2027 Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools
[American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence](/majors/legal-studies-and-professions/legal-research/american-us-law-legal-studies-jurisprudence/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 32 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools.
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Finding the Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence School for You
Where you study american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence affects both what you pay and what you earn. That is why we developed our Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
Learn more about our methodology
Customizing Your List
We offer a number of rankings, including this Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
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2027 Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools
University Of California Irvine tops our 2027 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools in the United States. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,539 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $50,958. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%.
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $52,118 early in their careers. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Indiana University Bloomington one of the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $20,542. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of $52,123 early in their careers. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence will find it at Illinois Institute Of Technology, which ranked #4. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $71,315. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.
Students looking for strong value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence will find it at College Of William And Mary, which ranked #5. College Of William And Mary is a large public school located in the suburb of Williamsburg. Students from in state pay about $25,734 in tuition and fees, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $18,935. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of College Of William And Mary earn a median of $53,338 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. College Of William And Mary admits about 34% of applicants.
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #6 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $21,818. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $53,134. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants.
Washington University In St Louis placed #7 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Washington University In St Louis earn a median of $59,808 early in their careers. Set against $17,553 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.
St Marys University placed #8 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Located in the city of San Antonio, St Marys University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,434. Students borrow a median of $25,040 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from St Marys University generally make around $42,786. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Amherst College earned the #9 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Set in the city of Amherst, Amherst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,480. Students borrow a median of $15,398 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from Amherst College generally make around $59,271. That is a strong return on a $15,398 median debt. Amherst College admits about 9% of applicants.
The University Of Alabama landed the #10 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Set in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Students borrow a median of $24,496 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of The University Of Alabama earn a median of $50,740 early in their careers. Set against $24,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Connecticut came in at #11 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Set in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $23,637 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Connecticut earn a median of $58,784 early in their careers. Set against $23,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Connecticut admits about 52% of applicants.
Loyola University New Orleans landed the #12 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Loyola University New Orleans is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Orleans. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,440. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $26,606 in student loans. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from Loyola University New Orleans generally make around $48,040. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
University Of The Pacific earned the #13 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Located in the city of Stockton, University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $57,080 in tuition and fees. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $23,514 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of The Pacific earn a median of $73,893 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,514 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.
Cornell University ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $15,005. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from Cornell University generally make around $75,976. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants.
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earned the #15 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Set in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $23,530. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $58,659. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Widener University Main Campus came in at #16 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Set in the suburb of Chester, Widener University Main Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,730. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $26,561. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Widener University Main Campus earn a median of $60,864 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,561 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.
University Of Dayton ranked #17 on our 2027 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Set in the city of Dayton, University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $25,033. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Dayton earn a median of $82,071 early in their careers. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%.
Depaul University earned the #18 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,340 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $55,390. That is a strong return on a $25,340 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Nova Southeastern University landed the #19 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Set in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,700. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $25,021. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Nova Southeastern University earn a median of $78,762 early in their careers. Set against $25,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Southern California placed #20 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $15,625. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $73,752. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 10%.
Liberty University ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lynchburg. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $27,414 in student loans. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $48,834. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Loyola University Chicago ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from Loyola University Chicago generally make around $98,283. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants.
Hofstra University came in at #23 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Set in the suburb of Hempstead, Hofstra University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,660. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $24,848 in student loans. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $74,178. That is a strong return on a $24,848 median debt. Hofstra University admits about 68% of applicants.
University Of Denver earned the #24 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Denver. Students from in state pay about $61,398 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $22,534. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from University Of Denver generally make around $56,999. Set against $22,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Denver admits about 78% of applicants.
Drexel University placed #25 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $27,978 in student loans. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from Drexel University generally make around $62,692. Set against $27,978 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%.
Rest of the Top 32 Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year:
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 32 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 32 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
