2026 Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Studies And Professions master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 889 schools 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Thomas Jefferson School Of Law earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in San Diego, CA, Thomas Jefferson School Of Law is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Thomas Jefferson School Of Law
American Public University System came in at #2 on this year's best-value Legal Studies And Professions ranking in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. American Public University System Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $29,337 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $29,337 median debt. More on American Public University System
Out of the 889 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Hamline University landed the #3 spot. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $24,050. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,106. That is a strong return on a $24,050 median debt. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Hamline University report
You'll get strong value at Stevenson University, which ranked #5 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Owings Mills, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $40,560. Stevenson University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,079 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Stevenson University
Drake University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Drake University
Loyola University Chicago placed #7 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. Students borrow a median of $35,000 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,530. That is a strong return on a $35,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $18,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. 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. Arizona State University Skysong Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $24,386 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Golden Gate University San Francisco ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,343. Golden Gate University San Francisco Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $33,968 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,434. Set against $33,968 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Golden Gate University San Francisco
University Of California Berkeley landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. University Of California Berkeley Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $13,723 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $13,723 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Seattle University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Students borrow a median of $22,289 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Seattle University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Seattle University report
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Trinity Law School came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Santa Ana, CA, Trinity Law School is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,989 ten years after entry. See the full Trinity Law School profile
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $17,669. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Thomas M Cooley Law School landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Thomas M Cooley Law School is a private not-for-profit school based in Lansing, MI. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,450 ten years after entry. More on Thomas M Cooley Law School
Fordham University placed #18 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Fordham University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bronx, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,470. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,643. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $85,569. Set against $25,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fordham University admits about 59% of applicants. See the full Fordham University profile
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $16,155. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $32,592. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $32,592 median debt. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Liberty University
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $21,897. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full New York University profile
Villanova University placed #23 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $26,184. Median earnings reach $100,423 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. See the full Villanova University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $22,386. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Mississippi College placed #25 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,500. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $25,510. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,485 ten years after entry. Set against $25,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mississippi College has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read more about Mississippi College
Widener University Main Campus landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chester, PA, Widener University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,730. Students borrow a median of $26,561 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $70,920 ten years out. Set against $26,561 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Widener University Main Campus
University Of San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in San Diego, CA, University Of San Diego is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $59,486. Students borrow a median of $20,437 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. 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. University Of San Diego has an acceptance rate of 52%. See the full University Of San Diego profile
Seton Hall University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in South Orange, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $53,170. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $23,422. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,196. Set against $23,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Seton Hall University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Houston landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $21,255. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Houston
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $20,980. 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. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Loyola Marymount University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,248 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,349 ten years after entry. Set against $22,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. See the full Loyola Marymount University profile
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #34 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #35 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $23,138 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of St Thomas Minnesota came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $54,398 in tuition and fees. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $23,923. Median earnings reach $73,739 ten years out. Set against $23,923 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Santa Clara University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. 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. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $20,144. Median earnings reach $109,183 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,144 median debt. About 48% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Santa Clara University
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. George Washington University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $22,910 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. More on George Washington University
St Marys University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,434. Students borrow a median of $25,040 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. St Marys University alumni report median earnings of $56,955 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on St Marys University
Arizona State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $19,827 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $19,827 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arizona State University
Georgetown University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $16,483. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,494 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,483 median debt. Georgetown University admits about 13% of applicants. Get the full Georgetown University report
Montclair State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $25,000. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Montclair State University
Roger Williams University School Of Law came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Roger Williams University School Of Law is a private not-for-profit school based in Bristol, RI. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,266. Read more about Roger Williams University School Of Law
Stetson University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in DeLand, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $57,410. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,382. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,642 ten years after entry. Set against $25,382 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stetson University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Stetson University
Harvard University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $16,616. 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%. Read more about Harvard University
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $10,492. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants. Read more about Stanford University
University Of Chicago came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $15,854. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,885. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Chicago profile
Depaul University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,405. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $25,310. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Depaul University
Florida International University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,349 in student loans. Florida International University alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Florida International University profile
University Of California Irvine came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,735 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Irvine
University Of Richmond offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,230. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $21,634. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,178. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Richmond admits about 22% of applicants. See the full University Of Richmond profile
The University Of Alabama ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Tuscaloosa, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $24,496. The University Of Alabama alumni report median earnings of $59,221 a decade after entry. Set against $24,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about The University Of Alabama
University Of California Davis came in at #53 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Davis, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $14,404. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Davis
Related Legal Studies And Professions Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Legal Studies And Professions 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 889 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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