Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at Cornell Law School
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 Cornell Law School is $70,274 for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $85,412 to $70,274, 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 $23,542, while off-campus living averages $23,542 and living at home costs approximately $23,542 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $32,952 to $23,542 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, Cornell Law School saw a 4.91% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 21.54%.
| Academic Year | Full-Time Tuition & Fees | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $70,274 | - |
| 2022 | $71,608 | 1.9% |
| 2023 | $74,183 | 3.6% |
| 2024 | $77,593 | 4.6% |
| 2025 | $81,416 | 4.93% |
| 2026 | $85,412 | 4.91% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, Cornell Law School saw a 24.44% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 26.17%.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $93,816 | $93,816 | $93,816 |
| 2022 | $95,114 | $95,114 | $95,114 |
| 2023 | $97,703 | $97,703 | $97,703 |
| 2024 | $104,809 | $104,809 | $104,809 |
| 2025 | $108,632 | $108,632 | $108,632 |
| 2026 | $118,364 | $118,364 | $118,364 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, Cornell Law School's living costs have increased from $23,542 to $32,952 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $23,542 to $32,952.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,542 | $23,542 | $23,542 | - |
| 2022 | $23,506 | $23,506 | $23,506 | -0.15% |
| 2023 | $23,520 | $23,520 | $23,520 | 0.06% |
| 2024 | $27,216 | $27,216 | $27,216 | 15.71% |
| 2025 | $27,216 | $27,216 | $27,216 | - |
| 2026 | $32,952 | $32,952 | $32,952 | 21.08% |
