Syracuse University’s College of Law’s first-year enrollment declined for the second year in a row, after reaching an all-time high in 2011.

Enrollment peaked in 2010 and 2011 at 255 students. The number of students slightly fell to 245 in 2012, but that number sharply dropped to 196 for 2013.

Nikki Laubenstein, director of admissions at the College of Law, said in an email the class size is smaller to benefit students and faculty.

“Our smaller class size is strategically managed and planned to provide the optimal level of engagement for our students with our law school faculty and programming opportunities,” she said.

Laubenstein said their signature programs, such as the Institute for National Security & Counterterrorism, Law in London and the new Semester in D.C program had more applications than anticipated, allowing them to remain selective.

National trends for law school enrollment echo SU’s pattern. According to the American Bar Association, law school enrollment decreased across the nation for the second year in the row, after enrollment peaked in 2010.

Construction on Dineen Hall, the new facility for the College of Law, is well underway and is scheduled to be completed by next fall. Laubenstein said it is an exciting time for the law school.

“This year’s exciting move into Dineen Hall allows us to continue to evaluate and redefine what it means for the student experience and to be a part of Syracuse Law,” she said.

Published on January 15, 2014 at 1:29 am

Contact Ellen: ekmeyers@syr.edu | @ellenkmeyers