Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at Yale Law School
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 Yale Law School is $68,117 for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $78,961 to $68,117, 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 $23,981, while off-campus living averages $23,981 and living at home costs approximately $23,981 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $28,202 to $23,981 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, Yale Law School saw a 3.39% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 15.92%.
| Academic Year | Full-Time Tuition & Fees | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $68,117 | - |
| 2022 | $69,433 | 1.93% |
| 2023 | $71,425 | 2.87% |
| 2024 | $73,865 | 3.42% |
| 2025 | $76,369 | 3.39% |
| 2026 | $78,961 | 3.39% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, Yale Law School saw a 14.1% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 16.36%.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $92,098 | $92,098 | $92,098 |
| 2022 | $93,923 | $93,923 | $93,923 |
| 2023 | $96,681 | $96,681 | $96,681 |
| 2024 | $100,009 | $100,009 | $100,009 |
| 2025 | $103,579 | $103,579 | $103,579 |
| 2026 | $107,163 | $107,163 | $95,363 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, Yale Law School's living costs have increased from $23,981 to $28,202 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $23,981 to $28,202.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,981 | $23,981 | $23,981 | - |
| 2022 | $24,490 | $24,490 | $24,490 | 2.12% |
| 2023 | $25,256 | $25,256 | $25,256 | 3.13% |
| 2024 | $26,144 | $26,144 | $26,144 | 3.52% |
| 2025 | $27,210 | $27,210 | $27,210 | 4.08% |
| 2026 | $28,202 | $28,202 | $16,402 | 3.65% |
