The UALR Bowen School of Law experienced 7.8 percent growth in the size of its 2009 entering class, according to figures from the school’s registrar.

In 2008, Bowen welcomed 154 first-year students, while 2009 brought 166 new students. Both the school’s full- and part-time divisions experienced growth.

All of that growth is because students are choosing to go to school to increase their marketability in a challenging job market. Bowen had a higher percentage of students who accepted admittance to the school, increasing the school’s student yield – conversion of admitted student to enrolled student – to 41 percent in 2009 from 37 percent in 2008 and 2007.

The economy has inspired more students to stick closer to home when choosing a graduate or professional school, said Dean John DiPippa. The percentage of Arkansas residents in the 2009 entering class is at 81, up from 73 percent a year ago.

“As a result, we are seeing higher Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores and are able to engage early applicants,” DiPippa said. “There is a trend that we’re seeing in law schools across the country with students staying in state and getting a better return on investment for their tuition dollars.”

Scores on the LSAT rose for students admitted to both part- and full-time sections in 2009. The median score for full-time students rose to 154, up from 153 in 2008. The median score for part-time students rose to 151, up from 150 a year