Factors Influencing African-American Students Enrollment in Texas Law Schools

While extensive research has been conducted examining thecollege choice process of undergraduate students, little empiricalresearch has been conducted on the relative factors affecting thelaw school choice of prospective African-American students, notonly in Texas, but also nationwide. By developing a college choicemodel for African-American students considering legal education,this study will assist researchers and law school administrators inunderstanding the importance of these factors in thedecision-making process. For example, how influential are (1)minority faculty role models and mentors; (2) financial aid; (3)assurance of employment after graduation; (4) supportive on-campusand off-campus organizations; and (5) scholarships in the lawschool selection process of African-Americans? The study wasdesigned to survey prospective African-American students enrolledin Texas law schools during the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 academicyears. Of the nine law schools located in the state ofTexas, fourprivate law schools, three public law schools and one historicallyBlack law school chose to participate.