2026 Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Studies And Professions programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 889 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 reviewed 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 Studies And Professions Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Thomas Jefferson School Of Law earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located 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 American Public University System, which ranked #2 this year. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $29,337. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full American Public University System profile
Out of the 889 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Hamline University landed the #3 spot. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $24,050. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,106 ten years after entry. Set against $24,050 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Hamline University report
Stevenson University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Legal Studies And Professions ranking in the United States. Based in Owings Mills, MD, Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,560. Stevenson University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,079. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Stevenson University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Stevenson University
Drake University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $23,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,901 ten years after entry. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. See the full Drake University profile
Thomas M Cooley Law School placed #8 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Lansing, MI, Thomas M Cooley Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,450 ten years after entry. See the full Thomas M Cooley Law School profile
Roger Williams University School Of Law placed #10 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Bristol, RI, Roger Williams University School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,266. Get the full Roger Williams University School Of Law report
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $24,386. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $24,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Gonzaga University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Gonzaga University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $25,188 in debt. 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. Gonzaga University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Gonzaga University report
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $13,723 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Set against $13,723 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Davenport University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, Davenport University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $24,466. Graduates carry a median of $27,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,099. That is a strong return on a $27,750 median debt. Davenport University admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Davenport University report
Seattle University placed #16 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $22,289 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Seattle University profile
Loyola University Chicago ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. 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. Graduates carry a median of $35,000 in student loans. Loyola University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $71,530 a decade after entry. Set against $35,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Loyola University Chicago
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $21,275 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Northern Illinois University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
University Of South Dakota ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,322 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Southwestern Law School landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Get the full Southwestern Law School report
Capital University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Columbus, OH, Capital University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,234. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $28,269. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,143 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,269 median debt. Capital University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Capital University report
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Liberty University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $32,592 in debt. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Set against $32,592 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
Oklahoma City University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,754. The median Legal Studies And Professions 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. Oklahoma City University admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about Oklahoma City University
Champlain College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Burlington, VT. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,850. Students borrow a median of $27,631 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $58,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,631 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Champlain College
Fordham University placed #26 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,470. Students borrow a median of $25,643 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $85,569 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,643 median debt. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Fordham University
Mississippi College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,500. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,510. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,485. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi College admits about 29% of applicants. See the full Mississippi College profile
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $16,155. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Loyola Marymount University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,867. Graduates carry a median of $22,248 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on Loyola Marymount University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $22,386. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Juan, PR. Read the full report on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law
New York University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. More on New York University
Sullivan University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Sullivan University is a private for-profit school based in Louisville, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Sullivan University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $28,394 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,008 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,394 median debt. More on Sullivan University
Creighton University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $48,856 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $25,831. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,911 ten years after entry. Set against $25,831 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Creighton University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full Creighton University report
Villanova University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $26,184. Median earnings reach $100,423 ten years out. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. Read the full report on Villanova University
Montclair State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Montclair State University
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. University Of Akron Main Campus Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $25,347 in debt. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
Trinity Law School offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Santa Ana, CA, Trinity Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. Trinity Law School alumni report median earnings of $46,989 a decade after entry. Read more about Trinity Law School
New York Law School ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in New York, NY, New York Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. More on New York Law School
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $16,097. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $24,271. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Houston came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located 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 Studies And Professions students take on a median of $21,255 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Houston
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #44 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, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $20,980 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Santa Clara University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,293. Graduates carry a median of $20,144 in student loans. 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. Santa Clara University has an acceptance rate of 48%. See the full Santa Clara University profile
Marquette University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $24,122. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,257 ten years after entry. Set against $24,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on Marquette University
University Of North Dakota came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. University Of North Dakota Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $25,110 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Campbell University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Campbell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Buies Creek, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $41,600. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $23,641. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,886. That is a strong return on a $23,641 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Campbell University profile
Arizona State University placed #49 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,827 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $19,827 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University
University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #49 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. 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. That is a strong return on a $23,923 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full University Of St Thomas Minnesota report
Stetson University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Set in DeLand, FL, Stetson University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,410. Graduates carry a median of $25,382 in student loans. Stetson University alumni report median earnings of $51,642 a decade after entry. Set against $25,382 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on Stetson University
St Marys University offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Based in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,434. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $25,040. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,955 ten years after entry. Set against $25,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about St Marys University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #53 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. 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. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $23,138. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $23,138 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions 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 889 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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