2026 Best Value Legal Studies Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

1

Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
New York, NY

Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice earned the #1 spot for value among legal studies schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. Located in the city of New York, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,420 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $9,500. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $32,649. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice admits about 57% of applicants.

2

University Of Maryland University College
Adelphi, MD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Maryland University College earned it the #2 place for legal studies. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $31,017 in student loans. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from University Of Maryland University College generally make around $54,304. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Harford Community College
Bel Air, MD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Harford Community College earned it the #3 place for legal studies. Set in the rural area of Bel Air, Harford Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,032, while out-of-state students pay about $8,832. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $12,624. Legal Studies graduates of Harford Community College earn a median of $50,636 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

University Of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD

University Of Baltimore is a great value for students pursuing a degree in legal studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Baltimore, University Of Baltimore is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $23,984. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $29,681. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $56,837. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Baltimore admits about 79% of applicants.

5

Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY

A rank of #5 makes Mercy College one of the best values for legal studies. Set in the suburb of Dobbs Ferry, Mercy College is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $22,880. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $29,250 in student loans. Legal Studies graduates of Mercy College earn a median of $38,579 early in their careers. Set against $29,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of The District Of Columbia
Washington, DC

University Of The District Of Columbia landed the #6 spot for legal studies value this year. Located in the city of Washington, University Of The District Of Columbia is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,662, while out-of-state students pay about $12,514. Students borrow a median of $40,750 to complete the legal studies program here. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from University Of The District Of Columbia generally make around $43,778. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

William Paterson University Of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ

William Paterson University Of New Jersey placed #7 among the best values for legal studies. Located in the suburb of Wayne, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,704, with out-of-state students paying around $25,344. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $25,644 in student loans. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $30,326. Set against $25,644 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

8

University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY

University At Buffalo came in at #8 for value in legal studies this year. University At Buffalo is a very large public school located in the suburb of Buffalo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $22,232. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from University At Buffalo generally make around $52,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants.

9

Ramapo College Of New Jersey
Mahwah, NJ

Ramapo College Of New Jersey earned the #9 position for value in legal studies this year. Set in the suburb of Mahwah, Ramapo College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,777, with out-of-state students paying around $27,708. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $24,014 in student loans. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from Ramapo College Of New Jersey generally make around $48,545. Set against $24,014 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

10

Pennsylvania State University World Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University World Campus placed #10 among the best values for legal studies. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 91%.

11

St Johns University New York
Queens, NY

St Johns University New York placed #11 among the best values for legal studies. Located in the city of Queens, St Johns University New York is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $53,529 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,030 to complete the legal studies program here. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $29,307. That is a strong return on a $26,030 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

12

Saint John Fisher College
Rochester, NY

Saint John Fisher College came in at #12 for value in legal studies this year. Saint John Fisher College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Rochester. In-state tuition and fees average $41,190. Students borrow a median of $25,086 to complete the legal studies program here. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $55,630. Set against $25,086 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%.

13

Pace University New York
New York, NY

Pace University New York placed #13 among the best values for legal studies. Located in the city of New York, Pace University New York is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,510. Students borrow a median of $25,670 to complete the legal studies program here. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $59,662. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Pace University New York admits about 76% of applicants.

14

Dickinson College
Carlisle, PA

Dickinson College came in at #14 for value in legal studies this year. Located in the city of Carlisle, Dickinson College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $65,650. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $19,014. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $39,937. That is a strong return on a $19,014 median debt. Dickinson College admits about 42% of applicants.

15

American University
Washington, DC

American University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value legal studies schools. Set in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,375 to complete the legal studies program here. Legal Studies graduates of American University earn a median of $45,790 early in their careers. Set against $24,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. American University admits about 62% of applicants.