2026 Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Studies And Professions certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 889 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Anoka Technical College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Anoka Technical College is a public school based in Anoka, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,267. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $18,408. Anoka Technical College alumni report median earnings of $47,746 a decade after entry. Set against $18,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Anoka Technical College
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Students borrow a median of $29,337 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,337 median debt. Get the full American Public University System report
A rank of #3 makes Cerritos College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Norwalk, CA, Cerritos College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,364, compared with $12,004 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $11,306. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,156. That is a strong return on a $11,306 median debt. Get the full Cerritos College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at National Paralegal College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Phoenix, AZ, National Paralegal College is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,995. National Paralegal College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $30,824 in debt. National Paralegal College alumni report median earnings of $42,269 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,824 median debt. More on National Paralegal College
A rank of #5 makes Des Moines Area Community College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Ankeny, IA. Students from in state pay about $5,790 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $12,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,018 ten years after entry. Set against $12,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Des Moines Area Community College
Hillsborough Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tampa, FL, Hillsborough Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,491 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,088. Hillsborough Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $24,018 in debt. Hillsborough Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,782 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Hillsborough Community College
Rasmussen College Florida placed #8 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Ocala, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $16,256. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $28,336. 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. Read more about Rasmussen College Florida
Seminole State College Of Florida landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Sanford, FL. Students from in state pay about $3,122 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,447 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,858 in student loans. 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
Palm Beach State College placed #10 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Lake Worth, FL, Palm Beach State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,050, while out-of-state students pay about $10,910. Graduates carry a median of $9,000 in student loans. Palm Beach State College alumni report median earnings of $41,923 a decade after entry. Set against $9,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Palm Beach State College
Rasmussen College Minnesota landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in St. Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,199. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $28,336. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,080. Set against $28,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Rasmussen College Minnesota profile
Rasmussen College North Dakota ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This private for-profit school is set in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $14,404 in tuition and fees. Rasmussen College North Dakota 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 North Dakota
Cuyahoga Community College District placed #13 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 average $3,249, while out-of-state students pay about $7,249. Students borrow a median of $14,636 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,654. Set against $14,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cuyahoga Community College District
St Petersburg College landed the #14 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, while out-of-state students pay about $9,286. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $32,383. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,557. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full St Petersburg College profile
Rasmussen College Kansas placed #15 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Topeka, KS, Rasmussen College Kansas is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,316. Graduates carry a median of $28,336 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Rasmussen College Kansas report
Community College Of Philadelphia placed #16 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Community College Of Philadelphia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,632, compared with $12,744 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $20,812. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Community College Of Philadelphia
Cuny Laguardia Community College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based 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, while out-of-state students pay about $8,098. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $8,858. Median earnings reach $41,653 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cuny Laguardia Community College
Rasmussen College Illinois placed #19 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Rockford, IL, Rasmussen College Illinois is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,581. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $28,336. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. Set against $28,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rasmussen College Illinois
Guilford Technical Community College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Jamestown, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,320, while out-of-state students pay about $7,696. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $20,501. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,934 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,501 median debt. More on Guilford Technical Community College
Front Range Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Westminster, CO, Front Range Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,663, compared with $17,263 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,760 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,910. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Front Range Community College
Tidewater Community College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Norfolk, VA, Tidewater Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,858, while out-of-state students pay about $12,296. Students borrow a median of $14,177 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $38,349 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,177 median debt. More on Tidewater Community College
Peirce College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Peirce College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,060. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $47,341. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,660. Set against $47,341 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Peirce College
Grand Valley State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Grand Valley State University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,118 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
Liberty University placed #26 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Liberty University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $32,592 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $32,592 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Liberty University report
Berkeley College Woodland Park ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Woodland Park, NJ, Berkeley College Woodland Park is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,320 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $34,413. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,251 ten years after entry. Set against $34,413 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Berkeley College Woodland Park
University Of Georgia placed #28 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Georgia
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Community College Of Allegheny County offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Community College Of Allegheny County is a public school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $12,583. Students borrow a median of $15,263 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $39,449 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Community College Of Allegheny County report
Arizona State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $19,827 in student loans. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,827 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University report
Midlands Technical College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in West Columbia, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,100, while out-of-state students pay about $14,700. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $21,320. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,701 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,320 median debt. Read the full report on Midlands Technical College
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in College Station, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of Detroit Mercy landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Detroit, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,946. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $29,053. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,030 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on University Of Detroit Mercy
Boston University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Boston University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,102. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,232. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,238. That is a strong return on a $25,232 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. More on Boston University
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $21,963. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. Set against $21,963 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis profile
Loyola University Chicago placed #36 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $53,710 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $35,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Set against $35,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Loyola University Chicago
University Of Richmond ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in University of Richmond, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $65,230. Students borrow a median of $21,634 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,178. Set against $21,634 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 22% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Richmond
Widener University Main Campus placed #38 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Chester, PA, Widener University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,730. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $26,561. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,920 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,561 median debt. Widener University Main Campus admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Widener University Main Campus
Mti College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Sacramento, CA, Mti College is a private for-profit institution. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $13,758. Mti College alumni report median earnings of $45,328 a decade after entry. Set against $13,758 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mti College admits about 63% of applicants. Get the full Mti College report
Center For Advanced Legal Studies placed #39 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Houston, TX, Center For Advanced Legal Studies is a private for-profit institution. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $19,221. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Center For Advanced Legal Studies report
Los Angeles Pierce College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Read the full report on Los Angeles Pierce College
Saint Anselm College placed #39 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. See the full Saint Anselm College profile
University Of San Diego ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. More on University Of San Diego
Bismarck State College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Bismarck State College report
County College Of Morris landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. More on County College Of Morris
Hutchinson Community College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Hutchinson Community College
Lewis And Clark Community College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. More on Lewis And Clark Community College
Mississippi College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Mississippi College
Oklahoma City Community College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Read the full report on Oklahoma City Community College
Regent University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Regent University
Augusta Technical College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. See the full Augusta Technical College profile
Central Carolina Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Read more about Central Carolina Community College
Chabot College
Chabot College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Read the full report on Chabot College
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 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
These rankings are produced 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).