2026 Best Law Schools
Looking for the best Law programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 212 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Law Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
University Of Virginia Main Campus earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Law students take on a median of $18,627 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
A rank of #2 makes Northwestern University one of the top choices in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Law program here. More on Northwestern University
The strong Law programs at University Of Chicago earned it the #3 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. University Of Chicago graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. University Of Chicago Law students take on a median of $15,854 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Chicago
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #4 on this year's Law ranking in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Law program here. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
The strong Law programs at Stanford University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Law program here. Read more about Stanford University
Harvard University did well this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 98% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Law program here. More on Harvard University
Georgetown University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Law schools. Located in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Georgetown University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,089. The median Law program debt is $16,483. Read the full report on Georgetown University
New York University did well this year, earning the #8 position. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. New York University Law students take on a median of $21,897 in debt. Read the full report on New York University
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Set in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Law students take on a median of $19,137 in debt. Get the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor report
Vanderbilt University came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Vanderbilt University Law students take on a median of $13,975 in debt. Read more about Vanderbilt University
University Of California Berkeley ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Law schools. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical Law student debt is $14,238. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #12 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. The median Law program debt is $23,258. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
University Of Notre Dame came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. University Of Notre Dame Law students take on a median of $19,891 in debt. More on University Of Notre Dame
South Texas College Of Law landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. Set in Houston, TX, South Texas College Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on South Texas College Of Law
University Of Southern California did well this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. The median Law program debt is $15,625. More on University Of Southern California
The University Of Texas At Austin did well this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Law student debt is $21,275. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Washington And Lee University did well this year, earning the #17 position. Washington And Lee University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lexington, VA. Washington And Lee University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,045. The median Law program debt is $20,074. More on Washington And Lee University
Boston University landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Boston University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. The median Law program debt is $25,232. Read more about Boston University
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical Law student debt is $16,097. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
Fordham University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Law schools. Fordham University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bronx, NY. Fordham University posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,470. Typical Law student debt is $25,643. Get the full Fordham University report
University Of California Hastings College Of Law did well this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. More on University Of California Hastings College Of Law
Washington University In St Louis ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Law schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in St. Louis, MO. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,790. Graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. More on Washington University In St Louis
Brooklyn Law School landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Brooklyn Law School is a private not-for-profit school based in Brooklyn, NY. More on Brooklyn Law School
Emory University landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. Emory University is a private not-for-profit school based in Atlanta, GA. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. Emory University Law students take on a median of $19,431 in debt. See the full Emory University profile
William Mitchell College Of Law landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Get the full William Mitchell College Of Law report
Rest of the Top 50 Best Law Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Wake Forest University landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit school based in Winston-Salem, NC. Wake Forest University posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,642. Wake Forest University Law students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. Get the full Wake Forest University report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #27 among Law schools in the United States. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
New York Law School landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Located in New York, NY, New York Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. More on New York Law School
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Law students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Santa Clara University did well this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $61,293. Graduates carry a median of $20,144 in student loans. See the full Santa Clara University profile
College Of William And Mary came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Based in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $25,734 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. Graduates carry a median of $18,935 in student loans. More on College Of William And Mary
Boston College came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Boston College graduates 91% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. The median Law program debt is $18,101. See the full Boston College profile
Thomas M Cooley Law School came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Located in Lansing, MI, Thomas M Cooley Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Thomas M Cooley Law School
Southern Methodist University came in at #34 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Southern Methodist University graduates 84% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Southern Methodist University Law students take on a median of $20,712 in debt. More on Southern Methodist University
Southwestern Law School placed #35 among Law schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Southwestern Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Southwestern Law School
University Of California Irvine placed #36 among Law schools in the United States. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Roughly 87% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
Villanova University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Law schools. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. Villanova University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Villanova University Law students take on a median of $26,184 in debt. More on Villanova University
George Washington University landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. More on George Washington University
University Of California Davis ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Law schools. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. University Of California Davis posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $14,404 in student loans. More on University Of California Davis
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Law schools. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Texas A And M University College Station posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station Law students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Florida came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. University Of Florida graduates 91% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Law program here. See the full University Of Florida profile
Drake University landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. Set in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Drake University posts a six-year graduation rate of 73%. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. The median Law program debt is $22,273. Read the full report on Drake University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #43 among Law schools in the United States. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete their Law program here. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Arizona State University landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Arizona State University graduates 68% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Read more about Arizona State University
University Of Georgia came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. University Of Georgia graduates 90% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Loyola Marymount University placed #46 among Law schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. About 79% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $61,867. Loyola Marymount University Law students take on a median of $22,248 in debt. Get the full Loyola Marymount University report
University Of Richmond ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Law schools. Located in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,230. Students borrow a median of $21,634 to complete their Law program here. Read more about University Of Richmond
Cuny School Of Law At Queens College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Law schools. This public school is set in Long Island City, NY. Read the full report on Cuny School Of Law At Queens College
University Of St Thomas Minnesota came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Set in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of St Thomas Minnesota posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,398. University Of St Thomas Minnesota Law students take on a median of $23,923 in debt. See the full University Of St Thomas Minnesota profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #50 among Law schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. University Of Nebraska Lincoln graduates 67% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,386 in student loans. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Best Law Schools by Degree Level
See the best schools at each degree level:
- Best Law Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Law Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Law Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Law Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Law Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Law Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Law Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 212 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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