Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at Claude W. Pettit College of Law
Tuition and fees are the largest component of the cost of attendance for law students. The average tuition and fees for full-time students at Claude W. Pettit College of Law is $16,035 for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $33,900 to $16,035, reflecting broader trends in higher education costs and institutional funding challenges.
In addition to tuition, living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance. On-campus housing costs $18,214, while off-campus living averages $15,746 and living at home costs approximately $15,746 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $23,154 to $18,214 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, Claude W. Pettit College of Law saw a -3% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 111.41%.
| Academic Year | Full-Time Tuition & Fees | Part-Time Tuition & Fees | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16,035 | - | - |
| 2022 | $31,940 | - | 99.19% |
| 2023 | $32,930 | - | 3.1% |
| 2024 | $34,650 | - | 5.22% |
| 2025 | $34,950 | $34,950 | 0.87% |
| 2026 | $33,900 | $33,900 | -3% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, Claude W. Pettit College of Law saw a 11.8% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 66.59%.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $34,249 | $31,781 | $31,781 |
| 2022 | $51,031 | $48,848 | $48,848 |
| 2023 | $52,220 | $49,837 | $49,837 |
| 2024 | $54,861 | $52,187 | $52,187 |
| 2025 | $55,958 | $53,722 | $53,722 |
| 2026 | $57,054 | $55,922 | $42,260 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, Claude W. Pettit College of Law's living costs have increased from $18,214 to $23,154 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $15,746 to $22,022.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,214 | $15,746 | $15,746 | - |
| 2022 | $19,091 | $16,908 | $16,908 | 4.81% |
| 2023 | $19,290 | $16,907 | $16,907 | 1.04% |
| 2024 | $20,211 | $17,537 | $17,537 | 4.77% |
| 2025 | $21,008 | $18,772 | $18,772 | 3.94% |
| 2026 | $23,154 | $22,022 | $8,360 | 10.22% |
