2026 Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Studies And Professions graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 889 colleges 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 build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Hamline University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,004. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $24,050. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,050 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Hamline University report
A rank of #5 makes Loyola University Chicago one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $35,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,530. Set against $35,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
Loyola Marymount University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,867. Graduates carry a median of $22,248 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,349. That is a strong return on a $22,248 median debt. Loyola Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 45%. Get the full Loyola Marymount University report
Davenport University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Davenport University is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. Students from in state pay about $24,466 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,099 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,750 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Davenport University
Golden Gate University San Francisco offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,343 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $33,968. Median earnings reach $87,434 ten years out. Set against $33,968 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Golden Gate University San Francisco
Capital University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Capital University is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbus, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,234. Capital University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $28,269 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,143 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Capital University report
Champlain College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Champlain College is a private not-for-profit school based in Burlington, VT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,850. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $27,631. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Champlain College has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read more about Champlain College
Montclair State University placed #11 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Montclair State University
Sullivan University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Louisville, KY, Sullivan University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Studies And Professions program 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
Villanova University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Villanova University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $26,184 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about Villanova University
Seton Hall University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in South Orange, NJ, Seton Hall University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,170. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $23,422. Median earnings reach $70,196 ten years out. Set against $23,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Seton Hall University
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #14 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #16 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $20,980. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Set against $20,980 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Arizona State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Arizona State University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $19,827 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $19,827 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arizona State University profile
University Of North Dakota ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,110. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. More on University Of North Dakota
Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $16,616. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full Harvard University report
George Washington University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $22,910. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,873 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants. Read more about George Washington University
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $23,138. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Northwestern University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,363. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. See the full Northwestern University profile
Temple University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. 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. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on Temple University
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #25 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Columbia University In The City Of New York Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $23,258 in debt. Median earnings reach $102,491 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York
University Of San Diego placed #26 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $59,486. University Of San Diego Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $20,437 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,522 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,437 median debt. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of San Diego
University Of Utah placed #27 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. University Of Utah Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $20,798 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Utah
University Of Kansas ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full University Of Kansas report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Arkansas placed #29 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $24,019. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
Cleveland State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,982 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,502. Cleveland State University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $26,336 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cleveland State University report
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $21,963. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,198. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis profile
Indiana University Bloomington placed #32 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $20,542. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #33 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $25,258. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
Suffolk University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,550. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,506 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suffolk University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Suffolk University profile
University Of Mississippi Main Campus landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,772, compared with $28,600 for out-of-state students. University Of Mississippi Main Campus Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $25,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,994 ten years out. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. More on University Of Mississippi Main Campus
Vermont Law School came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in South Royalton, VT, Vermont Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Vermont Law School
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $21,348 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,251 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,348 median debt. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of Baltimore offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Baltimore, MD, University Of Baltimore is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $23,984 for out-of-state students. University Of Baltimore Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $30,104 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,335 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,104 median debt. University Of Baltimore admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Baltimore
University Of Southern California placed #38 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. University Of Southern California Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $15,625 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,498 ten years after entry. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 10%. See the full University Of Southern California profile
Drexel University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Drexel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. Drexel University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $27,978 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,648 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,978 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. See the full Drexel University profile
Nova Southeastern University placed #41 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,700. Nova Southeastern University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $25,021 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,209. That is a strong return on a $25,021 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Nova Southeastern University
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Graduates carry a median of $24,872 in student loans. Median earnings reach $66,125 ten years out. Set against $24,872 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
The University Of Montana ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Missoula, MT. Students from in state pay about $8,552 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. Graduates carry a median of $24,342 in student loans. The University Of Montana alumni report median earnings of $44,511 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Montana
University Of Arizona landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Students borrow a median of $20,937 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,937 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Arizona profile
Tulane University Of Louisiana came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Orleans, LA, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,678 in tuition and fees. Tulane University Of Louisiana Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $22,077 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,268. Set against $22,077 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted. More on Tulane University Of Louisiana
Syracuse University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Syracuse, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,528. Syracuse University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $21,250 in debt. Syracuse University alumni report median earnings of $79,164 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Syracuse University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read more about Syracuse University
Washington University In St Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,790. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $17,553. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,182 ten years after entry. Set against $17,553 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Washington University In St Louis
St Johns University New York offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit school based in Queens, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,529. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $26,030. Median earnings reach $69,571 ten years out. Set against $26,030 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. See the full St Johns University New York profile
University Of Southern Maine ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Portland, ME, University Of Southern Maine is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,090, while out-of-state students pay about $29,940. Graduates carry a median of $23,593 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,958. That is a strong return on a $23,593 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Southern Maine
University Of Connecticut landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,044 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $23,637. Median earnings reach $73,997 ten years out. Set against $23,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Connecticut report
University Of Denver landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,398. Students borrow a median of $21,142 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,155. Set against $21,142 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Denver admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full University Of Denver report
Alliant International University placed #49 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Read more about Alliant International University
Mt San Jacinto Community College District came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Mt San Jacinto Community College District
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 Bachelor’s 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. 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).
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