York College of Pennsylvania Expands Accelerated Law Pathways Through New 3+3 Partnership with Widener University Commonwealth Law School

York College of Pennsylvania Expands Accelerated Law Pathways Through New 3+3

Partnership with Widener University Commonwealth Law School

YORK, Pa.

— York College of Pennsylvania and Widener University Commonwealth Law

School have officially announced a new partnership establishing an accelerated 3+3 Juris

Doctor (JD) pathway. The initiative allows high-achieving undergraduate students to complete

both a bachelor’s degree from York College and a law degree from Widener Law

Commonwealth in just six years, saving students a full year of time and tuition.

This agreement marks a key expansion of York College’s accelerated legal program options.

Through the new program, eligible York College students take undergraduate coursework during

their first three years, fulfilling all major and general education requirements. Qualified students

then go to Widener Law Commonwealth in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Up to 30 credits

completed during the first year of law school will transfer back to satisfy the remaining

requirements for the student’s bachelor’s degree from York College.

"At York College, we are committed to creating direct, high-value pathways that propel our

students toward rewarding careers,

" said Dr. Thomas Burns, President of York College of

Pennsylvania.

"Expanding our 3+3 legal program with distinguished institutions like Widener

ensures our dedicated students have greater options and flexibility. This agreement reflects our

dedication to academic excellence and to providing tangible financial and professional

advantages for our scholars.

"

The partnership provides qualified York College students admission to Widener Law

Commonwealth, provided they meet specific GPA and LSAT benchmarks and satisfy other key

requirements. Widener Law Commonwealth will also waive application fees for participatingYork College students and offer merit-based scholarship opportunities upon law school

matriculation.

"York College students won't be stepping into an unfamiliar environment. They'll be continuing

their educational journey just a short drive away at Pennsylvania's capital law school, where

they'll learn from faculty who know them by name and gain hands-on experience through clinics,

externships, and opportunities throughout the Harrisburg legal community,

" said Matthew Kerns,

Associate Dean of Admissions at Widener Law Commonwealth.

"Students can accelerate their

path to a law degree while still receiving the individualized attention, mentorship, and real-world

experiences that define a Widener Law Commonwealth education.

"

"This collaboration reinforces York College’s commitment to delivering accessible, career-ready

education,

" said Dr. Brian Hazlett, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing at

York College.

"By offering another robust 3+3 option, we are making a legal education more

attainable and affordable. Students can streamline their academic journey, reduce debt, and

step into the workforce a year earlier.

"

The agreement applies to students entering York College beginning in the 2026 academic year.

"This partnership reflects what higher education should be about, creating opportunities that are

both ambitious and accessible for students,

" said Dean andré douglas pond cummings of

Widener Law Commonwealth.

"York College has a longstanding reputation for preparing

engaged, community-minded graduates, and we're excited to welcome those students to

Widener Law Commonwealth. Together, we're creating a pathway that keeps talented future

lawyers in central Pennsylvania while preparing them to serve their communities, the courts,

government, businesses, and clients across the Commonwealth and beyond.

"

Looking ahead, this partnership sets a new standard for how higher education institutions can

work together to put student success and financial well-being first. By breaking down traditional

barriers of time and cost, York College and Widener Law Commonwealth are actively shaping a

more agile, accessible future for legal education.
 

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Established in 1787, York College of Pennsylvania is a private, four-year college located in the city of York, a hub of

arts and industry between Baltimore and Philadelphia. Housed on 190 picturesque acres, the College is known for its

focus on experiential learning and community engagement, serving over 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students

in more than 70 baccalaureate majors, along with 30+ professional graduate degree and certificate programs. Deeply

rooted in the liberal arts and recognized for excellence in its professional business, education, engineering, and

nursing programs, York is ranked among the nation’s Best Value Schools by Niche. The College’s robust recreation

and athletics program is among the best in the region, and is home to 24 NCAA Division III sports teams and 25+

intramural/club sports. A Princeton Review Best Mid-Atlantic College, York prides itself on its experienced, engaged

faculty; its high-impact and student-centric philosophy; and its long-standing commitment to affordability and

accessibility.