2026 Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Studies And Professions master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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 help you make your decision, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-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. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. See the full Thomas Jefferson School Of Law profile
Out of the 889 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, American Public University System landed the #2 spot. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. American Public University System Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $29,337 in debt. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on American Public University System
Hamline University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Legal Studies And Professions ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $24,050. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Hamline University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Stevenson University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Owings Mills, MD, Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,560. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,079 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Stevenson University
Drake University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $23,750. Drake University alumni report median earnings of $71,901 a decade after entry. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drake University has an acceptance rate of 64%. See the full Drake University profile
Loyola University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $53,710 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $35,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Loyola University Chicago
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $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. The acceptance rate is 17%. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $24,386. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Golden Gate University San Francisco landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Francisco, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,343. Golden Gate University San Francisco Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $33,968 in debt. 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 more about Golden Gate University San Francisco
University Of California Berkeley ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $13,723 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. 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 the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Seattle University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $22,289. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,272 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Seattle University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $21,275. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Trinity Law School ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Santa Ana, CA, Trinity Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,989 ten years after entry. Read more about Trinity Law School
University Of Florida came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Typical Legal Studies And Professions 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. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Florida
Thomas M Cooley Law School ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. 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
Fordham University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,470. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $25,643. Graduates go on to earn a median of $85,569 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fordham University has an acceptance rate of 59%. Read more about Fordham University
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located 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 Studies And Professions student debt is $16,155. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Liberty University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Students borrow a median of $32,592 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,592 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Liberty University
New York University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. 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. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. Read the full report on New York University
Villanova University placed #23 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $26,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full Villanova University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $22,386. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Mississippi College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 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 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 has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read more about Mississippi College
Widener University Main Campus came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chester, PA, Widener University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,730. Students borrow a median of $26,561 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,920. That is a strong return on a $26,561 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Widener University Main Campus
University Of San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in San Diego, CA, University Of San Diego is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,486. University Of San Diego Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $20,437 in debt. University Of San Diego alumni report median earnings of $86,522 a decade after entry. Set against $20,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. See the full University Of San Diego profile
Seton Hall University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in South Orange, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,170. Graduates carry a median of $23,422 in student loans. Seton Hall University alumni report median earnings of $70,196 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,422 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Seton Hall University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $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%. Read more about University Of Houston
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $20,980 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $20,980 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Loyola Marymount University placed #32 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Set against $22,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on Loyola Marymount University
University Of California Los Angeles placed #33 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $16,097 in debt. 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. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,347. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $23,138. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Santa Clara University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,293 in tuition and fees. Santa Clara University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $20,144 in debt. Santa Clara University alumni report median earnings of $109,183 a decade after entry. Set against $20,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 48% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Santa Clara University profile
University Of St Thomas Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $54,398. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $23,923. Median earnings reach $73,739 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
George Washington University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $22,910. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. The acceptance rate is 47%. See the full George Washington University profile
St Marys University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,434. St Marys University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $25,040 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,955. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Marys University admits about 98% of applicants. See the full St Marys University profile
Arizona State University placed #40 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $19,827. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,827 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Arizona State University
Georgetown University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $16,483. Median earnings reach $103,494 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgetown University admits about 13% of applicants. Read the full report on Georgetown University
Montclair State University placed #42 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Montclair State University
Roger Williams University School Of Law came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bristol, RI. Median earnings reach $70,266 ten years out. Read more about Roger Williams University School Of Law
Stetson University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in DeLand, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $57,410. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,382. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,642. That is a strong return on a $25,382 median debt. Stetson University admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Stetson University report
Harvard University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Harvard University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Harvard University
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Stanford University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Median earnings reach $124,080 ten years out. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Stanford University
University Of Chicago came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $15,854. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full University Of Chicago report
Depaul University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,310. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Depaul University
Florida International University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Miami, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Florida International University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $19,349 in debt. 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. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. More on Florida International University
University Of California Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $16,539. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
University Of Richmond placed #50 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,230. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $21,634. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,178. Set against $21,634 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Richmond has an acceptance rate of 22%. Get the full University Of Richmond report
The University Of Alabama landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Graduates carry a median of $24,496 in student loans. The University Of Alabama alumni report median earnings of $59,221 a decade after entry. Set against $24,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Alabama
University Of California Davis landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $14,404. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of California Davis report
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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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