Southern University Law Center: 648 Students

648Students

$43,371Earnings

Public4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About Southern University Law Center

Southern University Law Center is one of only five historically black law schools in America, training attorneys who have shaped Louisiana's legal landscape for over seven decades. The school enrolls 648 students in the heart of Baton Rouge, where future lawyers study in a close-knit environment focused on public service and civil rights advocacy. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students personally and provide mentorship that extends well beyond graduation. The institution has produced judges, prosecutors, and civil rights attorneys who serve communities across the South.

Law school debt here averages $29,251, lower than the national average for legal education. Graduates earn a median of $43,371 ten years after graduation, though early career earnings start at $40,903. Monthly loan payments of $310 make this one of the more affordable paths to a law degree. The 53.25% loan repayment rate reflects the challenges many graduates face in Louisiana's legal market, where public service careers often pay less than corporate law.

Women make up 68.36% of the student body, while 95.99% of students are Black, creating a unique learning environment where diversity of thought flourishes within a shared cultural understanding. The 96% employment rate shows that graduates find work, though many choose lower-paying public interest positions that serve underrepresented communities.

Academics & Faculty

Southern University Law Center is one of only five historically black law schools in the nation, training attorneys who serve Louisiana's diverse communities. The school enrolls 648 students with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for meaningful mentorship in legal education. Women make up 68% of the student body, while 96% of students are Black, reflecting the institution's mission to diversify the legal profession. The law center emphasizes practical training through clinical programs and community service. With a 96% employment rate, graduates find positions across Louisiana's legal landscape. However, the 60% retention rate suggests students face significant academic challenges in their legal studies.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 48.9%
Retention Rate: 60.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,371

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Law.	Doctoral	$42,682

View all 54 programs →

Campus Life

Southern University Law Center occupies a focused campus in Baton Rouge, just 80 miles from New Orleans and home to LSU's flagship campus. With 648 students enrolled, this historically black law school creates an intimate academic environment where nearly 96% of students are African American. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress closely.

Louisiana's humid subtropical climate keeps temperatures warm most of the year, so pack light sweaters for brief winter months but expect to use air conditioning from March through October. As a specialized law school, campus life centers around study groups, moot court competitions, and legal clinic work rather than traditional college activities. Women make up 68% of the student body, creating a supportive network in a profession where female attorneys remain underrepresented. Weekends often involve bar exam prep sessions and networking events with Louisiana's legal community. The school's deep roots in civil rights law and commitment to training African American attorneys shapes daily conversations about justice and legal advocacy.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1947

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 41°–62°F
July Avg: 73°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 61.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.2"

Student Demographics

Nearly 96% of students are Black, reflecting Southern University Law Center's proud mission as one of only six historically Black law schools in America. Women make up more than two-thirds of the student body, part of a national trend where women increasingly dominate law school enrollment. The school draws 648 students who are committed to legal careers serving diverse communities. As Louisiana's top HBCU law school, it attracts students dedicated to increasing representation in the legal profession and addressing justice issues in underserved communities throughout the South.

Men: 31.6%
Women: 68.4%
White: 0.6%
Black: 96.0%
Hispanic: 0.6%
Asian: 0.0%

Location

Baton Rouge sits along the Mississippi River as Louisiana's capital city, home to about 230,000 residents. The city combines government offices with oil refineries and Louisiana State University's sprawling campus. Students here live 80 miles northwest of New Orleans and 350 miles southeast of Dallas. Baton Rouge blends Southern charm with industrial energy, featuring riverfront districts and historic neighborhoods alongside modern business centers. The area serves as a major port city where barges carry cargo along America's largest river system. Louisiana's humid subtropical climate means hot summers and mild winters year-round. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Southern University Law Center with similar schools in the region.

Address: Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $43,371
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,941
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 53.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $310/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $29,251

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Southern University Law Center?

Southern University Law Center maintains a 60.11% retention rate, indicating selective admissions standards for this historically black law school. The school serves 648 students and has been training lawyers since 1947, particularly focusing on serving Louisiana's legal community.

How much does Southern University Law Center cost after financial aid?

Students graduate with a median debt of $29,251 and face monthly loan payments of $310. Only 53.25% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, which reflects the financial challenges many law school graduates face in the current legal market.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southern University Law Center?

The school maintains a 21:1 student-faculty ratio across its 648-student enrollment. As one of the few historically black law schools in the United States, it provides legal education with a focus on diversity and community service.

What are the job prospects for Southern University Law Center graduates?

Graduates achieve a 96.0% employment rate, demonstrating strong job placement success. However, median earnings start at $40,903 in the first year and reach $43,371 after ten years, which is below national averages for law school graduates.

Where is Southern University Law Center located?

The law school operates in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a mid-size city that serves as the state capital. With 68.36% women and 95.99% Black students, it maintains its mission as an HBCU serving Louisiana's diverse legal community.

What makes Southern University Law Center unique among law schools?

Southern University Law Center is one of only a handful of historically black law schools in the United States, with 95.99% Black enrollment. Founded in 1947, it has a long tradition of training lawyers who serve Louisiana's communities and promoting diversity in the legal profession.