2026 Best Value Law Schools
Looking for the best-value Law programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 212 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Law Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Thomas Jefferson School Of Law tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Law programs schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, Thomas Jefferson School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Thomas Jefferson School Of Law
You'll get strong value at Drake University, which ranked #2 this year. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,960. Students borrow a median of $22,273 to complete their Law program here. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. See the full Drake University profile
Thomas M Cooley Law School came in at #3 on this year's best-value Law ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lansing, MI. Thomas M Cooley Law School alumni report median earnings of $63,450 a decade after entry. More on Thomas M Cooley Law School
A rank of #4 makes Roger Williams University School Of Law one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bristol, RI. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,266. More on Roger Williams University School Of Law
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #5 on this year's best-value Law ranking in the United States. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. The median Law program debt is $18,627. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Gonzaga University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,480. Students borrow a median of $25,188 to complete their Law program here. Gonzaga University alumni report median earnings of $78,892 a decade after entry. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Gonzaga University report
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley Law students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Liberty University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Liberty University Law students take on a median of $27,414 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Liberty University
Seattle University placed #9 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Seattle University Law students take on a median of $22,289 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on Seattle University
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Law student debt is $21,275. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. The median Law program debt is $25,209. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northern Illinois University
University Of South Dakota came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. University Of South Dakota Law students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,322 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Southwestern Law School placed #12 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Southwestern Law School is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Read more about Southwestern Law School
Capital University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Located in Columbus, OH, Capital University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,234. Students borrow a median of $28,269 to complete their Law program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,143. Set against $28,269 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Capital University report
Oklahoma City University placed #15 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Located in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,754. The median Law program debt is $27,248. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,655 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Oklahoma City University
Fordham University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,470. Students borrow a median of $25,643 to complete their Law program here. Fordham University alumni report median earnings of $85,569 a decade after entry. Set against $25,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. Get the full Fordham University report
Mississippi College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit school based in Clinton, MS. Students from in state pay about $23,500 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,510 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,485 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,510 median debt. Mississippi College has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read the full report on Mississippi College
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. The median Law program debt is $16,155. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on University Of Pennsylvania
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Juan, PR. Get the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Law students take on a median of $22,386 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Loyola Marymount University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $61,867. Typical Law student debt is $22,248. Median earnings reach $78,349 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Loyola Marymount University report
New York University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. New York University Law students take on a median of $21,897 in debt. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Get the full New York University report
Creighton University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Omaha, NE, Creighton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,856 in tuition and fees. Typical Law student debt is $25,831. Creighton University alumni report median earnings of $73,911 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,831 median debt. Creighton University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on Creighton University
Villanova University placed #24 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $26,184 in student loans. Median earnings reach $100,423 ten years out. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Get the full Villanova University report
New York Law School came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Get the full New York Law School report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Law Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Loyola University Chicago landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Law students take on a median of $23,521 in debt. Loyola University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $71,530 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Loyola University Chicago profile
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. The median Law program debt is $25,347. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Law student debt is $24,271. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Students borrow a median of $21,255 to complete their Law program here. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Houston
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #30 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Law program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Santa Clara University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,293. Typical Law student debt is $20,144. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $109,183. Set against $20,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants. Read more about Santa Clara University
University Of North Dakota placed #33 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. University Of North Dakota Law students take on a median of $25,110 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Law student debt is $20,031. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Marquette University placed #33 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,170. Graduates carry a median of $24,122 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,257. Set against $24,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on Marquette University
Campbell University placed #36 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Located in Buies Creek, NC, Campbell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,600. Students borrow a median of $23,641 to complete their Law program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,886. Set against $23,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Campbell University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Campbell University profile
University Of St Thomas Minnesota landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $54,398. Students borrow a median of $23,923 to complete their Law program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,739. That is a strong return on a $23,923 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Stetson University placed #38 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in DeLand, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $57,410. Students borrow a median of $25,382 to complete their Law program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,642. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Stetson University profile
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Arizona State University Law students take on a median of $21,842 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $21,842 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University
Northwestern University placed #41 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Law program here. Northwestern University alumni report median earnings of $89,363 a decade after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwestern University report
St Marys University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. St Marys University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Antonio, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,434. St Marys University Law students take on a median of $25,040 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,955 ten years out. Set against $25,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on St Marys University
Harvard University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Typical Law student debt is $16,616. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants. See the full Harvard University profile
University Of Wyoming ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. University Of Wyoming Law students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Stanford University Law students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Stanford University
University Of Richmond offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in University of Richmond, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,230. Graduates carry a median of $21,634 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,178 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 22% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Richmond report
Quinnipiac University placed #47 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hamden, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $25,926 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,759 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Quinnipiac University
University Of Chicago came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. The median Law program debt is $15,854. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Chicago report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical Law student debt is $23,138. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Depaul University placed #50 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. The median Law program debt is $25,310. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Depaul University
Duquesne University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,986. Graduates carry a median of $26,297 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,742 ten years after entry. Set against $26,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Duquesne University
Best Value Law Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Law Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Law Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Law Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Law Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Law Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Law Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Law Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 212 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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