3+3 Accelerated Law Pathway
What is the PLU 3+3 Law Program?
The 3+3 program is an accelerated academic track that allows PLU students to complete their undergraduate degree and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in six years instead of seven. Students spend three years at PLU and three years at either Gonzaga University School of Law or Seattle University School of Law, saving one full year of time and tuition.
Find Your Fit: Gonzaga Law or Seattle U Law
While both programs save you a full year of time and tuition, each law school partner has distinct credit structures, application deadlines, and academic benchmarks. Use the matrix below to plan your track.
| Program Feature | Gonzaga University School of Law Track | Seattle University School of Law Track |
|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | March 15 of your junior year | February 1 of your junior year |
| Required PLU Credits | Minimum of 100 semester hours before law entry | Minimum of 98 semester hours before law entry |
| PLU Residency Rule | Minimum of 64 credits must be completed in residency at PLU | |
| GPA Benchmark | Must meet or exceed the median UGPA of the preceding year's entering law class | Minimum 3.5 GPA to apply, and must meet or exceed the median UGPA of the preceding year's entering law class. |
| LSAT Benchmark | Must meet or exceed the median LSAT of the preceding year's entering law class | Must meet or exceed the median LSAT of the preceding year’s entering law class |
| Credits Transferred Back | 28 law credits apply toward your PLU bachelor's degree | 30 law credits apply toward your PLU bachelor's degree |
| Program Start Date | Effective starting Fall 2026 | Effective starting Fall 2026 |
Enrollment Requirements and Process
Undergrad Academic Alignment: To remain eligible for early entry, you must successfully complete all requirements for your declared PLU major during your first three years, as well as all general education requirements. Alternatively, you must secure written approval from your specific PLU unit chair confirming that first-year law courses will fulfill your remaining major electives.
Step-by-Step Action Plan
Sophomore Year (Spring)
Meet with your PLU pre-law advisor during the spring registration window to align your three-year course timeline.
Junior Year (Fall/Winter)
Sit for the LSAT and submit your application materials through the law school’s rolling admissions process. Applications are due February 1 for Seattle U and March 15 for Gonzaga.
Junior Year (Spring)
Obtain written certification from the designated PLU official proving you are on track to meet all early entry graduation benchmarks.
Upon Acceptance
Submit a copy of your formal law school acceptance letter directly to the PLU pre-law advising office.
Before Entry
Make a formal request to the PLU Registrar’s Office to send final clearance documentation to the law school.
Financing Your 3+3 Pathway
Undergraduate Phase (Years 1–3)
You will pay standard tuition and fees directly to PLU and remain fully eligible for standard undergraduate financial aid.
Law School Phase (Years 4–6)
Once you begin law school coursework, you will pay tuition and fees directly to your law school (Gonzaga or Seattle U) at their approved J.D. rates.
Crucial Financial Aid Restrictions
You will be evaluated for law school scholarships and aid by the partner institution using their standard criteria.
- Undergraduate institutional financial aid and institutional scholarships from PLU cannot be applied to law school courses.
- Undergraduate and graduate financial aid cannot be combined under any circumstances.
3+3 Accelerated Law Program FAQs
Q: What happens if I am not admitted to law school at the end of my third year?
A: If you are not admitted through the 3+3 program, you simply remain at PLU for a fourth year to complete the standard 128 total credits required for your bachelor’s degree. You remain fully eligible to apply to Gonzaga Law or Seattle U Law during the next standard academic application cycle.
Q: Will I be automatically rejected if my GPA or LSAT score is below the school's median?
A: No. Missing the priority median LSAT or UGPA benchmarks does not mean automatic denial; it simply disqualifies you from receiving “priority consideration” for admission. Your application will still be reviewed under the standard, holistic evaluation process.
Q: Can Gonzaga or Seattle U deny my admission even if I meet all the numerical requirements?
A: Yes. Both law schools utilize a holistic review process that strictly considers your overall character and fitness to be licensed to practice law. Both institutions reserve the sole right to deny admission if they determine an applicant is not fully prepared or eligible.
Q: How do I finalize my PLU Bachelor’s degree once I start law school?
A: After successfully completing your first year of law school (earning 28 credits for Gonzaga or 30 credits for Seattle U), you must submit your official law school transcript back to the PLU Office of the Registrar and formally apply for PLU graduation. Once PLU confers your bachelor’s degree, you must then submit your final official PLU transcript back to your law school.
Q: Can I choose any major at PLU for the 3+3 program?
A: *Yes, but majors with high credit requirements (like Nursing or Music) may be difficult to complete in three years. Majors in the College of Liberal Studies are all excellent choices.
Q: When do I apply to law school?
A: You apply during the fall/winter of your third year at PLU.
Q: Do I still get to walk at PLU graduation?
A: Yes! You typically participate in the PLU commencement ceremony after completing your first year of law school.
Map Out Your Legal Career Today
Because the 3+3 pathway requires tight coordination of your course schedules from your very first semester at PLU, early planning is essential. Set up a dedicated 3+3 advisory session today.