2026 Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Studies And Professions programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 889 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Thomas Jefferson School Of Law this year in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, Thomas Jefferson School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Thomas Jefferson School Of Law
A rank of #2 makes El Centro College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Students borrow a median of $17,294 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $41,714 ten years out. Set against $17,294 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about El Centro College
A rank of #3 makes Anoka Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,267. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $18,408. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Anoka Technical College
A rank of #4 makes Inver Hills Community College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Inver Grove Heights, MN, Inver Hills Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,146. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,898. That is a strong return on a $24,521 median debt. Read the full report on Inver Hills Community College
A rank of #5 makes North Hennepin Community College one of the best values in the United States. North Hennepin Community College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,061. North Hennepin Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $18,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,142. That is a strong return on a $18,625 median debt. Read more about North Hennepin Community College
Oakland Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Auburn Hills, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $14,083. Oakland Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,395 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Oakland Community College report
American Public University System placed #7 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $29,337. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Set against $29,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full American Public University System report
San Jacinto Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. San Jacinto Community College is a public school based in Pasadena, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. San Jacinto Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $11,376 in debt. San Jacinto Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,062 a decade after entry. Set against $11,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College
Kirkwood Community College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,176 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Kirkwood Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $25,083 in debt. Kirkwood Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,016 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,083 median debt. Read the full report on Kirkwood Community College
Baton Rouge Community College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Baton Rouge Community College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,321. Baton Rouge Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $20,750 in debt. Baton Rouge Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,581 a decade after entry. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Baton Rouge Community College
Southwestern Illinois College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,230, with out-of-state students paying around $6,720. Graduates carry a median of $14,348 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,884 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,348 median debt. More on Southwestern Illinois College
Phoenix College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Phoenix, AZ, Phoenix College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $16,679. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,870 ten years after entry. Set against $16,679 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Phoenix College report
Portland Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Portland, OR, Portland Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,220, compared with $10,440 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Portland Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,592 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Portland Community College report
Valencia College placed #15 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,576. Students borrow a median of $16,002 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Valencia College alumni report median earnings of $40,594 a decade after entry. Set against $16,002 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Valencia College
Cerritos College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Norwalk, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $11,306. Cerritos College alumni report median earnings of $41,156 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,306 median debt. Read the full report on Cerritos College
Austin Community College District landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $19,242. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,177. Set against $19,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Austin Community College District
Central New Mexico Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Graduates carry a median of $10,112 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,869 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central New Mexico Community College
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Graduates carry a median of $15,990 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,186 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,990 median debt. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Sinclair Community College placed #20 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $12,525. Median earnings reach $37,558 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Sinclair Community College
Central Piedmont Community College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,792, with out-of-state students paying around $8,936. Central Piedmont Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $11,861 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,865 ten years after entry. Set against $11,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Piedmont Community College
National Paralegal College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Phoenix, AZ, National Paralegal College is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,995. National Paralegal College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $30,824 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,269. Set against $30,824 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about National Paralegal College
Des Moines Area Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Des Moines Area Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $12,250 in debt. Des Moines Area Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,018 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt. More on Des Moines Area Community College
Brookdale Community College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,270, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,651 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,379. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Brookdale Community College
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Kansas City, MO, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,630, while out-of-state students pay about $9,600. Graduates carry a median of $12,281 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,796 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Metropolitan Community College Kansas City report
Hillsborough Community College placed #26 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Tampa, FL, Hillsborough Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,491, while out-of-state students pay about $9,088. Graduates carry a median of $24,018 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,782. Set against $24,018 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Hillsborough Community College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Cuyahoga Community College District ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Cuyahoga Community College District is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $3,249, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Graduates carry a median of $14,636 in student loans. Median earnings reach $35,654 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cuyahoga Community College District profile
Cuny Laguardia Community College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Long Island City, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,218, compared with $8,098 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,858 in student loans. Cuny Laguardia Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,653 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cuny Laguardia Community College profile
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Richmond, VA, J Sargeant Reynolds Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,280, while out-of-state students pay about $11,718. Graduates carry a median of $20,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,529 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,250 median debt. Read more about J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Hamline University placed #31 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. Graduates carry a median of $24,050 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,106 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,050 median debt. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Hamline University
Broward College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,830 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,952. Broward College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $13,110 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,939. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Broward College
Tarrant County College District came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,863, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Tarrant County College District Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $15,148 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,727. Set against $15,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Tarrant County College District profile
Miami Dade College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Miami Dade College is a public school based in Miami, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,838, while out-of-state students pay about $9,661. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $12,950. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,654. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Miami Dade College report
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,975, compared with $12,472 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $13,337. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,007. Set against $13,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Palm Beach State College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Palm Beach State College is a public school based in Lake Worth, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,050, with out-of-state students paying around $10,910. Palm Beach State College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $9,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,923. That is a strong return on a $9,000 median debt. More on Palm Beach State College
Herzing University Atlanta came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Atlanta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,450. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $31,441. Herzing University Atlanta alumni report median earnings of $36,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Herzing University Atlanta has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on Herzing University Atlanta
Rasmussen College Florida placed #39 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,256. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $28,336. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,080. That is a strong return on a $28,336 median debt. More on Rasmussen College Florida
Herzing University Kenner ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Metairie, LA, Herzing University Kenner is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,450. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $31,441. Median earnings reach $36,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Herzing University Kenner has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Herzing University Kenner
Akron Institute Of Herzing University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Akron Institute Of Herzing University is a private not-for-profit school based in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $31,441. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,909. Set against $31,441 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on Akron Institute Of Herzing University
Greenville Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Greenville, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $5,495, compared with $10,775 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $39,473 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Greenville Technical College
Seminole State College Of Florida came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,122, while out-of-state students pay about $11,447. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,858. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,733. That is a strong return on a $25,858 median debt. Read the full report on Seminole State College Of Florida
The Community College Of Baltimore County landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Baltimore, MD, The Community College Of Baltimore County is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,110 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,182. The Community College Of Baltimore County Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $18,038 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,729. That is a strong return on a $18,038 median debt. Get the full The Community College Of Baltimore County report
Lewis And Clark Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Godfrey, IL, Lewis And Clark Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,340, while out-of-state students pay about $7,840. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $9,602. Median earnings reach $37,724 ten years out. Set against $9,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lewis And Clark Community College
Rasmussen College North Dakota ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Fargo, ND, Rasmussen College North Dakota is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,404. Rasmussen College North Dakota Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $28,336 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,080. That is a strong return on a $28,336 median debt. Read the full report on Rasmussen College North Dakota
Herzing University Madison landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, WI, Herzing University Madison is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $31,441. Median earnings reach $36,909 ten years out. Set against $31,441 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Herzing University Madison profile
St Petersburg College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in St. Petersburg, FL, St Petersburg College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,682, compared with $9,286 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $32,383. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,557 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full St Petersburg College report
Nassau Community College placed #50 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Garden City, NY, Nassau Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,330 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,130. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $9,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,248 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Nassau Community College
University Of Houston Clear Lake came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,346, compared with $22,290 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $20,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,004. That is a strong return on a $20,625 median debt. University Of Houston Clear Lake admits about 90% of applicants. More on University Of Houston Clear Lake
Rasmussen College Minnesota landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Rasmussen College Minnesota is a private for-profit school based in St. Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $12,199. Graduates carry a median of $28,336 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,080. Set against $28,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rasmussen College Minnesota
Rasmussen College Wisconsin placed #53 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Green Bay, WI, Rasmussen College Wisconsin is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,345. Rasmussen College Wisconsin Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $28,336 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,080. Set against $28,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Rasmussen College Wisconsin report
City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College landed the #54 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $8,093. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,625 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,093 median debt. Read the full report on City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College
Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 889 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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