So, you’ve decided to go to law school. You’re probably already bracing for three years of tuition, textbooks, and late nights at the library. However, there’s a cost you might not have fully budgeted for yet: the cost of applying to law school. From LSAT registration fees to application fees and travel costs for interviews, the expenses can add up quickly.
Let’s break down how much it costs to apply to law school, so you know what to expect and budget for.
The Cost of Applying to Law School
LSAT Fees
How Much Does the LSAT Cost?
The first step in your law school journey is taking the LSAT, and that comes with its own price tag.
- LSAT Registration Fee: $248
- LSAT Score Preview Fee (optional): $45 if you purchase before test day or $85 if you purchase after test day
Although you only need one LSAT score to apply, you can retake the LSAT if you’re unhappy with your score. However, each retake will still cost $248.
How Much Does LSAT Prep Cost?
LSAT prep may not be mandatory, but it’s strongly advised, especially if you’re targeting top law schools. A high LSAT score can also greatly boost your chances of getting hefty law school scholarships, making the upfront investment worth it. The cost of LSAT prep can vary, depending on whether you’re studying on your own or taking a live LSAT course.
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Law School Application Fees
Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Fees
To apply to most ABA-accredited law schools, you’ll need to register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) through LSAC, which electronically sends your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and LSAT score report to schools.
- CAS Registration: $215 (one-time fee)
- Law School Reports: $45 each, per school you apply to
As an example, if you’re applying to ten law schools, your costs will be:
- $215 for CAS registration
- $450 for five reports
Law School Fees
Every law school charges an application fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $85 per school. If you apply to 10 schools, that adds up to around $500–$850. Some schools may charge more, especially top-ranked programs.
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Additional Fees and Costs
Once you apply to law schools, you might get invited for an interview! While many law school interviews are virtual, some aren’t, and you may also want to visit schools to narrow down your final options. Travel costs can vary, but consider the cost of transportation, hotels, and meals. You might also have to buy new interview clothes or “professional” attire if your undergrad wardrobe has been more on the casual side.
Law School Application Costs at a Glance
Here’s a quick summary of what you might spend on just one school:
- LSAT Registration: $248
- CAS Registration and Reports: $260
- Application Fees: $50+
- Optional Services and Travel: $200–$2,000+
Sample Total: $758+
How Do I Pay for Law School Application Costs?
The cost of applying to law school can be a significant financial burden for many students. However, there are ways to alleviate some of these costs. First, make sure to research each law school’s application fee and see if they offer any fee waivers or discounts for certain students, such as low-income or first-generation students. Additionally, you can take advantage of LSAC’s Fee Waiver program.
LSAC Fee Waiver Program
The LSAC Fee Waiver Program aims to support students facing financial challenges by reducing the costs associated with applying to law school. There are two tiers of benefits, depending on your eligibility.
If approved, you get:
- One-year subscription to LSAC LawHub Advantage
- Up to two free LSAT registration fees covered
- Free CAS registration
- Up to six free CAS Reports
- Up to 50% off LSAT prep from Blueprint LSAT
- Some law schools also waive their application fee for applicants approved for the LSAC Fee Waiver program.
Free LSAT Resources
Don’t overlook all the free LSAT resources available to you to help you prep on a budget.
- Sign up for a free Blueprint LSAT account to build a free LSAT study plan, take a diagnostic test, and receive a free LSAT full-length exam with access to answers, explanations, and powerful performance analytics.
- Join in on some free LSAT classes, review sessions, and get law school admissions advice during our pre-law webinars.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does it cost to apply to law school? It depends, but it adds up quickly. However, it’s an investment in your future. Planning ahead, applying strategically, and using fee waivers can significantly reduce your expenses.
Then, once you’re accepted, you’ll need to think about how to pay for law school. If you want to maximize your chances of admission and scholarships, it’s worth investing in solid LSAT prep and applying strategically.
Blueprint LSAT students increase their LSAT scores by 15 points on average. Whether you want the flexibility of a Self-Paced Course, prefer to navigate the LSAT with instructors in a Live Course or 170+ Course, or even private LSAT tutoring, we have the study method that fits your learning style.
