2026 Best Value Law Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Law doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 212 institutions 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree evaluated schools to compile 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Thomas Jefferson School Of Law earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Thomas Jefferson School Of Law is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. More on Thomas Jefferson School Of Law
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Drake University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Drake University Law students take on a median of $22,273 in debt. 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. Get the full Drake University report
Thomas M Cooley Law School came in at #3 on this year's best-value Law ranking in the United States. Located in Lansing, MI, Thomas M Cooley Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,450. See the full Thomas M Cooley Law School profile
A rank of #4 makes Roger Williams University School Of Law one of the best values in the United States. Roger Williams University School Of Law is a private not-for-profit school based in Bristol, RI. Roger Williams University School Of Law alumni report median earnings of $70,266 a decade after entry. More on Roger Williams University School Of Law
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Virginia Main Campus earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Typical Law student debt is $18,627. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $18,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
Gonzaga University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. The median Law program debt is $25,188. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,892. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Gonzaga University
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Typical Law student debt is $27,414. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Liberty University profile
University Of California Berkeley came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Law program here. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Seattle University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. The median Law program debt is $22,289. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,272. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on Seattle University
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Students borrow a median of $21,275 to complete their Law program here. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Northern Illinois University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Typical Law student debt is $25,209. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Southwestern Law School came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Read the full report on Southwestern Law School
University Of South Dakota landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. University Of South Dakota Law students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Capital University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Capital University is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbus, OH. Students from in state pay about $43,234 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,269 to complete their Law program here. Median earnings reach $54,143 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Capital University admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Capital University
Oklahoma City University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,754. Students borrow a median of $27,248 to complete their Law program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,655. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Oklahoma City University report
Fordham University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,470 in tuition and fees. Typical Law student debt is $25,643. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $85,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fordham University has an acceptance rate of 59%. Read more about Fordham University
Mississippi College placed #17 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Located in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,500. Typical Law student debt is $25,510. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. That is a strong return on a $25,510 median debt. Mississippi College admits about 29% of applicants. Read more about Mississippi College
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. More on University Of Pennsylvania
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law placed #19 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Located in San Juan, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Law program debt is $22,386. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Loyola Marymount University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Loyola Marymount University Law students take on a median of $22,248 in debt. Loyola Marymount University alumni report median earnings of $78,349 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Loyola Marymount University
Creighton University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Omaha, NE, Creighton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,856. Creighton University Law students take on a median of $25,831 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,911. Set against $25,831 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full Creighton University report
New York University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete their Law program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. Read the full report on New York University
Villanova University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Students borrow a median of $26,184 to complete their Law program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. More on Villanova University
New York Law School ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. See the full New York Law School profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Law Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located 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. University Of Akron Main Campus Law students take on a median of $25,347 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
Loyola University Chicago placed #26 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. The median Law program debt is $23,521. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Loyola University Chicago
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. The median Law program debt is $16,097. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
Texas Tech University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Texas Tech University Law students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas Tech University
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Law students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Houston came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Law student debt is $21,255. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Houston report
Santa Clara University placed #32 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $61,293. Santa Clara University Law students take on a median of $20,144 in debt. Santa Clara University alumni report median earnings of $109,183 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,144 median debt. The acceptance rate is 48%. See the full Santa Clara University profile
Marquette University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Typical Law student debt is $24,122. Median earnings reach $78,257 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,122 median debt. Marquette University has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full Marquette University profile
University Of North Dakota landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Law program here. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Law student debt is $20,031. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Campbell University placed #36 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Set in Buies Creek, NC, Campbell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,600. Typical Law student debt is $23,641. Campbell University alumni report median earnings of $54,886 a decade after entry. Set against $23,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on Campbell University
University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #37 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. Typical Law student debt is $23,923. Median earnings reach $73,739 ten years out. Set against $23,923 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Stetson University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Located in DeLand, FL, Stetson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $57,410 in tuition and fees. Typical Law student debt is $25,382. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,642 ten years after entry. Set against $25,382 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stetson University admits about 72% of applicants. More on Stetson University
Arizona State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Arizona State University Law students take on a median of $21,842 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University report
St Marys University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,434. St Marys University Law students take on a median of $25,040 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,955. Set against $25,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. See the full St Marys University profile
Northwestern University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Law program here. Median earnings reach $89,363 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants. Get the full Northwestern University report
Harvard University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Typical Law student debt is $16,616. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. More on Harvard University
University Of Wyoming landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Law program here. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Stanford University placed #45 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. See the full Stanford University profile
University Of Richmond landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,230. Students borrow a median of $21,634 to complete their Law program here. University Of Richmond alumni report median earnings of $76,178 a decade after entry. Set against $21,634 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 22%. See the full University Of Richmond profile
Quinnipiac University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hamden, CT, Quinnipiac University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. Students borrow a median of $25,926 to complete their Law program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,759. Set against $25,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Quinnipiac University admits about 72% of applicants. See the full Quinnipiac University profile
University Of Chicago came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. University Of Chicago Law students take on a median of $15,854 in debt. University Of Chicago alumni report median earnings of $91,885 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Chicago profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. The median Law program debt is $23,138. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Depaul University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $25,310 in student loans. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Depaul University report
Duquesne University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,986. The median Law program debt is $26,297. Duquesne University alumni report median earnings of $74,742 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,297 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Duquesne University
Related Law Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Law Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.