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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Legal Professions (Income $48-$75k) in the Great Lakes Region

24 Ranked Colleges
4,771 Degrees Awarded
$30,900 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our “Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.

Legal Professions is the 17th most popular major in the country with 61,993 degrees awarded in 2019-2020. In 2017-2018, legal professions graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $43,199 and had an average of $58,026 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Great Lakes region, there were 8,513 legal professions graduates with average earnings and debt of $42,584 and $54,966 respectively. At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 4,771 legal professions graduates with average earnings and debt of $74,428 and $121,375 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking analyzed 24 colleges that offered a degree in legal professions. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality legal professions programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the legal professions program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

The legal professions school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k”.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k.

#1

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
#1 in overall quality

Out of the 24 schools in the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, Northwestern University landed the #1 spot on the list. Evanston, Illinois is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s legal professions degrees to 278 students in 2019-2020.

Northwestern not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #1 on our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Northwestern University are $56,567, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Legal Professions at Northwestern University

#2

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#2 in overall quality

Out of the 24 schools in the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Chicago landed the #2 spot on the list. University of Chicago is located in Chicago, Illinois and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 208 doctorate’s legal professions degrees to qualified students.

UChicago also made our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #2. Average graduate tuition and fees at UChicago are $61,548, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Legal Professions at University of Chicago

#3 in overall quality

Out of the 24 schools in the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor landed the #3 spot on the list. Ann Arbor, Michigan is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s legal professions degrees to 337 students in 2019-2020.

U-M also made our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #3. Average graduate tuition and fees at U-M are $49,548, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Legal Professions at U-M

#4

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana
#4 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Notre Dame. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution located in Notre Dame, Indiana. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 203 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Notre Dame also took the #4 spot in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Notre Dame are $57,522, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Legal Professions at Notre Dame

#6 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Wisconsin - Madison. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. University of Wisconsin - Madison is a large school located in Madison, Wisconsin that handed out 150 doctorate’s legal professions degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our great lakes region doctor’s degree legal professions students whose families make $48-$75k list, UW - Madison has also earned the #6 rank in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Wisconsin - Madison are $25,523.

Read more about Legal Professions at University of Wisconsin - Madison

#6

Indiana University - Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana
#10 in overall quality

Indiana University - Bloomington came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. This large school is located in Bloomington, Indiana, and it awarded 165 doctorate’s legal professions degrees in 2019-2020.

IU Bloomington also took the #10 spot in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Indiana University - Bloomington are $33,338, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full IU Bloomington Legal Professions Report

#13 in overall quality

With a ranking of #7, Ohio State University - Main Campus did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. This large school is located in Columbus, Ohio, and it awarded 208 doctorate’s legal professions degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our great lakes region doctor’s degree legal professions students whose families make $48-$75k list, Ohio State has also earned the #13 rank in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Ohio State University - Main Campus are $37,141.

Read full report on Legal Professions at Ohio State University - Main Campus

#17 in overall quality

Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. This large school is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and it awarded 248 doctorate’s legal professions degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our great lakes region doctor’s degree legal professions students whose families make $48-$75k list, IUPUI has also earned the #17 rank in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at IUPUI are $26,013, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full IUPUI Legal Professions Report

#9

University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, Michigan
#16 in overall quality

University of Detroit Mercy did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #9. Detroit, Michigan is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s legal professions degrees to 192 students in 2019-2020.

Detroit Mercy not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #16 on our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Detroit Mercy are $20,047.

Read full report on Legal Professions at University of Detroit Mercy

#5 in overall quality

Case Western Reserve University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Case Western Reserve University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Cleveland, Ohio. It awarded 132 doctorate’s legal professions degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Case Western, the school also landed the #5 spot in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Case Western are $47,958.

Full Case Western Reserve University Legal Professions Report

#11

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
#25 in overall quality

Northern Illinois University ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Northern Illinois University is a public institution located in Dekalb, Illinois. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 80 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at NIU, the school also landed the #25 spot in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Northern Illinois University are $11,086, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Northern Illinois University Legal Professions Report

#12

Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan
#22 in overall quality

Wayne State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #12. Located in Detroit, Michigan, this large public school handed out 144 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s legal professions students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our great lakes region doctor’s degree legal professions students whose families make $48-$75k list, Wayne State has also earned the #22 rank in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Wayne State are $37,215.

Full Wayne State University Legal Professions Report

#13

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
#7 in overall quality

Michigan State University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Michigan State is a large public school situated in East Lansing, Michigan. It awarded 226 doctorate’s legal professions degrees in 2019-2020.

Michigan State also took the #7 spot in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Michigan State are $37,056.

Read full report on Legal Professions at Michigan State University

#23 in overall quality

Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Carbondale, Illinois is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s legal professions degrees to 102 students in 2019-2020.

SIUC also took the #23 spot in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are $32,928, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Legal Professions at SIUC

#9 in overall quality

Illinois Institute of Technology came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Illinois Tech is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 223 doctorate’s legal professions degrees in 2019-2020.

Illinois Tech did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #9 on our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Illinois Institute of Technology are $30,695, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Illinois Institute of Technology Legal Professions Report

#16

University of Toledo

Toledo, Ohio
#21 in overall quality

University of Toledo came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. University of Toledo is located in Toledo, Ohio and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 92 doctorate’s legal professions degrees to qualified students.

University of Toledo also made our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #21. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Toledo are $27,067, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Legal Professions at University of Toledo

#17

Capital University

Columbus, Ohio
#20 in overall quality

Capital University landed the #17 spot on the 2022 Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Capital University is a small school located in Columbus, Ohio that handed out 115 doctorate’s legal professions degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our great lakes region doctor’s degree legal professions students whose families make $48-$75k list, Capital has also earned the #20 rank in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Capital University are $13,000.

Read full report on Legal Professions at Capital University

#18 in overall quality

University of Cincinnati - Main Campus came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. University of Cincinnati - Main Campus is a public institution located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The school has a large population, and it awarded 94 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UC also took the #18 spot in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UC are $26,644, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Legal Professions at University of Cincinnati - Main Campus

#19

Marquette University

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
#12 in overall quality

Marquette University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Marquette is a private not-for-profit institution located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 175 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Marquette, the school also landed the #12 spot in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Marquette are $21,690, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Marquette Legal Professions Report

#20

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, Indiana
#19 in overall quality

Valparaiso University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Valpo is a small school located in Valparaiso, Indiana that handed out 21 doctorate’s legal professions degrees in 2019-2020.

Valpo also took the #19 spot in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Valparaiso University are $12,220, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Valparaiso University Legal Professions Report

#21

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, Ohio

With a ranking of #21, Cleveland State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Cleveland State University is a fairly large school located in Cleveland, Ohio that handed out 97 doctorate’s legal professions degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Cleveland State University are $17,622.

Read full report on Legal Professions at Cleveland State University

#24 in overall quality

University of Akron Main Campus came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. University of Akron Main Campus is a fairly large school located in Akron, Ohio that handed out 152 doctorate’s legal professions degrees in 2019-2020.

University of Akron Main Campus not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #24 on our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Akron Main Campus are $15,217, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of Akron Main Campus Legal Professions Report

#23

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois
#14 in overall quality

DePaul University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #23. DePaul University is located in Chicago, Illinois and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 233 doctorate’s legal professions degrees to qualified students.

DePaul also took the #14 spot in our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at DePaul are $19,760, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full DePaul Legal Professions Report

#24

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#8 in overall quality

Loyola University Chicago ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Legal Professions Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution located in Chicago, Illinois. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 232 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Loyola Chicago also made our “Best Legal Professions Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #8. Average graduate tuition and fees at Loyola Chicago are $19,154, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Loyola Chicago Legal Professions Report

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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.

Credits

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