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2027 Best Value Law Schools in District of Columbia

6 Colleges in the United States
$24,517 Avg Student Debt
$75,382 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Law Badge [Law](/majors/legal-studies-and-professions/law/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong law education at a price that pays off.

For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools to find the best return on investment for law students.

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2027 Best Value Law Schools in District of Columbia

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in law, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Law Schools

1

Catholic University Of America earned the #1 spot for value among law schools in District of Columbia. Set in the city of Washington, Catholic University Of America is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,378. Typical student debt for law graduates is $25,771. Law graduates of Catholic University Of America earn a median of $77,441 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of The District Of Columbia one of the best values for law. Located in the city of Washington, University Of The District Of Columbia is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,662, with out-of-state students paying around $12,514. Typical student debt for law graduates is $32,304. Soon after graduation, law degree recipients from University Of The District Of Columbia generally make around $59,595. That is a strong return on a $32,304 median debt.

3

A rank of #3 makes George Washington University one of the best values for law. George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Law graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. Law graduates of George Washington University earn a median of $95,225 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. The acceptance rate is 47%.

4
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Students looking for strong value in law will find it at Georgetown University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,089. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete the law program here. Law graduates of Georgetown University earn a median of $168,995 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgetown University admits about 13% of applicants.

5
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC

American University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in law, landing the #5 spot this year. American University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. Law graduates carry a median of $24,139 in student loans. Early-career law graduates make about $73,725. Set against $24,139 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. American University admits about 62% of applicants.

6
Howard University crest
Howard University
Washington, DC

Howard University landed the #6 spot for law value this year. Howard University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,810. Law graduates carry a median of $25,498 in student loans. Soon after graduation, law degree recipients from Howard University generally make around $81,173. Set against $25,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Howard University admits about 41% of applicants.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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