Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Barack Obama, Mahatma Gandhi, Gloria Allred, Thurgood Marshall. These famous lawyers all chose different paths, bolstered by their dedication and passion for the law and doing what’s right. People who choose to pursue law school may have different motivations, but they seem to share a sense of determination and integrity necessary to succeed as a lawyer.
In a 2025 College Ave survey of 1,060 undergraduate students, findings revealed that students overwhelmingly agreed that a college degree was crucial for their future. This is especially true for prospective lawyers, where strict standards and educational requirements must be met.
If you’re considering law school, you know that it’s an expensive venture. But it’s a path with many opportunities beyond the courtroom. That’s why you should consider all the factors that play into the cost of law school so you’re prepared and informed before making the decision.
The Top Law Schools at a Glance
This chart shows current tuition and total cost of attendance (COA) for the top 25 U.S. law schools, based on U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Law Schools rankings. Because U.S. News often ranks multiple schools at the same position, you’ll see several tied ranks in the table below rather than a strict 1-to-25 count. It includes both public and private institutions, with some offering lower in-state tuition. The COA reflects not just tuition but also estimated living expenses, giving a full picture of what students might expect to pay each year.
| Rank | School | Tuition | Total COA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanford University | $79,779 | $125,124-126,216 |
| 2 | University of Chicago | $83,316 | $120,324-121,503 |
| 2 | Yale University | $78,961 | ~$107,163 |
| 4 | University of Pennsylvania | $84,492 | $116,132 |
| 4 | University of Virginia | Res $77,926 Non-res $80,244 |
Res $111,420 Non-res $114,420 |
| 6 | Harvard University | $78,692 | $117,382 |
| 7 | Duke University | $81,829 | $107,945 |
| 7 | New York University | $83,952 | $123,308 |
| 9 | Columbia University | $88,996 | $130,724 |
| 9 | University of Michigan—Ann Arbor | Res $79,838 Non-res $82,838 |
Res $108,156 Non-res $111,156 |
| 9 | Northwestern University | $79,772 | Unavailable |
| 12 | Vanderbilt University | $78,799 | $113,733 |
| 13 | Cornell University | $85,412 | $118,364 |
| 13 | University of California—Los Angeles | Res $64,747 Non-res $76,992 |
Res ~$99,567 Non-res ~$111,812 |
| 13 | Washington University in St. Louis | $73,684 | $102,287 |
| 16 | University of California—Berkeley | Res $66,374 Non-res $79,991 |
Res $107,232 Non-res $120,849 |
| 16 | University of Texas—Austin | Res $38,236 Non-res $56,822 |
Res $63,332 Non-res $81,918 |
| 18 | Georgetown University | $87,588 | $124,600 |
| 18 | University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill | Res $29,582 Non-res $54,320 |
Res $62,496 Non-res $87,234 |
| 20 | Boston College | $72,830 | Unavailable |
| 20 | University of Notre Dame | $75,816 | Unavailable |
| 22 | University of Minnesota—Twin Cities | Res $54,024 Non-res $64,944 |
Res $86,788 Non-res $97,708 |
| 22 | Texas A&M University | Res $32,634 Non-res $48,682 |
Res $61,508 Non-res $78,682 |
| 24 | Boston University | $73,024 | $100,920-101,832 |
| 24 | Brigham Young University (J. Reuben Clark) | LDS member $16,472 Non-member $32,944 |
Unavailable |
Private Law School Costs
Private law schools typically have higher tuition rates. On average, students pay $57,927 per year in tuition and fees. When you include living expenses, books, and other necessities, the total annual cost rises to approximately $72,463, according to educationdata.org. Over a standard three-year law program, this adds up to a significant financial commitment.
Public Law School Costs
Public law schools tend to be more affordable, especially for in-state students. The average tuition and fees for in-state law students are $31,542 per year, totaling around $94,626 over three years. Out-of-state students pay more, with an average annual tuition of $44,859. These cost differences highlight the importance of considering both residency status and school location when planning for law school expenses.
See Law School Student Loan Options
Law School Requirements
Most law school programs require a four-year bachelor’s degree. Many students study subjects like English, government, history, philosophy, or economics, but no specific major is required. The American Bar Association (ABA) suggests that taking “a broad range of difficult courses from demanding instructors is excellent preparation for legal education.”
Some undergraduate programs also offer pre-law advising, which can help you get a better idea of what a career in law could look like. The advisor will also help you choose appropriate classes in undergrad and aid your law school application process. In order to apply, you need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which evaluates reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning.
Once you’re accepted, you will begin a three-year program (some schools offer a four-year part-time program) to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. During the first year of law school, students take courses in torts, contracts, constitutional law, civil procedure, property, and a legal writing class. Second- and third-year courses vary across institutions, but will typically require writing credits, experiential electives, professional responsibility courses, and more. These give you the opportunity to explore specialty areas and learn what interests you the most, like tax, labor, or corporate law. Cornell Law School suggests second-year students take courses in administrative law, business organizations, evidence, and federal income taxation for a wide range of topics. In the third year of law school, students will take elective courses that cover their specialty of choice, including seminars and problem courses.
To become a practicing lawyer, students must take a licensing “bar” exam for the state in which they wish to practice. According to the BLS, “most states require that applicants graduate from an ABA-accredited law school, pass one or more written bar exams, and be found by an admitting board to have the character to represent and advise others.” Even after being admitted to the bar, lawyers are expected to continue their education as often as every year.
Alternative Legal Degrees
For those who want to work in legal-adjacent roles without becoming licensed attorneys, alternative legal degrees offer a shorter, more affordable path than a traditional J.D. These programs are ideal for professionals in business, healthcare, compliance, or government who need a strong understanding of legal concepts, while mitigating the staggering cost of law school.
Common options include:
- Juris Master (J.M.)
- Designed for non-lawyers
- Typically completed in 1-2 years
- Often costs significantly less than a J.D. program
- Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.)
- Usually available online
- Completed in 1-2 years
- Offers flexibility for working professionals
These degrees provide practical legal knowledge without the need to take the bar exam or commit to three years of law school.
The Cost of Law School
Law school is a significant academic and financial undertaking, but it can lead to a rewarding and impactful career. Whether you are pursuing a traditional J.D. or an alternative legal degree, it is essential to understand the full scope of costs, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, so you can make informed decisions about your education and future.
To help make legal education more accessible, College Ave offers a range of flexible student loan options to help you afford the cost of law school. Whether you are just beginning your journey with undergraduate student loans or continuing with graduate student loans or law school student loans, College Ave provides competitive rates, customizable repayment plans, and a straightforward application process. With the right financial support, you can focus on your goals and build a successful future in the legal field.
About the Survey
The College Ave survey was conducted by Barnes & Noble College Insights™. The national online survey of undergraduate students who attend a 4-year college or university at one of the campuses served by Barnes & Noble College had 1,060 respondents and was fielded in February – March 2025. Last year, Barnes & Noble College Insights conducted more than 50 research studies and 100+ survey polls of students, faculty and parents that interact with one of its more than 770+ campus bookstores across the nation.
