2026 Best Value Legal Studies Master’s Degree Schools

1

Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Leading the list is Northern Kentucky University, our #1 best value for legal studies in the United States. Located in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,088, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $25,572 in student loans. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $52,565. Set against $25,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%.

2

University Of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Illinois At Springfield earned it the #2 place for legal studies. Set in the city of Springfield, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $24,925. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $53,344. That is a strong return on a $24,925 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

3

American Public University System
Charles Town, WV

Students looking for strong value in legal studies will find it at American Public University System, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Charles Town, American Public University System is a very large private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $41,008. Legal Studies graduates of American Public University System earn a median of $52,022 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
San Juan, PR

Students looking for strong value in legal studies will find it at University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras, which ranked #4. Set in the city of San Juan, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,324 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $5,673 to complete the legal studies program here. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $24,881. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%.

5

West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in legal studies, landing the #5 spot this year. West Virginia University is a very large public school located in the city of Morgantown. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $23,772. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from West Virginia University generally make around $51,750. Set against $23,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

6

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona placed #6 among the best values for legal studies. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $21,861 in student loans. Legal Studies graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $50,834 early in their careers. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.

7

Texas State University San Marcos
San Marcos, TX

Texas State University San Marcos earned the #7 position for value in legal studies this year. Set in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from Texas State University San Marcos generally make around $47,456. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

8

Webster University
Saint Louis, MO

Webster University placed #8 among the best values for legal studies. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, Webster University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $25,939 in student loans. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from Webster University generally make around $57,152. That is a strong return on a $25,939 median debt. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants.

9

Pace University New York
New York, NY

Pace University New York came in at #9 for value in legal studies this year. Pace University New York is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,510. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $25,670 in student loans. Legal Studies graduates of Pace University New York earn a median of $59,662 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.