College of Arts and Sciences · Pre-Professional Program

Pre-Law

Program Overview

Preparing for a Legal Career.

Maryville University’s Pre-Law program helps you prepare for law school while completing the major or minor that best aligns with your legal interests. You’ll work with both an academic advisor and a pre-law advisor who can help you choose an internship, prepare your law school applications and register for the LSAT. Maryville graduates have been accepted to law schools including Harvard, Columbia, the University of Chicago, Washington University and Saint Louis University.

What sets the program apart

    • Complete a major or minor aligned with your legal interests
    • Receive guidance from both an academic advisor and a pre-law advisor
    • Get support choosing internships, applying to law school and registering for the LSAT
    • Gain exposure to the legal profession through presentations and internship opportunities

Why Maryville?

 
No transcript available
Why Maryville

Prepare for law school through advising and real-world experience.

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal proceedings and transactions. They may work in law firms, corporations, government agencies or public-interest organizations.

Becoming a lawyer typically requires four years of undergraduate study, three years of law school and a state license, which usually requires passing a bar examination.

Career Paths

Advise a company or organization on contracts, regulations, taxes, employment matters and other legal issues.
Represent clients in criminal proceedings as a prosecutor, public defender or private defense attorney.
Work with laws and regulations involving natural resources, environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
Advise and represent clients in legal matters involving divorce, child custody, adoption and family relationships.
Help protect inventions, patents, trademarks and creative works such as books, music and films.
Provide legal services involving civil rights, social justice, housing, consumer protection and access to representation.
5%Projected Job Growth

Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 5% from 2023–2033.

$151,160Median Salary

Median annual wage for lawyers (May 2024).

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook – Lawyers. Employment projections represent national estimates for lawyers covering the 2023–2033 projection period. Wage data reflect the national median annual wage reported for May 2024 through the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. These statistics represent national employment trends and are not specific to Maryville University graduates, Missouri employment outcomes, admission to law school, bar passage rates, or individual career results.

Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Pre-Law program.

Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges  2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Law schools accept students from a wide variety of majors. Maryville Pre-Law students complete a major or minor aligned with their academic interests and legal career goals.
Yes. You’ll work with an academic advisor from your chosen discipline as well as a pre-law advisor.
Your advisor can help you choose a legal internship, prepare law school applications and register for the LSAT.
Yes. Pre-law students are encouraged to complete an internship with a local court, law firm or government agency.
Yes. Students may attend presentations by practicing attorneys, judges and law school admissions counselors.
Becoming a lawyer typically requires four years of undergraduate study followed by three years of law school. Lawyers also need a state license, which usually requires passing a bar examination.