2026 Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools
[American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence](/majors/legal-studies-and-professions/legal-research/american-us-law-legal-studies-jurisprudence/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 50 schools to find the best return on investment for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence students.
What’s on this page:
Finding the Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence School for You
Where you study american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence affects both what you pay and what you earn. That is why we built our Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
Learn more about our methodology
One Size Does Not Fit All
We offer a number of rankings, including this Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
Read more about College Factual’s methodology
2026 Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools
Leading the list is University Of California Irvine, our #1 best value for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence in the United States. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $50,958. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence will find it at Indiana University Bloomington, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $20,542 in student loans. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $52,123. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants.
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $16,481. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $52,118. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence will find it at Winona State University, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Winona, Winona State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from Winona State University generally make around $53,109. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence will find it at Amherst College, which ranked #5. Amherst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Amherst. Students from in state pay about $70,480 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $15,398. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Amherst College earn a median of $59,271 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,398 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.
Illinois Institute Of Technology ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Located in the city of Chicago, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,202. Students borrow a median of $26,774 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Illinois Institute Of Technology earn a median of $71,315 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%.
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #7 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $53,134 early in their careers. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Washington University In St Louis came in at #8 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $65,790 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from Washington University In St Louis generally make around $59,808. Set against $17,553 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.
St Marys University earned the #9 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Set in the city of San Antonio, St Marys University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,434 in tuition and fees. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $25,040 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of St Marys University earn a median of $42,786 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Marys University admits about 98% of applicants.
University Of Oregon landed the #10 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Located in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,034 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from University Of Oregon generally make around $44,628. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Connecticut landed the #11 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Set in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $23,637. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Connecticut earn a median of $58,784 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,637 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%.
The University Of Alabama placed #12 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Set in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,496 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $50,740. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
Loyola University New Orleans landed the #13 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Located in the city of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,440. Students borrow a median of $26,606 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from Loyola University New Orleans generally make around $48,040. Set against $26,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Set in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of $58,659 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Depaul University came in at #15 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $55,226 early in their careers. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.
University Of The Pacific ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Set in the city of Stockton, University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $57,080. Students borrow a median of $23,514 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from University Of The Pacific generally make around $73,893. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.
Suffolk University landed the #17 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Suffolk University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,550. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $26,670 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Suffolk University earn a median of $57,261 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,670 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
University Of Dayton landed the #18 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dayton. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Dayton earn a median of $82,071 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants.
Widener University Main Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Set in the suburb of Chester, Widener University Main Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,730 in tuition and fees. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $26,561 in student loans. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $60,864. Set against $26,561 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%.
Cornell University landed the #20 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $15,005. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Cornell University earn a median of $75,976 early in their careers. Set against $15,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants.
Liberty University landed the #21 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lynchburg. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $27,414. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $48,834. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Southern California ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $15,625. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $73,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 10%.
Nova Southeastern University earned the #23 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Set in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,700. Students borrow a median of $25,021 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $78,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Loyola University Chicago landed the #24 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $23,521. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Loyola University Chicago earn a median of $98,283 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Hofstra University placed #25 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Hofstra University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Hempstead. In-state tuition and fees average $57,660. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $24,848 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Hofstra University earn a median of $74,178 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,848 median debt. Hofstra University admits about 68% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 33 Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value ranking:
Narrow American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools by Region
View All Rankings >
Explore other best-value rankings in majors related to American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence. Browse the parent area of study.
Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 50 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
