Widener University Commonwealth Law School and York College of Pennsylvania have entered into a new 3+3 dual admissions agreement, creating an accelerated pathway for qualified students to earn both a bachelor's degree and a juris doctor in just six years instead of the traditional seven.
The partnership allows York College students to begin law school during what would traditionally be their senior year of college, saving both time and tuition while launching their legal careers sooner. Students will complete three years of undergraduate coursework at York before enrolling at Widener Law Commonwealth. After completing their first year of law school, up to 30 credits will transfer back to York College to fulfill the remaining requirements for their bachelor's degree.
"This partnership reflects what higher education should be about, creating opportunities that are both ambitious and accessible for students," said Dean andré douglas pond cummings of Widener Law Commonwealth. "York College has a longstanding reputation for preparing engaged, community-minded graduates, and we're excited to welcome those students to Widener Law Commonwealth. Together, we're creating a pathway that keeps talented future lawyers in central Pennsylvania while preparing them to serve their communities, the courts, government, businesses, and clients across the Commonwealth and beyond."
The agreement expands educational opportunities for York College students while reinforcing both institutions' shared commitment to making a legal education more accessible. Qualified students who meet established GPA and LSAT requirements, along with other admissions criteria, will receive guaranteed admission to Widener Law Commonwealth. Participating students will also have their application fee waived and be considered for merit-based scholarships.
"At York College, we are committed to creating direct, high-value pathways that propel our students toward rewarding careers," said Thomas Burns PhD, president of York College of Pennsylvania. "Expanding our 3+3 legal program with distinguished institutions like Widener Law Commonwealth ensures our dedicated pre-law students have greater options and flexibility. This agreement reflects our dedication to academic excellence and to providing tangible financial and professional advantages for our scholars."
Located just 30 miles apart, the partnership allows students to remain in south-central Pennsylvania while continuing their education at Pennsylvania's capital law school. Widener Law Commonwealth's location in Harrisburg provides direct access to state and federal courts, government agencies, law firms, nonprofit organizations, and corporate legal departments, giving students countless opportunities to gain practical legal experience throughout their studies.
"York College students won't be stepping into an unfamiliar environment. They'll be continuing their educational journey just a short drive away at Pennsylvania's capital law school, where they'll learn from faculty who know them by name and gain hands-on experience through clinics, externships, and opportunities throughout the Harrisburg legal community," said Matthew Kerns, associate dean of admissions at Widener Law Commonwealth. "Students can accelerate their path to a law degree while still receiving the individualized attention, mentorship, and real-world experiences that define a Widener Law Commonwealth education."
The York College partnership joins Widener Law Commonwealth's growing network of accelerated admissions agreements with colleges and universities across Pennsylvania and neighboring states. Each partnership reflects the law school's commitment to expanding access to legal education while helping students pursue their professional goals in a more affordable and efficient way.
View more information about the 3+3 program and application requirements.
