Student Survey
"I think that LRAP is a *requirement* for a top-class school and necessary if UW wants to further its development and reputation as a school that draws top students nationwide." UW Law School Student
"It's absolutely contrary to this school's mission, as I understand not to have an LRAP program." UW Law School Student
"The LRAP program should go to the top of the law school's to do agenda and stay there until it gets done. It is without a doubt one of the most important, pressing problems with the UW Law School." UW Law School Student
In the fall of 2005, the Public Interest Law Association conducted a survey of current students to assess their interest in and need for a loan repayment assistance program. 306 students, representing 55% of the student body, responded to the survey.
Significant findings include:
- One third of students expect to graduate owing over $70,000 in educational debt (75% will have over $40,000)
- Half of all students have outstanding undergraduate loans
- 73.53% of students are or think they will be less inclined to seek a public interest or government position due to their educational debt load.
- The UW needs to 'put its money where its mouth is' when it comes to supporting public service work
- The community loses out when graduates can't take public service jobs
- The UW needs to remain competitive and will lose/is losing potential students by not having an LRAP
- It's embarassing that UW doesn't have an LRAP
Of the 90% of respondents (274 students) who responded to the question 'Do you think UW Law School should have an LRAP, why or why not? none said no, 12 were unsure and 95% (263 students) said yes. 226 students (90% of yes respondents) included a reason why they believe UW should have an LRAP.
The comments fell into a few broad categories and some overlapped into more than one category. The reasons given included:
THE COMPLETE SURVEY RESULTS ARE HERE:
What year are you?
1L - 38.24%
2L - 33.33%
3L - 28.10%
LLM - .33%
Do you have outstanding undergraduate loans?
Yes 49.02%
No 50.98%
How much educational related debt do you anticipate having after graduating from law school? (include undergraduate and law school loans)
None 8.82%
Under $10,000 3.27%
$10,000 - $25,000 4.25%
$25,-001 - $40,000 7.52%
$40,001 - $55,000 16.67%
$55,001 - $70,000 26.47%
Over $70,000 33.01%
Do you know what a loan repayment assistance program is?
Yes 86.93%
No 13.07%
When you applied to law school, did you know whether or not any of the schools you applied to had loan repayment assistance programs?
Yes 49.02%
No 50.98%
When you started law school, which of the following types of employment were you considering entering after graduation? (select all that apply)
Public/Government 82.03%
Non-Profit 56.21%
Small Firm 53.59%
Large Firm 45.10%
Judicial Clerkship 44.77%
Private Practice 28.10%
Non Legal Position 23.53%
Academic 20.59%
Other 2.94%
At this point in your law school career, which of the following types of employment are you considering? (select all that apply)
Public/Government 69.93%
Small Firm 62.75%
Large Firm 51.31%
Judicial Clerkship 48.04%
Non-Profit 41.18%
Private Practice 24.18%
Non-Legal Positions 19.93%
Academic 16.67%
Other 4.25%
Do you think you are or will be less inclined to seek a public interest or government position due to your educational debt load?
Yes 73.53%
No 26.47%
Please indicate the three most important factors (from the following list) that will play a part in your decision whether or not to accept a particular job offer after graduation:
Nature of the work 76.80%
Georgraphic location 57.84%
Salary 54.90%
Opportunity to contribute to society 38.56%
Helping people directly 19.61%
Benefits 17.32%
Career-building opportunities 16.99%
Prestige 5.56%
Job security 4.90%
Other 4.58%
Did you know that UW Law School is the only school ranked in the top 30 by US News that does not have a loan repayment assistance program?
Yes 34.64%
No 65.36%