10 Most Expensive Law Schools in the US

Studying law in the United States is an expensive academic venture. According to Forbes,  the average tuition for full-time law students is about $56,000 per year at private schools. On the other hand, public law schools charge around $30,500 for in-state students and $43,000 for out-of-state students. That said, the most expensive law schools are typically the most prestigious and often have the most selective admissions.

This blog lists the law schools in the country that are considered the most expensive. We also include the factors that make them expensive and exclusive.

• Top 10 Most Expensive Law Schools
• Why Is Law School So Expensive?
• Scholarships Available for Law Students
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Top 10 Most Expensive Law Schools

Studying law can be pretty expensive, and it’s easy to overlook just how much it really costs. Many people focus only on tuition, but other expenses add up quickly.

Law school is a big commitment, both financially and in terms of time. Understanding all the costs involved helps you plan better and make smarter decisions about your education and career.

Here is the list of the 10 most expensive law schools in the country, including the tuition for both out and in state students.

1. University of Idaho

• Acceptance Rate: 75.30%
• Tuition (Out-of-State): $90,336
• Tuition (In-State): $51,864
• LSAT (25th-75th Percentile): 148-155
• Bar Passage (first-time): 63.1%

The University of Idaho College of Law is the law school of the University of Idaho, with its main campus in Moscow and a second location in Boise, the state capital. Starting with the 2017–18 class, students can complete all three years of law school at either campus.

The college offers four specialized areas of study: Native American Law, Natural Resources and Environmental Law, Business Law and Entrepreneurship, and Intellectual Property and Technology Law. The University of Idaho College of Law is the only fully ABA-accredited law school in Idaho. Another accredited law school, Concordia University School of Law, operated briefly from 2019 to 2020.

According to the 2015 data required by the American Bar Association, 78.5% of Idaho Law’s Class of 2015 secured full-time, long-term jobs that require a JD within nine months of graduation. Additionally, 76% of the 2018 graduates found full-time, long-term employment.

2. Columbia University

• Acceptance Rate: 12.20%
• Tuition (Out-of-State): $81,29
• Tuition (In-State): $81,29
• LSAT (25th-75th percentile): 169-175
• Bar passage (first-time): 93.7%

Columbia University holds second place on the list of the most expensive law schools in the country. It ranks fourth nationwide and is among the prestigious T14 law schools, the top 14 law schools in the United States, typically ranked by U.S. News & World Report. You will have to consider additional expenses in addition to tuition.

Columbia Law School has a rich history of pioneering programs. It was one of the first to establish centers for comparative and international law and a space law department. The school also has major centers for areas of law, such as Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Legal Studies, European Legal Studies, Climate Change Law, Corporate Governance, Gender and Sexuality Law, Law and Economic studies, and Global Legal Transformation.

3. New York University

• Acceptance Rate: 16.80%
• Tuition (Out-of-State): $80,014
• Tuition (In-State): $80,014
• LSAT (25th-75th percentile): 168-174
• Bar passage (first-time): 94.9%

New York University is ranked as the seventh-best law school in the country and is considered the top choice for specialties like corporate, criminal, international, and tax law. Offering these exceptional resources does come at a significant cost. Annual tuition and fees are around $80,014, and when you include expenses like books, supplies, transportation, and housing, the total can reach approximately $109,290 per year.

Fortunately, despite being one of the most expensive law schools, NYU provides generous financial aid opportunities through various scholarships and awards. Specific scholarships are also available for students pursuing specialized areas of law, such as business or criminal law, which can help make the education more affordable.

4. University of Southern California

• Acceptance Rate: 12.50%
• Tuition (Out-of-State): $78,046
• Tuition (In-State): $78,046
• LSAT (25th-75th percentile): 165-169
• Bar passage (first-time): 89%

The University of Southern California (USC) is another pricey law school. Though not part of the T14, it still ranks among the top 20 law schools in the country. As a leading institution, USC provides valuable resources to guarantee student success, including an employment rate of over 90%, seven clinics, and externships. However, these benefits come at a cost, with tuition set at $78,046 per year.

Depending on your financial situation, the total annual cost of attending USC can range from $88,000 to $100,000. Fortunately, all incoming JD students are automatically considered for scholarships, with about 95% receiving some form of aid, unlike the others in the list of most expensive law schools that only select a few students.

The average scholarship awarded is $37,000, and in some cases, scholarships can cover the full cost of tuition, potentially allowing you to attend law school for free!

5. University of Chicago

• Acceptance Rate: 12.80%
• Tuition (Out-of-State): $77,952
• Tuition (In-State): $77,952
• LSAT (25th-75th percentile): 169-175
• Bar passage (first-time): 94.3%

The University of Chicago is ranked as the third-best law school in the country and is also one of the most expensive law schools, with total costs estimated at over $106,000 per year. This includes tuition and fees, which alone are $77,952 annually.

Despite the high price, students at UChicago Law benefit from top-tier resources, including world-class faculty, diverse clinical programs, three student-edited journals, and specialized courses that help them focus on their chosen areas of law.

The law school employs over 200 full-time and part-time faculty members and enrolls around 600 students in its Juris Doctor (J.D.) program. It also offers advanced degrees like the Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.), and Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.S.D.).

6. Cornell University

• Acceptance Rate: 19.30%
• Tuition (Out-of-State): $77,593
• Tuition (In-State): $77,593
• LSAT (25th-75th percentile): 169-175
• Bar passage (first-time): 90.3%

Cornell is an Ivy League law school and part of the prestigious T14, making it one of the top law schools in the country. As you might expect, the costs reflect its high reputation and ranking.

Tuition and fees at Cornell are $77,5893 per year, with the total cost to attend estimated at $97,703. It’s clear why it’s one of the most expensive law schools in the country. Recognizing the financial challenges law students face, Cornell offers over $12 million in financial aid to its incoming and current law students each year.

Cornell has been offering LL.M and J.S.D. degrees since 1928. The school also provides several joint degree programs, including a three- or four-year JD/MBA with Cornell’s Johnson School of Management, a four-year JD/MILR, JD/MPA, and JD/MRP.

7. University of Pennsylvania

• Acceptance Rate: 9.90%
• Tuition (Out-of-State): $76,934
• Tuition (In-State): $76,934
• LSAT (25th-75th percentile): 168-174
• Bar passage (first-time): 93.8%

The University of Pennsylvania’s tuition is $76,934 per year, and the total cost of attendance is estimated to be over $100,000. Given that, on average JD programs last three years, these expenses can quickly add up and seem overwhelming. Fortunately, UPenn has one of the most comprehensive financial aid programs in the country.

Despite being one of the most expensive law schools, Penn is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, a tradition that dates back to Dean William Draper Lewis. The school’s medium-sized student body and close integration with the rest of Penn’s schools under the “One University Policy” have made this focus possible.

More than half of the law school’s courses are interdisciplinary, and it offers over 20 joint and dual degree programs. These include a JD/MBA with Wharton, a JD/PhD in Communication with the Annenberg School, and a JD/MD with the Perelman School of Medicine.

8. Georgetown University

• Acceptance Rate: 19.605
• Tuition (Out-of-State): $75,950
• Tuition (In-State): $75,950
• LSAT (25th-75th percentile): 166-173
• Bar passage (first-time): 91.6%

Out of the 691 J.D. graduates in Georgetown Law’s class of 2020 (including both full- and part-time students), 569 (82.3%) secured long-term, full-time positions requiring bar exam passage—essentially jobs as lawyers—within nine months of graduation, without any school funding.

As of 2021, Georgetown Law alumni held the second-highest number of partner positions at NLJ 100 firms. The school ranks among the top ten feeder schools in eight of the ten largest legal markets in the U.S., including New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Houston, San Francisco, and San Diego. This gives Georgetown Law the second-widest reach of all law schools.

The school is particularly strong in its home market of Washington DC, where it is the largest law school and has produced the most NLJ 100 partners.

9. Duke University

• Acceptance Rate: 10.50%
• Tuition (Out-of-State): $75,738
• Tuition (In-State): $75,738
• LSAT (25th-75th percentile): 168-172
• Bar passage (first-time): 94.4%

According to Duke’s 2017 ABA-required disclosures, 93.8% of the class of 2017 secured full-time, long-term jobs requiring a JD within nine months of graduation without any school funding. This was the highest rate among all law schools in the country and further justifies why it is one of the most expensive law schools in the US.

The National Law Journal (NLJ) ranked Duke third among all law schools for the percentage of 2017 graduates working in federal clerkships or at firms with 100 or more lawyers, which NLJ calls “elite jobs.” Duke also ranked fourth in federal clerkships. In 2017, Law School Transparency gave Duke Law the highest “Employment Score” in the nation at 93.8% and the lowest “Under-Employment Score” of 0.4%.

10. University of California, Berkeley

• Acceptance Rate: 14.90%
• Tuition (Out-of-State): $75,031
• Tuition (In-State): $62,603
• LSAT (25th-75th percentile): 168-173
• Bar passage (first-time): 93.4%

In 2019, 98% of Berkeley Law graduates secured full-time jobs within nine months, with a median salary of $190,000. Among all California law schools, Berkeley had the highest bar passage rates in 2021 (95.5%) and 2022 (92.2%).

Berkeley Law offers J.D., LL.M., J.S.D., and Ph.D. degrees, enrolling about 320 to 330 J.D. students in each entering class. These classes are divided into smaller groups for a more personalized learning experience.

It is one of the most expensive law schools but the available scholarships at Berkeley Law are awarded based on both merit and need. Notable scholarships include the Berkeley Law Opportunity Scholarship, which covers full tuition for first-generation college students, and the Hyundai-Kia Scholarships for students with a strong interest in law and technology. The school also provides stipends for summer public service internships.

Why Is Law School So Expensive?

Law school is likely to be one of the most expensive investments you’ll ever make, unless you’ve bought a home. At Columbia Law School in New York City, tuition, fees, and health insurance can exceed $75,000 per year. Other NYC law schools also have steep costs, with tuition and fees often surpassing $60,000 annually. When you add living expenses, the total cost can easily top a quarter million dollars over three years when you study at the most expensive law schools.

But why is law school so expensive? Law school is expensive primarily due to:

• high costs of faculty salaries
• expensive campus facilities and administrative costs
• significant investment in resources like libraries and legal clinics
• networking opportunities for students
• the prestige of a legal education
• potential for high earning power in a legal career
• students are willing to pay more for opportunities leading to lucrative jobs

If you’re not independently wealthy, paying for law school requires careful planning. Most schools offer merit-based aid, primarily determined by your LSAT score. A higher score can significantly increase your scholarship amount, so it’s worth striving for the best score possible—even retaking the LSAT if necessary.

Need-based aid is also available, though it often considers parental income unless you qualify as independent. Students receiving need-based aid typically take out loans to cover remaining costs. Various loan programs are available, with payments usually deferred until after graduation. Some loans even cover living expenses while studying for the bar exam.

Graduating with little or no scholarship assistance could mean taking on six-figure debt, leading to monthly loan payments of $2,000 or more. While high-paying jobs at top law firms might allow for quick repayment, others may face decades of payments. Loan forgiveness programs exist for those in public service, but it’s important to consider these financial realities before committing to law school.

Scholarships Available for Law Students

Law school can be a significant financial investment, but there are many scholarships available to help ease the burden. Even in the most expensive law schools, these scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or focused on specific areas of legal study.

Below are five scholarships that law students can explore to support their education.

1. ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund. The American Bar Association (ABA) offers this scholarship to encourage racial and ethnic diversity in the legal profession. The scholarship provides $15,000 over three years to 10-20 incoming law students each year, which helps offset tuition and other law school expenses.
2. Lloyd M. Johnson Jr. Scholarship Program. Sponsored by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), this scholarship supports students entering law school. It provides $10,000 per year for up to three years, along with opportunities for mentorship and internships with leading law firms and corporate legal departments.
3. Sidney B. Williams Jr. Scholarship. This scholarship, offered by the American Intellectual Property Law Education Foundation, is designed for students from underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds who are pursuing careers in intellectual property law. Recipients can receive up to $10,000 per year for their law school education.
4. Marshall-Motley Scholars Program. The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) provides this scholarship to law students committed to pursuing racial justice in the South. It covers full tuition, room, and board, and includes a summer internship stipend. Additionally, recipients commit to practicing civil rights law in the South for at least eight years following graduation.
5. Donald W. Banner Diversity Scholarship. Offered by Banner & Witcoff, Ltd., this scholarship supports law students from diverse backgrounds pursuing careers in intellectual property law. The scholarship awards $5,000 to selected students, who must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to the legal profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does law school cost?

Law school costs can vary widely, but on average, tuition at a private law school is around $56,000 per year, while public law schools charge about $30,500 per year for in-state students and $43,000 for out-of-state students. When you factor in living expenses, books, and other fees, the total cost of attending the most expensive law schools can exceed $100,000 to $150,000 for the entire three-year program.

What are the most affordable law schools in the US?

Here are three of the most affordable law schools in the U.S.:

• University of Mississippi School of Law – $38,720 (Nonresidents); $18,310 (Residents)

• University of North Dakota School of Law – $11,962.80

• Southern University Law Center – $6,800.00 (Nonresidents); $5,669.00 (Residents)

How long is law school?

Law school typically takes three years to complete for a full-time Juris Doctor (J.D.) program. Some schools offer part-time programs, which can take four to five years to complete. Additionally, accelerated programs can be completed in about two years, though these are less common.

Takeaways

Law school is expensive. Even with financial and scholarships, you have to consider other academic expenses before deciding. Consider the following if you want to proceed to law school:

• The most expensive law schools are typically the most prestigious and often have the most selective admissions.
• Tuition isn’t the only cost you must consider if you want to pursue law school. You must factor in books, living expenses, and other academic costs you will incur.
• The most expensive law schools offer financial aid; do not hesitate to ask the school’s student service officers about this financial aid.
• Scholarships are also available for law students. The application process can be time consuming, but scholarships are a great way to lessen the financial burden.
• Consult a college admissions expert to help you explore more options. If you truly want to fulfill your dream of becoming a lawyer, going to a reputable school will help you with that dream. A college admissions expert can help maximize your options.