9 Top 3+3 Accelerated Law Programs for 2026

Lawyers work across a wide array of capacities and industries, from corporations to nonprofits to government organizations. If you're interested in a career in law and want to fast-track your legal education, you may be curious about 3+3 law programs.

This article highlights nine 3+3 programs from accredited schools and answers related questions about degree requirements, the law school application process, and more. Continue reading to learn how you can begin your accelerated law school education and launch your legal career.

What Is a 3+3 Accelerated Law Program?

A 3+3 accelerated law program is a streamlined process to earn your Juris Doctor (JD) in six years of study (instead of seven years). The term ''3+3'' refers to the number of years it takes students to complete this fast-track law degree pathway: three years of undergraduate studies to earn your bachelor's degree, plus three years of graduate studies to earn your Juris Doctor degree. Typically, the fourth year of undergraduate studies is combined with the first year of law school studies.

3+3 JD programs are intensive, full-time degree programs. These accelerated programs are ideal for students who are dedicated to becoming lawyers and can commit to a six-year program of highly focused studies.

Best Accelerated Law Schools

This list comprises some of the top accelerated law school programs offered by accredited colleges and universities.

1. Florida State University

Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University (FSU)'s College of Law offers a 3+3 program. FSU's College of Law has agreements to accept accelerated law school admission applications not only from FSU undergraduates, but also from five other Florida schools.

Undergraduate students who are accepted into FSU's accelerated law school program follow the standard curriculum for first-year law students. After students successfully complete their first year of law school, they receive their bachelor's degree. Students then continue with law school studies, completing 88 credit hours to earn their JD degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $216 per credit hour (in-state); $772 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FSU encourages students to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); American Bar Association (ABA)

2. University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo (UB) is a large public school located in Buffalo, NY. UB has a 3+3 program designed for students who want to earn their JD degree at an accelerated pace.

Students in UB's 3+3 law program have multiple networking opportunities to meet peers and connect with faculty. These events include UB's annual 3+3 networking reception and annual 3+3 webinar, in addition to traditional law school student events.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,070 per year (in-state); $28,500 per year (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Financial aid is available via scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); ABA

3. Georgia State University

Georgia State University (GSU), based in Atlanta, is a public school with an accelerated bachelor's and JD program. GSU's accelerated program is designed for students who have already earned at least 15 credit hours during high school, in programs such as Advanced Placement (AP) or dual enrollment.

During the first three years of their studies, students fulfill all the major requirements for their undergraduate degree. The first year of law school fulfills students' elective requirements, thus completing the 120 credit hours needed for their bachelor's degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,590 per semester (in-state); $15,000 per semester (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs can help offset education costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC; ABA

4. National University

Based in San Diego, CA, National University offers an accelerated JD program in California. Undergraduate students enrolled in National University's pre-law track may apply for the JFK School of Law's 3+3 law program.

Pre-law students take courses such as American politics, current legal issues, and analytical reasoning to complete their Bachelor of Arts major requirements. Pre-law students accepted into the 3+3 program transition into law school before their senior year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $370 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial assistance is available via scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

5. Troy University

Troy University is a mid-sized public school located in Troy, AL. It offers a 3+3 law program designed to be completed in six years. Students take three years of undergraduate studies at Troy University, choosing a bachelor's degree program with a legal studies minor, before moving on to one of the university's partner law schools.

Troy University's accelerated law program prepares students for a legal career with a curriculum that focuses on real-world experiences such as internships, moot court competitions, and legal clinics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $424 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students may receive grants, scholarships, loans, and military benefits for financial support.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. George Mason University

Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University (GMU) is a large public school with a 3+3 law program. A popular bachelor's degree pathway is business administration; after three years of undergraduate coursework, students in the 3+3 accelerated business administration law program transition into GMU's Scalia Law School.

Other popular undergraduate degree programs include social science majors, such as political science, and humanities majors, such as philosophy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $433 per credit hour (in-state); $1,475 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Financial aid is offered through loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC/ABA

7. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is a large public school that offers a 3+3 law program through its Winston College of Law. The program is designed to be completed in six years. Undergraduate students choose from three bachelor's degree programs: pre-law, English, or political science.

During their junior year, undergraduates apply to UTK's accelerated law school program. If admitted, students become full-time law school students the following year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,812 per year (in-state); $33,256 per year (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans are available to eligible students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC/ABA

8. University of Cincinnati

Located in its namesake city, the University of Cincinnati (UC) is a large public school. UC's College of Law is ranked among the top 50 public law schools in the country.

Undergraduates who are interested in the accelerated program may choose from 14 different bachelor's degree programs, including international affairs, communication, and psychology. UC recommends that undergraduates begin speaking with an academic advisor starting during their freshman year, to prepare for its 3+3 program requirements properly.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,197 per semester (in-state); $14,864 per semester (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Financial support is available via scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); ABA

9. Southwestern Law School

If you're interested in accelerated JD programs in California, you can consider Southwestern Law School. Southwestern Law School is a small private school located in Los Angeles, CA, with a JD program that can be completed in two years.

The program is called SCALE and combines an immersive curriculum with real-world legal training. The fast-paced program is intensive and is designed to hone law school students' practical skills through small cohorts, evidence labs, and civil procedure simulations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,108 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students may receive grants, scholarships, and loans to help offset tuition costs.
• Accreditation: ABA

How We Rank Schools

We use the following criteria when determining which schools to feature, from program reputation to accreditation status.

• Accreditation: All of the colleges and universities listed here are regionally accredited institutions.
• Reputation: A degree program's reputation is determined by accreditation status, curriculum, experienced faculty, and any industry awards or special recognition.
• Affordability: All of our highlighted schools offer financial aid opportunities to help keep education costs low. We showcase schools with lower tuition rates toward the top of our list.

FAQs About 3+3 Accelerated Law Programs

Here we answer frequently asked questions about accelerated law programs, from the JD admissions process to degree costs.

Are 3+3 Law Programs Worth It?

There are many opportunities to practice your legal career once you have earned your JD. Lawyers work in numerous industries, in small towns and large cities, all across the globe. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that lawyers earned a median salary of $151,160 in 2024.

However, 3+3 law programs are a significant investment in time and money. Deciding whether to enroll in an intensive, six-year degree pathway is a highly personal choice.

How Do I Apply for a 3+3 Law Program?

Typically, undergraduate students who are interested in accelerated law programs connect with their academic advisor during their freshman year. Some schools require that students choose a specific bachelor's degree major � and students must complete all major requirements by their third year of studies.

Undergraduate students then apply to the program during their junior year. Students must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) in their junior year as well. Each law school has unique requirements, and you should connect with your program's office of admissions to be sure you have all your application items in order.

How Much Does an Accelerated Law Program Cost?

The total cost for an accelerated law program can range from $88,000 to $250,000 or more. Generally, schools charge undergraduate tuition for the first three years of school, then law school tuition for the final three years. Factors that affect cost include the type of school (e.g., public versus private), residency status, any eligible credits earned before entering undergraduate school, and financial aid.

Can Transfer Students Join a 3+3 Program?

Transfer students can join a 3+3 program, though this is often a difficult transition. As many 3+3 students begin preparing for their accelerated pathway during their freshman year, transfer students may find it challenging to meet program requirements, such as degree majors and credit hours completed at their new institution.

Are 3+3 Law Programs Harder Than Traditional JD Degrees?

While traditional JD degrees and 3+3 law programs share the same core law school curriculum, 3+3 programs are more intensive. These fast-track law degree programs also require undergraduate students to dedicate themselves to legal studies, as opposed to choosing law school as an option later on.

If you are interested in a more flexible approach to earning your JD, you can enroll in a part-time law school program. Choosing a 5-year law program allows you to pursue your JD at a less intensive pace.

Explore Accelerated Law Degree Options

You can explore more accelerated law degree options by connecting with Learn.org's partner institutions. Request info from our featured schools and get started on your legal education journey today.