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If you’d like to go to law school without breaking the bank, read on to learn more about the cheapest law schools in the US.
With the average debt students incur from law school being a whopping $100,512, law school is a huge investment that requires a lot of money! Money that could be otherwise used for other endeavors.
Whether you’d rather save up for your future, or simply don’t want to leave law school drowning in debt, it’s worth considering attending a cheap law school.
To give you a better idea of the types of inexpensive law schools there are, this guide will go over the cheapest law schools in the US and how you can get into them!
To give you a variety of options to choose from, here are the top 11 cheapest law schools in the nation:
The cheapest law school in the US is the University of the District of Columbia. Tuition costs $12,438 for in-state students and $24,874 for out-of-state students. For those considering attending part-time law school, these costs will be even lower! For part-time, visiting, and non-matriculating students, the cost per credit hour is set at $422 for D.C. residents, $631 for metropolitan area residents, and $843 for non-District residents.
UDC is not only cheap to attend, but it’s also easy to get into! It has a high acceptance rate of 37.1%. For students with low LSAT scores, UDC is also a great option, as their median LSAT score is 150. This low LSAT score requirement will also save you money because it means you won’t have to retake the LSAT to try to get a higher score!
UDC also has a low GPA median of 3.18.
Rest assured, despite being a cheap law school, UDC provides students with an extensive legal education to prepare them for their careers. In fact, it has been around for 50 years and ranks fifth in the nation for its excellent clinical program!
Coming in as a close second is Florida A&M University. At $13,676 a year for tuition for in-state students, Florida A&M is only slightly more expensive than UDC. Tuition for out-of-state students is $32,936.
Like UDC, Florida A&M also offers a part-time program for busy students. This part-time program costs $10,207 for in-state students and $24,332 for out-of-state students.
A&M has an acceptance rate of 39.64% and prospective students should aim to have a GPA over 3.44 (the median GPA) and an LSAT score over 151 (the median LSAT score) to be considered competitive candidates.
Florida A&M has a rich history of legal excellence that dates back to 1951. Since then, this school has been dedicated to being a catalyst for change and transforming the world through equitable justice and rule of law.
By offering all of their law students access to the best resources and training, Florida A&M hopes to produce attorneys that serve as transformative powers for the public good!
Brigham Young University is affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). LDS members’ tuition is $15,528 whereas non-LDS members must pay $31,056.
Despite these low tuition costs, BYU has high expectations of its prospective students. Interested students should aim to have a GPA of 3.92 and an LSAT score of 168 to be considered for admission.
For students who have yet to write the LSAT and are dreading it, you may be in luck if you choose to apply to BYU! BYU offers LSAT exemption for students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher, have scored in the top 15% on their ACT or SAT, and who do not have an LSAT or GRE score reported to LSAC.
Once students gain admission to BYU, they will be offered a rigorous law curriculum to empower them to make an impact. Along with this curriculum, this law school also offers various externship, leadership, and international opportunities, as well as law clinics that students can participate in to gain valuable legal experience!
The University of Montana is another one of the cheapest law schools in the US. This law school costs $26,938 for in-state students and $54,449 for out-of-state students.
Around 58.8% of all University of Montant applicants get accepted to the law program. Matriculants in the recent admissions cycle had a median LSAT score of 156 and a median GPA of 3.52
UM students are given an experience-rich environment to combine theory with practice and produce the next generation of lawyers that will make a meaningful difference.
UM does this by offering clinical simulations starting from students’ first year of law school, and a mandatory in-house clinic or field placement in their last year. With this wide range of practical experience, UM has even been named one of the best schools for practical training in the nation.
For students interested in advocating for the environment, UM was also ranked as one of the top schools for environmental law.
This Long Island school costs $16,012 for in-state students and $26,202 for out-of-state students. CUNY also offers a part-time program for a slightly lower cost: $10,956 for in-state students and $17,967 for out-of-state students.
CUNY has an acceptance rate of 40.29%, a median GPA of 3.44, and a median LSAT score of 154.
As the number one public interest law school in the nation, CUNY’s mission involves teaching law in the service of human needs and transforming law to include people it otherwise excludes and oppresses.
All CUNY students participate in clinical education to get hands-on experience and begin creating transformative justice while they are still JD students!
For students interested in becoming human rights lawyers, this school may be the perfect choice for you, as their clinics and curriculum focus on marginalized populations. For instance, they have a Human Rights and Gender Justice clinic that has worked on cases involving racial coercion and control and decriminalizing abortion.
Tuition at the University of North Dakota costs $586 per credit for in-state students and $1,100 per credit for out-of-state students. UND is not only one of the cheapest law schools to get into in the nation, but it is also among the easiest! It has a high acceptance rate of 52.22% and relatively low admission scores: a median 3.46 GPA and a 150 median LSAT score.
As a law school built in 1899, and the only law school in North Dakota, UND has honed its curriculum to offer law students the very best preparation for their legal careers.
In fact, to ensure the focus is on the students, UND offers small class sizes, so students can engage with nationally acclaimed faculty and build lasting connections. UND faculty members work closely with students to ensure they feel in charge of their knowledge and can achieve all of their personal and professional goals!
The University of Arkansas is not only known for its diverse curriculum and experiential learning opportunities but also its low costs.
In-state tuition for full-time students costs $13,770 and out-of-state tuition costs $32,671. For students considering part-time school, Arkansas’ part-time program costs $11,152 a year for in-state students and $21,781 for out-of-state students.
To be among the 39.16% of candidates who are accepted into this school, students should aim to maintain a GPA of 3.47 and get an LSAT score of 151.
To circle back to UA’s extensive legal clinics, their clinics offer opportunities to explore various fields of law. These are the clinics UA offers:
UA students are able to find their niche and practice in it!
As yet another cheap law school that offers students a full-time and part-time option, the University of South Dakota is a great, affordable school for aspiring law students.
Full-time tuition costs $11,736 for in-state students and $31,276 for out-of-state students. Flex-time students pay per credit hour, which costs $391 for in-state students and $1,042.
Fortunately, this school is also one of the easiest schools to get into! It has the highest acceptance rate on this list, 65.57%. In the recent admissions cycle, matriculants had a median LSAT score of 152 and a median GPA of 3.55.
With the motto “preparing today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders,” USD ensures law students receive the education and experience they need to thrive in their legal professions.
As one of the best value law schools in the nation, USD has high placement rates, a low student-to-faculty ratio, and diverse experiential learning opportunities!
Students interested in attending the University of Nebraska can expect to pay $10,434 a year for tuition if they're in-state students and $28,584 a year if they’re out-of-state students. Proving the affordability of this school, UN ranks fourth in the nation for having the lowest debt incurred after graduation!
If this school is within your budget, and you’d like to learn more about how to get in, UN has a promising acceptance rate of 62.12%. The median LSAT score is 158 and their median GPA is 3.77.
UN offers its students experienced faculty, a constantly evolving law curriculum, specialized courses, and a personalized learning environment to ensure they produce leaders who advance justice, solve problems, and serve with integrity.
Coming in 10th place as the cheapest law school in the nation is the University of Wyoming. Tuition at this law school costs $16,620 for in-state students and $35,460 for out-of-state students.
UW’s achievements don’t just stop at its affordability! UW was named one of the best schools for practical training and environmental law! Said to have a family-like environment, students at this school join a community of like-minded individuals all united by the same goal to fight for justice and make change!
UW has an acceptance rate of 61.97%, a median LSAT score of 155, and a median GPA of 3.46.
Last, but certainly not least (in price nor value), is the University of Arkansas. While this school is the most expensive on this list, it is still one of the cheapest law schools in the US. Full-time tuition for in-state students costs $16,238 a year and $39,108 for out-of-state students.
To provide students with a truly unique experience, Arkansas Law students are given opportunities to participate in pro bono clinics, client clinics, externships, competitions, and even food and agricultural initiatives.
With a focus on diversity, Arkansas Law was actually also the first school to permit the Six Pioneers, six African American law students, to attend law school in the South without a court order!
If you’d like to be part of this revolutionary and diverse school, you should aim to score 156 on your LSAT and maintain a 3.63 GPA. Arkansas Law has a 28% acceptance rate.
A best-value law school is one that offers a strong return on investment - meaning a combination of affordable tuition, strong bar passage and employment outcomes, and manageable debt-to-earning-potential after graduation, rather than simply the lowest sticker price.
Below are the top 10 best-value schools in the US:
Here's a closer look at each school and what sets them apart as the best-value programs in the nation.
Penn State Dickinson Law School is one of the oldest law schools in the United States. After several decades of offering exceptional legal education, it is known as one of the most affordable public law schools. The individualized attention coupled with high-quality training from professors is likely responsible for its bar exam pass rate—averaging almost 90%.
Interestingly, Penn State has two separately accredited law school programs that contain resources and programs necessary for your growth as a lawyer. Penn State Dickinson Law School offers the following degrees:
In addition to a reputable legal education, students of Penn State also benefit from the following:
Interestingly, some students seek admission into this school because of the benefits it offers apart from its affordability. This characteristic further validates the school as one of the best-value law schools.
The University of Houston Law Center was founded in 1947 in Houston, Texas. It was accredited by the American Bar Association, making it one of the Association of American Law Schools members.
Students graduating from UH Law receive an average starting salary of $147,975.
Compared to other schools, one thing that distinguishes this law center is its modest resident tuition fee of about $31,327, which makes it a great example of a best-value law school in the US.
The law center offers a high level of professionalism coupled with various opportunities to enhance your career growth. The program is also flexible, giving students time to complete their degree and develop other valuable skills.
Below are some of the specializations the University of Houston Law Center offers:
In addition to its flexibility and various specialties, the University of Houston Law Center offers a dual degree option where students can complete two LLM degrees. Interested students should apply to be admitted to both programs so they can start the degrees simultaneously.
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law was founded in 1891 and has been a top-ranked law school in the United States. It is considered one of the most respected law schools in the world.
The tuition fee for law students at Ohio State University Moritz College of Law is quite affordable compared to other law schools at approximately $34,777 for residents. The cost to attend Moritz Law is also lower than most high-ranked law schools.
The law school is known for being the best in legislative law. Also, it has many areas of specialization, which are listed below:
With over 100 years of providing legal education, the Moritz College of Law is known for its excellence, brought about by its rigorous academic programs and well-renowned lecturers. As a top-ranked law school, Moritz Law is deeply committed to delivering an exemplary legal education while maintaining its financial accessibility.
The University of Alabama Law School has been in existence for more than 150 years, and over these years, it has produced national and global leaders. It is located in the city of Tuscaloosa.
Despite providing high-quality education, legal studies in the school are quite affordable, at $24,480 for residents. The recent grads also had a high employment rate—over 94% were employed full-time within a few months of graduation.
The University of Alabama Law School, the only public law school in Alabama, is student-centered. With many teachers being practicing researchers and scholars, students can learn from educators with extensive experience in the field.
The legal curriculum in the school is traditional, thereby equipping the students with cultural and academic skills to prepare them for opportunities. In addition, the school also offers dual programs for interested students.
The school of law is notably known for its vast knowledge of public interest law in areas such as:
Alabama offers various degrees, such as a Juris Doctor degree and an International LLM in taxation and business transactions. In addition, the school offers a four-year joint JD/MBA degree, which are dual degrees that can be run alongside each other.
Finding the right law school is a balance between quality and cost. With the help of law school applications, you can identify best-value schools that match your goals, craft a standout application, and navigate the admissions process confidently. Whether you’re focused on affordability, specializations, or career outcomes, expert guidance can make all the difference.
The Wake Forest School of Law is one of the best-value schools for students hoping to pursue a legal education. Located in Winston Salem, North California, it offers an affordable and high-quality legal education.
Many aspiring law students try to get into Wake Forest School of Law due to its affordability and commitment to minimizing student debt. Various initiatives have been put in place to ensure that graduating students have manageable student debt.
Also, the law school offers scholarship programs for their students to reduce the tuition fee load on them. This feature helps students benefit from these programs and focus on their education rather than worrying about student loans and repayment.
The school does this by granting over 100 unique scholarships to students each year!
Apart from its affordability, Wake Forest School of Law also has high-quality employment opportunities for its graduates. They have strong and notable connections with the legal industry, and their students are guaranteed to get a job within ten months of their graduation. The median salary for their recent graduates was about $127,798.
Furthermore, the school of law pays above the average salary figure for most law schools. The competitive salary figure shows that their students are well-equipped with good academic skills and prowess.
To sum it all up, Wake Forest School of Law is one of the best-value schools with strong employment outcomes and good salaries. This attribute makes the school a perfect fit for students seeking admission to an affordable school with excellent career prospects.
Next on the list is the University of Minnesota Law School. It is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and offers its students various options for an affordable legal education.
This highly esteemed establishment minimizes debt by offering the following to students:
The tuition fee is about $48,528 for residents, which is remarkably low compared to other law schools. Despite its affordability, the Minnesota Law offers excellent value for the quality of education it provides.
The school equips its students with a variety of employment opportunities in the legal field. They do this by exposing the students to many recruiting programs, practical interviews, workshops, panels, and counseling sessions on how they can achieve their career goals.
This feature results in impressive employment outcomes for their graduate students. It is also important to note that the school is well-connected to local law industries, which gives students easier access to internships and externships while in school.
In addition to being an affordable and high-quality school, graduates are reported to receive an above-average starting salary. The median salary of Minnesota Law grads is over $165,000 a year.
All in all, the University of Minnesota Law School is an affordable and reputable establishment. The school is committed to student success, making it one of the best-value law schools in the US.
The University of Cincinnati College of Law, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is another reputable, best-value law school. This institution has a unique blend of affordability, impressive employment outcomes, and attractive post-graduate salaries.
A major feature of the school is its commitment to lowering student debt, giving the graduate less financial burden. A lower debt enables the student to explore more opportunities in a legal career.
The cost to attend the University of Cincinnati College of Law is about $24,010 for residents.
Cincinnati Law tuition fees are lower than most high-ranked law institutions in the United States. The affordability makes the school a common option for intending law students.
In addition to the school’s already affordable fees, it offers scholarships of more than 3 million dollars to its students each year, giving those with financial limitations access to high-quality education. The in-house scholarship spans three years.
Furthermore, the school has impressive employment outcomes and a high salary for its graduates. One of the school’s strongholds is its vast alum network, which provides students with strong networking opportunities.
In conclusion, the University of Cincinnati College of Law offers good and affordable legal education to students willing to embark on a fulfilling legal career. With the exceptional value it also offers, the College of Law is a high-quality school that offers top-notch education.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
As one of the best-value schools in the United States, Washington and Lee University School of Law offers high-quality education while making it affordable for its students.
The fee to attend this school is a modest $54,715, but W&L Law offers extensive merit scholarships.
Washington and Lee Law School provides their students with great employment opportunities. Recent graduates reported an average starting salary of $127,604 a year.
This high starting salary may be attributed to W&L Law’s comprehensive curriculum. With a focus on educating well-rounded legal professionals, they offer specialties and courses including, but not limited to:
Overall, Washington and Lee Law boasts a high standard of legal education with the bonus of affordability and a vast array of post-graduate opportunities within the legal field.
The University of Georgia School of Law, is one of the best schools in the United States. It has all the encompassing features that make up a high-quality school.
Students not only benefit from low tuition costs of $18,044 (resident), but also have excellent employment outcomes. In a recent class, almost 95% of students secured a full-time position soon after graduation.
The school has a robust curriculum that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed in their chosen careers. Some of their courses include constitutional law, contracts, and criminal law.
Finally, the school offers a lot of experiential learning opportunities for the students, allowing them to choose advanced courses and specialized electives that interest them.
The last on the list of the best-value law schools is the University of Mississippi’s School of Law. It is one of the best low-cost schools, with a tuition fee of $19,220 for residents.
The school of law focuses on research and offers auxiliary programs such as the ones listed below:
The school also offers clinical programs, giving students opportunities to participate in clinics in child advocacy, elder law, criminal appeals, housing, mediation practicum, and others.
If you have any remaining questions about the cheapest law schools in the US, read on to find your answers.
The cheapest law school to attend is the University of the District of Columbia for both in-state and out-of-state students.
No, there aren’t any free law schools in the US. Certain universities do offer free legal courses to interested students, but not full JD programs. However, there are free law schools outside the US and there are other ways to go to law school for free, such as receiving scholarships.
The first step to be able to afford law school is to find a cheap law school, which we’ve already done for you through this guide! Once you’ve chosen a cheap law school, you can apply to scholarships offered by this school or external ones that can cover the partial or full cost of law school.
Many schools also offer scholarships for students that excel on their LSAT or are otherwise impressive candidates. Achieving a stellar LSAT score and working hard on your application can allow you to go to a top-ranking school for free!
Aside from these methods, the majority of students need financial aid in the form of loans or grants in order to pay for law school.
The University of the District of Columbia is the easiest law school to get into on this list. It has a median LSAT score of 149 and median GPA of 3.08.
The average amount of debt law students have is $110,070. However, students that attend the schools on this list have much lower debt amounts.
Columbia University is the most expensive law school in the nation. Its tuition costs $81,888 a year.
It usually takes around 10 years to pay off law school debt, but for some it can take up to 25 years! The repayment time depends on the loan type and the debt repayment plan.
The best-value law school in the US is Penn State Law School.
Law school in and of itself is difficult! With the added financial stress that high-cost law schools add, getting through law school and handling the copious amount of debt afterwards can seem impossible.
To ensure you have the best possible law school experience with the least amount of financial stress, consider applying to any one of the cheap law schools on this list! If you’re looking for personalized guidance throughout your application process, working with a law school admissions consultant can help you make informed decisions and maximize your chances of success.
While these law schools may cost a fraction of the price of others, they don’t come at a fraction of the value! They can still offer you the right education and experience to become a successful attorney!
Former Head of Northeastern University's Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University
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