If you’re studying for the LSAT, odds are you’ve already started thinking about how much law school will cost you. The average law school student graduates with around $130,000 in student debt. Law school is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are high-quality, accredited law schools across the U.S. offering incredibly affordable tuition, especially for in-state students.
Whether you’re trying to minimize student debt, stretch your scholarship dollars, or just want the most bang for your buck, this list of the cheapest law schools will help you make smart, financially sound decisions on your path to becoming a lawyer.
Why the Cost of Law School Matters More Than You Think
Let’s face it—between LSAT prep, law school application fees, deposits, and moving costs, getting into law school is already pricey before you even pay tuition. When it comes to choosing a law school, cost is one of the most important factors to consider, especially if you’re not getting a full scholarship.
Here’s why affordability matters.
1. Less Debt = More Freedom
Lower tuition means smaller loans, which means you won’t be locked into a high-paying corporate job if that’s not your dream. Want to go into public interest law, work for a nonprofit, or launch your own solo practice? Graduating with less debt gives you more flexibility to choose your path instead of being forced into one.
2. Lower Financial Risk
Law school is a significant investment, and like any wise investment, it’s important to manage your risks. Landing a six-figure job right out of school isn’t guaranteed. Regardless, your student loans will still need to be repaid. The key is to minimize financial strain by reducing costs where possible or preparing your budget to handle worst-case scenarios. The more you safeguard your future finances, the better positioned you’ll be to navigate any unexpected challenges.
3. Affordable Doesn’t Mean Lower Quality
All of the cheapest law schools on this list are accredited law schools with solid bar passage rates. If you’re focused and strategic, you can get a strong legal education without drowning in debt.
Further Reading
💰 7 Law School Scholarships You Need to Apply For
Understanding In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition
When researching the cheapest law schools, you’ll notice that some public law schools often have two price tags: one for in-state residents and one for out-of-state students. Out-of-state tuition can be 2–3x higher, but some states allow you to establish residency after your first year. Others offer reciprocity agreements with neighboring states that allow for reduced tuition.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re not set on a specific location, look into moving to a state in advance to qualify for in-state rates. It could save you thousands over three years.
20 Cheapest Law Schools by In-State Tuition
| Law School | Average LSAT Score | Acceptance Rate | Location | In-State Tuition and Fees |
| University of the District of Columbia (UDC Clarke) | 150 | 37.10% | Washington, D.C. | $13,438 |
| Florida A&M University College of Law | 151 | 39.60% | Orlando, FL | $13,676 |
| Brigham Young University Law School (LDS Member Rate) | 168 | 27.80% | Provo, UT | $15,528 |
| CUNY School of Law | 154 | 40.30% | Long Island City, NY | $16,013 |
| University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law | 152 | 65.60% | Vermillion, SD | $17,113 |
| University of Arkansas Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law | 151 | 58% | Little Rock, Arkansas | $17,474 |
| University of North Dakota | 150 | 52.20% | Grand Forks, ND | $17,631 |
| Southern University Law Center | 146 | 62.90% | Baton Rouge, LA | $17,834 |
| University of Georgia School of Law | 169 | 14.50% | Athens, GA | $18,044 |
| University of Wyoming College of Law | 155 | 62% | Laramie, WY | $18,322 |
| University of Arkansas—Fayetteville Law School | 156 | 28% | Fayetteville, AR | $18,636 |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) | 157 | 46.20% | Oxford, MS | $20,180 |
| University of Tennessee College of Law | 163 | 26.30% | Knoxville, TN | $20,508 |
| University of New Mexico School of Law | 157 | 51.60% | Albuquerque, NM | $21,018 |
| Texas Southern University (Thurgood Marshall) | 150 | 35.60% | Houston, TX | $21,038 |
| University of Kansas School of Law | 161 | 38.30% | Lawrence, KS | $25,607 |
| University of Maine School of Law | 157 | 66.50% | Portland, ME | $26,100 |
| University of Louisville (Brandeis School of Law) | 156 | 64.40% | Louisville, KY | $26,416 |
| University of Idaho College of Law | 152 | 67.20% | Moscow, ID | $26,969 |
| University of Montana School of Law | 156 | 58.10% | Missoula, MT | $27,512 |
| Texas Tech University School of Law | 158 | 33.50% | Lubbock, TX | $27,532 |
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas (William S. Boyd) | 160 | 40.50% | Las Vegas, NV | $30,236 |
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20 Cheapest Law Schools by Overall Tuition (No Residency Requirement)
| Law School | Average LSAT Score | Acceptance Rate | Location | Tuition and Fees |
| Southern Illinois University School of Law | 148 | 67.40% | Carbondale, IL | $22,766 |
| University of the District of Columbia (UDC Clarke) | 150 | 37.10% | Washington, D.C. | $24,874 |
| Northern Illinois University College of Law | 150 | 55.60% | DeKalb, IL | $25,592.08 |
| CUNY School of Law | 154 | 40.30% | Long Island City, NY | $26,202.90 |
| University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law | 154 | 43.80% | Memphis, TN | $26,274 |
| University of Akron School of Law | 153 | 60.80% | Akron, OH | $26,749 |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) | 157 | 46.20% | Oxford, MS | $27,180 |
| Texas Southern University (Thurgood Marshall) | 150 | 35.60% | Houston, TX | $28,633 |
| University of Toledo College of Law | 152 | 42.20% | Toledo, OH | $29,771 |
| University of Cincinnati College of Law | 158 | 42.60% | Cincinnati, OH | $29,810 |
| Brigham Young University Law School | 168 | 27.80% | Provo, UT | $31,056 (Non-LDS Rate) |
| University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law | 155 | 61.90% | Kansas City, MO | $31,094 |
| University of Louisville (Brandeis School of Law) | 156 | 64.40% | Louisville, KY | $31,416 |
| University of Kansas School of Law | 161 | 38.30% | Lawrence, KS | $32,161 |
| Florida A&M University College of Law | 151 | 39.60% | Orlando, FL | $32,936 |
| University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law | 152 | 65.60% | Vermillion, SD | $37,221 |
| University of Maine School of Law | 157 | 66.50% | Portland, ME | $38,160 |
| University of Georgia School of Law | 169 | 14.50% | Athens, GA | $38,944 |
| North Carolina Central University School of Law | 150 | 32% | Durham, NC | $39,064 |
| University of Tennessee College of Law | 163 | 26.30% | Knoxville, TN | $39,252 |
More Ways to Reduce the Cost of Law School
Even the cheapest law schools can still cost tens of thousands per year, but you can make your degree even more affordable with a few smart strategies.
1. Maximize Your LSAT Score
If you take one thing from this article, make it this: A higher LSAT score often leads to bigger scholarships. For example, scoring a 170+ LSAT score can potentially pay for your entire law school education!
2. Apply Early and Broadly
The early bird gets the worm—and free law school money! Most law schools have rolling admissions. The students who apply and get accepted earlier often benefit from a larger scholarship/grant pool. Some law schools also offer early action/decision or priority scholarship consideration for early applicants. Remember, once you are accepted, you can also negotiate your financial aid packages and choose the school that offers the best one.
3. Don’t Forget Outside Scholarships
Don’t rely only on money from law schools. Many private companies, nonprofits, and organizations offer scholarships for law students that can help alleviate the total cost of attendance.
4. Save on Living Expenses
The cheapest law school might not be in a big city—and that’s okay. Living in a low-cost area can reduce your rent, food, and transportation expenses by thousands each year.
5. Explore Loan Repayment Assistance Programs
Planning to work in public interest law? Look into loan repayment and forgiveness programs that help repay loans if you work in qualifying jobs.
Final Thoughts
Law school doesn’t always have to be a scary financial decision. Choosing one of the cheapest law schools can set you up for success without burying you in six-figure debt. Additionally, securing a high LSAT score can also open up scholarship opportunities at more expensive schools.
Do your research and carefully consider all options to make the best decision for your financial future as a law student. Remember, it’s not just about the prestige of the school, but also about finding a balance between cost and quality education.
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