ABA Standard 301-6: Schools that Face the Stress Test: Quinnipiac

Yesterday, we looked at LaVerne School of Law in California and determined that it is currently not in compliance with ABA Standard 301-6 and will probably have to restructure its bar preparation programs if LaVerne wants to be fully accredited.

Now, let’s look at a school that is fully accredited and see if it’s in compliance. Although the ABA looks at 5 years, we are looking at years 2007 and 2008 and February 2009, if the results have been reported.

Today, let’s see how Qunnipiac University School of Law does:

Quinnipiac University School of Law
State: Connecticut
Status: Fully Accredited


February 2007 Overall Pass Rate: 57.1% (49 takers, 25 passers)

1st Time Takers: 79%; State Average for Connecticut: 83%

4% below state average; 17.9% above 75% standard

July 2007 Overall Pass Rate: 83.7% (160 takers, 134 passers)

1st Time Takers: 92%; State Average for Connecticut: 86%

7% above state average; 8.7% above 75% standard


Total 2007 Overall Pass Rate: 76.1% (209 takers, 159 passers)

1.1% above 75% standard


February 2008 Overall Pass Rate: 63% (48 takers, 30 passers)

1st time takers: 85%; State Average 83%

2% above state average; 12% below 75% standard

July 2008 Overall Pass Rate: 85% (97 takers, 82 passers)

1st Time Takers: 95%; State Average: 88%

7% above state average; 10% above 75% standard


Total 2008 Overall Pass Rate: 77.2% (145 takers, 112 passers)

2.2% above 75% standard


February 2009 Overall Pass Rate: 50% (18 takers, 9 passers)

1st Time Takers: 50%; State Average 75%

25% below state average



In the 2008 US News and World Report, Quinnipiac University School of Law increased in ranking 8 points from the prior year, to #108. Quinnipiac is considered to be a 3rd tier school.

For the year 2007, Quinnipiac has stayed in compliance with ABA 301-6. It’s overall bar pass rate for 2007 squeaks by with a 76.1%, 1.1% over the 75% standard. Its July 2007 pass rate of 83.7% helped for its weaker performance in February 2007 of 57.1%. Its first time takers rocked the house with its July 2007 rate of 92%, well above the state average, again pushing its weaker performance in February 2007 of first time taker rate of 79%, 4% below the state average.

For the year 2008, Quinnipiac also stayed in compliance. It’s overall bar pass rate for 2008 was a nice 77.2%, again above the 75% standard. Again, it had a weaker February performance with their July 2008 graduates rocking the house with an impressive 95% first time taker rate. Wow, that is quite impressive for a “3rd Tier school”. Whatever Quinnipiac is doing, they are doing it well.

I’ve have noticed a trend with Quinnipiac and their much weaker February performances. Only recently, for the February 2009 bar, they had both a 50% first time rate and an overall bar pass rate, which was 25% below the state average. It either has weaker part-time students or those full time students who rush out of law school after 2 ½ years, aren’t bringing it to the table. To tell the truth, I have never been a fan of full time students who take an easier summer class or two in order to graduate in February. It would be worth looking into for Quinnipiac to try to figure out why their February performance is so far below their July rates.

Suffice to say, Quinnipiac is doing a terrific job in staying in compliance with the new bar pass rates. Good job, Quinnipiac.