How Much Does Law School Cost?

$ Public Law Schools: $4,711-$35,502 per year

$ $ Private Law Schools: $8,700-$41,200 per year

To enter into law school one requires a bachelor’s degree, a high Law School Admissions Test score, plus a plan to pay tuition for the three years.

The tuition rates do vary based on whether the school is a public or private institution, and if the student is local or from out of state.

Since the tuition fees are subject to change at any time, the most up-to-date figures are to be found on an individual school’s website.

When budgeting for law school, one can plan for an annual increase of tuition by at least $1,000, according to George Washington University Law School.

Typical Costs

• The full-time tuition at public law schools can run between $4,711 and $35,502 annually for in-state students during 2006-2007 and $15,570 for out-of-state students.
• The private law schools charged $8,700-$41,200 in tuition during 2006-2007, which for three years means approx. $25,000-$124,000.
• Brigham Young University was ranked the least expensive private law school by US News.com at $8,700 per year.
• Howard University was ranked second least-expensive at $18,870 a year.
• At the same time, Columbia University was ranked as the most expensive, at, 024.

Additional Costs

• Based on the city, the accommodation and board costs during 2006-2007 ran from $5,000 – $20,000, according to USNews.com.
• The most expensive campus housing was found in New York, North Carolina, California, New Jersey and Illinois.
• Most school websites like the Seton Hall University School of Law provide budgets for annual living expenses covering books and health insurance, rent and food, as well as transportation.
• The law books can cost $1,000-$2,250 per year.
• The health Insurance varies by school and is available for students at $800-$1,900 per year.
• Tuition insurance is available through many schools, and it is important if students need to withdraw for medical reasons.

Discounts

Qualified students are eligible for financial aid.

Up-to-date information is available on the school website.

Shopping For Law School

• An online list of US law schools is provided by HG.org.
• The American Bar Association secures an online list of approved law schools both alphabetically and separated by private and public.