University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law
About
The University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law is a prominent institution known for its commitment to legal education and innovation. Established in 1973, it is the first law school in New Hampshire and is situated in Concord, the state capital, which provides students with unique opportunities to engage in the legal community. The school emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, allowing students to participate in various clinics and externships that prepare them for real-world legal challenges. The law school is particularly recognized for its focus on intellectual property law, and it has developed a strong reputation in this area, supported by its comprehensive curriculum and dedicated faculty.
The campus environment at the Franklin Pierce School of Law is vibrant and inclusive, fostering a strong sense of community among students and faculty. The school promotes a collaborative culture, encouraging students to engage with one another and participate in various student organizations and activities. The law school’s motto, “Where the Law Meets Innovation,” reflects its dedication to adapting legal education to the evolving demands of the legal profession. The facilities are modern and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, providing an excellent learning environment. Graduates of the Franklin Pierce School of Law have gone on to achieve significant success in various legal fields, demonstrating the school's effectiveness in preparing students for their careers. Overall, the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law stands out for its focus on practical training, commitment to innovation, and supportive community.
Analysis of Tuition Trends and Student Enrollment
The data from the University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law reveals significant trends in tuition costs and student enrollment over the years. The tuition for graduate students has shown a notable fluctuation, particularly for out-of-state students, with costs rising from $38,590 in 2014 to $41,320 in 2024. This increase of approximately 7% over a decade highlights the growing financial burden on students, which is a common trend across many law schools in the United States. This increase can be attributed to various factors, including inflation, increased operational costs, and the demand for better facilities and resources.
On the other hand, student enrollment in graduate programs has been on an upward trajectory, growing from 315 students in 2014 to 651 students in 2023. This increase of over 100% suggests that despite rising tuition, more students are opting for legal education, possibly due to the perceived value of a law degree in today’s job market. The legal profession remains a sought-after career, and this growing enrollment indicates a robust interest in pursuing law as a profession.
Another noteworthy aspect is the gender ratio among graduate students, which has remained relatively stable, with male students constituting around 56% and female students around 44% in recent years. This slight male dominance in graduate programs mirrors trends seen in many professional fields, though efforts to increase female representation in law schools continue to gain momentum.
In conclusion, the juxtaposition of rising tuition costs against increasing student enrollment presents an interesting dynamic for the University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law. While financial burdens grow, the attractiveness of legal education persists, indicating that prospective students may value the long-term career benefits of obtaining a law degree despite the immediate costs.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Town near a city
- Nearest major city
- Boston, about 70 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), about 60 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Megan M. Carpenter (Dean)
- Phone
- 6032281541
- City
- Concord, New Hampshire
- Address
- 2 White St, Concord, NH 03301-4197
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
Popular graduate programs
- Law · Doctoral192 (3% international)
- Intellectual Property Law · Master's21 (86% international)
- International Law and Legal Studies · Master's6 (33% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Numbers at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
The data from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law reveals some noteworthy trends in graduate numbers across different legal programs. A particularly striking observation is the absence of graduates in both the bachelor's and master's programs, indicating a potential gap in these areas of study. This could suggest a lack of interest in undergraduate legal education or possibly an emphasis on advanced degrees among students.
In contrast, the doctorate program stands out with 170 graduates, along with 5 international students. This significant number reflects a strong commitment to legal scholarship and advanced professional development. The high volume of doctorate graduates may also correlate with the increasing demand for specialized legal expertise in today's complex legal landscape, where advanced knowledge is essential for success.
Furthermore, the master's program in Intellectual Property Law presents an interesting case, with 19 graduates and 11 international students. This indicates a growing recognition of the importance of intellectual property rights in the global market, particularly as technology and innovation continue to evolve rapidly. The presence of international students highlights the program's appeal beyond domestic borders, signaling a robust interest in this area of law.
Overall, the data from the law school underscores a trend towards higher-level degrees, especially in specialized fields like intellectual property and doctoral studies. This may reflect broader societal shifts in the legal profession, where advanced qualifications are increasingly valued. As the legal field continues to evolve, institutions may need to adapt their offerings to attract more students at the undergraduate and master's levels, ensuring a well-rounded legal education pipeline.
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 | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law. | - | ||
| International Law and Legal Studies. | - | ||
| Intellectual Property Law. | - |
Students
718 students in 2025
- Graduate students 718
Age distribution
Graduate students
Data insights
2023 Student Composition at the University of New Hampshire - Franklin Pierce School of Law
The student body at the University of New Hampshire - Franklin Pierce School of Law in 2023 presents an interesting composition, particularly within the graduate category. With a total of 651 graduate students, the demographic distribution reveals a predominantly white student population, accounting for approximately 67.7% of the graduate student body. This is followed by a smaller representation of other racial and ethnic groups, illustrating the ongoing challenges of diversity in legal education.
The gender ratio within the graduate program shows a slight male majority, with 56.2% of the students identifying as male compared to 43.8% who identify as female. This gender distribution is reflective of broader trends within law schools, where male enrollment has historically outnumbered female enrollment, although many institutions are actively working to bridge this gap.
As legal education continues to evolve, the importance of fostering an inclusive environment cannot be overstated. The legal profession is increasingly recognizing the value of diverse perspectives, which enhance the quality of legal education and practice. Therefore, while the current statistics provide insight into the existing student demographics, they also highlight the need for ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within legal academia. Addressing these disparities is crucial for preparing future lawyers who are equipped to serve a diverse society effectively.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law
The age distribution data from the University of New Hampshire's Franklin Pierce School of Law reveals a notable trend in the demographics of its student body, particularly among graduate students. The most significant age group represented is the 22-24 range, which includes a substantial number of graduate males and females, with 85 males and 96 females enrolled. This indicates a strong presence of younger adults pursuing legal education immediately after completing their undergraduate studies.
As we move to the 25-29 age bracket, the numbers remain high, with 94 males and 82 females, suggesting that many individuals are continuing their education in their mid-to-late twenties, possibly as they seek to establish their careers or gain advanced qualifications. The representation of older students diminishes significantly, with fewer enrollments in the 30-34 age group, totaling 60 males and 29 females, and even lower in subsequent age categories.
Interestingly, the data shows a small number of students over the age of 65, with only 5 males and 1 female, highlighting that law school tends to attract a younger demographic. This trend aligns with national observations in higher education, where younger students dominate many professional programs, possibly due to the increasing pressure to begin careers sooner.
Overall, the student body at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law appears to be predominantly composed of younger adults, reflecting broader trends in legal education, where immediate post-bachelor's degree enrollment remains prevalent. This may have implications for the types of programs and support services that the institution should consider to cater to the needs of its diverse student population.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 29 law schools in the U.S.
50 in 2025 · 5.5% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at the University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law
The data from the University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law reveals significant trends in international student enrollment over the years, particularly in graduate programs. Notably, the percentage of international students in graduate programs started high in the mid-2000s, with figures reaching over 79% in 2006. However, recent years have seen a dramatic decline, with percentages dropping to as low as 5.20% in 2021 and only slightly increasing to 7.22% in 2023.
This sharp decline may reflect broader trends in U.S. higher education, where international enrollment has faced challenges due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, visa restrictions, and changing immigration policies. The fluctuating numbers suggest that the university may need to reassess its recruitment strategies to attract a more diverse student body once again.
In contrast, the data indicates that the school does not have corresponding numbers for undergraduate international students during the observed years, leaving a gap in understanding the full scope of international enrollment. This absence could indicate a need for the institution to focus on both undergraduate and graduate programs to create a more holistic and inclusive educational environment.
Overall, while the law school has historically attracted a significant number of international students, recent trends highlight the importance of addressing the challenges faced by prospective international students in order to revitalize and diversify the student population at the University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law.
Cost
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$17.0M
Expenses$16.7M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 29 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 New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham · 31.3 mi
U.S. News #109
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University of Massachusetts-LowellLowell · 39.9 mi
U.S. News #148
-
Dartmouth CollegeHanover · 50.7 mi
U.S. News #12
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Tufts UniversityMedford · 59.3 mi
U.S. News #31
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Brandeis UniversityWaltham · 59.9 mi
U.S. News #59
-
University of New EnglandBiddeford · 60.8 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Harvard UniversityCambridge · 61.5 mi
U.S. News #3
-
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge · 62.9 mi
U.S. News #1
-
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill · 63.1 mi
U.S. News #31
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding the University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law:
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Dartmouth College - Ranked 18 in the 2024 US News rankings, Dartmouth is a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its strong programs in liberal arts, business, and engineering.
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Tufts University - With a ranking of 40, Tufts is recognized for its diverse academic offerings and commitment to global citizenship, particularly in international relations and medical education.
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Harvard University - As one of the top universities in the world, ranked 3, Harvard offers a vast array of programs and is renowned for its research, faculty, and alumni network.
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Ranked 2, MIT specializes in engineering, technology, and science, making it a leader in innovation and research.
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Boston College - With a ranking of 39, Boston College is known for its strong liberal arts education and a commitment to Jesuit values.
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Wellesley College - An elite women's liberal arts college ranked 4, Wellesley is celebrated for its rigorous academics and empowering environment for women.
These schools are recognized for their academic excellence and can provide a collaborative educational environment for students.
Peer median 0.0 · all 29 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
Trends in Campus Crime at the University of New Hampshire School of Law
The crime statistics at the University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law reveal a significant fluctuation in reported incidents from 2013 to 2023. In 2013, the campus experienced a crime rate of 23.12 per 1,000 students, a figure that sharply declined over the years, reaching a low of 0.00 in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. The data indicates that the law school has made considerable strides in enhancing campus safety and reducing crime rates.
Notably, in 2016, there was a spike in incidents with an average rate of 51.38 per 1,000 students, which raises questions about the circumstances surrounding that year. However, this spike seems to have been an anomaly, as the following years have shown a return to lower crime rates. The most recent data from 2023 indicates a slight resurgence with a rate of 3.07, suggesting that while the campus remains relatively safe, it is important for the administration to stay vigilant.
The types of crimes reported primarily include gun arrests, drug-related incidents, and domestic violence. The absence of serious offenses such as murder, rape, or robbery is a positive sign for campus safety. Nevertheless, it is crucial for law enforcement and campus officials to continue their efforts in prevention and education programs to maintain the downward trend in crime rates.
For a detailed understanding of crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law include Tim Ryan (Former U.S. representative from Ohio), Donna Edwards (Former US Representative from Maryland) and Frank Guinta (Former U.S. representative from New Hampshire).
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Tim Ryan 1973–
Former U.S. representative from Ohio
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Donna Edwards 1958–
Former US Representative from Maryland
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Frank Guinta 1970–
Former U.S. representative from New Hampshire
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John Hart 1965–
Author of thriller novels
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Molly Kelly 1949–
Democratic New Hampshire state senator
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Roger Manno 1966–
Member of the Maryland State Senate
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Samuel Der-Yeghiayan 1952–
Former U.S. District Judge, Northern District of Illinois
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Donna Soucy 1967–
Former President of the New Hampshire Senate
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Cinde Warmington 1957–
Attorney and former New Hampshire Executive Councilor
More alumni (2, by field)
Politics and law
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Matt Soper 1984–
Colorado state representative
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William J. Murphy 1963–
221st Speaker of the Rhode Island House
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.