Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at Harvard 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 Harvard Law School is $67,080 for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $82,560 to $67,080, 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 $33,444, while off-campus living averages $33,444 and living at home costs approximately $33,444 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $38,690 to $33,444 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, Harvard Law School saw a 4.92% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 23.08%.
| Academic Year | Full-Time Tuition & Fees | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $67,080 | - |
| 2022 | $68,962 | 2.81% |
| 2023 | $71,734 | 4.02% |
| 2024 | $75,008 | 4.56% |
| 2025 | $78,692 | 4.91% |
| 2026 | $82,560 | 4.92% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, Harvard Law School saw a 16.36% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 20.62%.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $100,524 | $100,524 | $100,524 |
| 2022 | $104,200 | $104,200 | $104,200 |
| 2023 | $107,000 | $107,000 | $107,000 |
| 2024 | $110,930 | $110,930 | $110,930 |
| 2025 | $116,000 | $116,000 | $116,000 |
| 2026 | $121,250 | $121,250 | $121,250 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, Harvard Law School's living costs have increased from $33,444 to $38,690 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $33,444 to $38,690.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $33,444 | $33,444 | $33,444 | - |
| 2022 | $35,238 | $35,238 | $35,238 | 5.36% |
| 2023 | $35,266 | $35,266 | $35,266 | 0.08% |
| 2024 | $35,922 | $35,922 | $35,922 | 1.86% |
| 2025 | $37,308 | $37,308 | $37,308 | 3.86% |
| 2026 | $38,690 | $38,690 | $38,690 | 3.7% |
