Law school cost in 2026
Law school costs $11,338 to $85,368 per year in 2026, and most people pay about $48,353.
What moves the price
- Public or private school is the biggest factor.
- State residents pay less at public schools.
- Top ranked schools charge the most.
- Living costs in the school's city add to the total.
- Scholarships can cut the posted price.
What is included
The range is per year, tuition and fees. The price covers classes and required school fees. Housing, books, bar exam prep and travel are extra. Full cost of attendance is often much higher than tuition alone.
Average tuition and fees by school type (fall 2024, AccessLex via BestColleges)
| School type | Per year | Three years |
|---|---|---|
| Public, in-state | $31,430 | $94,300 |
| Public, non-resident | $44,710 | $134,100 |
| Private | $57,860 | $173,580 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Stetson Law blog.
Total cost of attendance, three years (2025 to 2026, DegreeCalc)
| School type | Three year total |
|---|---|
| Public, in-state | $135,000 to $165,000 |
| Public, out-of-state | $175,000 to $205,000 |
| Private | $216,000 to $270,000 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Stetson Law blog.
Ways to pay less
- Check public law schools, where in-state tuition can be under $15,000 a year.
- Ask schools about merit scholarships, which can be $10,000 a year or more.
- Look at loan repayment help programs for public service jobs.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- Stetson Law blog: How Much Does Law School Cost?
- DegreeCalc: Cost of Law School 2026
- BestColleges: How Much Does Law School Cost?
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Law school costs $11,338 to $85,368 per year in 2026, and most people pay about $48,353. Most people pay about $48,353 per year. The low end is $11,338 and the high end is $85,368.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: Public or private school is the biggest factor; State residents pay less at public schools; Top ranked schools charge the most.
How can I pay less?
Check public law schools, where in-state tuition can be under $15,000 a year. Ask schools about merit scholarships, which can be $10,000 a year or more. Look at loan repayment help programs for public service jobs.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 3 named price guides: Stetson Law blog, DegreeCalc, BestColleges. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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