Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at Widener Law Commonwealth
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 Widener Law Commonwealth is $45,820 for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $59,806 to $45,820, 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 -, while off-campus living averages $22,683 and living at home costs approximately $15,033 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from - to - over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, Widener Law Commonwealth saw a 4.06% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 30.52%.
| Academic Year | Full-Time Tuition & Fees | Part-Time Tuition & Fees | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $45,820 | - | - |
| 2022 | $50,340 | - | 9.86% |
| 2023 | $51,878 | - | 3.06% |
| 2024 | $53,910 | - | 3.92% |
| 2025 | $57,470 | - | 6.6% |
| 2026 | $59,806 | $518 | 4.06% |
Tuition per credit hour provides insight into the cost efficiency of legal education. Students at Widener Law Commonwealth pay $2,525 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Academic Year | Per Credit Hour | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $1,738 | - |
| 2022 | $1,786 | 2.76% |
| 2023 | $1,906 | 6.72% |
| 2024 | $1,905 | -0.05% |
| 2025 | $1,940 | 1.84% |
| 2026 | $2,525 | 30.15% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, Widener Law Commonwealth saw a 18.8% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 30.52%.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $45,820 | $68,503 | $60,853 |
| 2022 | $50,340 | $73,653 | $66,003 |
| 2023 | $51,878 | $76,858 | $68,362 |
| 2024 | $53,910 | $81,882 | $70,236 |
| 2025 | $57,470 | $88,669 | $77,023 |
| 2026 | $59,806 | $92,668 | $78,583 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, Widener Law Commonwealth's living costs have decreased from - to - for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $22,683 to $32,862.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | - | $22,683 | $15,033 | - |
| 2022 | - | $23,313 | $15,663 | - |
| 2023 | - | $24,980 | $16,484 | - |
| 2024 | - | $27,972 | $16,326 | - |
| 2025 | - | $31,199 | $19,553 | - |
| 2026 | - | $32,862 | $18,777 | - |
