Loras College is proud to announce a new partnership with Northern Illinois University College of Law to offer an accelerated 3+3 (Bachelor’s + J.D.) pathway, allowing qualified Loras students to complete both their undergraduate degree and a juris doctor in six years.
Through this partnership, Loras students who meet the eligibility criteria may apply to NIU Law during their junior year. Once accepted, their first year of law school coursework will also count toward completing their undergraduate degree at Loras. This structure enables students to begin law school a year earlier than traditional pathways, saving both time and tuition costs while maintaining the quality and rigor of each program.
The collaboration reflects Loras College’s commitment to providing innovative academic opportunities that prepare students for meaningful and successful careers. By combining a strong liberal arts foundation with the professional training of law school, students will gain the critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and communication skills essential for the legal profession.
“The completion of this new partnership with NIU continues to position Loras College to offer students a unique opportunity to obtain an education rooted in our Catholic liberal arts tradition and a strategic pathway to pursue a law degree to further their professional goals,” said Sarah Nytroe, provost of Loras College.
Interested students must fulfill all major and general education requirements by the end of their junior year, maintain a strong GPA, and be accepted to the NIU Law program. Upon successful completion of their first year at NIU, students will be awarded their bachelor’s degree from Loras and continue at NIU to complete their J.D.
The 3+3 law degree agreement between Loras College and NIU College of Law offers students an accelerated, affordable, and intentional route to pursue their professional goals in law while continuing the Loras tradition of academic excellence and ethical leadership.
