013-2014).
- Total 3-Year Debt (Resident): Estimated at $197,814.
- Total 3-Year Debt (Nonresident): Estimated at $219,168.
- 2009 Employment Dispute: Law Week Colorado reported a 35% employment rate for the Class of 2009, a figure contested by school administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total cost of attendance for residents in 2013-2014?
The total cost, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, was $51,110.
How did the cost differ for nonresident students?
Nonresidents faced a higher annual cost of $58,620 for the 2013-2014 academic year.
What is the estimated three-year debt for a nonresident student?
Law School Transparency estimated the debt-financed cost for nonresidents at $219,168 over three years.
Why did the university dispute the 2009 employment statistics?
University officials claimed the 35% employment rate reported by Law Week Colorado was based on a miscalculation and was premature compared to the official NALP data.
How does NALP calculate employment statistics differently?
According to Associate Dean Dayna Matthew, NALP statistics are different because they discount graduates who do not report their employment status.