Overview
Originally founded in 1966 in Fullerton, California, Western State College of Law is one of the oldest law schools in Orange County and has a long history of producing practicing attorneys, judges, and public officials throughout Southern California. The school became affiliated with Westcliff University in 2021 after a period under Argosy University and other parent institutions, continuing its mission of providing accessible, practice-oriented legal education. It is ABA-accredited and known for its emphasis on litigation skills, bar exam preparation, and serving nontraditional and first-generation law students.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Irvine, California |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Total students | 400 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 55% |
| Graduation rate | 60% |
| Average starting salary | $65,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $47,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $47,000 |
| Room & board | $16,000 |
| Average financial aid | $25,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.10 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Litigation & Trial Advocacy
- Criminal Law
- Business Law
- Part-Time/Evening JD Program
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.