Abraham Lincoln University (ALU): Pioneering Accessible Legal Education

Founding & Mission
Founded in 1996 by tax attorney Hyung J. Park, ALU emerged with a vision rooted in flexibility and affordability—especially for working professionals balancing careers and academic aspirations Wikipedia. The institution was named after Abraham Lincoln, a self-taught lawyer, symbolizing a legacy of self-education and public service Wikipedia.read review

Online, Flexible Learning
ALU operates entirely online, offering various degrees—associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and diplomas/certificates—across schools of Law, Legal Studies, Business, and Criminal Justice alu.eduWikipedia. Classes feature live sessions and recorded lectures, giving students 24/7 access and flexibility to study at their own pace alu.eduWikipedia.

School of Law: Accreditation & Recognition

Accreditation Status
ALU institution-wide is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), a recognized national accreditor by both the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA alu.eduWikipedia.

However, the School of Law is not accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Instead, it is registered under the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) of the California State Bar as an unaccredited, distance-learning law school—the only way for its graduates to become eligible to take the California Bar Exam Wikipedia+1. Moreover, ALU’s JD program is exempt from oversight by California’s BPPE and is regulated directly by the CBE WikipediaWikipedia.

Bar Exam Eligibility & First-Year Law Exam (Baby Bar)
Since the School of Law isn’t ABA-accredited, graduates may only sit for the bar in California. Additionally, they must pass the First-Year Law Students’ Examination (FYLSX, colloquially the “Baby Bar”) to qualify for the California Bar Exam Wikipediaalu.edu.

Historical Significance in Distance Legal Education

ALU’s School of Law was one of the earliest adopters of distance-based legal education in the U.S. It began with a hybrid correspondence model in 1996 and transitioned to fully online delivery by 2004 Wikipedia. This placed ALU among the pioneers in legal education flexibility, preceding many entirely online law programs.This Site

Academic Programs & Student Support

Juris Doctor (JD)
The primary offering is the online JD degree, designed for working professionals seeking accessible pathways into law alu.eduWikipedia. The School emphasizes practical skills and real-world readiness through interactive, student-centered instruction.

Support Services
ALU promotes itself as supportive and innovative, with accessible faculty, robust administrative and technical services, and user-friendly online platforms alu.eduFacebook. Financial aid—including federal aid—is available for qualified students in certain degree programs alu.edu. The university is also recognized as military-friendly, offering education benefits to veterans and service members alu.edu.

Outcomes & Controversies

Bar Pass Rates
According to the latest available data (July 2022), no ALU graduates took the California Bar for the first time. Among repeat takers (38 examinees), only 3 passed, yielding a passage rate of ~8% Wikipedia. Given the absence of first-time institutional data, these figures may raise concerns about the program’s bar exam readiness.

Reputation & Criticisms
Online forums and review platforms reflect mixed sentiments. One student reviewer criticized the program’s credibility and expressed frustration with inconsistencies in course duration expectations GradReports. While there are also alumni success stories shared by the university, such as graduate testimonials alu.edu, prospective applicants are advised to carefully weigh both formal metrics and anecdotal experiences.

Summary: Who Should Consider ALU’s Online Law School?

Ideal for those seeking:

  • A fully online J.D., especially if balancing work, family, or other obligations.
  • Tuition affordability and flexible scheduling.
  • Federal financial aid eligibility.
  • Eligibility for the California Bar Exam, provided they pass the Baby Bar.

Key limitations to note:

  • Not ABA-accredited—limits portability to jurisdictions beyond California.
  • Low pass rates, especially among repeat takers, raise concerns about preparation.
  • Requires success on the FYLSX (“Baby Bar”) before bar admission eligibility.
  • Mixed external reviews—thorough due diligence is essential.

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