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2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k

32 Ranked Colleges
186 Degrees Awarded
$40,400 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. College Factual has developed its “Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

In 2019-2020, 9,738 people earned their degree in legal research, making the major the 89th most popular in the United States. In 2017-2018, legal research graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $64,635 and had an average of $65,122 in loans still to pay off.

At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 186 legal research graduates with average earnings and debt of $72,680 and $116,043 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, we looked at 32 colleges that offer a degree in legal research. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent legal research programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the legal research program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

One Size Does Not Fit All

When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” list to help you make the college decision.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

The colleges and universities below are the best for doctor’s degree legal research students whose families make $0-$30k.

#1

Stanford University

Stanford, California
#3 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Stanford University. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k. Stanford is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Stanford, California. It awarded 5 doctorate’s legal research degrees in 2019-2020.

Stanford also made our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #3. Average graduate tuition and fees at Stanford are $55,011, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Legal Research at Stanford University

#2

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts
#2 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Harvard University. It ranked #2 on our 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The school has a large population, and it awarded 10 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Harvard did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Harvard are $50,654.

Read full report on Legal Research at Harvard

#3

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#4 in overall quality

Out of the 32 schools in the Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Chicago landed the #3 spot on the list. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s legal research degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UChicago, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Chicago are $61,548, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Legal Research at University of Chicago

#4

Georgetown University

Washington, District of Columbia
#1 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Georgetown University. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Georgetown is a fairly large school located in Washington, District of Columbia that handed out 3 doctorate’s legal research degrees in 2019-2020.

Georgetown also took the #1 spot in our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Georgetown are $53,591, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Legal Research at Georgetown

#5 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a large public school situated in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It awarded 5 doctorate’s legal research degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree legal research students whose families make $0-$30k list, U-M has also earned the #5 rank in our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor are $49,548, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Legal Research at U-M

#6

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
#13 in overall quality

With a ranking of #6, University of Florida did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Florida is a large public school situated in Gainesville, Florida. It awarded 2 doctorate’s legal research degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UF, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Florida are $30,130, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Legal Research at UF

#7

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
#6 in overall quality

With a ranking of #7, Washington University in St Louis did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. This fairly large school is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and it awarded 7 doctorate’s legal research degrees in 2019-2020.

WUSTL also took the #6 spot in our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Washington University in St Louis are $56,562, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Legal Research at Washington University in St Louis

#17 in overall quality

With a ranking of #8, University of Wisconsin - Madison did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Madison, Wisconsin is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s legal research degrees to 3 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree legal research students whose families make $0-$30k list, UW - Madison has also earned the #17 rank in our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UW - Madison are $25,523, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full UW - Madison Legal Research Report

#8 in overall quality

Columbia University in the City of New York landed the #9 spot on the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Columbia University in the City of New York is a private not-for-profit institution located in New York, New York. The school has a large population, and it awarded 3 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Columbia also made our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #8. Average graduate tuition and fees at Columbia are $51,194, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Legal Research at Columbia

#10

University of California - Berkeley

Berkeley, California
#10 in overall quality

With a ranking of #10, University of California - Berkeley did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Berkeley, California, this large public school handed out 7 degrees to qualified doctorate’s legal research students in 2019-2020.

UC Berkeley did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #10 on our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UC Berkeley are $29,347, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Legal Research at University of California - Berkeley

#11

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia
#7 in overall quality

With a ranking of #11, University of Virginia - Main Campus did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Virginia - Main Campus is located in Charlottesville, Virginia and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 8 doctorate’s legal research degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree legal research students whose families make $0-$30k list, University of Virginia has also earned the #7 rank in our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Virginia are $32,394.

Read full report on Legal Research at University of Virginia - Main Campus

#12

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana
#12 in overall quality

University of Notre Dame did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #12. Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, this fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 2 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s legal research students in 2019-2020.

Notre Dame not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Notre Dame are $57,522, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Notre Dame Legal Research Report

#13

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
#12 in overall quality

University of California - Los Angeles ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of California - Los Angeles is a public institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UCLA not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Los Angeles are $28,131, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Legal Research at UCLA

#14

Indiana University - Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana
#19 in overall quality

Indiana University - Bloomington landed the #14 spot on the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This large school is located in Bloomington, Indiana, and it awarded 8 doctorate’s legal research degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree legal research students whose families make $0-$30k list, IU Bloomington has also earned the #19 rank in our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Indiana University - Bloomington are $33,338, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Legal Research at Indiana University - Bloomington

#15

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
#14 in overall quality

With a ranking of #15, Wake Forest University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Winston-Salem, North Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s legal research degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

Wake Forest University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #14 on our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Wake Forest University are $39,216, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Legal Research at Wake Forest University

Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This large school is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and it awarded 3 doctorate’s legal research degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis are $26,013.

Full IUPUI Legal Research Report

#25 in overall quality

University of Nebraska - Lincoln did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #17. University of Nebraska - Lincoln is a large school located in Lincoln, Nebraska that handed out 8 doctorate’s legal research degrees in 2019-2020.

UNL also made our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #25. Average graduate tuition and fees at UNL are $19,513, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Legal Research at University of Nebraska - Lincoln

#18

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

University of Arizona landed the #18 spot on the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Tucson, Arizona is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s legal research degrees to 2 students in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Arizona are $33,399.

Read full report on Legal Research at University of Arizona

#19

Tulane University of Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana
#20 in overall quality

Tulane University of Louisiana landed the #19 spot on the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Tulane University of Louisiana is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in New Orleans, Louisiana. It awarded 3 doctorate’s legal research degrees in 2019-2020.

Tulane also took the #20 spot in our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Tulane are $61,176, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Tulane University of Louisiana Legal Research Report

#9 in overall quality

Case Western Reserve University landed the #20 spot on the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Cleveland, Ohio is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s legal research degrees to 16 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Case Western, the school also landed the #9 spot in our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Case Western are $47,958, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Legal Research at Case Western Reserve University

#21

University of Connecticut

Storrs, Connecticut
#16 in overall quality

University of Connecticut did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #21. This large school is located in Storrs, Connecticut, and it awarded 2 doctorate’s legal research degrees in 2019-2020.

UCONN also took the #16 spot in our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UCONN are $41,576, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Legal Research at UCONN

#22

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York
#18 in overall quality

University at Buffalo landed the #22 spot on the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University at Buffalo is a large public school situated in Buffalo, New York. It awarded 7 doctorate’s legal research degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree legal research students whose families make $0-$30k list, University at Buffalo has also earned the #18 rank in our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University at Buffalo are $26,028.

Read full report on Legal Research at University at Buffalo

#23

George Washington University

Washington, District of Columbia
#11 in overall quality

George Washington University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #23. GWU is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Washington, District of Columbia. It awarded 2 doctorate’s legal research degrees in 2019-2020.

GWU also took the #11 spot in our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at GWU are $31,824, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Legal Research at George Washington University

#24

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa

University of Iowa did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #24. Iowa is a public institution located in Iowa City, Iowa. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Iowa are $27,613, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Iowa Legal Research Report

#22 in overall quality

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Legal Research Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #25. Pitt is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 2 doctorate’s legal research degrees to qualified students.

Pitt not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #22 on our “Best Legal Research Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus are $40,836.

Read more about Legal Research at Pitt

Notes and References

References

  • 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).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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