2026 Best Value Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
New York, NY

Our analysis ranked Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice the best value for a degree in legal studies in the United States. Set in the city of New York, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,420. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $9,500. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice generally make around $32,649. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.

2

Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in legal studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Northern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the suburb of Highland Heights. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Students borrow a median of $25,572 to complete the legal studies program here. Legal Studies graduates of Northern Kentucky University earn a median of $52,565 early in their careers. Set against $25,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%.

3

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in legal studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Tacoma, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,168, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. Students borrow a median of $17,383 to complete the legal studies program here. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from University Of Washington Tacoma Campus generally make around $39,558. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus admits about 82% of applicants.

4

University Of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL

University Of Illinois At Springfield came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value legal studies schools. Set in the city of Springfield, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,557, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $24,925 in student loans. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $53,344. Set against $24,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants.

5

University Of Central Florida
Orlando, FL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Central Florida earned it the #5 place for legal studies. University Of Central Florida is a very large public school located in the suburb of Orlando. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Students borrow a median of $21,422 to complete the legal studies program here. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from University Of Central Florida generally make around $34,408. That is a strong return on a $21,422 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%.

6

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #6 among the best values for legal studies. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $17,383. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $39,558. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.

7

American Public University System
Charles Town, WV

American Public University System earned the #7 position for value in legal studies this year. American Public University System is a very large private for-profit school located in the town of Charles Town. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Students borrow a median of $41,008 to complete the legal studies program here. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from American Public University System generally make around $46,109. That is a strong return on a $41,008 median debt.

8

The University Of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

The University Of Texas At San Antonio earned the #8 position for value in legal studies this year. Set in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,326 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Legal Studies graduates of The University Of Texas At San Antonio earn a median of $23,017 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

9

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value legal studies schools. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $24,386 in student loans. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $42,228. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.

10

Morehead State University
Morehead, KY

Morehead State University landed the #10 spot for legal studies value this year. Set in the town of Morehead, Morehead State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,024, compared with $14,980 for out-of-state students. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $26,230 in student loans. Legal Studies graduates of Morehead State University earn a median of $28,504 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

11

Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK

Northeastern State University placed #11 among the best values for legal studies. Northeastern State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Tahlequah. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $23,465 in student loans. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $49,353. Set against $23,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%.

12

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley came in at #12 for value in legal studies this year. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,723 to complete the legal studies program here. Legal Studies graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $43,886 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,723 median debt. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants.

13

University Of Wisconsin Superior
Superior, WI

University Of Wisconsin Superior ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value legal studies schools. Located in the suburb of Superior, University Of Wisconsin Superior is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,812 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,726. Students borrow a median of $27,845 to complete the legal studies program here. Legal Studies graduates of University Of Wisconsin Superior earn a median of $45,219 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.

14

University Of Mississippi Main Campus
University, MS

University Of Mississippi Main Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value legal studies schools. Set in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,772, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $25,750. Legal Studies graduates of University Of Mississippi Main Campus earn a median of $38,387 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

15

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater earned the #15 position for value in legal studies this year. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public school located in the town of Whitewater. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $25,306. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $45,767. Set against $25,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

16

University Of Maryland University College
Adelphi, MD

University Of Maryland University College earned the #16 position for value in legal studies this year. Located in the suburb of Adelphi, University Of Maryland University College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $31,017 in student loans. Legal Studies graduates of University Of Maryland University College earn a median of $54,304 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17

Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
Ponce, PR

Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce landed the #17 spot for legal studies value this year. Located in the city of Ponce, Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,650. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $17,124 in student loans. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce generally make around $18,132. That is a strong return on a $17,124 median debt. Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce admits about 98% of applicants.

18

Lander University
Greenwood, SC

Lander University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value legal studies schools. Located in the town of Greenwood, Lander University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,700, compared with $21,300 for out-of-state students. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $26,064 in student loans. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $37,548. That is a strong return on a $26,064 median debt. Lander University admits about 81% of applicants.

19

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #19 spot for legal studies value this year. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $20,980 in student loans. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $41,144. That is a strong return on a $20,980 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

20

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz earned the #20 position for value in legal studies this year. University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Cruz. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $18,416. Legal Studies graduates of University Of California Santa Cruz earn a median of $36,941 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

21

University Of The District Of Columbia
Washington, DC

University Of The District Of Columbia came in at #21 for value in legal studies this year. University Of The District Of Columbia is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Washington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,662, compared with $12,514 for out-of-state students. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $40,750 in student loans. Legal Studies graduates of University Of The District Of Columbia earn a median of $43,778 early in their careers. Set against $40,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

22

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value legal studies schools. Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete the legal studies program here. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from Vanderbilt University generally make around $77,997. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants.

23

Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY

Mercy College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value legal studies schools. Mercy College is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dobbs Ferry. Students from in state pay about $22,880 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,250 to complete the legal studies program here. Legal Studies graduates of Mercy College earn a median of $38,579 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

24

University Of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD

University Of Baltimore ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value legal studies schools. Set in the city of Baltimore, University Of Baltimore is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, compared with $23,984 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $29,681. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from University Of Baltimore generally make around $56,837. That is a strong return on a $29,681 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

25

William Paterson University Of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ

William Paterson University Of New Jersey ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value legal studies schools. Set in the suburb of Wayne, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,704, with out-of-state students paying around $25,344. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $25,644. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $30,326. That is a strong return on a $25,644 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.