2026 Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Studies And Professions associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 889 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 reviewed 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 Studies And Professions Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found El Centro College to be the best-value Legal Studies And Professions school in the United States. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $17,294. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,714 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on El Centro College
Anoka Technical College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Legal Studies And Professions ranking in the United States. Located in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,267. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $18,408. Anoka Technical College alumni report median earnings of $47,746 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Anoka Technical College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Inver Hills Community College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Inver Hills Community College is a public school based in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,146 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,521 in student loans. Inver Hills Community College alumni report median earnings of $49,898 a decade after entry. Set against $24,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Inver Hills Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Hennepin Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. North Hennepin Community College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,061 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,625 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,142 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on North Hennepin Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Oakland Community College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Students borrow a median of $14,083 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $37,395 ten years out. Set against $14,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Oakland Community College
San Jacinto Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Median earnings reach $43,062 ten years out. Set against $11,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on San Jacinto Community College
Kirkwood Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,083 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,016. That is a strong return on a $25,083 median debt. See the full Kirkwood Community College profile
American Public University System offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $29,337. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $29,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full American Public University System report
Baton Rouge Community College placed #9 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,321. Students borrow a median of $20,750 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,581 ten years after entry. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Baton Rouge Community College report
Southwestern Illinois College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Belleville, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,230 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $14,348. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,884 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,348 median debt. Read more about Southwestern Illinois College
Portland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Portland Community College is a public school based in Portland, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,220, while out-of-state students pay about $10,440. Portland Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,592. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Portland Community College profile
National Paralegal College placed #12 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Phoenix, AZ, National Paralegal College is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,995. Graduates carry a median of $30,824 in student loans. National Paralegal College alumni report median earnings of $42,269 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about National Paralegal College
Central New Mexico Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Central New Mexico Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $10,112 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,869. That is a strong return on a $10,112 median debt. Read the full report on Central New Mexico Community College
Austin Community College District came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,550 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Graduates carry a median of $19,242 in student loans. Austin Community College District alumni report median earnings of $43,177 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,242 median debt. Read more about Austin Community College District
Phoenix College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Phoenix College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $16,679 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,870 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Phoenix College
Valencia College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, compared with $9,576 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,002 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,594. That is a strong return on a $16,002 median debt. Read more about Valencia College
Cerritos College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Cerritos College is a public school based in Norwalk, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $12,004. Cerritos College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $11,306 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,156 ten years out. Set against $11,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cerritos College
Ivy Tech Community College placed #18 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Ivy Tech Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $15,990 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. That is a strong return on a $15,990 median debt. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Cuyahoga Community College District placed #19 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,249, while out-of-state students pay about $7,249. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $14,636. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,654. That is a strong return on a $14,636 median debt. More on Cuyahoga Community College District
Sinclair Community College placed #20 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $12,525. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,558. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt. More on Sinclair Community College
Hillsborough Community College placed #21 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,491, compared with $9,088 for out-of-state students. Hillsborough Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $24,018 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,782 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Hillsborough Community College
Central Piedmont Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Central Piedmont Community College is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,792, with out-of-state students paying around $8,936. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $11,861. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,865 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,861 median debt. More on Central Piedmont Community College
Des Moines Area Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Des Moines Area Community College is a public school based in Ankeny, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Students borrow a median of $12,250 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Des Moines Area Community College
Brookdale Community College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Brookdale Community College is a public school based in Lincroft, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,379 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt. Get the full Brookdale Community College report
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public school based in Kansas City, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,630, compared with $9,600 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $12,281. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,796. Set against $12,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Cuny Laguardia Community College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Long Island City, NY, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,218 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $8,858. Cuny Laguardia Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,653 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,858 median debt. Get the full Cuny Laguardia Community College report
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Richmond, VA, J Sargeant Reynolds Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,280, while out-of-state students pay about $11,718. Graduates carry a median of $20,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,529 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,250 median debt. Read the full report on J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Broward College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,830, 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,939. That is a strong return on a $13,110 median debt. Get the full Broward College report
Palm Beach State College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lake Worth, FL, Palm Beach State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,050, with out-of-state students paying around $10,910. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $9,000. Median earnings reach $41,923 ten years out. Set against $9,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Palm Beach State College
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. 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. Graduates carry a median of $13,337 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,007. That is a strong return on a $13,337 median debt. Get the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg report
Tarrant County College District ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Fort Worth, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $1,863, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $15,148. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,727. That is a strong return on a $15,148 median debt. See the full Tarrant County College District profile
Miami Dade College placed #31 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Miami, FL, Miami Dade College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,838 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,661 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,950 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,654. Set against $12,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Miami Dade College profile
Greenville Technical College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,495 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,775. Greenville Technical College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $18,500 in debt. Greenville Technical College alumni report median earnings of $39,473 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Greenville Technical College report
Herzing University Atlanta landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Atlanta, GA, Herzing University Atlanta is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,450. Students borrow a median of $31,441 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,909 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Herzing University Atlanta
Herzing University Kenner ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Herzing University Kenner is a private not-for-profit school based in Metairie, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. Herzing University Kenner Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $31,441 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Herzing University Kenner
Rasmussen College Florida came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,256. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $28,336. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,336 median debt. Read the full report on Rasmussen College Florida
Seminole State College Of Florida ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,122, compared with $11,447 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,858. Seminole State College Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $41,733 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Seminole State College Of Florida
Lewis And Clark Community College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Godfrey, IL, Lewis And Clark Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,340, compared with $7,840 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $9,602. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,724. That is a strong return on a $9,602 median debt. Read the full report on Lewis And Clark Community College
The Community College Of Baltimore County placed #39 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Baltimore, MD, The Community College Of Baltimore County is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,110, while out-of-state students pay about $10,182. Students borrow a median of $18,038 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $43,729 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full The Community College Of Baltimore County profile
Akron Institute Of Herzing University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Akron, OH, Akron Institute Of Herzing University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $31,441. Median earnings reach $36,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on Akron Institute Of Herzing University
Rasmussen College North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Fargo, ND, Rasmussen College North Dakota is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,404. Students borrow a median of $28,336 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,080 ten years after entry. Set against $28,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Rasmussen College North Dakota report
Nassau Community College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Nassau Community College is a public school based in Garden City, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $6,330, compared with $12,130 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,248 ten years out. Set against $9,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Nassau Community College profile
Rasmussen College Minnesota placed #44 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Rasmussen College Minnesota is a private for-profit school based in St. Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $12,199 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $28,336. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,336 median debt. See the full Rasmussen College Minnesota profile
Herzing University Madison ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Herzing University Madison is a private not-for-profit school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,450. Herzing University Madison Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $31,441 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,909. That is a strong return on a $31,441 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full Herzing University Madison report
Rasmussen College Wisconsin landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Green Bay, WI. Students from in state pay about $16,345 in tuition and fees. 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. That is a strong return on a $28,336 median debt. More on Rasmussen College Wisconsin
City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Graduates carry a median of $8,093 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,625. That is a strong return on a $8,093 median debt. More on City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College
Salt Lake Community College placed #48 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, Salt Lake Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,426, while out-of-state students pay about $14,244. Graduates carry a median of $12,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,867 ten years out. Set against $12,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Salt Lake Community College report
Rasmussen College Illinois ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Rockford, IL, Rasmussen College Illinois is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,581 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $28,336. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,080 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Rasmussen College Illinois report
Indian River State College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Pierce, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $2,764, compared with $10,201 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $10,492. Indian River State College alumni report median earnings of $38,315 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Indian River State College profile
Anne Arundel Community College came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Set in Arnold, MD, Anne Arundel Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,322 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,522. Anne Arundel Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $13,947 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,219. Set against $13,947 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Anne Arundel Community College
Related Legal Studies And Professions Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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
The ranking above is published 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 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.