California Western School of Law
About
California Western School of Law, located in the vibrant city of San Diego, California, is a distinguished institution known for its commitment to legal education and social justice. Established in 1924, the school prides itself on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for its diverse student body. One of its key features is the emphasis on experiential learning, which allows students to engage in practical legal experiences through clinics, externships, and simulations. This hands-on approach not only helps students develop their legal skills but also instills a strong sense of ethics and professionalism that aligns with the school’s mission to prepare competent and compassionate lawyers.
The school’s dedication to public interest law is reflected in its various programs that encourage students to participate in community service and advocacy. California Western's curriculum offers a wide range of specialties, including intellectual property, international law, and family law, providing students with the opportunity to tailor their education to their career aspirations. The faculty at California Western is composed of accomplished legal scholars and practitioners who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Additionally, the school’s location in San Diego offers a unique cultural environment, with access to beautiful beaches, a thriving arts scene, and a diverse population that enriches the educational experience. Overall, California Western School of Law stands out as a nurturing and dynamic place for aspiring legal professionals to grow and succeed.
Analysis of Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Gender Ratio at California Western School of Law
The California Western School of Law has shown significant trends in tuition fees, graduation rates, and gender ratios over the years. The tuition for graduate students has increased from $27,770 in 2014 to $32,590 in 2021, reflecting a steady upward trend. This represents a cumulative increase of approximately 17.5% over the seven-year period. This rise in tuition can be attributed to various factors, including increased operational costs and the demand for quality education in a competitive legal market.
In terms of graduation rates, the data indicates that the male-to-female ratio among graduate students has shifted notably. For instance, in 2013, the percentage of male graduates was approximately 45.3%, whereas in 2023, this figure dropped to about 38.7%. Conversely, the percentage of female graduates rose from 54.7% in 2013 to 61.3% in 2023. This shift highlights the growing presence of women in legal education, aligning with national trends of increasing female representation in law schools.
Additionally, the student population has seen fluctuations, with the number of graduate students decreasing from 859 in 2013 to 623 in 2023. This decline may raise concerns about the school's ability to attract and retain students, especially given the rising costs of tuition. The retention rate, while not detailed in the provided data, is crucial for understanding the overall student experience and satisfaction at the institution.
These factors together illustrate the dynamic environment of legal education at California Western School of Law, emphasizing the importance of addressing tuition costs, enhancing student support systems, and ensuring an inclusive educational space that reflects the changing demographics of the legal profession.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- San Diego, about 7 mi
- Nearest international airport
- San Diego International Airport (SAN), about 2 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Miriam Baer (President & Dean)
- Phone
- 6192390391
- City
- San Diego, California
- Address
- 225 Cedar St, San Diego, CA 92101-3046
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Law School13 programs#175▲3
- International Law#89▼7
- Legal Writing#92▲1
- Trial Advocacy#105▼9
- Intellectual Property Law#106▲9
- Health Care Law#115▼16
- Dispute Resolution#118▼8
- Criminal Law#122▲43
- Clinical Training#128▲28
- Environmental Law#128▲6
- Business/Corporate Law#141▲51
- Contracts Law#154▼1
- Constitutional Law#156▲19
- Tax Law#158▼13
- Full Law School ranking ›
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
Popular graduate programs
- Law · Doctoral205 (2% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at California Western School of Law
The graduation data from the California Western School of Law for 2023 reveals some intriguing insights into the academic landscape, particularly within legal education. Notably, the absence of bachelor's degree graduates in both domestic and international categories highlights a unique characteristic of this institution. This suggests that the law school primarily caters to students who have already completed their undergraduate education or are seeking advanced degrees in law.
In terms of master's programs, the school has produced a significant number of graduates (97), which indicates a robust interest and engagement in advanced legal studies. However, it is essential to observe that this program primarily attracts domestic students, as no international students graduated in this category. This could reflect a strategic focus on local legal practitioners or a lack of international outreach for the master's program.
Moreover, the doctorate program stands out with a total of 179 graduates, including 2 international students. The high number of doctorate graduates underscores the institution's commitment to fostering advanced legal scholarship and research. However, the low number of international doctorate graduates may point to potential barriers for foreign students, such as language, funding, or differing educational systems.
Overall, this data highlights California Western School of Law's strengths in graduate and doctoral education while raising questions about the opportunities available for international students at the bachelor's and master's levels. As the legal field evolves, the school may benefit from examining its outreach strategies to attract a more diverse student body and enhance its global presence.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Law. | $75,591 |
Students
650 students in 2025
- Graduate students 650
Data insights
Demographic Composition of California Western School of Law in 2023
In 2023, California Western School of Law reported a total of 623 graduate students, showcasing a diverse demographic makeup. Notably, the gender distribution among these students reveals a significant female representation, with women constituting approximately 61.3% of the student body, while men make up around 38.7%. This indicates a growing trend towards gender parity in legal education, as more women pursue advanced degrees in law, reflecting a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and equality in the profession.
The breakdown of the student body by race underscores the law school's commitment to diversity. Among the graduate students, the largest demographic is White students, making up a substantial portion of the population. However, the data does not provide detailed figures for other racial and ethnic groups, such as Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islanders, African American, or international students. This lack of information limits our understanding of the full diversity at the institution, which is an essential aspect of fostering an inclusive academic environment.
Overall, the demographic trends at California Western School of Law align with national patterns observed in legal education, where institutions are increasingly prioritizing diversity and gender representation. As the legal profession continues to evolve, it is crucial for law schools to maintain and enhance these efforts to ensure that their student bodies reflect the rich tapestry of society, ultimately benefiting the legal system as a whole.
Age Composition of Students at California Western School of Law
The age distribution of students at California Western School of Law reveals significant trends regarding the demographics of law students. Notably, the majority of the student body falls within the 22-24 and 25-29 age brackets, which is consistent with broader trends in legal education where students often pursue their law degrees soon after completing their undergraduate studies.
In the 22-24 age group, there are 76 male graduate students and a substantial 160 female graduate students, indicating a strong female presence in this age category, which constitutes approximately 67% of the total students in this bracket. This trend continues in the 25-29 age group, where there are 132 male graduate students and 192 female graduate students, further underscoring the increasing participation of women in legal professions.
The numbers begin to dwindle in the older age brackets, with only 51 males and 43 females in the 30-34 category, and the figures continue to decrease in the subsequent age groups. This suggests that as students age, fewer choose to enter law school, possibly due to career changes or life commitments that divert them from pursuing further education.
Additionally, there is a notable absence of undergraduate male and female students across all age categories, which could indicate a shift in enrollment patterns, with more individuals opting for graduate education directly after their undergraduate studies. The age demographic insights reflect ongoing societal changes in educational pursuits, particularly in the legal field, where younger generations are increasingly making their mark.
Overall, the data highlights a significant gender disparity, with a majority of female students in the graduate programs, which is an encouraging sign of progress towards gender parity in law schools.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 25 private law schools in the U.S.
7 in 2025 · 1.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at California Western School of Law
The data on international student enrollment at California Western School of Law reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly within the graduate program. In the early years, specifically from 2004 to 2008, the percentage of international graduate students ranged from approximately 36.67% to 43.48%. This indicates a robust interest in the institution among international students during that period.
However, a drastic decline in the percentage of international students can be observed from 2010 onwards, with numbers plummeting to as low as 0.96% by 2016. Such a steep drop could be attributed to several factors, including changes in immigration policies, global economic conditions, and the competitive landscape of law schools attracting international talent.
The subsequent years, from 2017 to 2023, show a slight recovery, but the percentages remain considerably low, hovering around 1% to 3%. This trend might reflect broader challenges faced by law schools in California, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected international travel and student mobility.
Given the increasing globalization of legal education, California Western School of Law may need to reconsider its strategies to attract and retain international students. Enhancing support services, offering specialized programs, or creating partnerships with foreign institutions could potentially help in reversing this downward trend and improving the diversity of its student body. The sustained interest from international students is vital not only for the institution's reputation but also for enriching the educational environment for all students.
Cost
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$32.6M
Expenses$27.9M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 25 private law schools in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
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University of San DiegoSan Diego · 3.8 mi
U.S. News #100
-
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego · 6.4 mi
U.S. News #137
-
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla · 11.6 mi
U.S. News #29
-
Soka University of AmericaAliso Viejo · 66.4 mi
Liberal Arts #41
-
University of California-IrvineIrvine · 75.1 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Chapman UniversityOrange · 84.0 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of California-RiversideRiverside · 86.9 mi
U.S. News #80
-
California State University-FullertonFullerton · 90.3 mi
U.S. News #156
-
California State University--Long BeachLong Beach · 91.5 mi
U.S. News #137
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding California Western School of Law:
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University of California-San Diego (加州大学圣迭戈分校) - Ranked 28 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and its diverse academic programs.
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University of Southern California (南加州大学) - With a rank of 28, USC is known for its vibrant campus life and extensive alumni network, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
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California Institute of Technology (加州理工学院) - A prestigious institution ranked 7th, Caltech is recognized for its rigorous science and engineering programs, producing groundbreaking research and innovations.
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Claremont McKenna College (克莱尔蒙特麦克纳学院) - Ranked 11th, this liberal arts college is known for its focus on economics, government, and public affairs, offering a comprehensive education in a smaller setting.
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Scripps College (斯克里普斯学院) - With a rank of 35, Scripps is the leading women's college in the Claremont Colleges consortium, emphasizing liberal arts education and leadership development.
These institutions provide a range of academic opportunities and are well-respected in various fields of study.
Peer median 0.0 · all 25 private law schools in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at California Western School of Law
The crime data from California Western School of Law over the years indicates a relatively stable environment concerning criminal activities on and off campus. The total number of reported incidents remained low, with most years showing an average crime rate of less than 3 per 1000 students. Notably, the years 2013 and 2016 reported no crimes at all, reflecting a potential trend of increased safety during those periods.
In 2014, there was a single reported incident, which rose to two incidents in 2015, suggesting a slight uptick in crime that year. However, the data indicates that this increase was not sustained, as crime rates fell again in subsequent years, indicating effective management of campus safety and crime prevention strategies.
The year 2020 saw a return to two reported incidents, which is consistent with national trends during that year, where many institutions faced challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fluctuation in crime rates in 2021 and 2022 demonstrates that while some incidents occurred, the overall impact remained minimal.
It's important to note that the types of crimes reported, especially violent crimes like assault or domestic violence, were not prevalent, which contributes to the perception of the school as a safe learning environment. The low crime rates can foster a sense of security among students and staff, enhancing the academic experience.
Overall, while the data reflects some variations in reported incidents, California Western School of Law has maintained a commendably low crime rate, indicative of effective policies and a supportive community structure. For more details on how crime rates are calculated, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of California Western School of Law include Tonya Pinkins (Actress known for Broadway and All My Children), Shana Dale (Former NASA Deputy Administrator) and Bruce E. MacDonald (US Navy vice admiral, 40th Judge Advocate General).
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Tonya Pinkins 1962–
Actress known for Broadway and All My Children
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Shana Dale 1964–
Former NASA Deputy Administrator
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Bruce E. MacDonald 1955–
US Navy vice admiral, 40th Judge Advocate General
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Michael Tsai 1941–
Taiwanese politician and lawyer
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Anthony J. Battaglia 1949–
Senior US district judge, Southern District of California
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Margaret Catharine Rodgers 1964–
US district judge, Northern District of Florida
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David Roger 1961–
Former District Attorney of Clark County
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M. James Lorenz 1935–
Senior US district judge, Southern District of California
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Brian Maienschein 1969–
Attorney and former California Assembly member
More alumni (2, by field)
Politics and law
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Bruce Blakeman 1955–
County executive of Nassau County, New York
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James B. Gibson 1949–
Former mayor of Henderson, Nevada
From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.