Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at University of South Dakota 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 South Dakota School of Law is $17,336 for in-state and $36,682 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $37,221 to $36,682, 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 $30,596, while off-campus living averages $30,531 and living at home costs approximately - for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have increased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $16,452 to $30,596 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, University of South Dakota School of Law saw a 2.44% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 1.47%.
| Academic Year | In-State | Out-of-State | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17,336 | $36,682 | - |
| 2022 | $16,794 | $36,334 | -0.95% |
| 2023 | $16,793 | $36,333 | - |
| 2024 | $16,793 | $36,333 | - |
| 2025 | $16,793 | $36,333 | - |
| 2026 | $17,113 | $37,221 | 2.44% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, University of South Dakota School of Law saw a 5.92% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been -20.22%.
| 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 | $47,932 | $47,867 | $17,336 | $67,278 | $67,213 | $36,682 |
| 2022 | $31,131 | $33,319 | $24,820 | $50,671 | $52,859 | $44,360 |
| 2023 | $31,464 | $34,023 | $25,302 | $51,004 | $53,563 | $44,842 |
| 2024 | $33,144 | $35,225 | $27,880 | $52,684 | $54,765 | $47,420 |
| 2025 | $33,597 | $35,443 | $28,051 | $53,137 | $54,983 | $47,591 |
| 2026 | $33,565 | $35,147 | $28,815 | $53,673 | $55,255 | $48,923 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, University of South Dakota School of Law's living costs have decreased from $30,596 to $16,452 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly decreased from $30,531 to $18,034.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,596 | $30,531 | - | - |
| 2022 | $14,337 | $16,525 | $8,026 | -53.14% |
| 2023 | $14,671 | $17,230 | $8,509 | 2.33% |
| 2024 | $16,351 | $18,432 | $11,087 | 11.45% |
| 2025 | $16,804 | $18,650 | $11,258 | 2.77% |
| 2026 | $16,452 | $18,034 | $11,702 | -2.09% |
