Welcome To the ONU
Pettit College of Law
The Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law
At ONU Law, you’ll find a law school where you truly belong. Our close-knit community means your professors know your name, your classmates become lifelong friends, and you’ll have a dedicated support system from day one. With accessible faculty, rigorous academics, and abundant opportunities for hands-on learning, you’ll build the skills, confidence, and experience employers value.We believe the best legal education extends beyond the classroom. Through our legal clinics, externships, and nationally ranked Mock Trial Team, you’ll gain practical experience and graduate ready to practice. And as the most affordable private law school in the region, ONU Law helps you pursue your legal career with less debt.
Sound investment. Lifetime of value.
Earning your law degree is likely one of the biggest and most rewarding investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Think you can’t afford a legal education? Think again. Attending ONU Law is comparable to a public university for many students. Our tuition rates are the lowest in the Great Lakes Region among private law schools, giving you less debt upon graduation. We’re committed to helping you with personalized assistance in the admissions and financial aid process.Learn About Admissions
By the numbers
There are lots of things we want you to know about Ohio Northern, but here are a few to get you started.
- 79.25% Two-Year Ultimate Bar Passage Rate
- 100% Placement in clinics and externships
- 5,423 Living alumni span all 50 U.S. states and abroad
- 89% Of 2025 law graduates reported being employed full-time within 10 months of graduation
Which Law School Path Fits your Life?
In person? Online? Or still figuring it out?
You know you want to become a lawyer. Now you have another decision to make.
News
How A Third-Year Law Student Turned "I Think I Can" into "I Know I Can"
Jeremy (Stewart) Wortham, 3L, always knew he wanted to be a trial lawyer—he just wasn’t sure he had what it took.
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Serving our Neighbors
ONU Law participates in a collaborative effort to combat attorney shortages in rural Northwest Ohio.
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ONU Law Announces Spring 2026 Dean’s List Students
Congratulations to the Ohio Northern University Pettit
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Preparing Lawyers for an AI-Powered Future at ONU Law
Artificial intelligence is transforming the legal profession, and Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law is ensuring its gra
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A Champion Mindset Fuels 2026 Valedictorian Adam Myers’ Success
“Your opponent doesn’t care - work harder.”
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Law Professor Melissa Kidder Named Emerging Leader by AALS
Associate Law Professor and Director of Legal Clinics and Externships, Melissa Kidder is receiving some much-deserved national
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Love is in the air at ONU Law
Love is in the air at Ohio Northern University's Pettit College of Law.
Learn MoreEvents
Nov.
05
Dean's Lecture
Former ONU Law Professor Dallan Flake, Associate Dean of Faculty Scholarship and the Clute-Holler
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
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Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law offers a personalized legal education built around small-class experiences, accessible professors, and hands-on learning. Students benefit from a close-knit community where faculty members are invested in their academic and professional success. ONU Law also provides practical experience through legal clinics, externships, and nationally recognized trial advocacy opportunities. Its focus on affordability and career readiness makes it an appealing option for students seeking a high-value legal education.
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ONU Law offers a traditional Juris Doctor (JD) program and an online JD pathway, giving students different ways to pursue a legal education. Students can also explore certificate tracks, clinical experiences, externships, and opportunities in areas such as trial advocacy and moot court. Prospective students should review the individual program requirements and formats to determine which pathway best supports their career goals and personal circumstances.
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Applicants to Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law must earn a bachelor's degree before beginning law school. The application process also requires an LSAT or GRE score, registration with the Law School Admission Council's Credential Assembly Service (CAS), a resume, a personal statement, and at least one letter of recommendation.
ONU Law accepts either the LSAT (preferred) or GRE. Applicants should also provide explanations for any applicable academic, disciplinary, or character and fitness disclosures.
Next step: Create an account with LSAC and review the ONU Law admissions requirements before applying.
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ONU Law emphasizes affordability, with tuition among the lowest of private law schools in the Great Lakes Region. The university awards more than $3.5 million annually in merit-based scholarships and need-based grants to help students manage the cost of their legal education.
Applicants receive automatic scholarship consideration when they apply, and the admissions process includes personalized guidance. Financial aid counselors can help prospective students understand tuition, scholarships, grants, and financing options.
Next step: Visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page to explore costs and available financial support.
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Yes! ONU Law offers a fully online, part-time JD program designed for students balancing law school with work, family, and other commitments. The four-year program combines asynchronous coursework with scheduled live online classes, allowing students to connect with professors and classmates.
Students do not need to travel to campus or meet an in-person residency requirement. Online students also receive access to academic support, career counseling, student organizations, and the same faculty and curriculum as residential students.
Next step: Explore the Online JD Program to review the curriculum, schedule, tuition, and application information.
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ONU Law emphasizes learning by doing. Students have guaranteed opportunities to participate in legal clinics and externships, where they can develop practical skills and gain experience working with real clients and legal professionals.
Additional opportunities include:
- Trial advocacy and the nationally recognized Mock Trial Team.
- Moot Court competitions.
- Law Review and legal research.
- Specialized certificate tracks.
- Study abroad and professional development experiences.
These opportunities help students strengthen their legal research, writing, communication, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy skills before entering the profession.
Next step: Explore ONU Law's Clinics and Externship Program to learn about practical learning opportunities.
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ONU Law prepares students for successful legal careers through academic advising, bar exam preparation, practical training, and career development resources. Students also benefit from a supportive alumni network spanning all 50 states and several countries.
According to ONU Law's reported outcomes, 89% of its 2025 graduates who reported their employment status were employed full-time within 10 months of graduation. The school also reports a 79.25% two-year ultimate bar passage rate.
Students receive personalized support to help them prepare for the bar exam, explore career opportunities, and transition into professional practice.
Next step: Visit ONU Law to explore career development resources and graduate outcomes.
