Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at University of San Diego School 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 San Diego School of Law is $58,911 for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $67,751 to $58,911, 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 $26,752, while off-campus living averages $26,752 and living at home costs approximately $18,952 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $39,197 to $26,752 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, University of San Diego School of Law saw a 3.93% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 15.01%.
| Academic Year | Full-Time Tuition & Fees | Part-Time Tuition & Fees | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $58,911 | $22,111 | - |
| 2022 | $58,821 | $43,581 | -0.15% |
| 2023 | $60,861 | $45,091 | 3.47% |
| 2024 | $63,052 | $46,742 | 3.6% |
| 2025 | $65,191 | $48,281 | 3.39% |
| 2026 | $67,751 | $50,256 | 3.93% |
Tuition per credit hour provides insight into the cost efficiency of legal education. Students at University of San Diego School of Law pay $3,151 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Academic Year | Per Credit Hour | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $2,511 | - |
| 2022 | $2,491 | -0.8% |
| 2023 | $2,561 | 2.81% |
| 2024 | $2,702 | 5.51% |
| 2025 | $2,726 | 0.89% |
| 2026 | $3,151 | 15.59% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, University of San Diego School of Law saw a 23.88% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 24.85%.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $85,663 | $85,663 | $77,863 |
| 2022 | $86,333 | $86,335 | $78,161 |
| 2023 | $92,079 | $92,079 | $81,426 |
| 2024 | $90,953 | $90,953 | $80,300 |
| 2025 | $103,961 | $103,961 | $86,014 |
| 2026 | $106,948 | $106,948 | $86,898 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, University of San Diego School of Law's living costs have increased from $26,752 to $39,197 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $26,752 to $39,197.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $26,752 | $26,752 | $18,952 | - |
| 2022 | $27,512 | $27,514 | $19,340 | 2.84% |
| 2023 | $31,218 | $31,218 | $20,565 | 13.47% |
| 2024 | $27,901 | $27,901 | $17,248 | -10.63% |
| 2025 | $38,770 | $38,770 | $20,823 | 38.96% |
| 2026 | $39,197 | $39,197 | $19,147 | 1.1% |
