2026 Best Value Legal Studies Schools in New York

1

Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
New York, NY

Leading the list is Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice, our #1 best value for legal studies in New York. Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a large public school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, compared with $15,420 for out-of-state students. Legal Studies graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $32,649. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.

2

Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY

A rank of #2 makes Mercy College one of the best values for legal studies. Located in the suburb of Dobbs Ferry, Mercy College is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $22,880. Students borrow a median of $29,250 to complete the legal studies program here. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $38,579. That is a strong return on a $29,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

3

University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University At Buffalo earned it the #3 place for legal studies. University At Buffalo is a very large public school located in the suburb of Buffalo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $22,232. Legal Studies graduates of University At Buffalo earn a median of $52,403 early in their careers. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants.

4

St Johns University New York
Queens, NY

St Johns University New York came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value legal studies schools. Located in the city of Queens, St Johns University New York is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,529. Students borrow a median of $26,030 to complete the legal studies program here. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from St Johns University New York generally make around $29,307. That is a strong return on a $26,030 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

5

Saint John Fisher College
Rochester, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saint John Fisher College earned it the #5 place for legal studies. Saint John Fisher College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Rochester. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,190. Typical student debt for legal studies graduates is $25,086. Early-career legal studies graduates make about $55,630. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint John Fisher College admits about 66% of applicants.

6

Pace University New York
New York, NY

Pace University New York ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value legal studies schools. Set in the city of New York, Pace University New York is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,510 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,670 to complete the legal studies program here. Soon after graduation, legal studies degree recipients from Pace University New York generally make around $59,662. Set against $25,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.