Although NIU’s College of Law has faced about 7 to 8 percent budget cuts during the past three years, expected applicants and current students are not going to be impacted, said LeRoy Pernell, dean of the College of Law.

Pernell said the college has been able to handle the cuts without reducing any jobs. He also said the college may hire more employees for next year.

According to law admissions office records, 1,415 students applied to the College of Law in 2003, and only 376 students were offered admission.

Although the number of applications for next year increased by 15 percent, Pernell said the college is not sacrificing academic performance.

“We’re making sure that our mission is still carried on,” Pernell said. “We’re always looking for ways to enhance our program despite the budget cuts.”

While no academic programs were cut, budget cuts affected library materials and travel expenses, said Robert Snow, director of budget and records in the College of Law.

“All main courses are still available,” Snow said. “We continually try to raise money through alumni contributions.”

Pernell said the college constantly is trying to raise funds to make sure legal education doesn’t suffer.

“The college has a very unique combination of high-quality and credential students, faculty and opportunities,” he said.

Aside from being one of the diverse law schools in the country, the NIU College of Law produces competitive students with a lower debt load after graduation, Pernell said.