Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at Stanford 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 Stanford Law School is $23,496 for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $79,707 to $23,496, 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 $39,453, while off-campus living averages $44,223 and living at home costs approximately - for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $49,719 to $39,453 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, Stanford Law School saw a 4.05% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 239.24%.
| Academic Year | Full-Time Tuition & Fees | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,496 | - |
| 2022 | $66,396 | 182.58% |
| 2023 | $68,997 | 3.92% |
| 2024 | $73,713 | 6.84% |
| 2025 | $76,608 | 3.93% |
| 2026 | $79,707 | 4.05% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, Stanford Law School saw a 20.9% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 105.6%.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $62,949 | $67,719 | $23,496 |
| 2022 | $107,055 | $111,153 | $66,396 |
| 2023 | $111,753 | $115,230 | $68,997 |
| 2024 | $119,762 | $121,545 | $73,713 |
| 2025 | $124,434 | $126,018 | $76,608 |
| 2026 | $129,426 | $130,809 | $79,707 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, Stanford Law School's living costs have increased from $39,453 to $49,719 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $44,223 to $51,102.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39,453 | $44,223 | - | - |
| 2022 | $40,659 | $44,757 | - | 3.06% |
| 2023 | $42,756 | $46,233 | - | 5.16% |
| 2024 | $46,049 | $47,832 | - | 7.7% |
| 2025 | $47,826 | $49,410 | - | 3.86% |
| 2026 | $49,719 | $51,102 | - | 3.96% |
