2026 Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Studies And Professions graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Hamline University to be the best-value Legal Studies And Professions school in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $24,050. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Hamline University report
Loyola University Chicago came in at #5 on this year's best-value Legal Studies And Professions ranking in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $35,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
Loyola Marymount University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,867. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $22,248. 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. Loyola Marymount University admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on Loyola Marymount University
Davenport University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Grand Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $24,466. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $27,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,099. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on Davenport University
Golden Gate University San Francisco landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit school based in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,343. Students borrow a median of $33,968 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Golden Gate University San Francisco alumni report median earnings of $87,434 a decade after entry. Set against $33,968 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Golden Gate University San Francisco
Capital University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbus, OH, Capital University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,234 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $28,269. Capital University alumni report median earnings of $54,143 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,269 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Capital University
Champlain College placed #10 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Burlington, VT, Champlain College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,850. Students borrow a median of $27,631 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Champlain College alumni report median earnings of $58,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,631 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. Get the full Champlain College report
Montclair State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Montclair State University profile
Sullivan University placed #12 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Louisville, KY. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,394 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,008 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Sullivan University
Villanova University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Students borrow a median of $26,184 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions 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
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
Seton Hall University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Seton Hall University is a private not-for-profit school based in South Orange, NJ. Students from in state pay about $53,170 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $23,422. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,196 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,422 median debt. Seton Hall University has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Seton Hall University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,980 in student loans. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,980 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Arizona State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $19,827. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Arizona State University
University Of North Dakota ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. University Of North Dakota Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $25,110 in debt. 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. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Harvard University
George Washington University placed #20 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $22,910. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. University Of Missouri Columbia Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $21,818 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #22 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $23,138 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Northwestern University placed #23 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Median earnings reach $89,363 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 8%. Get the full Northwestern University report
Temple University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Temple University
Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $23,258. Columbia University In The City Of New York alumni report median earnings of $102,491 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
University Of San Diego ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in San Diego, CA, University Of San Diego is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,486. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $20,437. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,522. That is a strong return on a $20,437 median debt. University Of San Diego has an acceptance rate of 52%. More on University Of San Diego
University Of Utah landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. University Of Utah Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $20,798 in debt. University Of Utah alumni report median earnings of $67,170 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Utah profile
University Of Kansas landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $23,608. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Arkansas came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
Cleveland State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,982 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Students borrow a median of $26,336 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Cleveland State University alumni report median earnings of $52,131 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,336 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Cleveland State University
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $21,963. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis alumni report median earnings of $55,198 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,542 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,742 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #33 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $25,258 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. Set against $25,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Suffolk University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $47,550. Suffolk University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,506 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Suffolk University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Suffolk University report
University Of Mississippi Main Campus placed #35 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public school based in University, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,772, compared with $28,600 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $25,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,994 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. University Of Mississippi Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on University Of Mississippi Main Campus
Vermont Law School offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in South Royalton, VT, Vermont Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Vermont Law School profile
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $21,348. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,251. That is a strong return on a $21,348 median debt. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of Baltimore offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. University Of Baltimore is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $23,984 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $30,104. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,335 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,104 median debt. University Of Baltimore has an acceptance rate of 79%. See the full University Of Baltimore profile
University Of Southern California landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,498 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Southern California
Drexel University placed #40 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,412. Drexel University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $27,978 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Drexel University
Nova Southeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,700 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,021 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,209. Set against $25,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Nova Southeastern University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Nova Southeastern University profile
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $24,872. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,125 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
The University Of Montana placed #43 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This public school is set in Missoula, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,552, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. Graduates carry a median of $24,342 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Montana admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Montana
Tulane University Of Louisiana ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in New Orleans, LA, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,678. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $22,077. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,268. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 14% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Tulane University Of Louisiana profile
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. University Of Arizona Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $20,937 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,979. Set against $20,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Arizona
Syracuse University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,528 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $21,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,164 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,250 median debt. Syracuse University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Get the full Syracuse University report
Washington University In St Louis came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,790. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,182. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington University In St Louis has an acceptance rate of 12%. Read the full report on Washington University In St Louis
St Johns University New York ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,529. St Johns University New York Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $26,030 in debt. St Johns University New York alumni report median earnings of $69,571 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Johns University New York admits about 83% of applicants. Get the full St Johns University New York report
University Of Southern Maine landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Southern Maine is a public school based in Portland, ME. Students from in state pay about $12,090 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,940 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $23,593. Median earnings reach $49,958 ten years out. Set against $23,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Maine has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on University Of Southern Maine
University Of Connecticut came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. University Of Connecticut Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $23,637 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,997 ten years after entry. Set against $23,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Connecticut admits about 52% of applicants. Read more about University Of Connecticut
University Of Denver ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,398 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,142 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,155. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Denver admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about University Of Denver
City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College placed #49 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Read more about City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College
Delaware State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. See the full Delaware State University profile
Related Legal Studies And Professions Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 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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