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See all posts Frank GogolTop 27 Cheapest Law Schools in the U.S.
Updated on March 6, 2024
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At a Glance
- The ten cheapest law schools in the U.S. for out-of-state tuition include:
- University of the District of Columbia (Clarke)
- CUNY
- Brigham Young University (Clark)
- University of North Dakota
- University of Arkansas—Little Rock (Bowen)
- Florida A&M University
- University of Wyoming
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- University of Iowa
- University of Houston
Looking for affordable law school options? Check out our list of the 27 most budget-friendly law schools for out-of-state students in the U.S. We’ve also included a separate list for in-state tuition rates. These schools offer diverse legal specialties and provide quality education without breaking the bank. Explore your options and find the right fit for your goals and budget.
27 Cheapest Law Schools for Out-of-State Tuition
Below, you will find a list of the 27 cheapest law schools in the U.S. for out-of-state students.
1. University of the District of Columbia (Clarke): $25,874
The University of the District of Columbia’s David A. Clarke School of Law is known for its commitment to public service and community outreach. It offers a diverse range of legal education programs focusing on clinical training and public interest law.
Visit UDC David A. Clarke School of Law
2. CUNY: $26,705
The City University of New York School of Law places a strong emphasis on public service and public-interest law. It is recognized for its innovative clinical programs and commitment to social justice.
3. Brigham Young University (Clark) (non-LDS members): $24,620 – $28,416
Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School, affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers a unique combination of religious values and legal education. It’s known for its strong community and excellent legal training.
Visit BYU J. Reuben Clark Law School
4. University of North Dakota: $25,423 – $31,735
As North Dakota’s only law school, the University of North Dakota School of Law prides itself on a personalized learning experience, a practical approach to learning law, and a tight-knit community atmosphere.
5. University of Arkansas—Little Rock (Bowen): $22,303 – $32,672
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law offers a practical legal education with a commitment to public service and professional skills development.
Visit UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law
6. Florida A&M University: $33,112
Florida A&M University College of Law emphasizes a wide range of legal disciplines with a special focus on serving the underserved communities. It’s known for its diverse student body and dynamic legal education.
Visit Florida A&M University College of Law
7. University of Wyoming: $34,238
The University of Wyoming College of Law provides a comprehensive legal education with an emphasis on practical skills. The school is known for its focus on natural resources, environment, and energy law.
Visit University of Wyoming College of Law
8. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey: $30,000 – $35,000
Rutgers Law School, with locations in Newark and Camden, offers a comprehensive legal education with a strong emphasis on clinical and pro bono work, preparing students for diverse legal careers.
9. University of Iowa: $30,000 – $35,000
The University of Iowa College of Law is one of the oldest law schools in the U.S., known for its excellent legal education, research, and commitment to public service.
Visit University of Iowa College of Law
10. University of Houston: $30,000 – $35,000
The University of Houston Law Center is a leading law school in Texas, known for its diverse academic programs, strong emphasis on health law, intellectual property law, and environmental law.
Visit University of Houston Law Center
11. Louisiana State University — Baton Rouge (Hebert): $30,000 – $35,000
LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center combines legal traditions of Louisiana with American common law, providing a unique legal education and a strong emphasis on civil and comparative law.
Visit LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center
12. Wayne State University: $30,000 – $35,000
Located in Detroit, Wayne State University Law School offers a dynamic legal education focused on urban issues, social justice, and access to justice. It’s known for its strong community involvement and practical training.
Visit Wayne State University Law School
13. University of South Dakota (Knudson): $20,964 – $36,344
The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law provides a comprehensive legal education with a focus on trial advocacy, rural practice, and Native American law.
Visit USD Knudson School of Law
14. Georgia State University (GSU): $36,456
Georgia State University College of Law in Atlanta offers an innovative, hands-on legal education with a strong focus on urban and environmental issues. It’s known for its diverse student body and excellent value.
Visit Georgia State University College of Law
15. University of Arkansas—Fayetteville: $38,160
The University of Arkansas School of Law combines a traditional legal education with opportunities for hands-on experience. It’s particularly recognized for its strengths in agricultural law and food law.
Visit University of Arkansas School of Law
16. University of Montana: $38,897
The Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana offers a legal education with a strong focus on environmental and natural resources law, imbued with the values and landscape of the Mountain West.
Visit University of Montana School of Law
17. University of Nebraska—Lincoln: $34,192 – $39,504
The University of Nebraska College of Law offers a comprehensive legal education with strengths in space, cyber, and telecommunications law, preparing students for a variety of legal careers.
Visit University of Nebraska College of Law
18. University of Arizona (Rogers): $35,000 – $40,000
The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law provides an innovative legal education, known for its programs in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy and Environmental Law.
Visit University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
19. University of Wisconsin — Madison (UW-Madison): $35,000 – $40,000
The University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison offers a comprehensive legal education with a strong emphasis on law in action, integrating theory and practice.
Visit University of Wisconsin Law School
20. University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill: $35,000 – $40,000
The University of North Carolina School of Law at Chapel Hill offers a top-tier legal education known for its excellence in legal research, writing, and a strong commitment to public service.
21. George Mason University: $35,000 – $40,000
The Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University is known for its rigorous legal education with a strong emphasis on law and economics, intellectual property, and a free-market approach.
Visit Antonin Scalia Law School
22. University of Texas at Austin: $40,000 – $45,000
The University of Texas School of Law in Austin offers a world-class legal education with strengths in constitutional law, international law, and business law, set in one of America’s most vibrant cities.
Visit University of Texas School of Law
23. University of Florida (Levin): $40,000 – $45,000
The University of Florida Levin College of Law offers a comprehensive legal education with a particular strength in tax law, environmental law, and a commitment to public service.
Visit University of Florida Levin College of Law
24. William & Mary Law School: $40,000 – $45,000
As the nation’s oldest law school, William & Mary Law School combines tradition with modern legal education, offering a strong focus on legal writing and a commitment to community service.
Visit William & Mary Law School
25. Ohio State University (Moritz): $40,000 – $45,000
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law offers an outstanding legal education with a strong emphasis on professional responsibility, dispute resolution, and public service.
Visit Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
26. University of California — Los Angeles (UCLA): $45,000 – $50,000
UCLA School of Law is one of the nation’s premier law schools, known for its innovative programs in entertainment law, environmental law, and public interest law, located in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
27. Boston College: $50,000 – $55,000
Boston College Law School provides a comprehensive Jesuit legal education, focusing on ethics and social justice, with strong programs in corporate law, intellectual property, and human rights.
Visit Boston College Law School
27 Cheapest Law Schools for In-State Tuition
If you’re looking to attend law school a bit closer to home, here’s the same list grouped by state with the in-state tuition:
Arizona
- University of Arizona (Rogers): $25,525
Arkansas
- University of Arkansas—Little Rock (Bowen): $15,121 – $16,728
- University of Arkansas—Fayetteville: $17,133
California
- University of California — Los Angeles (UCLA): $45,338
District of Columbia
- University of the District of Columbia (Clarke): $13,438
Florida
- Florida A&M University: $13,851
- University of Florida (Levin): $22,299
Georgia
- Georgia State University (GSU): $16,858
Iowa
- University of Iowa: $24,930
Louisiana
- Louisiana State University — Baton Rouge (Hebert): $22,520
Massachusetts
- Boston College: $50,620
Michigan
- Wayne State University: $30,727
Montana
- University of Montana: $16,041
Nebraska
- University of Nebraska—Lincoln: $15,036 – $16,800
New Jersey
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey: $27,269
New York
- CUNY: $16,105
North Carolina
- University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill: $23,551
North Dakota
- University of North Dakota: $11,434 – $16,725
Ohio
- Ohio State University (Moritz): $29,668
South Dakota
- University of South Dakota (Knudson): $16,794
Texas
- University of Houston: $30,401
- University of Texas at Austin: $33,995
Utah
- Brigham Young University (Clark) (LDS members): $12,310 – $14,208
Virginia
- George Mason University: $25,351
- William & Mary Law School: $32,000
Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin — Madison (UW-Madison): $21,450
Wyoming
- University of Wyoming: $16,838
Learn About Loans for Loan School
- Law School Loans: A Guide to Paying for Your Law Education
- International Student Loans: Best Lenders & What to Consider
- Personal Loans For International Students: The Complete Guide
Final Thoughts
In your quest for affordable legal education, we’ve presented you with a comprehensive list of the 27 most budget-friendly law schools for out-of-state students in the U.S., along with a separate list for in-state tuition rates. These institutions offer a wide array of legal specialties and prioritize delivering a quality education without straining your finances. Now, it’s up to you to explore these opportunities and select the one that aligns with your career aspirations and financial considerations. Your path to a legal career can be both fulfilling and affordable, thanks to these law schools committed to accessible education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Are Some of the Top Law Schools in the U.S.?
Some of the top law schools in the U.S. include Harvard Law School, Yale Law School, Stanford Law School, Columbia Law School, and the University of Chicago Law School. Rankings can vary based on different criteria.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Law School?
When choosing a law school, consider factors such as the school’s reputation, location, areas of specialization, faculty expertise, tuition costs, bar passage rate, and employment rates of graduates.
How Long Does It Take to Complete Law School in the U.S.?
Completing law school in the U.S. typically takes three years for full-time students. Some schools offer part-time programs, which can take longer.
What is the LSAT?
The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized test that is a requirement for admission to most law schools in the U.S. It measures reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills.
What is the Cost of Attending Law School in the U.S.?
The cost of attending law school in the U.S. varies significantly between schools. It can range from about $20,000 to over $60,000 per year in tuition alone, excluding living expenses and other fees.
Can International Students Attend Law School in the U.S.?
Yes, international students can attend law school in the U.S. They must meet the same admission requirements as U.S. students, including taking the LSAT.
What Degree Do I Earn From Law School in the U.S.?
Upon graduation from law school in the U.S., students earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Are There Different Areas of Specialization in Law Schools?
Yes, many law schools offer specializations such as corporate law, environmental law, intellectual property law, international law, and human rights law, among others.
What is the Bar Exam?
The bar exam is a professional test that law graduates must pass to practice law. Each U.S. state has its own bar exam and requirements for legal practice.
What Opportunities Exist for Law School Graduates?
Law school graduates have opportunities in various fields, including private law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, non-profit organizations, and academia.