Law schools in the Siouxland area have seen an increase in student enrollment even within the last year.
Joshua Fershee, dean of Creighton’s law school, told Siouxland Public Media the law school has seen an increase in enrollment for the past two years.
Fershee said in 2024 there were 156 students enrolled, in 2025 there were 176, and currently there are 184.
Katey Ulrich, director of admissions and marketing for the University of South Dakota Law School, told Siouxland Public Media its enrollment numbers have increased the last five years.
Ulrich said the law school has seen an average number of 73 students but anticipates this current class will be larger by at least 10 more students.
Both Fershee and Ulrich said there are many factors that contribute to the growing student enrollment, including legal issues, global influences, and job markets.
They also mentioned Creighton and USD are seeing an expansion of more diverse classes, which include traditional and non-traditional students.
When discussing policy changes regarding student loans, Fershee and Ulrich said their individual law schools are not currently impacted, but they are preparing if circumstances were to change.
Fershee said Creighton’s law school is participating in a program with Access Lex Institute, where the institute will provide funds if the college matches it. He added the college may provide some help, but it may not be enough.
Ulrich said USD is looking to create scholarships. She noted USD is in a unique position because the cost for instate tuition is lower than $50,000, saying it may encourage other students to apply to the law school.
According to the Law School Admissions Council, the Midwest has seen an increase of 9.7 percent in law school applications from 2025 to 2026.
