How to Pay for a Law School Degree

By Carolyn Morris | Published on March 9, 2026

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How much will you have to pay for tuition at a US law school?

In short, quite a lot. On average, the total cost of tuition alone for law school is $151,484 or $50,357 per year, especially when you include other costs besides tuition, room, and board.

Below are examples of expected annual tuitions for 2023-24 at US law schools:

• The full-time tuition at Yale Law School is $71,540 per year.

• Stanford Law School tuition will run you $74,475 per year.

• At Boston University School of Law, expect to pay an average of $66,670 per year.

While a law degree is usually an expensive investment, it generally pays off in the long run—if you gain full-time employment directly after obtaining the degree.

Another bright spot: the future is good for lawyers. Employment opportunities will continue to increase for lawyers with an estimated 5% growth between 2022 and 2032.

More than ever, lawyers are necessary for growing fields such as healthcare and technology. With some additional specialized training, professional lawyers are also seeking employment as labor and employment specialists, real estate developers, and investment bankers, to name a few careers.

While financial aid in the form of loans, scholarships, and grants may cover tuition itself, it may not be enough to cover all costs like transportation, books, and personal expenses. Private student loans may be used in addition to federal student loans to help close the gap.

For those who are considering law school, how can you pay for law school without breaking the bank and putting yourself in debt for years?

Map out all of the ways to pay for law school

First, you should visit your school’s financial aid office to begin your search for financial aid and scholarship information. Many law schools offer financial aid in the form of scholarships, loans, and student employment, but they may not be enough to cover your law school tuition. To receive federal student aid in the form of grants and loans, you must fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Look for as much ‘free money’ as you can to offset law school cost

When planning to finance your law school education, it's crucial to seek out and utilize as much "free money" as possible. Scholarships and grants are the most desirable forms of financial aid because they do not need to be repaid.

Apply for law school scholarships & grants

When a particular school admits you as a student, they’ll offer you a financial aid package. Every school has a different mix of need-based aid and merit-based aid that they offer. Many law schools offer merit-based scholarships for academic achievements, as well as need-based grants for students demonstrating financial need.

Scholarships are usually awarded for educational achievements. Many schools have scholarships supported by various sources and they can point you in the direction of private scholarships you can apply for separately.

Grants are based on financial need and don’t have to be repaid. But, keep in mind that they are very limited.

You will need to do your own research with Law School Scholarship Finder to maximize your opportunities.

To get an idea of what’s out there, here are just a few of the full-ride scholarships available:

• Mordecai Scholarship (Duke University)
• Sinsheimer Service Scholarship (New York University)

Private organizations, such as the American Bar Association, also offer grants and scholarships.

Seek out federal work-study & public service opportunities

While Federal Work Study Programs are not offered to first-year law students, second and third-year students can work part-time at non-profit and government legal offices. The program gives legal offices the chance to work with low-cost student workers and offers students valuable public service experience.

Explore employer sponsorships for your law school program

Some employers may assist with law school costs, as they see it as an investment in promising employees. It might also be used as a recruiting tool to bring in top talent from schools that cost an arm and a leg to attend. Before signing, make sure to read any repayment stipulations that may be attached. It’s important to fully understand any contract you enter into with an employer before agreeing to it.

Find a law program that has loan forgiveness

Like sponsorship or tuition assistance, some programs, agencies or schools offer loan forgiveness programs as an employment perk. Before signing on, make sure you understand the time commitment you will be making as a part of this agreement. As with any contract, it is important to know what you are agreeing to before signing.

Consider taking out federal loans

Typically federal loans are offered directly through the financial aid office at a university, and repayment generally starts six months after graduation. Federal loan rates are determined by when they are issued.

Type of loan

Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan

Graduate PLUS Loan

These federal loans come with certain repayment benefits, such as the ability to qualify for income-based repayment or loan forgiveness for qualifying loans under the Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program. However, this benefit can be limited in scope and prospective law students should weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Discover lucrative private law school loan rates

Private loans are often utilized by students to cover costs that federal aid and scholarships cannot fully address. While federal loans exclusively offer benefits like Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), private loans can be a sensible choice for some borrowers. The rates for private loans are determined by the borrower's creditworthiness and can vary widely from lender to lender. For financially responsible borrowers, private loan rates may sometimes be more competitive than those of federal loans.

Remember to look into loan forgiveness and deferment

Keep in mind that loan forgiveness programs are also available. There are many to choose from but a good place to start is to consider federal and state governments that offer loan forgiveness for those who work in public service roles after graduation.

For example, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.

Also, don’t forget that if you have prior loans from an undergraduate or another graduate program, it may be possible for you to defer those payments while you’re in law school. Contact your lenders to confirm the deferment process.

Exploring these options can significantly reduce the financial burden of law school, allowing you to focus on your studies and future career without the overwhelming stress of student debt.

Ready to take the next step in your legal education?

In summary, attending law school in the US is a significant financial investment, with annual costs that can approach as much as $48,828 without including room, board, and years of missed earning potential. While the job market for lawyers remains promising, the most important thing to do when considering how to pay for law school is to make a plan. Whether you use savings or take out loans to pay for your law education, budget your money wisely first and foremost.

Don’t let the cost of law school hold you back from achieving your dreams. At Earnest, we offer personalized loan solutions to fit your unique financial situation. Our streamlined application process makes it easy to get started, and our client happiness team is here to support you every step of the way.

Explore Earnest to discover your many student loan options and take the first step towards a brighter financial future.