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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Albany Law School

Albany, New York · www.albanylaw.edu

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About

Albany Law School, located in Albany, New York, is one of the oldest law schools in the United States, founded in 1851. The school has a distinguished reputation for its commitment to legal education and public service, emphasizing the importance of preparing students to become both competent lawyers and responsible citizens. With a strong focus on experiential learning, Albany Law School offers a wide range of clinics, externships, and simulation courses that allow students to engage directly with the legal community and gain practical skills. This hands-on approach is complemented by a robust curriculum that covers various areas of law, including public interest law, intellectual property, and international law, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of a dynamic legal profession.

The campus environment at Albany Law School fosters a sense of community and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. The school's mission emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to social justice, which resonates deeply throughout its culture. Albany Law School takes pride in its diverse and inclusive atmosphere, which encourages students to embrace different perspectives and backgrounds. Additionally, the school's location in the capital of New York State provides unique opportunities for students to engage with governmental and nonprofit organizations, enhancing their understanding of the law in action. With a strong alumni network and an impressive track record of graduate employment, Albany Law School remains dedicated to providing a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for success in their future careers.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Gender Ratio

Albany Law School has experienced a significant increase in graduate tuition over the years, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where tuition costs continue to rise. From 2014 to 2024, the graduate tuition escalated from $43,523 to $57,671, marking an increase of approximately 32.5%. Such tuition hikes can often lead to concerns about the affordability of legal education, which may deter potential students or increase student debt burdens.

In terms of student enrollment, while the number of graduate students has fluctuated, there has been a steady increase from 414 students in 2016 to 643 students in 2023. This growth in enrollment could indicate an increasing demand for legal education, possibly driven by a competitive job market that emphasizes the need for advanced qualifications.

Moreover, the gender ratio among graduate students has shifted slightly, with the proportion of male students decreasing from approximately 52.5% in 2013 to 44.2% in 2023, while female students have seen a corresponding increase. This shift reflects ongoing changes in gender dynamics within the legal profession, aligning with broader societal movements toward gender equality in education and the workforce.

In conclusion, Albany Law School's rising tuition, increasing enrollment, and changing gender demographics highlight the evolving landscape of legal education. These factors not only affect the institution's reputation and accessibility but also mirror larger trends within the legal field, where diversity and financial considerations play critical roles in shaping the future of law schools.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
In Albany
Nearest international airport
Albany International Airport (ALB), about 7 mi
Albany, New York
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Cinnamon P. Carlarne (President and Dean)
Phone
5184452311
City
Albany, New York
Address
80 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208

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

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)

Master's323 international (9.4%)
Doctoral1901 international (0.5%)

Popular graduate programs

  • Law · Doctoral190 (1% international)
  • Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies, Other · Master's23 (0% international)
  • American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence · Master's6 (0% international)
  • Programs for Foreign Lawyers · Master's3 (100% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduates from Albany Law School in 2023

The data from Albany Law School for 2023 reveals an intriguing landscape of legal education. Notably, the doctorate program stands out with 163 graduates, including 8 international students. This reflects a robust interest in advanced legal studies and the potential for a significant number of these graduates to enter academia or specialized legal practices, which is essential in addressing complex legal challenges in our society.

In contrast, the other degree programs show minimal to no graduation numbers. The absence of graduates in both the bachelor's and associate's programs indicates a lack of undergraduate legal education offerings at Albany Law School. This could suggest a strategic focus on higher-level legal education, aligning with the increasing demand for specialized legal professionals rather than generalists, which is consistent with recent trends in higher education.

Moreover, the master's programs have produced a modest but noteworthy total of 15 graduates, showcasing the school's commitment to providing postgraduate legal education. The absence of international students in the master's program may highlight a potential area for growth, especially considering the globalized nature of legal practice today, where diverse perspectives are invaluable.

Overall, Albany Law School's graduation data for 2023 suggests a strong emphasis on doctoral education, which may position its graduates favorably in the competitive legal job market. However, enhancing offerings at the undergraduate level could attract a broader range of students and diversify the legal educational 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

Legal professionshas 222 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Law.$73,907
Programs for Foreign Lawyers.$105,706
American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence.$105,706
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies, Other.$105,706

Students

670 students in 2025

Data insights

Analysis of Albany Law School's Student Composition in 2023

In 2023, Albany Law School has a total of 643 graduate students, with a gender distribution that reveals an interesting trend: 44.2% of these students are male, while 55.8% are female. This indicates a growing representation of women in legal education, aligning with broader trends in higher education where female enrollment has been on the rise.

Diving deeper into the demographic makeup, it is noted that the majority of the graduate students, specifically 460 individuals, identify as white. This reflects a common theme in many law schools across the United States, where white students still make up a significant portion of the student body. However, the statistics regarding other ethnic backgrounds are not provided, which limits a comprehensive understanding of diversity within the student population.

As legal education continues to evolve, it is essential for institutions like Albany Law School to not only maintain but also enhance diversity among its student body. Engaging in active recruitment efforts to attract students from underrepresented backgrounds, including but not limited to, Black, Latino, and Asian communities, is crucial. This would not only enrich the educational experience for all students but also foster a more inclusive environment that reflects the diverse society in which they will practice.

Overall, while the increase in female representation is commendable, it is imperative that Albany Law School continues to strive for a more balanced and diverse student composition in the coming years.

Age Demographics at Albany Law School in 2023

The age demographics of Albany Law School's student population in 2023 reveal some notable trends regarding the distribution of undergraduate and graduate students. The data indicates that the majority of the student body falls within the 22-24 age range, with 127 male graduate students and 148 female graduate students, together constituting approximately 63% of the total student population. This suggests that the law school attracts a younger demographic, particularly among graduate students, which may reflect a growing trend in legal education where students pursue their degrees immediately after completing their undergraduate studies.

In contrast, the number of male and female undergraduate students remains strikingly low, with no representation in the younger age categories. This absence may imply that Albany Law School predominantly caters to individuals who have already acquired some professional or academic experience before embarking on their legal education.

The data also showcases a gradual decrease in student numbers as age increases, with the 30-34 age group comprising only 25 males and 33 females, and even fewer students in the older age brackets. This pattern aligns with general trends in higher education, where older students often face various challenges, such as family obligations or career commitments, which may deter them from pursuing advanced degrees.

Overall, the age composition at Albany Law School reflects a significant trend towards younger graduate students, highlighting the institution's appeal to those who are eager to embark on their legal careers soon after their undergraduate studies. The implications of these demographics could influence the school's approach to support services and academic programming tailored to a younger audience.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 25 private law schools in the U.S.

Graduate students3.0%

20 in 2025 · 0.7% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.7%2017: 1.0%2018: 0.5%2019: 0.8%2020: 0.6%2021: 2.1%2022: 1.8%2023: 1.7%2024: 2.1%2025: 3.0%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Albany Law School

The data on international students at Albany Law School reveals a significant decline in the representation of international students in graduate programs over the years. Starting from a peak of 29.41% in 2006, the percentage of international students in graduate programs has generally decreased, hitting a low of 0.46% in 2018. This trend could reflect broader issues affecting international student enrollment in the United States, such as changing immigration policies, global health crises, and shifting perceptions of studying abroad.

Interestingly, while the overall numbers for international students in graduate programs have dwindled, there was a slight recovery to 2.12% in 2021, possibly indicating a rebound as the world began to adapt to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this recovery has not been consistent, as the percentages fluctuated in subsequent years.

In contrast, the data for undergraduate students is absent, making it difficult to assess the overall diversity at Albany Law School. The decline in international graduate enrollment may impact the school's global perspective and the richness of cultural exchange on campus. As many law schools in the U.S. strive to attract a diverse student body, Albany Law School may need to reassess its strategies to enhance its appeal to international students to foster a more inclusive academic environment.

The future of international student enrollment at Albany Law School remains uncertain, and it will be crucial to monitor these trends as they evolve in response to global events and institutional policies.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$30.4M

Tuition and fees
$15.6M51.3%
Investment return
$10.9M35.7%
Gifts and private grants
$2.0M6.6%
Government grants and contracts
$1.4M4.8%
Other
$464K1.5%

Expenses$26.6M

Instruction
$13.4M50.4%
Institutional support
$6.4M24.2%
Academic support
$3.5M13.1%
Student services
$3.3M12.4%

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.

All faculty
$104,507peers $101,494
Professor
$115,195peers $117,361
Associate professor
$105,119peers $104,295
Assistant professor
$78,856peers $82,760

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

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Albany Law School:

  1. University at Albany (纽约州立大学奥尔巴尼分校) - Ranked 133 in the 2024 US News rankings, this public research university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing research and community engagement.

  2. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (伦斯勒理工学院) - With a ranking of 60, RPI is renowned for its engineering and technology programs, providing a rigorous education focused on innovation and research.

  3. Union College (联合学院) - This liberal arts college ranks 45th and is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and unique combination of liberal arts and engineering.

  4. Williams College (威廉姆斯学院) - The top-ranked liberal arts college at number 1, Williams is known for its exceptional academic programs and beautiful campus setting.

  5. Skidmore College (斯基德莫尔学院) - Ranked 38, Skidmore offers a creative and vibrant environment for students, with a strong focus on the arts and liberal studies.

  6. Smith College (史密斯学院) - This prestigious women's college ranks 16th, known for its rigorous academics and commitment to empowering women through education.

  7. Amherst College (安默斯特学院) - With a rank of 2, Amherst is one of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in the country, offering a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

  8. Wesleyan University (卫斯理大学) - Ranked 11th, Wesleyan is known for its strong emphasis on the arts and humanities, providing students with a rich and transformative educational experience.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are highly regarded in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 25 private law schools in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Stalking
4

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Albany Law School

The crime statistics from Albany Law School reveal a largely safe environment over the past decade. From 2013 to 2020, the institution reported no recorded incidents of crime, as indicated by the zero averages per 1,000 students. This trend is commendable and reflects positively on the school's commitment to maintaining a secure campus atmosphere.

In 2021 and 2022, the data shows that there was a slight uptick in crime, with one incident recorded each year, translating to an average crime rate of 1.77 and 1.68 per 1,000 students respectively. These figures suggest that while there was a minor increase, the overall crime rate remains low, signifying that the school is still a relatively safe place for students. It is crucial to contextualize these numbers within the broader landscape of law schools, which can sometimes experience higher levels of crime due to the urban settings they are often situated in.

Moreover, the specific incidents reported seem to be isolated and do not indicate a pattern of escalating crime. The absence of violent crimes, such as assault or robbery, and the presence of only one incident of gun arrest in the two years, highlight that serious threats to student safety are minimal.

This data underscores the importance of continued vigilance and proactive security measures while also celebrating the low crime rates which contribute to a positive academic environment. For a deeper understanding of how these crime rates are calculated, one can refer to the method outlined at Forward Pathway.

Notable Alumni

All 60

Notable alumni of Albany Law School include William McKinley (25th President of the United States), Andrew Cuomo (Former Governor of New York) and Robert H. Jackson (US Supreme Court associate justice).

See all 60 notable alumni of Albany Law School →

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.