2026 Best Value Law Schools
Looking for the best-value Law programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 212 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, Course Advisor 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 Law Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Thomas Jefferson School Of Law earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, Thomas Jefferson School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Thomas Jefferson School Of Law
A rank of #2 makes Drake University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Students borrow a median of $22,273 to complete their Law program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,901 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Drake University report
You'll get strong value at Thomas M Cooley Law School, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lansing, MI. Median earnings reach $63,450 ten years out. Read the full report on Thomas M Cooley Law School
You'll get strong value at Roger Williams University School Of Law, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Bristol, RI, Roger Williams University School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. Roger Williams University School Of Law alumni report median earnings of $70,266 a decade after entry. See the full Roger Williams University School Of Law profile
A rank of #5 makes University Of Virginia Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete their Law program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. The acceptance rate is 17%. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
Gonzaga University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Typical Law student debt is $25,188. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,892 ten years after entry. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Gonzaga University
Liberty University placed #7 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Liberty University Law students take on a median of $27,414 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
University Of California Berkeley placed #7 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical Law student debt is $14,238. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Seattle University placed #9 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. The median Law program debt is $22,289. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. Set against $22,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about Seattle University
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median Law program debt is $21,275. 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 acceptance rate is 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Northern Illinois University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Law program here. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. The median Law program debt is $26,322. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Southwestern Law School came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. See the full Southwestern Law School profile
Capital University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. 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. Students borrow a median of $28,269 to complete their Law 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. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Capital University
Oklahoma City University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit school based in Oklahoma City, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $34,754. Oklahoma City University Law 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. Oklahoma City University admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about Oklahoma City University
Fordham University placed #16 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Located in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,470. Typical Law student debt is $25,643. Median earnings reach $85,569 ten years out. Set against $25,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Fordham University
Mississippi College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,500. Mississippi College Law students take on a median of $25,510 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,485 ten years out. Set against $25,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%. Read more about Mississippi College
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Law program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Juan, PR. Get the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their Law program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Loyola Marymount University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Loyola Marymount University Law students take on a median of $22,248 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola Marymount University admits about 45% of applicants. More on Loyola Marymount University
Creighton University placed #22 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $48,856. The median Law program debt is $25,831. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,911. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on Creighton University
New York University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete their Law program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. More on New York University
Villanova University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Typical Law student debt is $26,184. Ten years after enrolling, 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. Read more about Villanova University
New York Law School came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. New York Law School is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Read the full report on New York Law School
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Law Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Loyola University Chicago placed #26 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Law students take on a median of $23,521 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,530. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Loyola University Chicago profile
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Law program here. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
University Of California Los Angeles placed #28 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles Law students take on a median of $16,097 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Texas Tech University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,271 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of Houston came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. 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. Students borrow a median of $21,255 to complete their Law program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Houston report
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Law student debt is $21,813. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Santa Clara University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. Students from in state pay about $61,293 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $20,144 to complete their Law program here. Santa Clara University alumni report median earnings of $109,183 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,144 median debt. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted. More on Santa Clara University
Marquette University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,122 to complete their Law program here. Marquette University alumni report median earnings of $78,257 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Marquette University profile
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,110 in student loans. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on University Of North Dakota
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Law students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Campbell University placed #36 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Buies Creek, NC. Students from in state pay about $41,600 in tuition and fees. Campbell University Law students take on a median of $23,641 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,886. That is a strong return on a $23,641 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Campbell University profile
University Of St Thomas Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $54,398. Graduates carry a median of $23,923 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,739. Set against $23,923 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Stetson University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in DeLand, FL, Stetson University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $57,410. Typical Law student debt is $25,382. Median earnings reach $51,642 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,382 median debt. Stetson University admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Stetson University
Arizona State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete their Law program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $21,842 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Arizona State University profile
Northwestern University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. The median Law program debt is $16,616. Median earnings reach $89,363 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%. Get the full Northwestern University report
St Marys University placed #41 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Set in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,434. Students borrow a median of $25,040 to complete their Law program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,955 ten years after entry. Set against $25,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on St Marys University
Harvard University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. The median Law program debt is $16,616. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Harvard University
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. University Of Wyoming Law students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Law program here. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Stanford University report
University Of Richmond came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit school based in University of Richmond, VA. Students from in state pay about $65,230 in tuition and fees. The median Law program debt is $21,634. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,178. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 22% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Richmond
Quinnipiac University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Quinnipiac University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hamden, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. The median Law program debt is $25,926. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Quinnipiac University
University Of Chicago placed #48 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,885. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on University Of Chicago
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Typical Law 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. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Depaul University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Depaul University Law students take on a median of $25,310 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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. See the full Depaul University profile
Duquesne University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,986. Students borrow a median of $26,297 to complete their Law program here. Median earnings reach $74,742 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Duquesne University admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Duquesne University report
Best Value Law Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Law Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Law Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Law Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Law Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Law Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Law Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Law Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 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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