The Cheapest Law Schools in the US: Earn Your JD Debt-Free
The average law school debt is now over $160,000, but it doesn't have to be. While elite private institutions charge upwards of $75,000 per year in tuition alone, there are dozens of ABA-approved law schools where you can earn a JD for under $20,000 per year.
Choosing an affordable law school isn't just about saving money today—it's about freedom tomorrow. Graduates with less debt have the flexibility to pursue public interest careers, start their own firms, or work in smaller markets without the crushing pressure of high monthly loan payments.
$10k
Lowest Tuition
$18k
Avg. (Top 10 Cheapest)
72.7%
Avg. Bar Pass Rate
Understanding Residency & ROI
Our rankings below are based on Annual Tuition data reported to the ABA.
The Residency Trick
Most of the schools on this list are public state universities. To get resident rates, you usually need to be a resident of that state for 12 months prior to enrolling. Out-of-state tuition is typically 2x–3x higher.
The "Value" Trap
Low tuition is meaningless if you cannot pass the bar exam. We have highlighted schools that offer both low costs and strong outcomes. Always check bar passage rates before applying.
The "Best Value" Elites (Top Ranked & Affordable)
These are the "Unicorns"—schools that are Top Tier in quality but bargain-bin in price (for residents). They offer the best of both worlds: prestige and affordability.
Top 30 Most Affordable Law Schools (2025-2026)
Ranked by Annual Tuition. Schools marked with ⭐ offer exceptional value (high ranking + low cost).
The "Big City" Bargains
Affordable law schools in major metropolitan areas—perfect for students who want urban access without the urban price tag.
New York City
Located in Queens, CUNY is famous for being the #1 Public Interest school in the nation. With tuition under $20k, it is the ultimate launchpad for public defenders and civil rights attorneys in NYC.
Public Interest & Social JusticeWashington D.C.
The cheapest law school in the D.C. area by a massive margin. It focuses heavily on clinical training and social justice, preparing students for impactful public service careers.
Clinical Training & Civil RightsThe Regional Gems
These schools offer incredibly low tuition and dominate their local markets. If you want to practice in these regions, these degrees are functionally equivalent to Harvard in their specific states.
Incredibly low tuition and dominates the Montana legal market. If you want to practice in the Mountain West, this degree is functionally equivalent to Harvard in its specific state.
Similar value proposition to Montana—ultra-affordable tuition with complete market dominance in Wyoming. Perfect for those committed to practicing in the region.
One of the most affordable law schools in America with strong regional employment. Ideal for students planning to practice in the Dakotas or Minnesota.
Warning: Don't Look at Tuition in a Vacuum
When choosing a cheap law school, consider these two critical factors:
Cost of Living (COL)
Attending CUNY (NYC) might cost $16k in tuition, but living in NYC costs $30k+ in rent/food. Attending University of North Dakota costs similar tuition, but rent might only be $8k/year. Always calculate the Total Cost of Attendance.
Bar Passage Rates
Some low-cost schools have lower bar passage rates. Saving $50,000 in tuition is not worth it if you cannot get a license to practice. Always check the "Bar Pass Rate" column in the table above before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about affordable law schools and tuition.
Can I get in-state tuition if I move there right before school?
Usually, no. Most states require you to live in the state for 12 months for non-educational purposes before you qualify for resident tuition. However, some schools allow you to reclassify as a resident for your 2nd and 3rd years (2L/3L), meaning you only pay out-of-state rates for one year.
Are cheap law schools bad?
Not necessarily. Schools like UGA, UF, and UNC are elite institutions that happen to be publicly funded. However, some lower-ranked private schools with low tuition may have poor employment outcomes. You must vet the employment data carefully.
What about full-ride scholarships?
A full-ride merit scholarship to a private school (like Washington University in St. Louis or Boston University) makes that school $0 tuition. This is often a better deal than a "cheap" public school. Use our Scholarship Estimator to see your odds.
Should I choose a cheap school over a higher-ranked expensive one?
It depends on your goals. If you want BigLaw, a T14 school (even with debt) may offer better ROI due to higher salaries. If you want public interest, government work, or regional practice, minimizing debt at an affordable school is often the smarter financial choice.