Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at Southwestern 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 Southwestern Law School is $55,416 for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $63,160 to $55,416, 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 $27,806, while off-campus living averages $31,172 and living at home costs approximately $16,097 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $36,413 to $27,806 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, Southwestern Law School saw a 4% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 13.97%.
| Academic Year | Full-Time Tuition & Fees | Part-Time Tuition & Fees | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $55,416 | $18,547 | - |
| 2022 | $55,316 | $36,894 | -0.18% |
| 2023 | $56,146 | $37,447 | 1.5% |
| 2024 | $58,537 | $39,042 | 4.26% |
| 2025 | $60,728 | $40,502 | 3.74% |
| 2026 | $63,160 | $42,124 | 4% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, Southwestern Law School saw a 18.75% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 19.65%.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $83,222 | $86,588 | $71,513 |
| 2022 | $83,849 | $87,206 | $72,131 |
| 2023 | $87,008 | $91,085 | $75,920 |
| 2024 | $91,235 | $94,772 | $79,607 |
| 2025 | $95,343 | $97,288 | $82,033 |
| 2026 | $99,573 | $101,193 | $63,160 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, Southwestern Law School's living costs have increased from $27,806 to $36,413 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $31,172 to $38,033.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27,806 | $31,172 | $16,097 | - |
| 2022 | $28,533 | $31,890 | $16,815 | 2.61% |
| 2023 | $30,862 | $34,939 | $19,774 | 8.16% |
| 2024 | $32,698 | $36,235 | $21,070 | 5.95% |
| 2025 | $34,615 | $36,560 | $21,305 | 5.86% |
| 2026 | $36,413 | $38,033 | - | 5.19% |
