2026 Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Studies And Professions doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 889 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Thomas Jefferson School Of Law to be the best-value Legal Studies And Professions school in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, Thomas Jefferson School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Thomas Jefferson School Of Law
Out of the 889 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Drake University landed the #2 spot. Set in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Drake University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $23,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants. More on Drake University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Thomas M Cooley Law School earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Lansing, MI, Thomas M Cooley Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,450 ten years after entry. More on Thomas M Cooley Law School
You'll get strong value at Roger Williams University School Of Law, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Bristol, RI, Roger Williams University School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. Roger Williams University School Of Law alumni report median earnings of $70,266 a decade after entry. Read more about Roger Williams University School Of Law
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
Gonzaga University placed #7 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Gonzaga University
Liberty University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Students borrow a median of $32,592 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,592 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
University Of California Berkeley ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,723 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $13,723 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Seattle University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $22,289. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Seattle University report
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $21,275. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Northern Illinois University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
University Of South Dakota landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $26,322. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,322 median debt. University Of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Southwestern Law School placed #13 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Southwestern Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Southwestern Law School profile
Capital University placed #15 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Capital University is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbus, OH. Students from in state pay about $43,234 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,269 in student loans. Capital University alumni report median earnings of $54,143 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Capital University admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Capital University
Oklahoma City University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit school based in Oklahoma City, OK. Students from in state pay about $34,754 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,248 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,655. That is a strong return on a $27,248 median debt. Oklahoma City University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Oklahoma City University profile
Fordham University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,470. Students borrow a median of $25,643 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $85,569. That is a strong return on a $25,643 median debt. Fordham University admits about 59% of applicants. Get the full Fordham University report
Mississippi College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $23,500 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,510 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. More on Mississippi College
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in San Juan, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico School Of Law
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $22,386. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Loyola Marymount University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,867. Loyola Marymount University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $22,248 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,349 ten years out. Set against $22,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 45%. Get the full Loyola Marymount University report
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $21,897. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,509. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about New York University
Creighton University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Omaha, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,856. Students borrow a median of $25,831 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,911. Set against $25,831 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full Creighton University profile
Villanova University placed #25 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $26,184. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on Villanova University
New York Law School placed #26 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Get the full New York Law School report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Loyola University Chicago landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. 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. Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Loyola University Chicago profile
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Akron, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. University Of Akron Main Campus Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $25,347 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $16,097. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Texas Tech University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $20,980 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,980 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Houston placed #31 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $21,255. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Houston report
Santa Clara University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,293. Graduates carry a median of $20,144 in student loans. Santa Clara University alumni report median earnings of $109,183 a decade after entry. Set against $20,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Santa Clara University has an acceptance rate of 48%. Get the full Santa Clara University report
Marquette University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $24,122. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,257 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Marquette University profile
Texas A And M University College Station placed #34 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $20,031. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. University Of North Dakota Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $25,110 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Campbell University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Buies Creek, NC. Students from in state pay about $41,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,641 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,886. Set against $23,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Campbell University has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Campbell University profile
University Of St Thomas Minnesota landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $23,923. University Of St Thomas Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $73,739 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,923 median debt. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants. More on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Stetson University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in DeLand, FL, Stetson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $57,410 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,382. Stetson University alumni report median earnings of $51,642 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stetson University admits about 72% of applicants. More on Stetson University
Arizona State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,827 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Arizona State University
St Marys University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Antonio, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,434. St Marys University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $25,040 in debt. St Marys University alumni report median earnings of $56,955 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,040 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full St Marys University profile
Northwestern University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $16,616. Northwestern University alumni report median earnings of $89,363 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northwestern University
Harvard University placed #43 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on Harvard University
University Of Wyoming ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $20,283. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
Stanford University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $124,080 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stanford University report
University Of Richmond placed #46 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in University of Richmond, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,230. Students borrow a median of $21,634 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,178. Set against $21,634 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 22%. Read more about University Of Richmond
Quinnipiac University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Hamden, CT, Quinnipiac University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Quinnipiac University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on Quinnipiac University
University Of Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $15,854. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,885. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about University Of Chicago
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $23,138. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Depaul University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,310. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Depaul University profile
University Of Nevada Reno offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $19,918. Median earnings reach $60,614 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Reno has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile
Related Legal Studies And Professions Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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