The University of Maine School of Law in Portland, the state’s public and only law school, has announced it will waive admission fees for students applying for the fall of 2015.

The waiver of fees is one of several steps Maine Law is taking to ensure that a legal education is accessible to students, both from Maine and around the country. Tuition rates have been frozen since 2012. At the same time, the school has boosted fundraising, allowing it to offer more scholarships than ever before.

“People of all different backgrounds come to Maine Law because they see the unique value of a law degree as a foundation for a career in law, government, business, public service, and other fields,” said Admissions Director Caroline Wilshusen, a 2007 Maine Law graduate.

“A legal education remains an excellent investment, but affordability is a huge consideration,” Wilshusen said. “We need to do everything we can to reduce student debt and open the doors for the next generation of lawyers and leaders.”

Maine Law is among the least expensive American Bar Association-accredited law schools in New England for both in-state residents and non-residents. Tuition for the 2014-2015 academic year is $22,290 for Maine residents and $33,360 for non-residents. Learn more at www.mainelaw.maine.edu.