Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's University School of Law is $39,420 for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $46,310 to $39,420, 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 $20,748, while off-campus living averages $20,748 and living at home costs approximately $20,748 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $23,878 to $20,748 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, St. Mary's University School of Law saw a 3.56% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 17.48%.
| Academic Year | Full-Time Tuition & Fees | Part-Time Tuition & Fees | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39,420 | $13,235 | - |
| 2022 | $41,058 | $27,204 | 4.16% |
| 2023 | $42,242 | $27,984 | 2.88% |
| 2024 | $43,324 | $28,654 | 2.56% |
| 2025 | $44,718 | $29,562 | 3.22% |
| 2026 | $46,310 | $31,262 | 3.56% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, St. Mary's University School of Law saw a 13.56% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 16.65%.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $60,168 | $60,168 | $60,168 |
| 2022 | $61,806 | $61,806 | $61,806 |
| 2023 | $65,384 | $65,384 | $65,384 |
| 2024 | $65,362 | $65,362 | $65,362 |
| 2025 | $66,756 | $66,756 | $66,756 |
| 2026 | $70,188 | $70,188 | $57,696 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, St. Mary's University School of Law's living costs have increased from $20,748 to $23,878 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $20,748 to $23,878.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20,748 | $20,748 | $20,748 | - |
| 2022 | $20,748 | $20,748 | $20,748 | - |
| 2023 | $23,142 | $23,142 | $23,142 | 11.54% |
| 2024 | $22,038 | $22,038 | $22,038 | -4.77% |
| 2025 | $22,038 | $22,038 | $22,038 | - |
| 2026 | $23,878 | $23,878 | $11,386 | 8.35% |