Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability across institutions
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 private law schools is $62,590 for the academic year 2026-2027, while the average for public law schools is $34,089 for in-state students and $48,406 for out-of-state students.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, private law schools saw a 4.67% increase, while public in-state and out-of-state schools increased by 5.5% and 5.46% respectively.
In the current decade (the twenties), the increases have been more substantial. Private law school tuition increased by 22.72% since 2021, while public in-state tuition rose 18.79% and out-of-state tuition increased 16.61% during the same period.
| School Type | Current Tuition | YoY Increase | 5-Year Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Law Schools | $62,590 | 4.67% | 22.72% |
| Public In-State | $34,089 | 5.5% | 18.79% |
| Public Out-of-State | $48,406 | 5.46% | 16.61% |
Source: 2026-2027 Each law school's Admission Page, Before 2026 - ABA Standard 509 Reports
The cost of attendance (COA) includes tuition and fees, living expenses, books, and supplies. Based on on-campus living, the average COA for full-time students at private law schools is $92,630 in 2027, while the average for public law schools is $60,420 for in-state students and $74,737 for out-of-state students.
Year-over-year, private law schools on-campus COA increased by 3.7%, off-campus by 3.09%, and at-home by 3.47%. Public in-state on-campus increased by 5.36%, off-campus by 3.02%, and at-home by 3.67%. Public out-of-state on-campus increased by 5.36%, off-campus by 3.46%, and at-home by 4.05%.
Over the past 5 years, private law schools on-campus COA rose 21.23%, off-campus 21.77%, and at-home 17.17%. Public in-state on-campus increased 21.65%, off-campus 19.67%, and at-home 12.23%. Public out-of-state on-campus increased 19.62%, off-campus 18.07%, and at-home 12.12%.
| School Type | Living Setting | Current COA | YoY Increase | 5-Year Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | On-Campus | $92,630 | 3.7% | 21.23% |
| Off-Campus | $93,020 | 3.09% | 21.77% | |
| At Home | $83,184 | 3.47% | 17.17% | |
| Public In-State | On-Campus | $60,420 | 5.36% | 21.65% |
| Off-Campus | $60,691 | 3.02% | 19.67% | |
| At Home | $50,167 | 3.67% | 12.23% | |
| Public Out-of-State | On-Campus | $74,737 | 5.36% | 19.62% |
| Off-Campus | $75,008 | 3.46% | 18.07% | |
| At Home | $64,484 | 4.05% | 12.12% |
Source: 2026-2027 Each law school's Admission Page, Before 2026 - ABA Standard 509 Reports
