2026 Best Value Law Schools in District of Columbia

1

Catholic University Of America
Washington, DC

Catholic University Of America tops our 2026 list of the best value law schools in District of Columbia. Set in the city of Washington, Catholic University Of America is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,378. Students borrow a median of $25,771 to complete the law program here. Early-career law graduates make about $77,441. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

2

George Washington University
Washington, DC

George Washington University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in law, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete the law program here. Law graduates of George Washington University earn a median of $95,225 early in their careers. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of The District Of Columbia
Washington, DC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of The District Of Columbia earned it the #3 place for law. Set in the city of Washington, University Of The District Of Columbia is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,662 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,514. Typical student debt for law graduates is $32,304. Law graduates of University Of The District Of Columbia earn a median of $59,595 early in their careers. Set against $32,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Students looking for strong value in law will find it at Georgetown University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete the law program here. Soon after graduation, law degree recipients from Georgetown University generally make around $168,995. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgetown University admits about 13% of applicants.

5

American University
Washington, DC

American University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value law schools. Set in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,771. Typical student debt for law graduates is $24,139. Soon after graduation, law degree recipients from American University generally make around $73,725. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.

6

Howard University
Washington, DC

Howard University placed #6 among the best values for law. Howard University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,810. Typical student debt for law graduates is $25,498. Soon after graduation, law degree recipients from Howard University generally make around $81,173. Set against $25,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 41%.