Best Accredited Online Law Schools 2023
Lawyers are responsible for some of the most critical work in our society. They help navigate the complex legal system and protect our natural rights.
For those looking to take the legal field as a career path, obtaining a law degree is an advised first step to set you up for success. This will establish the groundwork for a fruitful and thriving career in law. We're here to help you find the best accredited online law schools.
The three degrees that can be earned are Juris Doctorate, Master of Laws and Doctor of Juridical Science. Each degree offers its own unique advantages and provides the necessary qualifications for those looking to enter the field of law. Juris Doctorate and Master of Laws are the more widely pursued options, whereas Doctor of Juridical Science is less common. If you aim to become a practicing lawyer and sit for the Bar Exam, obtaining at least a Juris Doctorate degree is mandatory. Earning a Juris Doctorate typically takes three years of full-time study. You'll learn about legal history, theory, and practice during your studies.
For those with busier schedules and commitments outside of their education, earning a more convenient hybrid Juris Doctorate may be the best route to take. The Covid pandemic pushed the American Bar Association to adjust its accrediting policies to include some online law schools, which it had never done before. Now it is accrediting law degree programs that include some online classes.
California is the only state allowing full-online law school graduates to take the Bar Exam. For states apart from the exempted one, applicants must have concluded an ABA-accredited in-person or hybrid course program in order to be eligible to take the exam.
EDsmart has compiled a list of ABA-accredited online law schools and a list of the cheapest online colleges offering law degrees to help you navigate the world of choices you have before you.
Leading up to that Juris Doctorate, however, you can still complete the undergraduate prerequisites online, and plenty of options are available. EDsmart has also gathered a list of the best pre-law majors for you to peruse and choose from here.
Featured Online Law Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Ranking Methodology
The Best Affordable Online Law Schools ranking is based on four main data points in four categories:
- Affordability (Tuition+ Fees)
- Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
- Academic Quality (4-year graduation rate)
- Student Outcome (20-year Return on Investment according to Payscale.com)
Each data point is ranked with equal weight. Schools received a weighted overall ranking score for each individual point mentioned above–100 being the highest score possible.
In the case of a tie in scoring, the average net price was the determining factor for which school received the higher rank–the lower the net price, the higher the ranking.
All data was gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics, College Scorecard, Payscale, and individual school websites.
Best Accredited Online Law Schools 2023
1. Villanova University
Score: 100
Tuition + Fees: $21,199
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 89%
ROI: $719,000
Villanova University is a prestigious Catholic university established in 1842 in Philadelphia. Comprising six schools, the university provides an extensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for learners, including doctoral degrees. Villanova University's law school is also highly regarded and has an excellent reputation nationwide. The Charles Widger School of Law maintains a total enrollment of just 565 students, with tuition averaging around $46,535 annually. Through its convenient online format, students can pursue a master's in taxation degree or even earn their certification in employee benefits, estate planning, and state and local taxation. These widely-renowned virtual opportunities set Villanova apart from other online schools and provide distance learners with all of the same opportunities they would have had access to on campus.
The U.S. News and World Report ranks the Charles Widger School of Law at #53 among the best law schools in the country. On U.S. News and World Report's list of best college rankings, the school sits at #53 among national universities, #36 among best undergraduate teaching, and #64 in best value schools. Villanova University gives students the opportunity to realize their goals and excel in their legal endeavors.
2. Washington University in St. Louis
Score: 97.3
Tuition + Fees: $58,288
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 94%
ROI: $697,000
Washington University in St. Louis's Law School is recognized nationally for its high-quality legal reasoning and practice preparation programs. WashU's JD program places emphasis on twelve different areas, such as constitutional law & civil rights, criminal justice, or labor & employment law. For additional, topic-specific education, JD students can earn specialized certifications or take elective courses. The system also supports online master's degrees in legal studies, laws in taxation, and U.S. law, even offering a dual-master of laws in U.S. and transnational legal practice. Classes function in an interactive, live-feed format that enables students to collaborate weekly with professors and fellow students.
WUSTL currently enrolls over 15,000 students, most of whom are working on completing their degrees from 100 different countries throughout the world. Basic undergraduate tuition sits at around $54,000 per year. Washington University would is a great option if you're looking into online law schools.
3. Wake Forest University
Score: 96.3
Tuition + Fees: $39,240
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 89%
ROI: $693,000
Wake Forest University is among the top educational establishments in the U.S and offers an amazing post-secondary learning experience. With tuition averaging around $46,409 per year, the university's accompanying School of Law enrolls only 167 students in total, as of 2022. These individuals have the freedom to combine their undergraduate and JD studies into an individualized dual degree program. The online certificates and degree programs use Canvas as both a learning and a teaching medium. Wake Forest awards online MSL master's degrees in business law & compliance, health law & policy, and human resources. With the help of specialized programs, learners have an opportunity to get a head start in their trades and specialties. This gives them a competitive advantage when it comes to finding post-graduation careers.
The U.S. News and World Report ranks Wake Forest School of Law as #41 among best law schools in the U.S. Overall, the university ranks among the top 30 schools in the nation, currently sitting at #28 among national universities, #44 in best undergraduate teaching, and #24 among best value schools.
4. Emory University
Score: 96
Tuition + Fees: $45,684
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 92%
ROI: $688,000
Emory University takes part in an upstanding tradition of pursuing prominent research and maintaining educational excellence. Currently, the school enrolls only 5900 students in total, and tuition and costs average around $47,954 annually. Emory provides a limited array of online programs for students pursuing certificates, masters', or doctoral degrees, but these virtual programs are some of the most prestigious in the nation. Specifically, the Juris Master (JM) program offers an 18-month track for health care law, policy and regulation, and business law and regulation. Courses are taught by a faculty of researchers and world-renowned law practitioners, meaning that students can collaborate with field professionals and market themselves enough to land highly sought-after positions in the law field post-graduation. Ultimately, Emory is a highly distinguished establishment of post-secondary education where students come to thrive and build their futures.
5. University of Southern California
Score: 95
Tuition + Fees: $61,396
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 93%
ROI: $656,000
Looking for a top-tier private university on the West Coast? Look no further than the historical University of Southern California. Today, it is has a student population of over 4,400 students and 203 faculty and staff. One-quarter of the students are international, which makes the globally-operated Gould School of Law a naturally popular program. Through this format, a law student can pursue a master's of law degree (LLM) while finding global networking opportunities with over 10,000 USC law school alumni from across the world. At USC, students who want to get a head start on their path to success within the legal field have every opportunity at their feet.
Tuition for the online program sits at just over $59,115 per semester. As an institution, USC earns accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, sitting at #24 among national universities on U.S. News list of best colleges. It also holds its place at #8 among the best colleges for veterans. Ultimately, the University of Southern California is one of the best prospects for aspiring learners who want to establish strong foundations and create their own success.
6. Florida State University
Score: 94.8
Tuition + Fees: $11,553
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 80%
ROI: $399,000
Since 1851, Florida State University has been a beloved place of higher learning situated in Tallahassee. It has become a leading education provider in the US, renowned for its excellent academic standards and pioneering research activities. Moreover, Florida State is distinguished among other universities due to its emphasis on engaging with students from different countries around the world. According to U.S. News, it is the best school in Florida. Among national universities, it sits at #58, placing #30 among best colleges for veterans, and standing at #123 among best value schools.
The College of Law at Florida State supports just 779 students in total, boasting some of the lowest law school tuition rates in the country. The U.S. News ranks it 48th in the best law schools in the nation. Its online Juris Master program enables off-site students to pursue master's degrees in law, with concentrations in fields like financial regulation and compliance, legal risk management and HR compliance, and even healthcare regulation. This program requires students to complete 30 credit hours of part-time schooling, in which they can acquire valuable and applicable skills to aid them throughout their future careers. Florida State University aims to promote the advancement of lifelong learning, instilling within its students an invaluable work ethic and a drive for success that they will take with them into every endeavor of their lives.
7. Michigan State University
Score: 93.8
Tuition + Fees: $19,714
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 81%
ROI: $497,000
Michigan State University is an innovative institution offering an online food law degree that learners can take advantage of from anywhere in the world. This track runs through the Desire2Learn system. Students complete modules, readings, and discussion boards, and have full access to instructors' lectures through this virtual arrangement, all from the comfort of their own homes. Law students can earn their master of laws (LLM) or their master of jurisprudence (MJ) through the online food law track, during which they also collaborate with field professionals like patent lawyers, VPs, directors, and analysts. Overall, the online food law program at MSU opens up countless doors to new opportunities for its aspiring legal students.
MSU is proud to offer their learners outstanding research programs and award-winning faculty and staff. According to the U.S. News and World Report, it ranks #80 among national universities.
8. George Washington University
Score: 93.8
Tuition + Fees: $32,904
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 81%
ROI: $682,000
George Washington University is a private school located in the Washington DC area. It operates one of the best law schools in the country, currently enrolling over 1,600 students in its legal program--for whom tuition sits at around $60,790 annually. The U.S. News and World Report place the university's law institution at #27 among the best law schools in the country.
George Washington's online law school offers a healthcare corporate compliance graduate certificate and a paralegal studies graduate certificate to online students. It also awards master's degrees in both professional studies in law firm management and paralegal studies, both of which can be completed in as little as eighteen months. Because GWU is committed to opening up doors for all of its attendees, online law students have every opportunity to pursue successful careers in their chosen fields, all from the convenience of their own homes.
9. New York University
Score: 93.3
Tuition + Fees: $38,206
Retention Rate: 92%
Graduation Rate: 84%
ROI: $638,000
With campuses located in both Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, New York University is an extensive globalized institution. Tuition and fees cost $66,422 per year. NYU's school of law is one of wide renown, and its online format offers students the chance to earn an executive LLM in tax or even an MSL in taxation. The online master's degree program, specifically, equips future accountants and other types of financial professionals with invaluable skills required in those fields. NYU strives to achieve academic excellence and instill a strong work ethic in its pupils. This will equip you with vital skills that are crucial for professional success in the legal profession. According to U.S. News and World Report it sits at 6th among the best law schools in the country, as well as 29th among national universities.
10. Boston University
Score: 92.5
Tuition + Fees: $59,418
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 87%
ROI: $632,000
Founded in 1839 in the heart of Beantown itself, Boston University is a non-profit institution that hosts nearly 33,000 learners participating in over 300 various programs of study. BU is well known for its celebrity alumni, which include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Geena Davis, Howard Stern, and Tipper Gore. Besides its many claims to fame, however, the school is known for providing some excellent academic programs and award-winning faculty and staff. The U.S. News and World Report rank it at #42 among national universities.
According to U.S. News and World Report, Boston's law program sits at #20 among the best law schools in the country. With its LLM Graduate Tax Program (GTP), BU provides the means through which students can earn their master's in taxation degrees on campus, online, or through a convenient combination of both. Earning the LLM credential is very impressive to future employers, and BU alumni often find jobs at law firms within the first year after graduating. Overall, Boston's law program is among the top seven LLM programs in U.S. law from colleges all over the country. The institution is one of deep-seated national esteem and academic rigor, pushing toward the future while upholding its long-standing creed: Learning, Virtue, Piety.
11. Pepperdine University
Score: 92
Tuition + Fees: $37,420
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 84%
ROI: $508,000
Pepperdine University is a private, Christian institution that operates campuses throughout California and several other locations. The School of Law at Pepperdine enrolls 473 full-time students, and tuition sits at around $55,892 per year. Students who take part in Pepperdine's online master's of legal studies program collaborate with award-winning faculty and have the chance to participate in a wide variety of network-building residencies. Despite the online class format, online students are exposed to comprehensive coursework that fully equips them with legal expertise in as few as 16 months. The virtual courses make earning a legal degree more convenient than ever, making it possible for students with busy schedules and extraneous responsibilities to find success in any field they choose.
According to the U.S. News and World Report, the university sits at #49 among national universities, and the School of Law at Pepperdine ranks #46 out of all law schools in the country. Ultimately, the school is one of wide renown, upholding its motto--"Freely ye received, freely give"--as it equips students with the skills necessary to enter the world prepared to change it.
12. Pennsylvania State University
Score: 91.5
Tuition + Fees: $23,719
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 71%
ROI: $536,000
Pennsylvania State University's online World Campus is the second-largest in the world. The World Campus offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs to over 20,000 online students in total. The online system runs a wide variety of legal courses exclusive solely to Penn State online. Virtual students that take less than 12 credits per semester pay tuition per credit, while students that take more credits pay a flat tuition rate. The online undergrad degree options include a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and political science, as well as Bachelor of Arts degree in international policy, law, and society, and energy and sustainability policy. Online students have the opportunity to earn a Master's of Professional Studies in community and economic development, as well as criminal justice and policy administration. Virtual learners also have access to the master of public administration program.
Ultimately, Pennsylvania State University tries to create a learning environment that'll equip you with the requisite skills to find success in the field of law, and in life in general.
13. Arizona State University-Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Score: 91.3
Tuition + Fees: $12,608
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 64%
ROI: $498,000
Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law enrolls a total of just 779 full-time students. The law school involves a 30-credit hour, year-long, online MLS program, which is especially convenient for students with commitments outside of school. Students can focus their legal studies in one of eight different concentrations: conflict resolution, construction law, corporate and health care compliance, criminal law, H.R. and employment law, intellectual property law, law, and sustainability, or sports law and business.
These online law programs provide students with the skills necessary to find success in the legal field. According to U.S. News, ASU ranks 25th among the best law schools. Times Higher Education places it in the top hundred universities in the world for both research and teaching and the top one percent of the most prestigious universities in the world. The Institute of International Education also considers Arizona State the number one university choice for international students.
14. Drexel University
Score: 90.5
Tuition + Fees: $11,470
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 68%
ROI: $648,000
Drexel University is known for its exceptional co-op program and was a pioneering institution in launching comprehensive online degree programs. The Thomas R. Kline School of Law supports a full-time enrollment of 431 students, for whom tuition sits at around $44,195 annually. The U.S. News and World Report rank Drexel's law program at #81 among the best law schools in the country, in addition to placing them at #133 among national universities.
The university's comprehensive online law school runs three different master's programs and eight certificate programs. Drexel offers a range of programs from a master's of legal studies to a graduate certificate in criminal law. Drexel's online law school is the real deal, offering a very affordable and technologically advanced program. Drexel's was created to give you all the practical skills and knowledge you need to excel in a competitive field and create a fulfilling career. Plus, Drexel is all about equal opportunities for everyone. They are proud in helping all students achieve their goals and offer plenty of support to make it happen.
15. The University of Alabama
Score: 89.5
Tuition + Fees: $7,751
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 68%
ROI: $398,000
The University of Alabama has been the leading higher learning institution in its state since its 1820 founding. The U.S. News and World Report rank the school at #143 among national universities and #127 among the best-value schools in the nation. The Hugh F. Culverhouse Jr. School of Law sits at #25 among the country's best law schools.
For distance students, U.A. offers two different online law program options. The available L.L.M. concentrations include degrees in taxation and business transactions, both of which provide valuable networking opportunities for students. Business transaction degrees qualify students to pursue fields in ventures, transactions, and laws regarding dissolutions and recession. U.A.'s taxation degrees provide foundational skills for career advancement in the tax law field. Ultimately, the University of Alabama is dedicated to providing a well-rounded education to learners, equipping them with skills vital to success in future law careers and legal/business spheres.
16. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Score: 89.5
Tuition + Fees: $9,018
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 66%
ROI: $427,000
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a public state-funded school. The university strongly emphasizes its research institutions and has been recognized in the category R1: Doctoral Universities – Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Institute. The U.S. News and World Report rank the university at #133 among national universities and #101 in best value schools.
The Nebraska College of Law supports only 332 full-time students. According to the U.S. News and World Report, it sits at #87 among the best law schools in the country. The online class format is designed for part-time L.L.M. students, enabling them to complete the online law degree requirements within just six semesters. The timing aspect makes it easy for distance learners with JD degrees from A.B.A.-accredited law schools to further their educations and establish themselves in the law community while maintaining responsibilities outside of school. Despite the program's competitive nature and the challenging coursework involved, it enables students from all backgrounds to receive individualized training and career-building opportunities. U.N.L. ultimately aims to equip its students with the skills necessary to succeed in the field of law and become responsible, contributing world citizens.
17. University of Arkansas
Score: 89.5
Tuition + Fees: $9,018
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 63%
ROI: $447,000
The University of Arkansas is a favorite school in the state's university system. Initially established in 1871 as a state-run institution, the university now receives full accreditation from the HLC. According to the U.S. News and World Report, it sits at #160 among national universities and places #163 among the best-value schools in the country.
The University Of Arkansas School Of Law has a good list of familiar alumni, including both Bill and Hillary Clinton. According to the National Jurist magazine, the university has had the best value since 2011. The U.S. News and World Report set it at #96 for best law schools in the country. The online master's of laws in agricultural and food law is a comprehensive program that caters to a high-demand field. The curriculum is designed to enable U.A. law students to establish skill sets that will help them find success in their future careers.
18. University of Arizona
Score: 89.5
Tuition + Fees: $13,460
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 64%
Salary After Attending: $494,000
The James E. Rogers College of Law, at the University of Arizona has received approval from both the ABA and the AALS, which is a clear demonstration of their dedication to maintaining high standards in legal education. The U.S. News Report ranks it at 46th among the best law schools in the country and 97th among national universities.
The law school's online courses are equally comprehensive and challenging. Off-site students have the option of earning a bachelor's of arts in law, a master's of legal studies, or graduate certificates in health law online. Students pursuing the MLS online have the option of building their own curriculum, and health law students work internationally with industry leaders and collaborative faculty to receive graduate certificates in their field. All of these programs enable students to establish a strong foundation in law before continuing into the workforce and finding success in their specialized fields.
19. Rowan University
Score: 89
Tuition + Fees: $16,146
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 75%
ROI: $379,000
Rowan University is a public, postsecondary educational institution located in Glassboro, New Jersey, operating as one of the top research institutions in the state. The U.S. News and World Report place it at #187 among national universities, as well as at #128 among the best-value schools in the nation.
Rowan offers several online and hybrid programs. For students pursuing degrees in law, Rowan's online bachelor of arts in law and justice includes a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on students' learning about the criminal justice system and its operation. It equips students with an understanding of law enforcement, court services, corrections, and human services. Ultimately, the virtual courses set students on a path to obtain graduate degrees and professional studies in this particular field in as little as 120 total credit hours. Rowan University is committed to giving their learners an accessible and convenient path to success, helping them with the skills necessary to develop a strong sense of professionalism and dedication in the field of law.
20. University of Tulsa
Score: 88.8
Tuition + Fees: $25,182
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 70%
ROI: $493,000
Since 1929, the Higher Learning Commission has accredited the University of Tulsa, alongside the American Bar Association, which also certifies the institution's College of Law. The law school currently enrolls just 262 students, whose tuition sits at around $25,182 annually. The college has a program available for students to complete their JD within six years, and they can also complete the online master of jurisprudence in approximately 18-24 months or even specialize in Indian law.
The U.S. News and World Report rank UT at #143 among national universities and #55 in best value schools. UT's College of Law sits at #111 in the best law schools. The University of Tulsa's focus is to equip you with the tools to be successful in working in law.
21. Samford University
Score: 88.5
Tuition + Fees: $21,575
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 70%
ROI: $243,000
As a Christian-based, private teaching and research university, Samford holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university consists of ten different schools of study, including the Cumberland School of Law, which has a full-time student enrollment of just 425 students, for whom tuition rates settle at around $21,676 a year. The U.S. News and World Report place Samford at #143 among national universities, placing the Cumberland School of Law at #144 among the best law schools in the country.
Through its high-quality online JD program, the Cumberland School of Law enables students to take up to 15 required credit hours online. This is highly convenient for adult students and those with responsibilities outside of school. Online course options include admiralty, business drafting, internet privacy law, sales, and more. During the summer term, virtual students have two course options: a class in advanced contracts (issues in e-commerce) or a course on the endangered species act, specifically.
22. Seton Hall University
Score: 88.5
Tuition + Fees: $26,018
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 70%
ROI: $507,000
Seton Hall University is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the nation, established in 1856 by Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley. This private institution's School of Law offers part-time tuition rates of $40,778 and full-time rates of $54,090 per year. The U.S. News ranks the School of Law at 70th among the best law schools in the country, and it sits at 133rd among national universities in general.
The university operates online courses for students pursuing their master's degree in law. Seton Hall's health law education offers the full scope of performance and preparation, and students will find that the online format enables them to collaborate directly with faculty members while maintaining the rigorous daily schedules of their everyday lives. Seton Hall's primary goal is to incorporate real-world principles into its curriculum, giving its students the ability to create their own success in the workforce.
23. Bellevue University
Score: 85.8
Tuition + Fees: $11,730
Retention Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 50%
ROI: $439,000
Bellevue University was established as a private university in 1966. Today, the institution holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, and Washington Monthly magazine named it among the Top 10 Colleges for Adult Learners. The university also made it onto College Factual's list of Top 10 Best Colleges for Returning Adults and Non-Traditional Students.
Bellevue's online bachelor of science in legal studies incorporates emphases in law, policy, and ethics, as well as legal and judicial systems, political science, and criminal justice. Coursework prepares students to evaluate legal writings and grasp complex ethical concepts, granting them the skills they need to apply both moral and judicial reasoning to real-world scenarios. The online format allows distance learners to pursue their individual education goals from the comfort of their own homes and ultimately leads them to successful careers in the legal field.
24. Liberty University
Score: 85
Tuition + Fees: $8,360
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 34%
ROI: $178,000
Established by the Baptist minister Jerry Falwell, Liberty University has remained a top-tier institution of postsecondary education, rooted in Christian values and doctrinally-centered teachings since its 1971 founding. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission and provides approximately 280 online course options. As a pupil at LU you can pursue associate's degrees in paralegal studies or criminal justice, or opt for any one of the bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice. These programs enrich the lives of law students with Christian principles that help them to evaluate the ethical weight of every real-world legal scenario. Courses run on 8-week tracks, ensuring convenience and accessibility for all participating students. These courses will supply you with important skills that will benefit you as you enter the workforce.
25. Hofstra University
Score: 84.5
Tuition + Fees: $28,180
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 63%
ROI: $491,000
Hofstra University is a private, nonsectarian university that was founded in Hempstead, New York, in 1935. The institution's partnering law school--the Maurice A. Deane School of Law--hosts just over 1,197 students in total, and tuition rates vary according to attendance. The U.S. News and World Report rank it at #119 among the best law schools. In addition to its hybrid courses, the distance learning program also offers a variety of fully comprehensive online options. For example, Hofstra's online master's in health law and policy requires no campus residency or LSAT/GMAT/GRE pre-examinations. Virtual students even have the opportunity to earn a master's in health law and policy entirely online. This is just one of the many convenient and affordable options Hofstra affords its students.
The U.S. News and World Report placed it at #160 among national universities and #92 among best value schools. Hofstra's online legal studies program offers a convenient and high-quality path to students pursuing future success in legal fields and careers.
26. Regent University Online
Score: 82.5
Tuition + Fees: $17,190
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 30%
ROI: $335,000
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council for Higher Education have given Regent University their approval to offer students an education. It is an outstanding accomplishment that the Regent University School of Law has received ABA accreditation. A variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in subjects like government, criminal justice, and legal studies are also offered through Regent's online learning platform. Even more, options include law, financial planning, paralegal studies, and law & national security as specializations. It is worthwhile to investigate these possibilities to determine whether they fit with your hobbies and career ambitions. Its criminal justice bachelor's degrees incorporate specialties in corrections, homeland security, and law enforcement. Online students can also pursue graduate programs in government, national security studies, or public administration. These programs give learners the skills necessary to build successful careers in the legal field.
27. Nova Southeastern University
Score: 82.5
Tuition + Fees: $22,790
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 47%
ROI: $327,000
Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad College of Law ranks at #147-193 among best law schools according to the U.S. News and World Report. This institution offers online degrees in sports law, master in cybersecurity law, and even incorporates education, employment, and health law concentrations. To form their concentration, students must take a specific combination of 14 different electives. Overall, the legal programs at Nova Southeastern are some of the finest in the country, preparing aspiring legal students for real-world application of ethical principles so that they can become the best-licensed professionals in their fields.
The U.S. News and World Report rank NSU at #227 among national universities and #113 for top performers on social mobility.
28. Hodges University
Score: 81.8
Tuition + Fees: $15,440
Retention Rate: 48%
Graduation Rate: 32%
ROI: $94,800
NapHodges University was founded as a private institution in 1990. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council for Higher Education have given NapHodges University accreditation to teach as well as the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Its fully comprehensive online programs offer associate's degrees in paralegal studies, as well as both bachelor's and master's degrees in legal studies. There are currently 12 associates, 11 bachelors, 7 masters, and several certificate programs available online. All of these programs assist students in learning valuable skills that they will take with them into the legal workforce.
The school's mission is to provide quality education for students, and its online system works to accomplishes that. Students who receive a Hodges education know how to put themselves on the right track for future success.
Full List of Most Affordable Online Law School Programs
| School Name | graduate tuition and fees | Retention Rate | Graduation Rate (4-year) | Salary After Attending |
| Villanova University | $21,199 | 96% | 89% | $719,000 |
| Washington University in St. Louis | $58,288 | 96% | 94% | $697,000 |
| Wake Forest University | $39,240 | 94% | 89% | $693,000 |
| Emory University | $45,684 | 94% | 92% | $688,000 |
| University of Southern California | $61,396 | 94% | 93% | $656,000 |
| Florida State University | $11,553 | 94% | 80% | $399,000 |
| Michigan State University | $19,714 | 91% | 81% | $497,000 |
| George Washington University | $32,904 | 90% | 81% | $682,000 |
| New York University | $38,206 | 92% | 84% | $638,000 |
| Boston University | $59,418 | 93% | 87% | $632,000 |
| Pepperdine University | $37,420 | 88% | 84% | $508,000 |
| PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY | $23,719 | 87% | 71% | $536,000 |
| Arizona State University | $12,608 | 87% | 64% | $498,000 |
| Drexel University | $37,074 | 88% | 68% | $648,000 |
| The University of Alabama | $11,470 | 87% | 68% | $398,000 |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $7,751 | 83% | 66% | $427,000 |
| University of Arkansas | $9,018 | 84% | 63% | $447,000 |
| University of Arizona | $13,460 | 84% | 64% | $494,000 |
| Rowan University | $16,146 | 84% | 75% | $379,000 |
| University of Tulsa | $25,182 | 85% | 70% | $493,000 |
| Samford University | $21,575 | 88% | 70% | $243,000 |
| Seton Hall University | $26,018 | 83% | 70% | $507,000 |
| Bellevue University | $11,730 | 66% | 50% | $439,000 |
| Liberty University | $8,360 | 81% | 34% | $178,000 |
| Hofstra University | $28,180 | 82% | 63% | $491,000 |
| REGENT UNIVERSITY ONLINE | $17,190 | 77% | 30% | $335,000 |
| Nova Southeastern University | $22,790 | 81% | 47% | $327,000 |
| HODGES UNIVERSITY | $15,440 | 48% | 32% | $94,800 |
Top T-14 Law Schools and Admissions Statistics (2023)
T14 refers to the top 14 law schools that consistently show up in the yearly published U.S. News & World Report law school rankings.
| Top 14 Law Schools | US News Ranking | Location | Year Est. | Annual Tuition & Fees | Median GPA | Median LSAT | First-Year Class Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yale Law School | 1 | New Haven, CT | 1824 | $69,433 | 3.94 | 174 | 201 | |
| Stanford Law School | 2 | Palo Alto, CA | 1893 | $66,396 | 3.91 | 172 | 184 | |
| University of Chicago Law School | 3 | Chicago, IL | 1902 | $72,081 | 3.91 | 172 | 190 | |
| Columbia Law School | 4 | New York, NY | 1858 | $76,088 | 3.84 | 174 | 479 | |
| Harvard Law School | 4 | Cambridge, MA | 1817 | $68,962 | 3.92 | 174 | 562 | |
| University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School | 6 | Philadelphia, PA | 1850 | $70,042 | 3.9 | 171 | 309 | |
| NYU School of Law | 7 | New York, NY | 1835 | $73,414 | 3.86 | 172 | 484 | |
| University of Virginia School of Law* | 8 | Charlottesville, VA | 1819 | $66,500 IS $69,500 OOS | 3.91 | 171 | 299 | |
| University of California Berkeley School of Law* | 9 | Berkeley, CA | 1894 | $56,858 IS $62,143 OOS | 3.83 | 169 | 384 | |
| University of Michigan Law School* | 10 | Ann Arbor, MI | 1859 | $64,098 IS $67,098 OOS | 3.84 | 171 | 313 | |
| Duke University School of Law | 11 | Durham, NC | 1868 | $68,400 | 3.82 | 170 | 282 | |
| Cornell Law School | 12 | Ithaca, NY | 1887 | $71,608 | 3.86 | 171 | 200 | |
| Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law | 13 | Chicago, IL | 1859 | $69,650 | 3.86 | 171 | 248 | |
| Georgetown University Law Center | 14 | Washington, DC | 1870 | $69,280 | 3.85 | 171 | 558 |
FAQ
What is the #1 online law school in America?
Villanova University is the #1 law school in America, according to our analysis of the best online law schools.
List of ABA Accredited Online Law Schools
These 9 ABA-accredited law schools offer hybrid online Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees. Hybrid online JD degree programs combine on-campus courses with online courses.
- Loyola University Chicago School of Law
- Mitchell Hamline School of Law
- Seton Hall University School of Law
- Southwestern Law School
- Syracuse University College of Law
- Touro College
- University of Dayton School of Law
- University of Denver Sturm College of Law
- University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
Cheapest Online Law Degrees
According to the most recent analysis by Best Universities, the list of cheapest online colleges offering law degrees are:
- American Public University System
- University of Central Florida
- Fort Hays State University
- Western Carolina University
- West Texas A & M University
- Bellevue University
- Abraham Lincoln University
- Peru State College
- Arizona State University
- University of Maryland Global Campus
