Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at University at Buffalo 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 University at Buffalo Law School is $28,280 for in-state and $32,370 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $35,420 to $32,370, 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 $19,674, while off-campus living averages $19,674 and living at home costs approximately $19,674 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $24,814 to $19,674 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, University at Buffalo Law School saw a 2.1% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 9.42%.
| Academic Year | In-State | Out-of-State | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $28,280 | $32,370 | - |
| 2022 | $28,488 | $33,328 | 2.96% |
| 2023 | $30,027 | $34,867 | 4.62% |
| 2024 | $29,248 | $34,238 | -1.8% |
| 2025 | $29,390 | $34,690 | 1.32% |
| 2026 | $29,750 | $35,420 | 2.1% |
Tuition per credit hour provides insight into the cost efficiency of legal education. In-state students at University at Buffalo Law School pay $4,421 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $4,658 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Academic Year | In-State Per Credit | Out-of-State Per Credit | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | - | - | - |
| 2022 | - | - | - |
| 2023 | $2,832 | $3,033 | - |
| 2024 | $4,168 | $4,376 | 44.28% |
| 2025 | $4,310 | $4,518 | 3.24% |
| 2026 | $4,421 | $4,658 | 3.1% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, University at Buffalo Law School saw a 13.64% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 15.74%.
| Academic Year | In-State On-Campus | In-State Off-Campus | In-State At Home | Out-of-State On-Campus | Out-of-State Off-Campus | Out-of-State At Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $47,954 | $47,954 | $47,954 | $52,044 | $52,044 | $52,044 |
| 2022 | $48,162 | $48,162 | $48,162 | $53,002 | $53,002 | $53,002 |
| 2023 | $48,191 | $48,191 | $48,191 | $53,031 | $53,031 | $53,031 |
| 2024 | $52,010 | $52,010 | $52,010 | $57,000 | $57,000 | $57,000 |
| 2025 | $50,516 | $50,516 | $38,312 | $55,816 | $55,816 | $43,612 |
| 2026 | $54,564 | $54,564 | $41,064 | $60,234 | $60,234 | $46,734 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, University at Buffalo Law School's living costs have increased from $19,674 to $24,814 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $19,674 to $24,814.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,674 | $19,674 | $19,674 | - |
| 2022 | $19,674 | $19,674 | $19,674 | - |
| 2023 | $18,164 | $18,164 | $18,164 | -7.68% |
| 2024 | $22,762 | $22,762 | $22,762 | 25.31% |
| 2025 | $21,126 | $21,126 | $8,922 | -7.19% |
| 2026 | $24,814 | $24,814 | $11,314 | 17.46% |
