Law School Tuition Costs and How to Reduce Them

Quick answer: law school tuition varies a lot by school and by whether you pay in-state rates. Do not stop at the sticker price. Add three years of living costs and take away scholarships to find your real cost. Each ABA school publishes its tuition in its required disclosures.

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How to Work Out Your Real Cost

Item	What to include
Tuition and fees	All three years, and expect increases
Living costs	Rent, food, transport, books
Scholarships	Take these off, and read the terms
Loan interest	Can add a lot over time

How to Cut the Cost

Raise your LSAT. See how much a higher score can save.
Apply to schools where you are above the 75th percentile. Try the scholarship calculator.
Look at public schools in your state.
Compare offers, and ask politely for more.
Check if scholarships need a certain law school GPA.
Look at loan repayment programs for public interest work.

Is the Cost Worth It?

Compare your likely debt with your likely salary, using each school’s employment data. A very high cost can be hard to justify for lower paying legal jobs. See how to choose a law school.

Watch Out for Scholarship Conditions

Some scholarships can be lost if your law school grades fall too low. Schools must report how many students lose their scholarships, so check that in their ABA disclosures.

FAQ

How much does law school cost?

It varies widely, so check each school’s ABA disclosure for current numbers.

Are public schools cheaper?

Often, especially in-state, but not always after scholarships.

Can I get a full ride?

It can happen, usually if you are well above a school’s 75th percentile.