Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at Santa Clara University School 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 Santa Clara University School of Law is $56,280 for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $62,551 to $56,280, 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 $36,502, while off-campus living averages $36,502 and living at home costs approximately $36,502 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have increased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $35,618 to $36,502 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, Santa Clara University School of Law saw a 5.56% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 11.14%.
| Academic Year | Full-Time Tuition & Fees | Part-Time Tuition & Fees | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $56,280 | - | - |
| 2022 | $56,280 | - | - |
| 2023 | $58,680 | - | 4.26% |
| 2024 | $56,448 | - | -3.8% |
| 2025 | $59,254 | - | 4.97% |
| 2026 | $62,551 | $990 | 5.56% |
Tuition per credit hour provides insight into the cost efficiency of legal education. Students at Santa Clara University School of Law pay $3,250 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Academic Year | Per Credit Hour | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $1,876 | - |
| 2022 | $1,956 | 4.26% |
| 2023 | $2,016 | 3.07% |
| 2024 | $2,878 | 42.76% |
| 2025 | $2,962 | 2.92% |
| 2026 | $3,250 | 9.72% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, Santa Clara University School of Law saw a 5.94% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 5.81%.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $92,782 | $92,782 | $92,782 |
| 2022 | $92,662 | $92,662 | $92,662 |
| 2023 | $95,958 | $95,958 | $95,958 |
| 2024 | $93,598 | $93,598 | $93,598 |
| 2025 | $96,760 | $96,760 | $96,760 |
| 2026 | $98,169 | $98,169 | $98,169 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, Santa Clara University School of Law's living costs have decreased from $36,502 to $35,618 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly decreased from $36,502 to $35,618.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36,502 | $36,502 | $36,502 | - |
| 2022 | $36,382 | $36,382 | $36,382 | -0.33% |
| 2023 | $37,278 | $37,278 | $37,278 | 2.46% |
| 2024 | $37,150 | $37,150 | $37,150 | -0.34% |
| 2025 | $37,506 | $37,506 | $37,506 | 0.96% |
| 2026 | $35,618 | $35,618 | $35,618 | -5.03% |
