How Much Does Law School Cost? ⎹ Earnest | Earnest
How Much Does Law School Cost?
By Authors at Earnest | Published on March 9, 2026
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When considering law school, one of the most important factors to evaluate is the cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, and living expenses. So how much does law school cost, really?
The following list provides a snapshot of some of the top law schools in the United States for the 2024-2025 academic year, along with their respective annual tuition rates and total Cost of Attendance (COA) as provided by the institution. These rates and costs are annual, include fees, and apply to first-year students except where indicated. You’ll also see differences in Resident versus Non-Resident rates, if applicable.
Whether you're looking at prestigious Ivy League institutions or leading public universities, this list will help you understand the financial commitment required to pursue a legal education at these top-ranked schools.
Rank
| Rank | School Name | 2024-2025 Tuition | 2024-2025 Total COA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yale University | $74,044 | $103,579 |
| 2 | Harvard University | $77,100 | $116,500 |
| 3 | Stanford University | $74,475 | $116,814 |
| 4 | Columbia University | $81,888 | $89,775 |
| 5 | University of Chicago | $76,479 | $113,819 |
| 6 | New York University | $79,954 | $118,137 |
| 7 | University of Pennsylvania | $74,688 | $116,508 |
| 8 | Duke University | $77,100 | $109,398 |
| 9 | University of California-Berkeley | $15,866 | $22,308 |
| 10 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $98,496 (Resident); $101,496 (Non-Resident) | Unavailable |
| 11 | University of Virginia | $71,010 (Resident); $73,328 (Non-Resident) | $105,334 (Resident); $108,348 (Non-Resident) |
| 12 | Northwestern University | $63,160 | $98,234 |
| 13 | Cornell University | $81,306 | $109,636 |
| 14 | Georgetown University | $41,132 per semester | Unavailable |
| 15 | University of Texas-Austin | 38,236 (Resident); $56,822 (Non-Resident) | $63,410 (Resident); $81,996 (Non-Resident) |
| 16 | University of California-Los Angeles | $59,132 (Resident); $71,377 (Non-Resident) | Unavailable; $32,923 Living Expense Budget |
| 17 | Vanderbilt University | $73,148 | $106,712 |
| 18 | Washington University in St. Louis | $70,008 | Unavailable |
| 19 | Emory University | $67,480 | $105,942 |
| 20 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $48,528 (Resident); $58,344 (Non-Resident) | $78,812 (Resident); $88,628 (Non-Resident) |
| 21 | University of Southern California (Gould) | $80,184 | $99,992-$110,368 |
| 22 | George Washington University | $95,103 | Unavailable; $31,110 Total Living & Book Allowance |
| 23 | University of Alabama | $12,240 (Resident); $23,350.00(Non-Resident) per semester | Unavailable |
| 24 | University of Iowa | $32,512 (Resident); $53,759 (Non-Resident) | $56,466 (Resident); $77,713 (Non-Resident) |
| 25 | University of Notre Dame | $71,126 | Unavailable |
What contributes to the cost of law school?
The total cost of attending law school includes several components beyond just tuition.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Tuition and Fees: Tuition is the most significant expense and varies widely depending on the school. For 2024, law school costs $12,000 to $60,000 for in-state students at public schools, averaging $29,610 annually, and $55,000 for private schools. Keep in mind that tuition often increases annually, so costs may rise during your time in law school.
Public vs. Private Tuition: Public law schools generally offer lower tuition rates, especially for in-state students. However, even within public institutions, out-of-state tuition can rival or exceed that of private schools, making the decision of where to attend a critical factor in managing costs.
Additional Fees: In addition to tuition, law students must account for mandatory fees such as student services, technology, and health insurance. These fees can add thousands of dollars to the total cost.
- Living Expenses: Housing, utilities, food, and transportation are essential considerations, particularly if you’re attending school in an expensive urban area. Living expenses can add an average total of $24,464 per year to your budget, depending on where you live.
- Urban vs. Rural Costs: Law schools located in major cities often come at a higher cost because of higher living expenses. Conversely, schools in more rural areas may offer lower housing costs but might require you to have a car, adding to transportation expenses.
Books and Supplies: Law school textbooks and other materials are notoriously expensive, with students spending around $1,806 annually. Additional supplies such as laptops, study aids, and software also contribute to the cost.
Miscellaneous Costs: These include health insurance, application fees, LSAT costs, and bar exam preparation. The LSAT exam fee alone is $238.
What are the hidden costs of law school?
In addition to the obvious expenses like tuition, living costs and the cost of an undergraduate degree, there are several hidden costs that law students often overlook:
- Opportunity Cost: While not an out-of-pocket expense, the opportunity cost of attending law school—meaning the income you forgo while studying—is significant.
- Licensing and Membership Fees: Fees associated with maintaining professional credentials.
- Interview and Networking Costs: Building a successful legal career often requires networking and attending interviews, which may involve travel, lodging, and dining expenses.
How can you reduce the cost of law school?
There are several strategies to help manage and reduce the costs associated with law school:
- Choosing the Right School: Public, in-state schools typically offer lower tuition rates than private schools.
- Living Off-Campus: Off-campus housing can often be more affordable, especially if you share an apartment with roommates.
- Apply for Scholarships and Grants: Aggressively pursuing scholarships and grants is crucial, as this "free money" doesn’t need to be repaid.
- Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs): Consider schools that offer LRAPs.
- Work During Law School: Many students find part-time work opportunities that can help offset living expenses.
How can you pay for law school?
Most law students rely on a combination of federal loans, scholarships, and other financial aid to pay for law school.
- Federal Student Loans: Completing the FAFSA is essential to access federal loans like the Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
- Private Student Loans: If federal loans and scholarships don’t cover the full cost, look into private student loans.
- Work-Study Programs: Some law schools offer work-study programs that allow you to earn money while gaining experience.
- Employer Sponsorship: Inquire about employer sponsorship or tuition reimbursement programs.
Is law school worth the investment?
Not sure if you should go to grad school? The cost of a law degree is undoubtedly high. But the potential return on investment can make it worthwhile, especially if you pursue a high-demand legal specialization.