Thomas Jefferson School of Law Overview
Thomas Jefferson School of Law (TJSL) is a private law school located in downtown San Diego, California. Established in 1969, TJSL offers a diverse and inclusive environment for legal education, emphasizing practical training and community engagement. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and has been approved by the State Bar of California, allowing its graduates to sit for the California Bar Examination.
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Offered Programs
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Online Juris Doctor (Online JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM) in American Legal Studies
- Master of Laws (LLM) in Practice Skills
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Tuition Fees
| Program Type | Tuition Fee (USD) per Unit | Estimated Total Tuition (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| JD Residential | $1,300 | Varies based on units taken |
| JD Online | $1,300 | Varies based on units taken |
| LLM | Varies | Varies based on units taken |
Note: Tuition rates are for the 2025/2026 academic year and are subject to change. The total tuition varies depending on the number of units taken per semester.
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Required Documents and Admission Requirements
- Completed application form
- LSAT score (no minimum required)
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Interview (may be required)
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Deadlines
| Admission Cycle | Application Start Date | Application Deadline | Semester Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Rolling admissions | Rolling admissions | August |
| Spring | Rolling admissions | Rolling admissions | January |
Note: TJSL operates on a rolling admissions basis, allowing applicants to apply at any time.
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Scholarships Offerings
- Dean’s Scholarship: Full tuition merit-based scholarship for JD applicants with a minimum LSAT score of 154 or equivalent GRE scores. Renewable with a GPA of 2.700 or higher.
- Active Military & Veterans Opportunity Scholarship: 50% tuition scholarship for eligible military and veteran JD applicants. Renewable with a GPA of 2.700 or higher.
- LLM Scholarship: Up to 50% tuition scholarship for LLM applicants based on academic performance and legal experience. Renewable with a GPA of 2.700 or higher.
- Outside Scholarships: Various external scholarships available through law firms, legal organizations, and foundations.
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Rankings
| Ranking Body | National Rank | World Rank |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report | Not Ranked | Not Ranked |
| Princeton Review | Not Ranked | Not Ranked |
Note: TJSL is not currently ranked by major national or international ranking bodies.
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for Thomas Jefferson School of Law is approximately 55%, indicating a moderately selective admissions process.
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Student Campus Life
TJSL offers a vibrant campus life with various student organizations, including moot court, law review, and affinity groups. The school is located in downtown San Diego, providing students with access to numerous legal institutions, government agencies, and cultural attractions.
Accommodation options:
- On-Campus Housing: TJSL does not offer on-campus housing.
- Off-Campus Housing: Students often reside in nearby neighborhoods such as East Village, Gaslamp Quarter, and Little Italy, which offer a range of rental options.
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Cost of Living
San Diego offers a high quality of life with a range of living options. Students should budget for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
| Expense Category | Monthly Estimate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Housing | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Food | $300 – $600 |
| Transportation | $100 – $200 |
| Personal Expenses | $200 – $400 |
Note: Costs vary depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Contact Information
- Website: www.tjsl.edu
- Phone Number: +1 619-297-9700
- Email Address: admissions@tjsl.edu
- Address: 1155 Island Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Online Application
Prospective students can apply online through the TJSL admissions portal. The application process includes submitting academic transcripts, standardized test scores (LSAT), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Detailed instructions and requirements are available on the TJSL website.