2027 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. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 34 schools to find the best return on investment for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence students.
What’s on this page:
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
For return on investment in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence, no school beat University Of California Irvine this year. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of California Irvine earn a median of $50,958 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%.
A rank of #2 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $52,118. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%.
A rank of #3 makes Indiana University Bloomington one of the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $20,542. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $52,123. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Located in the city of Chicago, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,202. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $26,774. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from Illinois Institute Of Technology generally make around $71,315. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants.
College Of William And Mary is a great value for students pursuing a degree in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Williamsburg, College Of William And Mary is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,734, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $18,935 in student loans. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from College Of William And Mary generally make around $53,338. That is a strong return on a $18,935 median debt. The acceptance rate is 34%.
Washington University In St Louis landed the #6 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of St. Louis. 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. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $59,808. That is a strong return on a $17,553 median debt. The acceptance rate is 12%.
St Marys University came in at #7 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. 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. That is a strong return on a $25,040 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #8 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $53,134 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants.
The University Of Alabama placed #9 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Set in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $24,496. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $50,740. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Connecticut came in at #10 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Located in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $23,637. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Connecticut earn a median of $58,784 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%.
Loyola University New Orleans ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. 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. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from Loyola University New Orleans generally make around $48,040. Set against $26,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University New Orleans admits about 93% of applicants.
University Of The Pacific landed the #12 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Located in the city of Stockton, University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,080. Students borrow a median of $23,514 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. 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 placed #13 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $15,005. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Cornell University earn a median of $75,976 early in their careers. Set against $15,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%.
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earned the #14 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Located in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, 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. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Main Campus generally make around $58,659. Set against $23,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.
Golden Gate University San Francisco came in at #15 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Golden Gate University San Francisco is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Francisco. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,343. Students borrow a median of $33,968 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $106,626. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Widener University Main Campus earned the #16 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Located in the suburb of Chester, Widener University Main Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $55,730 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $26,561. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from Widener University Main Campus generally make around $60,864. Set against $26,561 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Widener University Main Campus admits about 71% of applicants.
University Of Dayton landed the #17 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Located in the city of Dayton, University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. Soon after graduation, american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence degree recipients from University Of Dayton generally make around $82,071. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
Depaul University ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $25,340. Early-career american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates make about $55,390. That is a strong return on a $25,340 median debt. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.
Nova Southeastern University earned the #19 position for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Nova Southeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,700. Students borrow a median of $25,021 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 Nova Southeastern University generally make around $78,762. That is a strong return on a $25,021 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%.
University Of Southern California ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete the american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence program here. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $68,058 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.
Liberty University landed the #21 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Set in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. 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. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Liberty University earn a median of $48,834 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%.
Loyola University Chicago placed #22 among the best values for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence. Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Typical student debt for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence graduates is $23,521. 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. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Hofstra University landed the #23 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Located in the suburb of Hempstead, Hofstra University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,660. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $24,848 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of Hofstra University earn a median of $74,178 early in their careers. Set against $24,848 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hofstra University admits about 68% of applicants.
University Of Denver came in at #24 for value in american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence this year. Located in the city of Denver, University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $61,398. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates carry a median of $22,534 in student loans. American/u.s. Law/legal Studies/jurisprudence graduates of University Of Denver earn a median of $56,999 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Tulane University Of Louisiana landed the #25 spot for american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence value this year. Set in the city of New Orleans, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,678 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,077 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 Tulane University Of Louisiana generally make around $53,507. Set against $22,077 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tulane University Of Louisiana admits about 14% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 34 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
Explore the best-value american/u.s. law/legal studies/jurisprudence schools at other degree levels:
View All American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence Rankings >
Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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 · 34 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 34 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.
