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 will also waive application fees for participating York 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. To participate, students notify York College’s Pre-Law Advisor during their first year and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout their undergraduate studies.
"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.