2026 Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Studies And Professions bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 889 schools 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.
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 Legal Studies And Professions Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
American Public University System earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $29,337. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on American Public University System
A rank of #5 makes National Paralegal College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Phoenix, AZ, National Paralegal College is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,995. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $30,824. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,269. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full National Paralegal College report
Akron Institute Of Herzing University came in at #6 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. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $31,441. Akron Institute Of Herzing University alumni report median earnings of $36,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,441 median debt. Akron Institute Of Herzing University admits about 95% of applicants. See the full Akron Institute Of Herzing University profile
Herzing University Kenner came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Herzing University Kenner is a private not-for-profit school based in Metairie, LA. Students from in state pay about $13,450 in tuition and fees. Herzing University Kenner 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. Set against $31,441 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Herzing University Kenner
St Petersburg College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in St. Petersburg, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,682, with out-of-state students paying around $9,286. Students borrow a median of $32,383 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,557 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,383 median debt. Read the full report on St Petersburg College
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $24,386. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Herzing University Madison came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, Herzing University Madison is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,450. Graduates carry a median of $31,441 in student loans. 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. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Herzing University Madison profile
University Of Houston Clear Lake placed #12 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,346 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $20,625. University Of Houston Clear Lake alumni report median earnings of $59,004 a decade after entry. Set against $20,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston Clear Lake has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about University Of Houston Clear Lake
Suny College Of Technology At Canton ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Canton, NY, Suny College Of Technology At Canton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,742, compared with $15,769 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $30,708. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,860. Set against $30,708 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College Of Technology At Canton admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full Suny College Of Technology At Canton report
Post University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Waterbury, CT, Post University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,922. Post University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $30,333 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,696. That is a strong return on a $30,333 median debt. Read the full report on Post University
Clayton State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Clayton State University is a public school based in Morrow, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,180, compared with $16,532 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $36,706. Clayton State University alumni report median earnings of $49,179 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clayton State University has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Clayton State University
Peirce College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Peirce College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,060. Peirce College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $47,341 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,660 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $47,341 median debt. More on Peirce College
University Of The District Of Columbia ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Washington, DC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,662, while out-of-state students pay about $12,514. Graduates carry a median of $40,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,236 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $40,750 median debt. Get the full University Of The District Of Columbia report
Grand Valley State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. Get the full Grand Valley State University report
Sullivan University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Sullivan University is a private for-profit school based in Louisville, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $28,394. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,008 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,394 median debt. See the full Sullivan University profile
National American University Rapid City came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rapid City, SD, National American University Rapid City is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,065. Graduates carry a median of $38,264 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,325 ten years out. Set against $38,264 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full National American University Rapid City report
Cuny New York City College Of Technology placed #23 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny New York City College Of Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,332 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,282 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,563 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,365 ten years out. Set against $14,563 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cuny New York City College Of Technology
South Universitysavannah Online came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Savannah, GA, South Universitysavannah Online is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,895. Graduates carry a median of $39,518 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,421. Set against $39,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full South Universitysavannah Online profile
Davenport University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Davenport University is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $24,466. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $27,750. Median earnings reach $45,099 ten years out. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Davenport University report
Madonna University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Livonia, MI, Madonna University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,440. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $26,896. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,058. That is a strong return on a $26,896 median debt. Madonna University admits about 63% of applicants. Read more about Madonna University
Bryan University Los Angeles placed #27 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Tempe, AZ, Bryan University Los Angeles is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,219. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $32,563. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,283. Set against $32,563 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Bryan University Los Angeles profile
Liberty University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Students borrow a median of $32,592 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $32,592 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Liberty University profile
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $28,000. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
Temple University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on Temple University
Baker College Of Flint placed #33 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Baker College Of Flint is a private not-for-profit school based in Owosso, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,000. Graduates carry a median of $30,688 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,833. That is a strong return on a $30,688 median debt. Baker College Of Flint has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Baker College Of Flint
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Kent State University At Kent ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Kent, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,388. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,258 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,258 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Roosevelt University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chicago, IL, Roosevelt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,315. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $15,986. Median earnings reach $48,712 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roosevelt University admits about 97% of applicants. More on Roosevelt University
Oakland University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Oakland University is a public school based in Rochester Hills, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Students borrow a median of $25,972 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,612 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oakland University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Oakland University
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $20,980 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Berkeley College Woodland Park offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This private for-profit school is set in Woodland Park, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $28,320. Berkeley College Woodland Park Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $34,413 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,251 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Berkeley College Woodland Park profile
Washburn University placed #42 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This public school is set in Topeka, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,945, with out-of-state students paying around $20,949. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Washburn University alumni report median earnings of $49,774 a decade after entry. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Washburn University
Ramapo College Of New Jersey offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Ramapo College Of New Jersey is a public school based in Mahwah, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,777, compared with $27,708 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $24,014. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,541. Set against $24,014 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ramapo College Of New Jersey has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Ramapo College Of New Jersey profile
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,723 in student loans. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Arizona State University placed #45 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $19,827 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Arizona State University
Montclair State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Montclair State University report
The University Of West Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Pensacola, FL, The University Of West Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,776, compared with $18,658 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,250 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,137 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,250 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of West Florida report
Northwestern University came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,363. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwestern University
Mississippi College offered strong value this year, earning the #53 position. Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit school based in Clinton, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $23,500. Graduates carry a median of $25,510 in student loans. Mississippi College alumni report median earnings of $47,485 a decade after entry. Set against $25,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%. Get the full Mississippi College report
University Of Miami ranked #54 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Coral Gables, FL, University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,616. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $15,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,328 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Miami has an acceptance rate of 19%. More on University Of Miami
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #55 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $17,383. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $17,383 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Florida Gulf Coast University came in at #55 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Myers, FL, Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,118, compared with $25,162 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,777 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,560. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Gulf Coast University admits about 63% of applicants. Read more about Florida Gulf Coast University
University Of Toledo came in at #55 in this year's value ranking. Set in Toledo, OH, University Of Toledo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,157 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,517. Students borrow a median of $27,605 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $50,632 ten years out. Set against $27,605 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Toledo has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on University Of Toledo
Roger Williams University landed the #58 spot for value in the United States this year. Roger Williams University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bristol, RI. In-state tuition and fees average $45,197. Graduates carry a median of $18,721 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,266 ten years after entry. Set against $18,721 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Roger Williams University profile
Vanderbilt University placed #59 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $13,975. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,565 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants. Read more about Vanderbilt University
Central Pennsylvania College ranked #60 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Summerdale, PA, Central Pennsylvania College is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,854. Students borrow a median of $40,957 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $45,370 ten years out. Set against $40,957 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 18% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Central Pennsylvania College
Stevenson University offered strong value this year, earning the #61 position. Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Owings Mills, MD. Students from in state pay about $40,560 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $62,079 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Stevenson University admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Stevenson University
Hamline University landed the #63 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $24,050. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Set against $24,050 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Hamline University
American University placed #63 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,771. American University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $24,375 in debt. Median earnings reach $77,370 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,375 median debt. American University admits about 62% of applicants. Read more about American University
University Of Kansas landed the #66 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Related Legal Studies And Professions Value Rankings
Explore 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 Associate’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. 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 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).