2026 Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Studies And Professions doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 889 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 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 Studies And Professions Doctoral 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 Studies And Professions school in the United States. Set 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
You'll get strong value at Drake University, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $23,750. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Drake University profile
Thomas M Cooley Law School came in at #4 on this year's best-value Legal Studies And Professions 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 #5 makes Roger Williams University School Of Law one of the best values in the United States. Located in Bristol, RI, Roger Williams University School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,266. Read the full report on Roger Williams University School Of Law
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $18,627. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. Set against $18,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Gonzaga University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,892. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Gonzaga University
Liberty University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full Liberty University profile
University Of California Berkeley placed #9 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $13,723. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,723 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
Seattle University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Seattle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Students borrow a median of $22,289 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on Seattle University
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. 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 offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. More on Northern Illinois University
Southwestern Law School came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Southwestern Law School is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. See the full Southwestern Law School profile
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. University Of South Dakota Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Capital University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. 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 Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,143 ten years after entry. Set against $28,269 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Capital University profile
Oklahoma City University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Oklahoma City, OK. Students from in state pay about $34,754 in tuition and fees. Oklahoma City University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $27,248 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,655 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Oklahoma City University
Fordham University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bronx, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,470. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $25,643. Median earnings reach $85,569 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read more about Fordham University
Mississippi College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 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. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,510. Mississippi College alumni report median earnings of $47,485 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,510 median debt. Mississippi College admits about 29% of applicants. Read the full report on Mississippi College
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law is a private not-for-profit school based in San Juan, PR. Read the full report on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #21 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Loyola Marymount University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,867. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $22,248. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,349 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,248 median debt. Loyola Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 45%. Get the full Loyola Marymount University report
New York University placed #23 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set 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 Legal Studies And Professions 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 came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Omaha, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,856. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,831. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,911. Set against $25,831 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Creighton University
Villanova University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $26,184. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on Villanova University
New York Law School came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, New York Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on New York Law School
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Loyola University Chicago landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $35,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $35,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Loyola University Chicago
University Of California Los Angeles placed #29 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, 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. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Texas Tech University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $24,271. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of Houston placed #31 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. 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. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $21,255. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University Of Houston report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $20,980 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $20,980 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Santa Clara University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based 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 Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $20,144. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $109,183. That is a strong return on a $20,144 median debt. Santa Clara University has an acceptance rate of 48%. Get the full Santa Clara University report
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,110. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Marquette University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located 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. Median earnings reach $78,257 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,122 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. More on Marquette University
Campbell University placed #37 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Campbell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Buies Creek, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,600. Campbell University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $23,641 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,886. Set against $23,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Campbell University has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Campbell University profile
University Of St Thomas Minnesota came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. 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. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Stetson University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Stetson University is a private not-for-profit school based in DeLand, FL. Students from in state pay about $57,410 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,382 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,642 ten years out. Set against $25,382 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stetson University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Stetson University
Arizona State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $19,827. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $19,827 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University report
St Marys University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,434. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,040. Median earnings reach $56,955 ten years out. Set against $25,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. St Marys University has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on St Marys University
Northwestern University placed #41 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,363. 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 landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $16,616. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. 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 placed #44 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $10,492. 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. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full Stanford University profile
University Of Richmond landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,230. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $21,634. 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. See the full University Of Richmond profile
Quinnipiac University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Quinnipiac University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hamden, CT. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,759. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Quinnipiac University
University Of Chicago landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,885 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Chicago report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #49 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, 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. That is a strong return on a $23,138 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Students borrow a median of $19,918 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. University Of Nevada Reno alumni report median earnings of $60,614 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Nevada Reno
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,310. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Depaul University
Related Legal Studies And Professions Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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