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Law school costs an average $50,720 per year when you just look at tuition and fees, according to the Education Data Initiative’s 2025–26 figures. At that rate, a three-year JD would cost approximately $152,160 on average before factoring in living expenses, scholarships, or future tuition increases.
Your law school costs will largely depend on which law school you attend and whether you qualify for in-state tuition:
Public law schools generally cost less, especially if you qualify for in-state tuition. However, a scholarship at a private school could make it the cheaper option. Beyond tuition, you’ll also need to budget for:
Note: The bar exam isn’t strictly speaking a law school expense, but it belongs in your budget if you want to become a licensed attorney. Check the NCBE’s Guide to Bar Admission Requirements for exam fees, then confirm current costs with your state’s bar admissions office. Add any prep materials, travel, and lodging you’ll need.
Public law schools have an average in-state tuition of $32,051 annually, compared with $45,673 for out-of-state students. Private schools generally charge the same tuition regardless of residency.
| Type of Law School | Annual Cost, In-State | Three-Year Cost, In-State | Annual Cost, Out-of-State | Three-Year Cost, Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public | $32,051 | $96,153 | $45,673 | $137,019 |
| Private for-profit | $52,973 | $158,919 | $52,973 | $158,919 |
| Private nonprofit | $60,352 | $181,056 | $60,352 | $181,056 |
These numbers reflect the average 2025-26 tuition and fees before scholarships. Three-year estimates assume that annual rates remain unchanged and don’t include living expenses.
Tuition costs have increased substantially over time. According to the American Bar Association, average annual private law school tuition rose from $7,526 in 1985 to approximately $49,312 in 2020. After adjusting for inflation, the 1985 figure equals $17,871 in 2020 dollars, meaning private law school tuition was roughly 2.76 times as expensive 35 years later.
In addition to tuition, you’ll need to account for normal living costs, as well as academic materials. These include:
Check whether your school’s living allowance covers nine months or a full year, since you may need extra money for summer expenses.
Law school expenses start before your first semester. Here’s what to budget for:
Fee waivers can help eligible applicants reduce LSAT, CAS, report, and school application fees.
You can pay for law school through scholarships, grants, savings, earnings, and student loans. Your funding plan may combine several of these options:
If you want help strengthening your application for admission and merit scholarships, expert coaching for law school admissions can help you present your qualifications in the best way possible.
Public law schools with in-state tuition are often among the cheapest to attend for most people. That said, the least expensive option will vary for each individual since your cheapest option depends on your residency, scholarship offers, and cost-of-living expenses. If you receive multiple offers of admission, compare what you would actually pay after grants and scholarships, since a private school with higher tuition could offer a lower final price.
Columbia, Cornell, and NYU are among the most expensive law schools, with annual tuition alone exceeding $80,000 in 2025-26. Housing, food, insurance, and other expenses add to that amount. Compare each school’s total cost of attendance and financial aid offer to understand your potential costs.
Yes, a full-tuition scholarship can cover your law school tuition, but attending for free still requires funding for living expenses and other fees. For example, NYU’s Root-Tilden-Kern Scholarship covers three years of tuition for selected students committed to public service. Before accepting any scholarships, make sure you understand what expenses each award covers, its renewal requirements, and any career commitments.
Yes, you can work while attending law school, but this will look different depending on your schedule and your law school’s employment policies. Some law schools offer part-time or evening JD courses which can help those looking to work full-time with going to law school at the same time. Many law school campuses also offer part-time work or work-study opportunities for full-time students. Make sure to be realistic about balancing paid work with the demands of classes, reading, and exam preparation, especially during your first year.
Co-Founder of Juris Education, Dartmouth College
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