Orlando, Fla. – Starting the new academic year with the largest incoming class in the school’s history, Barry University’s School of Law reports that enrollment for first-year students has increased 66 percent for the school year that began Aug. 20.

Compared to figures from the 2006 academic year, Barry Law School saw first-year enrollment increase from 199 students to 331. This figure also represents an increase in the percentage of students who were accepted and those who actually enrolled (19 percent in 2006 and 28 percent in 2007). While many decisions go into a law school applicant’s enrollment decision, the Law School attributes its increase to its ABA accreditation last December, personal attention to prospective and current students, its mission-oriented atmosphere, location and the amount of scholarships awarded. Eighty five percent of the entering class received a scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $21,000, and the Law School offers a Scholarship Bonus Program that awards the top 10 percent with a 75 percent scholarship. The 75th percentile for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) also increased for this entering class.

“The School of Law’s increased enrollment indicates that students today are searching for more than a basic legal education,” said Barry Law School Dean Leticia Diaz. “Barry Law provides an atmosphere where students receive an excellent education in a mission-centered environment. For this most recent entering class, full accreditation and location were important enrollment factors. However, I believe the most important consideration was and will continue to be the supportive and quality education Barry offers.”

First-year students, like Elizabeth Hunter, also cite Barry’s professional and challenging atmosphere, as well as its supportive base of faculty and staff as reasons they chose Barry over other law schools. In all, 723 students currently attend Barry Law School.