Qualified students can earn an undergraduate degree and a law degree in six years rather than the usual seven.

Through this program, students complete three years of full-time undergraduate study, use law school courses to meet the balance of required undergraduate credits and receive their bachelor's degree after the first year of law school.

The first step in pursuing a 3+3 program is to contact both your academic advisor and the designated contact at your undergraduate institution (high school students should first contact the undergraduate admission offices of these institutions):

Drake University

Contact: Your individual academic advisor
Students are eligible for the program with majors from the following colleges/schools:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• Zimpleman College of Business
• College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Through this program, students complete three years of full-time undergraduate study, use law school courses to meet the balance of required undergraduate credits, and receive their bachelor's degree after the first year of law school.

There is no advantage from any one major over another. Students are encouraged to study whatever they are interested in during their undergraduate degree. Any courses that are reading and writing intensive will be particularly beneficial to a future Drake Law School student. If your plans for law school change, you may still proceed with completing your undergraduate degree if you decide not to participate in the 3+3 Program or if you are not admitted into Drake Law School.

Apply

Students should discuss the 3+3 Program with their undergraduate academic advisor.  Advisors will assist students to ensure that undergraduate degree requirements are met through either their three years of undergraduate study or their first year of law school.

3+3 applicants will be required to take the LSAT. The test is typically taken one year in advance of anticipated law school enrollment. Interested students are also encouraged to contact the Drake Law Assistant Dean of Admission, Kara Blanchard (kara.blanchard@drake.edu or 515-271-2782) at this time to further discuss the Law School application and admission process.

3+3 applicants should submit the Drake Law School application during the Spring semester of their third year (after Fall semester grades are available).  All 3+3 students apply to the Law School using the normal application process; the only additional requirement is a letter from the undergraduate advisor confirming that the student will fulfill all the requirements for the bachelor’s degree by the end of the first year of law school.

Participation in the 3+3 Program does not guarantee admission into Drake Law School.

Financial Aid

Every Drake student enrolling at Drake Law School through the 3+3 Program is guaranteed a Drake Scholars Award of $5,000 per year. The award is automatically renewable for all three years of law school and may be combined with other scholarships up to full tuition.

Students may qualify for additional Drake Law School scholarships, and these may be combined with other scholarships up to full tuition.