2026 Best Value Legal Research Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Research master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 188 colleges 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 help you make your decision, Grad Degree evaluated schools to produce 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 Legal Research Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Thomas Jefferson School Of Law, our #1 best-value Legal Research school in the United States. Located in San Diego, CA, Thomas Jefferson School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Thomas Jefferson School Of Law report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hamline University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. Graduates carry a median of $25,530 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,106. Set against $25,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Hamline University
You'll get strong value at Loyola University Chicago, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. The median Legal Research program debt is $23,521. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,530. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Loyola University Chicago profile
Out of the 188 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #4 spot. 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. University Of Virginia Main Campus Legal Research students take on a median of $18,627 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #5 on this year's best-value Legal Research ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Research student debt is $23,742. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Golden Gate University San Francisco landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,343. Golden Gate University San Francisco Legal Research students take on a median of $33,968 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,434 ten years after entry. Set against $33,968 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Golden Gate University San Francisco
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. The median Legal Research program debt is $14,238. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Berkeley
Seattle University placed #8 among the best-value Legal Research 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. Typical Legal Research student debt is $22,289. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on Seattle University
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Florida placed #10 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Research student debt is $17,669. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Fordham University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Fordham University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bronx, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,470. Graduates carry a median of $25,643 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $85,569. That is a strong return on a $25,643 median debt. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Fordham University report
Thomas M Cooley Law School came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lansing, MI, Thomas M Cooley Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. Median earnings reach $63,450 ten years out. Read more about Thomas M Cooley Law School
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. 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. Typical Legal Research student debt is $16,155. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Liberty University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $27,414 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
New York University placed #15 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. Typical Legal Research student debt is $21,897. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,509 ten years after entry. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full New York University profile
Villanova University placed #16 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $26,184 in student loans. Median earnings reach $100,423 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. See the full Villanova University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical Legal Research student debt is $22,386. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Mississippi College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. 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. The median Legal Research program debt is $25,510. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,485 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,510 median debt. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mississippi College
Widener University Main Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. Based in Chester, PA, Widener University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,730. Widener University Main Campus Legal Research students take on a median of $26,561 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,920. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Widener University Main Campus
Seton Hall University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in South Orange, NJ, Seton Hall University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,170. Graduates carry a median of $23,422 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,196 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Seton Hall University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read the full report on Seton Hall University
University Of San Diego came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. University Of San Diego is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $59,486. The median Legal Research program debt is $23,795. University Of San Diego alumni report median earnings of $86,522 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of San Diego profile
University Of Houston came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston Legal Research students take on a median of $21,255 in debt. 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. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Houston
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Legal Research student debt is $21,813. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Legal Research program debt is $20,031. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. Based 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, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Legal Research program here. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Research Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Research program debt is $25,347. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Graduates carry a median of $23,138 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Santa Clara University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. Based in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,293. The median Legal Research program 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. Get the full Santa Clara University report
University Of St Thomas Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,398. Graduates carry a median of $23,923 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,739. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of St Thomas Minnesota report
George Washington University placed #30 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. George Washington University Legal Research students take on a median of $22,910 in debt. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on George Washington University
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arizona State University
St Marys University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Antonio, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $37,434. Students borrow a median of $25,040 to complete their Legal Research program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,955. Set against $25,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. St Marys University admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full St Marys University report
Georgetown University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete their Legal Research program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,494 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgetown University has an acceptance rate of 13%. More on Georgetown University
Stetson University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in DeLand, FL, Stetson University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $57,410. Typical Legal Research student debt is $25,382. Stetson University alumni report median earnings of $51,642 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,382 median debt. Stetson University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Stetson University
Harvard University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. The median Legal Research program debt is $16,616. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants. More on Harvard University
Stanford University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Research student debt is $10,492. Median earnings reach $124,080 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Stanford University report
University Of Chicago ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. University Of Chicago Legal Research students take on a median of $15,854 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,885. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Chicago
Depaul University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. The median Legal Research program debt is $25,310. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,751. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Depaul University
Florida International University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,349 to complete their Legal Research program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Set against $19,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Florida International University profile
University Of Richmond placed #40 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. Based in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,230. The median Legal Research program debt is $21,634. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,178. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Richmond has an acceptance rate of 22%. Get the full University Of Richmond report
The University Of Alabama placed #40 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. Based in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,180, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. Students borrow a median of $24,496 to complete their Legal Research program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,221. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
University Of California Irvine placed #40 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. Located in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
University Of California Davis offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete their Legal Research program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on University Of California Davis
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Research student debt is $21,792. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,137 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,648 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 16%. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical Legal Research student debt is $16,481. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #47 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,517. Columbia University In The City Of New York Legal Research students take on a median of $23,258 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,491. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
Vanderbilt University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete their Legal Research program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,565 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Vanderbilt University
Florida State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,517 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Typical Legal Research student debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $61,675 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read more about Florida State University
Temple University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Temple University Legal Research students take on a median of $26,259 in debt. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about Temple University
Related Legal Research Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Legal Research Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Legal Research Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Research Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Research Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Research Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Research Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Research Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 188 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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