2026 Best Value Legal Research Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Research master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 188 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.
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 Legal Research Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Thomas Jefferson School Of Law earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, Thomas Jefferson School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Thomas Jefferson School Of Law
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hamline University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. Hamline University Legal Research students take on a median of $25,530 in debt. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Hamline University report
A rank of #3 makes Loyola University Chicago one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Legal Research 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. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Loyola University Chicago profile
Out of the 188 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #4 spot. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Legal Research students take on a median of $18,627 in debt. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
A rank of #5 makes Arizona State University Skysong one of the best values in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Golden Gate University San Francisco landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,343. Typical Legal Research student debt is $33,968. Golden Gate University San Francisco alumni report median earnings of $87,434 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Golden Gate University San Francisco
University Of California Berkeley placed #7 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. The median Legal Research program debt is $14,238. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Seattle University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. Seattle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Typical Legal Research student debt is $22,289. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. Set against $22,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Seattle University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. 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
University Of Florida landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Research program debt is $17,669. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Fordham University placed #11 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. Based in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,470. The median Legal Research program debt is $25,643. Median earnings reach $85,569 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,643 median debt. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Fordham University report
Thomas M Cooley Law School came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lansing, MI. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,450. Read more about Thomas M Cooley Law School
University Of Pennsylvania placed #13 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Typical Legal Research student debt is $16,155. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Liberty University placed #14 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $27,414 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Liberty University
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete their Legal Research program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full New York University report
Villanova University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $26,184 to complete their Legal Research program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about Villanova University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based 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 Research program debt is $22,386. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Mississippi College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 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. Mississippi College Legal Research students take on a median of $25,510 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,485 ten years after entry. Set against $25,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mississippi College
Widener University Main Campus placed #19 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. Widener University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Chester, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,730. Typical Legal Research student debt is $26,561. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,920. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Widener University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full Widener University Main Campus report
University Of San Diego placed #20 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. Set 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. Typical Legal Research student debt is $23,795. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,522. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of San Diego admits about 52% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of San Diego
Seton Hall University placed #20 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in South Orange, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,170. The median Legal Research program debt is $23,422. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,196. That is a strong return on a $23,422 median debt. Seton Hall University admits about 73% of applicants. More on Seton Hall University
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Houston profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Legal Research students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Legal Research program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of California Los Angeles placed #25 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. 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. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Research Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Legal Research program here. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Research program debt is $23,138. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
University Of St Thomas Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,398. Typical Legal Research student debt is $23,923. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,739 ten years after entry. Set against $23,923 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Santa Clara University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,293. Santa Clara University Legal Research students take on a median of $20,144 in debt. Santa Clara University alumni report median earnings of $109,183 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Santa Clara University report
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. The median Legal Research program debt is $22,910. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University
Arizona State University placed #31 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete their Legal Research program here. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University
St Marys University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,434. Students borrow a median of $25,040 to complete their Legal Research program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,955. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on St Marys University
Georgetown University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. The median Legal Research program debt is $16,483. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,494. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 13% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Georgetown University report
Harvard University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Legal Research program here. Harvard University alumni report median earnings of $101,817 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full Harvard University profile
Stetson University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Stetson University is a private not-for-profit school based in DeLand, FL. Students from in state pay about $57,410 in tuition and fees. Stetson University Legal Research students take on a median of $25,382 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,642 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on Stetson University
Stanford University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stanford University report
University Of Chicago ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,885. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants. See the full University Of Chicago profile
Depaul University placed #38 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete their Legal Research program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Depaul University profile
Florida International University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. This public school is set in Miami, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. The median Legal Research program debt is $19,349. Florida International University alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,349 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. See the full Florida International University profile
The University Of Alabama placed #40 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tuscaloosa, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. The University Of Alabama Legal Research students take on a median of $24,496 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,221 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Alabama admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Alabama
University Of California Irvine landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical Legal Research student debt is $16,539. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Irvine
University Of Richmond landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,230 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,634 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,178. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Richmond admits about 22% of applicants. Read more about University Of Richmond
University Of California Davis ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Research program debt is $14,404. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Set against $14,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Davis
University Of Georgia came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. University Of Georgia Legal Research students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full University Of Georgia report
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,137 in student loans. Median earnings reach $83,648 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. About 16% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Legal Research students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #47 among the best-value Legal Research schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Research program debt is $23,258. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. Set against $23,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
Vanderbilt University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. Set in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. Typical Legal Research student debt is $13,975. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,565. Set against $13,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. More on Vanderbilt University
Florida State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Research schools. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. The median Legal Research program debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,675. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Florida State University
Temple University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. The median Legal Research program debt is $26,259. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Temple University
Related Legal Research Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Legal Research Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Legal Research Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Research Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Research Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Research Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Research Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Research 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 188 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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