Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at University of Iowa 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 University of Iowa College of Law is $27,165 for in-state and $46,781 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $54,736 to $46,781, 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 $16,620, while off-campus living averages $17,304 and living at home costs approximately $8,830 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $23,920 to $16,620 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, University of Iowa College of Law saw a 1.82% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 17%.
| Academic Year | In-State | Out-of-State | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27,165 | $46,781 | - |
| 2022 | $29,132 | $48,747 | 4.2% |
| 2023 | $30,152 | $49,987 | 2.54% |
| 2024 | $31,426 | $51,956 | 3.94% |
| 2025 | $32,512 | $53,759 | 3.47% |
| 2026 | $33,489 | $54,736 | 1.82% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, University of Iowa College of Law saw a 19.15% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 24.06%.
| 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 | $43,785 | $44,469 | $35,995 | $63,401 | $64,085 | $55,611 |
| 2022 | $46,398 | $46,968 | $38,494 | $66,013 | $66,583 | $58,109 |
| 2023 | $47,532 | $49,660 | $40,046 | $67,367 | $69,495 | $59,881 |
| 2024 | $54,202 | $54,202 | $41,814 | $74,732 | $74,732 | $62,344 |
| 2025 | $56,660 | $56,660 | $42,074 | $77,907 | $77,907 | $63,321 |
| 2026 | $57,409 | $57,409 | $42,842 | $78,656 | $78,656 | $64,089 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, University of Iowa College of Law's living costs have increased from $16,620 to $23,920 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $17,304 to $23,920.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16,620 | $17,304 | $8,830 | - |
| 2022 | $17,266 | $17,836 | $9,362 | 3.89% |
| 2023 | $17,380 | $19,508 | $9,894 | 0.66% |
| 2024 | $22,776 | $22,776 | $10,388 | 31.05% |
| 2025 | $24,148 | $24,148 | $9,562 | 6.02% |
| 2026 | $23,920 | $23,920 | $9,353 | -0.94% |
