Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at University of Nebraska - Lincoln 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 Nebraska - Lincoln College of Law is $15,238 for in-state and $35,008 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $43,205 to $35,008, 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 $18,552, while off-campus living averages $17,226 and living at home costs approximately $10,962 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $22,092 to $18,552 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, University of Nebraska - Lincoln College of Law saw a 15.39% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 23.41%.
| Academic Year | In-State | Out-of-State | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15,238 | $35,008 | - |
| 2022 | $15,554 | $36,194 | 3.39% |
| 2023 | $15,582 | $36,222 | 0.08% |
| 2024 | $15,648 | $36,288 | 0.18% |
| 2025 | $16,082 | $37,442 | 3.18% |
| 2026 | $20,824 | $43,205 | 15.39% |
Tuition per credit hour provides insight into the cost efficiency of legal education. In-state students at University of Nebraska - Lincoln College of Law pay $4,422 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $5,195 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Academic Year | In-State Per Credit | Out-of-State Per Credit | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $3,780 | $4,468 | - |
| 2022 | $3,808 | $4,496 | 0.63% |
| 2023 | $3,838 | $4,526 | 0.67% |
| 2024 | $3,902 | $4,614 | 1.94% |
| 2025 | $3,964 | $4,700 | 1.86% |
| 2026 | $4,422 | $5,195 | 10.53% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, University of Nebraska - Lincoln College of Law saw a 18.04% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 21.91%.
| 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 | $33,790 | $32,464 | $26,200 | $53,560 | $52,234 | $45,970 |
| 2022 | $34,680 | $34,680 | $27,680 | $55,320 | $55,320 | $48,320 |
| 2023 | $35,192 | $35,192 | $28,042 | $55,832 | $55,832 | $48,682 |
| 2024 | $38,120 | $38,120 | $28,682 | $58,760 | $58,760 | $49,322 |
| 2025 | $38,316 | $38,316 | $29,702 | $59,676 | $59,676 | $51,062 |
| 2026 | $42,916 | $42,916 | $27,476 | $65,297 | $65,297 | $49,857 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, University of Nebraska - Lincoln College of Law's living costs have increased from $18,552 to $22,092 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $17,226 to $22,092.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,552 | $17,226 | $10,962 | - |
| 2022 | $19,126 | $19,126 | $12,126 | 3.09% |
| 2023 | $19,610 | $19,610 | $12,460 | 2.53% |
| 2024 | $22,472 | $22,472 | $13,034 | 14.59% |
| 2025 | $22,234 | $22,234 | $13,620 | -1.06% |
| 2026 | $22,092 | $22,092 | $6,652 | -0.64% |
