
Rutgers University Offerings: Accelerated Graduate Degrees
For students looking to fast-track their education and reduce tuition costs, Rutgers University provides two notable programs: the 3+3 law school program and the 4+1 master’s program. These initiatives allow undergraduates to complete their degrees more efficiently, offering both savings for time and money.
The 3+3 Law School Program
The 3+3 law school program at Rutgers enables students to complete their undergraduate and law degrees in six years instead of the traditional seven or eight. In this program, the first year of law school also fulfills the final year of undergraduate requirements, resulting in significant savings.
Dr. Anthony Grasso, the pre-law advisor for Rutgers-Camden, emphasizes the financial and professional benefits of the program. “By allowing the first year of law school to count toward both the law degree and the final year of undergraduate requirements, the program enables students to earn both degrees in six years instead of seven, accelerating their entry into the legal profession,” he explains. “This also results in substantial cost savings, as students pay for only four years of undergraduate tuition and two years of law school tuition, rather than the standard three.”
For students considering the 3+3 pathway, Dr. Grasso advises careful planning. “First, students should ideally meet regularly with their academic advisor and myself beginning early in their undergraduate studies to ensure they complete their major and general education requirements by the end of their third year. That is a key eligibility requirement for the 3+3 program that requires careful course planning,” he notes.
Additionally, strong academic performance is essential. “Potential applicants should work to meet the program’s competitive admissions criteria, aiming for an LSAT score and Rutgers GPA at or above the medians for Rutgers Law’s most recently admitted class (currently a 158 LSAT and a 3.61 Rutgers GPA),” Grasso says.
More information on the 3+3 program is available at Rutgers Law School.

The 4+1 Master’s Program
For students seeking a master’s degree, Rutgers also offers a 4+1 program, which allows students to complete a master’s degree in just one additional year beyond their undergraduate studies. Unlike the 3+3 program, which is exclusively for law school, the 4+1 program offers multiple fields of study.
Alexis Hopkins, a recent graduate of the Rutgers 4+1 program, shares her experience during the application process. Alexis found out about the program through various professors at Rutgers and by doing her own research at https://grad.rutgers.edu/.
For students interested in pursuing the 4+1 option, Alexis recommends early engagement with faculty. “Get in contact with Dr. Fiske (4+1 program director) by the start of your junior year. That way, you can get all the information you need, and she knows you. By the time you apply to the program, she will be expecting your application”.
Students can learn more about the 4+1 program and available graduate degrees at https://grad.rutgers.edu/academics/graduate-programs. Those with specific questions can reach out to Alexis Hopkins at alexis.hopkins@camden.rutgers.edu.
Both the 3+3 and 4+1 programs offer students the opportunity to accelerate their academic and professional careers while reducing tuition costs. However, these pathways require careful planning and commitment. Students interested in these programs should consult their academic advisors early to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and are prepared for the rigorous coursework ahead.