Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at Sturm College 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 Sturm College of Law is $54,302 for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $63,812 to $54,302, 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 $20,171, while off-campus living averages $20,171 and living at home costs approximately $20,171 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $27,260 to $20,171 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, Sturm College of Law saw a 3.15% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 17.51%.
| Academic Year | Full-Time Tuition & Fees | Part-Time Tuition & Fees | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $54,302 | $20,118 | - |
| 2022 | $55,382 | $40,666 | 1.99% |
| 2023 | $56,032 | $41,876 | 1.17% |
| 2024 | $59,792 | $43,876 | 6.71% |
| 2025 | $61,862 | $45,394 | 3.46% |
| 2026 | $63,812 | $46,848 | 3.15% |
Tuition per credit hour provides insight into the cost efficiency of legal education. Students at Sturm College of Law pay $2,535 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Academic Year | Per Credit Hour | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $2,218 | - |
| 2022 | $2,254 | 1.62% |
| 2023 | $2,309 | 2.44% |
| 2024 | $2,314 | 0.22% |
| 2025 | $2,383 | 2.98% |
| 2026 | $2,535 | 6.38% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, Sturm College of Law saw a 19.12% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 22.29%.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $74,473 | $74,473 | $74,473 |
| 2022 | $76,456 | $76,456 | $76,456 |
| 2023 | $82,096 | $82,096 | $82,096 |
| 2024 | $87,476 | $87,476 | $87,476 |
| 2025 | $88,912 | $88,912 | $88,912 |
| 2026 | $91,072 | $91,072 | $91,072 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, Sturm College of Law's living costs have increased from $20,171 to $27,260 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $20,171 to $27,260.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20,171 | $20,171 | $20,171 | - |
| 2022 | $21,074 | $21,074 | $21,074 | 4.48% |
| 2023 | $26,064 | $26,064 | $26,064 | 23.68% |
| 2024 | $27,684 | $27,684 | $27,684 | 6.22% |
| 2025 | $27,050 | $27,050 | $27,050 | -2.29% |
| 2026 | $27,260 | $27,260 | $27,260 | 0.78% |
