2026 Best Value Law Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Law doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 212 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Thomas Jefferson School Of Law to be the best-value Law school in the United States. Thomas Jefferson School Of Law is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Read more about Thomas Jefferson School Of Law
Drake University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Law ranking in the United States. Located in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Drake University Law students take on a median of $22,273 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. See the full Drake University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Thomas M Cooley Law School earned it the #3 place in the United States. Thomas M Cooley Law School is a private not-for-profit school based in Lansing, MI. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,450. See the full Thomas M Cooley Law School profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Roger Williams University School Of Law earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Bristol, RI, Roger Williams University School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,266. Read more about Roger Williams University School Of Law
You'll get strong value at University Of Virginia Main Campus, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Law students take on a median of $18,627 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Gonzaga University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. Typical Law student debt is $25,188. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,892 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Gonzaga University
University Of California Berkeley came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Law program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Liberty University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Typical Law student debt is $27,414. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full Liberty University report
Seattle University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Typical Law student 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 admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on Seattle University
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Law students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Northern Illinois University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Law program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Southwestern Law School landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Southwestern Law School is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. See the full Southwestern Law School profile
University Of South Dakota ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. University Of South Dakota Law students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. More on University Of South Dakota
Capital University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,234. The median Law program debt is $28,269. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,143. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Capital University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Capital University report
Oklahoma City University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,754 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,248 to complete their Law program here. Median earnings reach $54,655 ten years out. Set against $27,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on Oklahoma City University
Fordham University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,470. The median Law program debt is $25,643. Median earnings reach $85,569 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,643 median debt. Fordham University admits about 59% of applicants. Read more about Fordham University
Mississippi College placed #17 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Located in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,500. Mississippi College Law students take on a median of $25,510 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,485. Set against $25,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%. Read the full report on Mississippi College
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law placed #19 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Set in San Juan, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Law students take on a median of $22,386 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Loyola Marymount University placed #21 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,248 in student loans. Loyola Marymount University alumni report median earnings of $78,349 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,248 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full Loyola Marymount University report
New York University placed #22 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,509. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about New York University
Creighton University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Creighton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $48,856. Typical Law student debt is $25,831. Median earnings reach $73,911 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,831 median debt. Creighton University admits about 80% of applicants. See the full Creighton University profile
Villanova University placed #24 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $26,184 in student loans. 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. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Villanova University
New York Law School placed #25 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, New York Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on New York Law School
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Law Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #26 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. 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. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Loyola University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Law students take on a median of $23,521 in debt. Loyola University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $71,530 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Loyola University Chicago
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Texas Tech University placed #29 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median Law program debt is $24,271. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Houston placed #30 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Typical Law student debt is $21,255. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full University Of Houston profile
Santa Clara University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,293. Students borrow a median of $20,144 to complete their Law program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $109,183. Set against $20,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants. Read more about Santa Clara University
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical Law student debt is $20,031. 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. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
University Of North Dakota came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Typical Law student debt is $25,110. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Marquette University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Graduates carry a median of $24,122 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,257. That is a strong return on a $24,122 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Marquette University profile
Campbell University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Buies Creek, NC, Campbell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,600. Graduates carry a median of $23,641 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,886. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Campbell University profile
University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Based in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. University Of St Thomas Minnesota Law students take on a median of $23,923 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,739. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Stetson University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in DeLand, FL, Stetson University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,410. Graduates carry a median of $25,382 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,642 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on Stetson University
Arizona State University placed #40 among the best-value Law 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. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arizona State University profile
Northwestern University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Law program here. Northwestern University alumni report median earnings of $89,363 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northwestern University profile
St Marys University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. Located in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,434 in tuition and fees. Typical Law student debt is $25,040. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,955. Set against $25,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full St Marys University report
Harvard University placed #43 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on Harvard University
University Of Wyoming landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stanford University report
University Of Richmond came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,230. Students borrow a median of $21,634 to complete their Law program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,178. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 22% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Richmond
Quinnipiac University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hamden, CT, Quinnipiac University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. Typical Law student debt is $25,926. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,759. Set against $25,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Quinnipiac University profile
University Of Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. The median Law program debt is $15,854. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,885 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Chicago profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,138 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Depaul University placed #50 among the best-value Law schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. The median Law program debt is $25,310. Median earnings reach $68,751 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Depaul University
Duquesne University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Law schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $48,986. Typical Law student debt is $26,297. Median earnings reach $74,742 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Duquesne University
Related Law Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Law Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (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 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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