Transfer Students Application and Information

For the Spring and Fall 2027 terms, Howard University School of Law (HUSL) will not accept applications for transfer admission.

The faculty representatives of the HUSL Admissions Committee voted not to accept transfer applications for the aforementioned terms. This temporary decision reflects the School of Law’s current enrollment considerations and its commitment to maintaining appropriate capacity and resources for our existing student population. Transfer admission will be reassessed for future admission cycles, and any updates will be communicated through the HUSL Office of Admissions website.

Prospective transfer students should also be aware of potential federal financial aid considerations associated with transferring institutions. Under changes implemented through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), certain students who previously qualified for federal loan “legacy” provisions may lose that eligibility when they change institutions and become subject to the new federal borrowing limits. For graduate and professional students, the new limits generally provide for annual borrowing of up to $20,500 for graduate programs and $50,000 for professional programs, with aggregate limits of $100,000 and $200,000, respectively. Graduate PLUS loans are also generally unavailable to new students beginning programs on or after July 1, 2026, subject to applicable legacy provisions and exceptions.

Because federal financial aid eligibility can depend on a student’s individual circumstances, including prior loan disbursements, enrollment history, program type, and other applicable requirements, prospective transfer students should consult their current institution and the financial aid office of any institution they are considering before making enrollment decisions. Federal financial aid rules and implementation guidance may also be updated.

Students interested in experiencing the academic community at HUSL may wish to explore whether they are eligible to participate as a Visiting student. In addition, individuals who may have otherwise pursued transfer admission are welcome to apply as entering 1L students. However, any admission offer would be as an incoming first-year student, and previously earned law school credits would not be applied toward the HUSL J.D. Degree. HUSL offers a range of distinctive academic and experiential opportunities, including opportunities through the AI Law Initiative, the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center, and other centers, institutes, and programs that engage emerging issues in law, technology, civil rights, public policy, and social justice. Information regarding visiting student opportunities and eligibility is available through the HUSL Office of Admissions. 

We appreciate your interest in HUSL and sincerely apologize for any disappointment this decision may cause. We encourage prospective transfer applicants to continue to monitor our Admissions website for future information regarding transfer admission and to explore the many opportunities available to engage with the HUSL community.

Qualifications beyond Completion of Law School to Practice Law in the United States

In addition to successfully completing a bar examination, each U.S. jurisdiction requires applicants to satisfy character, fitness, and admission requirements. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Information and contact details for all relevant bar admission authorities are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners at  www.ncbex.org.