# How Much Does Law School Cost?

By [Authors at Earnest](/content/blog/author-page/authors-at-earnest/index.html) **|** 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](/content/blog/how-much-does-law-school-cost/index.html), 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)](/content/blog/what-is-cost-of-attendance/index.html) 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](https://law.yale.edu/admissions/cost-financial-aid/cost-attendance)** | $74,044 | $103,579 |
| 2 | **[Harvard University](https://hls.harvard.edu/graduate-program/graduate-program-admissions-and-financial-aid/ll-m-admissions/ll-m-tuition-and-financial-aid/)** | $77,100 | $116,500 |
| 3 | **[Stanford University](https://law.stanford.edu/apply/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/)** | $74,475 | $116,814 |
| 4 | **[Columbia University](https://www.law.columbia.edu/about/departments/financial-aid/jd-and-llm-tuition-and-fees)** | $81,888 | $89,775 |
| 5 | **[University of Chicago](https://www.law.uchicago.edu/23-24-COA)** | $76,479 | $113,819 |
| 6 | **[New York University](https://www.law.nyu.edu/financialaid/budgetandbudgeting/studentexpensebudget)** | $79,954 | $118,137 |
| 7 | **[University of Pennsylvania](https://www.law.upenn.edu/admissions/grad/financing-your-education.php)** | $74,688 | $116,508 |
| 8 | **[Duke University](https://law.bulletins.duke.edu/policies/tuition)** | $77,100 | $109,398 |
| 9 | **[University of California-Berkeley](https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/how-aid-works/student-budgets-cost-of-attendance/)** | $15,866 | $22,308 |
| 10 | **[University of Michigan-Ann Arbor](https://michigan.law.umich.edu/resource-center/student-budget-example)** | $98,496 (Resident); $101,496 (Non-Resident) | Unavailable |
| 11 | **[University of Virginia](https://www.law.virginia.edu/financialaid/annual-cost-attendance-budget)** | $71,010 (Resident); $73,328 (Non-Resident) | $105,334 (Resident); $108,348 (Non-Resident) |
| 12 | **[Northwestern University](https://www.law.northwestern.edu/academics/degree-programs/msl/tuition-aid/)** | $63,160 | [$98,234](https://chicagofinancialaid.northwestern.edu/tuition/pritzker-school-of-law.html#MSL24) |
| 13 | **[Cornell University](https://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/admissions/jd-admissions/jd-tuition-and-financial-aid/)** | $81,306 | $109,636 |
| 14 | **[Georgetown University](https://studentaccounts.georgetown.edu/tuition/law/)** | $41,132 per semester | Unavailable |
| 15 | **[University of Texas-Austin](https://law.utexas.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/)** | 38,236 (Resident); $56,822 (Non-Resident) | $63,410 (Resident); $81,996 (Non-Resident) |
| 16 | **[University of California-Los Angeles](https://law.ucla.edu/admissions/jd-admissions/tuition-fees)** | $59,132 (Resident); $71,377 (Non-Resident) | Unavailable; $32,923 Living Expense Budget |
| 17 | **[Vanderbilt University](https://law.vanderbilt.edu/llm-program/costs-financial-aid/)** | $73,148 | $106,712 |
| 18 | **[Washington University in St. Louis](https://law.washu.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid/)** | $70,008 | Unavailable |
| 19 | **[Emory University](https://law.emory.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid/llm-tuition.html)** | $67,480 | [$105,942](https://studentaid.emory.edu/_includes/documents/sections/graduate/apply/coa_law.pdf) |
| 20 | **[University of Minnesota-Twin Cities](https://law.umn.edu/admissions/jd/tuition-financial-aid-2024-2025)** | $48,528 (Resident); $58,344 (Non-Resident) | $78,812 (Resident); $88,628 (Non-Resident) |
| 21 | **[University of Southern California (Gould)](https://gould.usc.edu/academics/degrees/jd/financial-aid/cost/)** | $80,184 | $99,992-$110,368 |
| 22 | **[George Washington University](https://www.law.gwu.edu/cost-of-attendance)** | $95,103 | Unavailable; $31,110 Total Living & Book Allowance |
| 23 | **[University of Alabama](https://studentaccounts.ua.edu/cost/tuition-rates/#law)** | $12,240 (Resident); $23,350.00(Non-Resident) per semester | Unavailable |
| 24 | **[University of Iowa](https://law.uiowa.edu/admissions/costs-and-financial-aid)** | $32,512 (Resident); $53,759 (Non-Resident) | $56,466 (Resident); $77,713 (Non-Resident) |
| 25 | **[University of Notre Dame](https://studentaccounts.nd.edu/rates/law-programs/)** | $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:

1. **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](https://www.juriseducation.com/blog/how-much-is-law-school), and [$55,000 for private schools](https://tutors.com/costs/law-school-cost). Keep in mind that tuition often increases annually, so costs may rise during your time in law school.

- **[Public vs. Private](/content/blog/how-to-decide-where-to-go-to-school/index.html)** **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.

2. **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](https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-law-school) 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](https://worldmetrics.org/average-cost-of-law-school/). Conversely, schools in more rural areas may offer lower housing costs but might require you to have a car, adding to transportation expenses.

3. **Books and Supplies:** Law school textbooks and other materials are notoriously expensive, with students spending around [$1,806](https://law.ucla.edu/admissions/jd-admissions/tuition-fees) annually. Additional supplies such as laptops, study aids, and software also contribute to the cost.

4. **Miscellaneous Costs:** These include health insurance, application fees, [LSAT](https://www.lsac.org/lsat) costs, and bar exam preparation. The LSAT exam fee alone is [$238](https://www.lsac.org/lsat/register-lsat/lsat-cas-fees).

### **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:

1. **Choosing the Right School:** Public, in-state schools typically offer lower tuition rates than private schools.
2. **Living Off-Campus:** Off-campus housing can often be more affordable, especially if you share an apartment with roommates.
3. **Apply for Scholarships and Grants:** Aggressively pursuing scholarships and grants is crucial, as this "free money" doesn’t need to be repaid.
4. **Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs):** Consider schools that offer [LRAPs](https://www.equaljusticeworks.org/law-students/student-debt-resources/resources/loan-repayment-assistance-programs/).
5. **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.](/content/blog/pay-law-school/index.html)

1. **Federal Student Loans:** Completing the [FAFSA](https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa) is essential to access federal loans like the [Direct Unsubsidized Loan](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized).
2. **Private Student Loans:** If federal loans and scholarships don’t cover the full cost, look into [private student loans](/content/student-loans/graduate/law/index.html).
3. **Work-Study Programs:** Some law schools offer work-study programs that allow you to earn money while gaining experience.
4. **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.