2026 Best Value Legal Studies And Professions Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Legal Studies And Professions undergraduate certificate 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Inver Hills Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Inver Grove Heights, MN, Inver Hills Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,146. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $49,898 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Inver Hills Community College
You'll get strong value at Anoka Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,267. Anoka Technical College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $18,408 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Anoka Technical College
A rank of #3 makes North Hennepin Community College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,061. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $18,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,142. That is a strong return on a $18,625 median debt. Read the full report on North Hennepin Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Oakland Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Auburn Hills, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Students borrow a median of $14,083 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,395 ten years after entry. Set against $14,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Oakland Community College report
A rank of #5 makes Phoenix College one of the best values in the United States. Phoenix College is a public school based in Phoenix, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $16,679. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,870 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Phoenix College profile
Central Piedmont Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,792, with out-of-state students paying around $8,936. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $11,861. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,865. Set against $11,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Central Piedmont Community College
Ivy Tech Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Ivy Tech Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $15,990 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. That is a strong return on a $15,990 median debt. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Austin Community College District placed #8 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,550 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $19,242. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,177. Set against $19,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Austin Community College District
Sinclair Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,558 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Sinclair Community College report
Portland Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Portland, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,220, compared with $10,440 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,592. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Portland Community College profile
Brookdale Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Set in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,270, while out-of-state students pay about $10,140. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $12,651. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,379. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Brookdale Community College report
Cerritos College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Cerritos College is a public school based in Norwalk, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, compared with $12,004 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,306 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,156. That is a strong return on a $11,306 median debt. Read more about Cerritos College
Tarrant County College District ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,863 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $15,148. Median earnings reach $42,727 ten years out. Set against $15,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Tarrant County College District report
Cuyahoga Community College District came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Cuyahoga Community College District is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, compared with $7,249 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $14,636. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,654. That is a strong return on a $14,636 median debt. More on Cuyahoga Community College District
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Based in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,975, compared with $12,472 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,337 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,007. That is a strong return on a $13,337 median debt. Get the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg report
The Community College Of Baltimore County offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Baltimore, MD, The Community College Of Baltimore County is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,110, while out-of-state students pay about $10,182. Students borrow a median of $18,038 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. The Community College Of Baltimore County alumni report median earnings of $43,729 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on The Community College Of Baltimore County
Central New Mexico Community College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $10,112. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,869. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Central New Mexico Community College
Greenville Technical College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,495, compared with $10,775 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,473 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Greenville Technical College
Nassau Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Garden City, NY, Nassau Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,330, while out-of-state students pay about $12,130. Students borrow a median of $9,000 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Median earnings reach $48,248 ten years out. Set against $9,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Nassau Community College
Anne Arundel Community College placed #20 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Arnold, MD, Anne Arundel Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,322 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,522. Anne Arundel Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $13,947 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,219 ten years out. Set against $13,947 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Anne Arundel Community College
Lewis And Clark Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Lewis And Clark Community College is a public school based in Godfrey, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,340, compared with $7,840 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $9,602. Lewis And Clark Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,724 a decade after entry. Set against $9,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lewis And Clark Community College report
Stark State College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,790, with out-of-state students paying around $7,886. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $17,349. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,661. That is a strong return on a $17,349 median debt. More on Stark State College
Clayton State University placed #23 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Morrow, GA, Clayton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,180, compared with $16,532 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $36,706. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,179 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Clayton State University
South Coast College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Orange, CA, South Coast College is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,494. Median earnings reach $44,897 ten years out. See the full South Coast College profile
Front Range Community College placed #25 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Set 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. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $19,760. Median earnings reach $45,910 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Front Range Community College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Legal Studies And Professions Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Post University placed #26 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Waterbury, CT, Post University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,922. Post University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $30,333 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,696 ten years out. Set against $30,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Post University
Pima Community College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Pima Community College is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,442, with out-of-state students paying around $7,758. Pima Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $10,655 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,810 ten years after entry. Set against $10,655 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Pima Community College
Stautzenberger College Rockford Career College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Rockford, IL, Stautzenberger College Rockford Career College is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,699. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $20,834. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,104. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Stautzenberger College Rockford Career College report
Stautzenberger College Maumee came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Maumee, OH, Stautzenberger College Maumee is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,699. Stautzenberger College Maumee Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $20,834 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,104. That is a strong return on a $20,834 median debt. More on Stautzenberger College Maumee
Monroe Community College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Monroe Community College is a public school based in Rochester, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,006, compared with $11,056 for out-of-state students. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $12,921. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,174 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Monroe Community College
Suffolk County Community College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Suffolk County Community College is a public school based in Selden, NY. Students from in state pay about $6,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,460 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,907. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Suffolk County Community College profile
Gwinnett College Lilburn came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lilburn, GA, Gwinnett College Lilburn is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,300 in tuition and fees. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $28,783. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,422 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,783 median debt. Get the full Gwinnett College Lilburn report
Stautzenberger College Brecksville offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Brecksville, OH, Stautzenberger College Brecksville is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,699. Stautzenberger College Brecksville Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $20,834 in debt. Median earnings reach $34,104 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,834 median debt. Read more about Stautzenberger College Brecksville
Tidewater Community College placed #35 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Tidewater Community College is a public school based in Norfolk, VA. Students from in state pay about $5,858 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,296. Tidewater Community College Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $14,177 in debt. Tidewater Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,349 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,177 median debt. Read the full report on Tidewater Community College
Madonna University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Livonia, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,440. Madonna University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $26,896 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,058 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,896 median debt. Madonna University has an acceptance rate of 63%. More on Madonna University
Bryant And Stratton College Online placed #37 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Located in Orchard Park, NY, Bryant And Stratton College Online is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,274. The median Legal Studies And Professions program debt is $21,930. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,568. That is a strong return on a $21,930 median debt. Read more about Bryant And Stratton College Online
Kent State University At Kent ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Kent, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Kent State University At Kent
Community College Of Allegheny County ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Community College Of Allegheny County is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,956 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,583 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,263 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,449 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,263 median debt. Get the full Community College Of Allegheny County report
Roger Williams University placed #39 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Roger Williams University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bristol, RI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,197. Students borrow a median of $18,721 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,266. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Roger Williams University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Students borrow a median of $25,258 to complete their Legal Studies And Professions program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. Set against $25,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
Hamline University placed #43 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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 admits about 88% of applicants. More on Hamline University
University Of Toledo placed #44 among the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools in the United States. University Of Toledo is a public school based in Toledo, OH. Students from in state pay about $12,157 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,517. University Of Toledo Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $27,605 in debt. University Of Toledo alumni report median earnings of $50,632 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,605 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full University Of Toledo profile
Washburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Topeka, KS, Washburn University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,945 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,949. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $20,250. Washburn University alumni report median earnings of $49,774 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Washburn University
Suffolk University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Suffolk University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,550. Suffolk University Legal Studies And Professions students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,506. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suffolk University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Suffolk University
Eastern Kentucky University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $25,122. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,795. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Eastern Kentucky University profile
Bryant And Stratton College Syracuse North landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Liverpool, NY, Bryant And Stratton College Syracuse North is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,926. Typical Legal Studies And Professions student debt is $21,930. Median earnings reach $32,568 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,930 median debt. Read more about Bryant And Stratton College Syracuse North
St Johns University New York came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,529. Graduates carry a median of $26,030 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,571 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read more about St Johns University New York
Latter Day Saints Business College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Latter Day Saints Business College
Loyola University Chicago ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. More on Loyola University Chicago
Ohio Wesleyan University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Legal Studies And Professions schools. See the full Ohio Wesleyan University profile
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 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. 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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