2026 Best Value Non-Professional General Legal Studies Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM

Central New Mexico Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value non-professional general legal studies schools in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Albuquerque, Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,112 to complete the non-professional general legal studies program here. Early-career non-professional general legal studies graduates make about $34,751. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

The University Of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At San Antonio earned it the #2 place for non-professional general legal studies. Set in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,326, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. Non-Professional General Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, non-professional general legal studies degree recipients from The University Of Texas At San Antonio generally make around $23,017. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.

3

Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK

Students looking for strong value in non-professional general legal studies will find it at Northeastern State University, which ranked #3. Northeastern State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Tahlequah. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. Typical student debt for non-professional general legal studies graduates is $23,465. Early-career non-professional general legal studies graduates make about $49,353. That is a strong return on a $23,465 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

4

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Students looking for strong value in non-professional general legal studies will find it at Arizona State University, which ranked #4. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Non-Professional General Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $19,827 in student loans. Non-Professional General Legal Studies graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $42,228 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

Students looking for strong value in non-professional general legal studies will find it at University Of Arizona, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Non-Professional General Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $21,861 in student loans. Soon after graduation, non-professional general legal studies degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $50,834. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

6

Texas State University San Marcos
San Marcos, TX

Texas State University San Marcos placed #6 among the best values for non-professional general legal studies. Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public school located in the city of San Marcos. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Non-Professional General Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. Early-career non-professional general legal studies graduates make about $47,456. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants.

7

Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX

Tarleton State University placed #7 among the best values for non-professional general legal studies. Located in the town of Stephenville, Tarleton State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,302, while out-of-state students pay about $18,142. Students borrow a median of $23,222 to complete the non-professional general legal studies program here. Early-career non-professional general legal studies graduates make about $50,532. Set against $23,222 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tarleton State University admits about 90% of applicants.

8

National Paralegal College
Phoenix, AZ

National Paralegal College placed #8 among the best values for non-professional general legal studies. National Paralegal College is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. In-state tuition and fees average $7,995. Typical student debt for non-professional general legal studies graduates is $53,118. Non-Professional General Legal Studies graduates of National Paralegal College earn a median of $35,764 early in their careers. Set against $53,118 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Texas A And M University College Station
College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station earned the #9 position for value in non-professional general legal studies this year. Located in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical student debt for non-professional general legal studies graduates is $20,031. Early-career non-professional general legal studies graduates make about $64,891. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.