How much does law school cost?
The average ABA-accredited law school charged $52,801 per year in tuition and fees for the most recent entering class, and the average total cost of a three-year J.D.—tuition, fees, and living expenses—came to $215,105. But averages hide a huge range: three-year totals run from about $70,536 at IU McKinney to $388,278 at Stanford.
More importantly, the sticker price isn't what most students pay. Across ranked law schools, only 0.0% of students pay full tuition, and the median scholarship at the median school is $55,824 per year. Two schools with similar tuition can differ by six figures in what you'll actually pay. To estimate what you would pay at a given school based on your LSAT and GPA, use our scholarship calculator.
The most and least expensive law schools
Total three-year cost combines tuition, fees, and each school's own estimate of living expenses. These are sticker prices—before the scholarships that most students receive.
Highest total 3-year cost
Lowest total 3-year cost (ranked schools)
- 1 IU McKinney $70,536
- 2 SIU - Carbondale $96,243
- 3 Puerto Rico $98,562
- 4 South Dakota $100,695
- 5 Nebraska $108,684
Frequently asked questions
How much does law school cost per year?
Tuition and fees at ABA-accredited law schools average $52,801 per year, but range from $13,376 for residents at Florida A&M to $90,638 at NYU. Living expenses add roughly $27,093 per year depending on the city. The table above lists every school's figures.
How much is law school for 3 years?
The full three-year cost of a J.D.—tuition, fees, and living expenses—averages $215,105. Totals range from about $70,536 (IU McKinney) to $388,278 (Stanford). Most students pay less than sticker: at the median ranked school, 100% of students receive a scholarship.
How expensive is it to become a lawyer?
Beyond the $215,105 average cost of law school itself, budget for the LSAT ($238 per test), application fees (about $85 per school plus LSAC's CAS fees), seat deposits, the MPRE ($185), bar exam fees ($100–$1,500 by state), and a bar-prep course ($1,500–$4,000). All-in, becoming a lawyer typically costs $220,000+ before your first paycheck.
Do most law students pay full tuition?
No. At the median ranked law school, only 0.0% of students pay sticker price. Merit scholarships—awarded mostly on LSAT and GPA—are the norm. The 25th/50th/75th-percentile scholarship columns in the table show what schools actually award, and our scholarship calculator estimates your odds.
What LSAT score will get you a full ride?
There's no universal number—full-tuition scholarships generally go to applicants whose LSAT and GPA are at or above a school's 75th percentiles. A 170+ can mean full rides at many schools ranked outside the top 14 but little money at the T14 itself. Check any school's medians in the table, or use our scholarship calculator.
Is law school cheaper than med school?
Generally yes, because it's shorter: three years instead of four. Annual tuition is similar at private schools, but the average medical degree runs roughly $230,000–$260,000 in total versus $215,105 for law school. Physicians, however, are paid (modestly) during residency, while law graduates face bar-prep costs before their first job.