2026 Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Master’s Degree 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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 50 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Schools
University Of California Irvine earned the #1 spot for value among american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools in the United States. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $16,539. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $50,958. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana University Bloomington earned it the #2 place for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $20,542 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 Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $52,123. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Washington Seattle Campus one of the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $16,481. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $52,118 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.
Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Washington University In St Louis one of 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Washington University In St Louis earn a median of $59,808 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,553 median debt. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.
St Marys University earned the #6 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. St Marys University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Antonio. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,434. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $25,040. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $42,786. Set against $25,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.
University Of Oregon placed #7 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Located in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. Students borrow a median of $22,034 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 University Of Oregon generally make around $44,628. Set against $22,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
University Of Connecticut landed the #8 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Located in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $23,637 in student loans. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $58,784. Set against $23,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Connecticut admits about 52% of applicants.
The University Of Alabama landed the #9 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,180, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $24,496 in student loans. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from The University Of Alabama generally make around $50,740. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
Loyola University New Orleans came in at #10 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Loyola University New Orleans is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Orleans. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,440. Students borrow a median of $26,606 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $48,040. Set against $26,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. 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, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $23,530 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of $58,659 early in their careers. Set against $23,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
University Of The Pacific landed the #12 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Stockton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,080. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $23,514. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $73,893. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.
Depaul University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $55,226. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.
Suffolk University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Located in the city of Boston, Suffolk University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $47,550 in tuition and fees. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $26,670 in student loans. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $57,261. That is a strong return on a $26,670 median debt. Suffolk University admits about 82% of applicants.
University Of Dayton earned the #15 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dayton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $82,071. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants.
Cornell University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Ithaca. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $75,976. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.
Widener University Main Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Set in the suburb of Chester, Widener University Main Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,730. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $26,561 in student loans. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $60,864. Set against $26,561 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%.
University Of Southern California landed the #18 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $15,625. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $68,058 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.
Liberty University ranked #19 on our 2026 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. Students borrow a median of $27,414 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 Liberty University generally make around $48,834. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants.
Nova Southeastern University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Located in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,700 in tuition and fees. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Loyola University Chicago ranked #21 on our 2026 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. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $23,521. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $98,283. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Hofstra University came in at #22 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Located in the suburb of Hempstead, Hofstra University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $57,660 in tuition and fees. 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. Set against $24,848 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%.
Case Western Reserve University placed #23 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Located in the city of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,608. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $25,106. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Case Western Reserve University earn a median of $74,459 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Case Western Reserve University admits about 36% of applicants.
Drexel University landed the #24 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $27,978 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Drexel University earn a median of $66,306 early in their careers. Set against $27,978 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
Southern Methodist University placed #25 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $78,515. That is a strong return on a $20,712 median debt. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants.
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:
Other American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Degree Levels
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence rankings across degree levels:
View All American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Rankings >
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 50 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 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.
