2026 Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Master’s Degree Schools

1

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine earned the #1 spot for value among american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools 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, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $16,539. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $50,958. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%.

2

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana University Bloomington earned it the #2 place for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $20,542 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 Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $52,123. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

3

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

A rank of #3 makes University Of Washington Seattle Campus one of the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $16,481. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $52,118 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

4

Illinois Institute Of Technology
Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $71,315. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants.

5

Washington University In St Louis
St. Louis, MO

A rank of #5 makes Washington University In St Louis one of the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Washington University In St Louis earn a median of $59,808 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,553 median debt. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.

6

St Marys University
San Antonio, TX

St Marys University earned the #6 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. St Marys University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Antonio. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,434. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $25,040. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $42,786. Set against $25,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.

7

University Of Oregon
Eugene, OR

University Of Oregon placed #7 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Located in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. 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. Set against $22,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

8

University Of Connecticut
Storrs, CT

University Of Connecticut landed the #8 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Located in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $23,637 in student loans. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $58,784. Set against $23,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Connecticut admits about 52% of applicants.

9

The University Of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL

The University Of Alabama landed the #9 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $24,496 in student loans. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from The University Of Alabama generally make around $50,740. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

10

Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

Loyola University New Orleans came in at #10 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Loyola University New Orleans is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Orleans. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,440. Students borrow a median of $26,606 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $48,040. Set against $26,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

11

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #11 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. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $23,530 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of $58,659 early in their careers. Set against $23,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

12

University Of The Pacific
Stockton, CA

University Of The Pacific landed the #12 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Stockton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,080. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $23,514. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $73,893. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.

13

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. 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. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $55,226. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.

14

Suffolk University
Boston, MA

Suffolk University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Located in the city of Boston, Suffolk University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $47,550 in tuition and fees. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $26,670 in student loans. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $57,261. That is a strong return on a $26,670 median debt. Suffolk University admits about 82% of applicants.

15

University Of Dayton
Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton earned the #15 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dayton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $82,071. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants.

16

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Ithaca. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $75,976. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

17

Widener University Main Campus
Chester, PA

Widener University Main Campus ranked #17 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,730. 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%.

18

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California landed the #18 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $15,625. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $68,058 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.

19

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $27,414 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 Liberty University generally make around $48,834. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants.

20

Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Located in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,700 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $25,021. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Nova Southeastern University earn a median of $78,762 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%.

21

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $23,521. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $98,283. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

22

Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY

Hofstra University came in at #22 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Located in the suburb of Hempstead, Hofstra University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $57,660 in tuition and fees. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $24,848 in student loans. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $74,178. Set against $24,848 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%.

23

Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University placed #23 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Located in the city of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,608. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $25,106. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Case Western Reserve University earn a median of $74,459 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Case Western Reserve University admits about 36% of applicants.

24

Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University landed the #24 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $27,978 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Drexel University earn a median of $66,306 early in their careers. Set against $27,978 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

25

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University placed #25 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $78,515. That is a strong return on a $20,712 median debt. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants.