Updated: May 14, 2023
Are you driven by the pursuit of justice? A program leading to your Juris Doctor degree will give you the skills you need to become a trusted legal counsel for your clients.
There are many specializations available for lawyers to choose from, including environmental law, tax law, and family law.
Employment of lawyers is expected to increase by 10% over the next decade. As more corporations hire in-house legal counsel, business law should increase at a higher rate.
The median annual salary for a lawyer was $127K a year in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Lawyers who work for the federal government earn even more: an average of $152,590.
This list features some of the best law degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list are accredited by the American Bar Association, which assesses law degree programs for educational excellence and a commitment to quality education.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of law degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
intelligent score 99.82
Award
Intelligent Pick
#1 US News
#2 Match College
New Haven, CT
Graduation Rate: 98%
Admission Rate: 7%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Yale Law School's Juris Doctor program features world-renowned faculty and alumni, including two presidents and numerous Supreme Court justices. Students have opportunities for independent research, writing, and student-organized seminars. They work closely with faculty to complete two major research papers, many of which go on to publication, and may also work with faculty members as research and teaching assistants. First-term classes are ungraded. After that, all classes are graded on an honors/pass/low basis. Yale's academic life is enriched by dozens of centers, programs, special projects, and workshops, such as the Center for Global Legal Challenges and the Information Society Project. One of the most selective institutions in the world, its acceptance rate for 2020-21 was four percent. There are numerous housing options for students on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods.
Award
Intelligent Pick
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 83
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,879
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
203-432-4995
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 83
intelligent score 99.47
Award
Best Private Institution
#2 US News
#6 Match College
Stanford, CA
Graduation Rate: 96%
Admission Rate: 5%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Stanford Law School offers an intensive, interdisciplinary J.D. program taught by legal experts on a full range of topics, from net neutrality to criminal procedure. Eleven full-time clinics provide hands-on learning and a Law and Policy Lab that allows students to assess policies and legal pathways. Global opportunities are available for students who wish to travel and immerse themselves in international law and finance. Students can study innovative, cutting-edge legal topics such as digital law, cyber security, and artificial intelligence. A program called the Knight-Hennessy Scholars offers full funding to students who qualify. February 15 is the deadline for submitting applications to SLS, and all applicants must take the LSAT or the GRE.
Award
Best Private Institution
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 26 - 111
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,681
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
650-723-2465
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 26 - 111
intelligent score 99.27
Award
Best Faculty
#3 US News
#5 Match College
Chicago, IL
Graduation Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 7%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
University of Chicago Law School is noted for its prestigious alums, many of whom work in government in the U.S. and abroad, including three U.S. attorneys general. They are also known for their stellar faculty, including President Barack Obama and Supreme Court justices Antonin Scalia, John Paul Stevens, and Elena Kagan. The J.D. program is a full-time, three-year course with nine academic quarters. All students begin their studies in late September; applications are accepted a year before the student wishes to start their studies. The curriculum allows for significant flexibility. Although there are no concentrations, students may choose from areas of study, including law and economics, law and philosophy, international law, and legal history.
Award
Best Faculty
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 47 - 105
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $3,049
accreditation
Association of American Law Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
773-702-9494
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 47 - 105
intelligent score 99.26
Award
Best for Corporate Law
#3 Match College
#4 US News
New York, NY
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 7%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Columbia University Law School is highly regarded for its Juris Doctor program, earning the top spot on National Law Journal's Go-To Law Schools ranking. The ranking looks at the percentage of graduates who go on to the most prestigious law firms in the U.S. Students may choose from a broad range of areas of study, including data analytics, corporate, business, and transactional law, and social justice and human rights. Externships and clinics offer real-world experience for all students, while Columbia's research centers enable them to help solve legal and policy questions around the world. A three-year joint JD/MBA program is available for students interested in business law. Columbia's partnerships with law firms, Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, and educational institutions, along with an array of career resources, help the school to achieve a 98 percent employment rate within a year of graduation.
Award
Best for Corporate Law
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 71
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $3,277
accreditation
Continuing Legal Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
212-854-2640
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 71
intelligent score 98.16
Award
Best Ivy League Institution
#1 Match College
#5 US News
Cambridge, MA
Graduation Rate: 98%
Admission Rate: 5%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Harvard Law School's J.D. program is one of the most competitive in the country, with an acceptance rate of 6.8 percent for the class of 2024. Those accepted find a robust curriculum that provides a solid intellectual foundation in the first year, with courses in contracts, criminal law, legislation and regulation, property, and torts. A January Experiential Term gives students a chance to take skills-based courses that rely on teamwork and practical training. Upper-level students may focus on an area of particular interest, such as science and technology, law and history, or law and social change. The programs allow students to structure their coursework to gain exposure to the law, policy, theory, and practice in their chosen area. Third-year students focus on a capstone learning experience with advanced seminars, clinical practice, and writing projects.
Award
Best Ivy League Institution
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 28 - 52
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,934
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-495-1551
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 28 - 52
intelligent score 97.64
Award
Best Cross-Disciplinary Programs
#4 Match College
#6 US News
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate: 97%
Admission Rate: 9%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
University of Pennsylvania Law School is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the U.S., dating back to the late 1700s. Today, the school has a strong commitment to cross-disciplinary learning, advocacy, service, and academic excellence. 99.6 percent of the class of 2020 were employed full-time within a year following graduation, with a median salary of $190,000. Students in the J.D. program complete eighty-six credits of coursework during the three-year program, which includes a course in professional responsibility, six credits of experiential learning, a pro bono requirement, and a senior research and writing project. Seventy-seven percent of the Law School's students complete a joint degree or certificate program in addition to their major field of study, with 35 programs. Seventy percent of the Law School's faculty hold a graduate degree in a field other than law in addition to their legal training.
Award
Best Cross-Disciplinary Programs
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 86
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $3,752
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-898-7483
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 86
intelligent score 97.47
Award
Best for International Law
#7 US News
New York, NY
Graduation Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 21%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
NYU Law School offers a broad range of programs, including J.D., LL.M., and JSD degrees. Within the J.D. degree program, students can focus on areas of particular interest, whether it's technology, business, or another specialty. The school's global programs are particularly strong, with the Guarini Institute for Global Legal Studies offering opportunities for students to explore international issues and the Hauser Global Law School Program, which incorporates non-U.S. and transnational legal perspectives into the curriculum. NYU Law has 104 full-time faculty and 1,370 full-time day students, with 353 courses on offer and 40+ clinics and externships available for students. The J.D. program is intended to be taken full-time, with classes held during daytime hours. NYU Law's bar passage rate is 98.7 percent, one of the highest in the U.S.
Award
Best for International Law
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 32 - 83
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $3,050
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
212-998-6100
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 32 - 83
intelligent score 96.55
Award
Best Alumni Network
#8 US News
#17 Match College
Charlottesville, VA
Graduation Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 23%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, UVA Law is the second-oldest continuously operating law school in the U.S. It's also one of the largest, with enrollment in the J.D. program at 922 as of 2021. The student-faculty ratio is 6.6:1, and there are ten student-run academic journals that students may participate in. The school has more than 20,000 alumni worldwide, many of whom participate as alums in creating opportunities for students to excel. All first-year students take a series of core courses in civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, and more. After curricular requirements are met, students can choose from intensive short courses, seminars and advanced theory courses, and practical, hands-on courses that include clinics, trial advocacy, and public speaking. Studying abroad options, dual-degree programs, and externships allow students to work while earning credit.
Award
Best Alumni Network
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 86
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $3,805
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
434-924-7354
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 86
intelligent score 96.19
Award
Best Public Institution
#9 US News
#18 Match College
Berkeley, CA
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 17%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Berkeley Law's three-year J.D. degree program is the cornerstone of the school. The Law School accepts roughly one out of every ten applicants, offering students a challenging curriculum and faculty members with extensive practical experience in legal fields. Some areas of study for which it is best known include intellectual property, international law, social justice, and environmental law programs. The first-year classes include civil procedure, contracts, and torts, and there are required courses in legal research and writing and written and oral advocacy. Students who wish to explore interdisciplinary contexts may pursue their J.D. degree in conjunction with a master's degree in other departments at Berkeley or other institutions. Possible dual programs include law and Asian studies, law and energy, and law and business. Those taking dual programs can earn their degrees in four years. Applications are accepted until February 15 for students who will be incoming the following fall.
Award
Best Public Institution
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 85
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,457
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
510-642-1741
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 85
intelligent score 96.14
Award
Best for Legal Research and Writing
#7 Match College
#11 US News
Durham, NC
Graduation Rate: 96%
Admission Rate: 8%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Duke Law School is one of the top schools for training leaders in the legal field. Alumni and faculty include judges and lawyers at national and state levels, including at least one Supreme Court justice. Duke encourages scholarships for faculty and students and provides resources such as a Student Scholarship Workshop, where students present written works to others for critical review to improve their writing skills and develop arguments. A summer scholarship grant also supports student research and is open to J.D. students. First-year courses include constitutional law, legal analysis, research and writing, and property law. Students must complete a substantial research and writing project and undertake a minimum of six credits in simulation courses, clinics, or externships.
Award
Best for Legal Research and Writing
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 87
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $3,950
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
919-613-7006
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 87
intelligent score 95.94
Award
Ann Arbor, MI
Graduation Rate: 92%
Admission Rate: 26%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 83
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,783
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
734-764-0537
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 83
intelligent score 95.93
Award
Ithaca, NY
Graduation Rate: 95%
Admission Rate: 11%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 84
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $3,087
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
607-255-7190
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 84
intelligent score 95.63
Award
Evanston, IL
Graduation Rate: 95%
Admission Rate: 9%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 85
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,101
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
312-503-8465
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 85
intelligent score 95.33
Award
Washington, DC
Graduation Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 17%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 85
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,571
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
202-687-3600
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 85
intelligent score 94.63
Award
Los Angeles, CA
Graduation Rate: 92%
Admission Rate: 14%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 22 - 87
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,246
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
310-825-2080
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 22 - 87
intelligent score 94.6
Award
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 16%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 94
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $3,582
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-935-4525
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 94
intelligent score 94.59
Award
Boston, MA
Graduation Rate: 87%
Admission Rate: 20%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 85
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $3,397
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-353-3100
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 85
intelligent score 94.5
Award
Nashville, TN
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 12%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 88
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $3,571
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
615-322-2615
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 88
intelligent score 94.25
Award
Austin, TX
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 32%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 86
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,321
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
512-471-5151
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 86
intelligent score 93.65
Award
Los Angeles, CA
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 16%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 88
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $3,033
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
213-740-7331
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 88
intelligent score 93.6
Award
Gainesville, FL
Graduation Rate: 88%
Admission Rate: 31%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 26 - 88
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,211
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
352-273-0890
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 26 - 88
intelligent score 93.29
Award
Minneapolis, MN
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 64 - 88
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,896
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
612-625-2011
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 64 - 88
intelligent score 93.23
Award
Provo, UT
Graduation Rate: 85%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $609
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
801-422-4274
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 60
intelligent score 92.71
Award
Chapel Hill, NC
Graduation Rate: 90%
Admission Rate: 25%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 65 - 86
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,021
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
919-962-5109
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 65 - 86
intelligent score 92.09
Award
Washington, DC
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 43%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 84
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,370
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
202-994-1010
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 84
intelligent score 91.38
Award
Notre Dame, IN
Graduation Rate: 96%
Admission Rate: 19%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 90
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,726
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
574-631-6626
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 90
intelligent score 90.97
Award
Tuscaloosa, AL
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 80%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,003
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
205-348-5440
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 60
intelligent score 90.69
Award
Iowa City, IA
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 84%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 84
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,168
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
319-335-9034
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 84
intelligent score 90.47
Award
Athens, GA
Graduation Rate: 85%
Admission Rate: 48%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 26 - 88
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $503
Graduate: $978
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
706-542-5191
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 26 - 88
intelligent score 89.68
Award
Tempe, AZ
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 88
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,575 - $1,648
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
480-965-1474
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 88
intelligent score 89.56
Award
Atlanta, GA
Graduation Rate: 92%
Admission Rate: 19%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 90
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,650
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
404-727-6816
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 90
intelligent score 89.3
Award
Fairfax, VA
Graduation Rate: 74%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 26 - 89
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $993
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
703-993-8088
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 26 - 89
intelligent score 88.02
Award
Williamsburg, VA
Graduation Rate: 92%
Admission Rate: 42%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 34 - 86
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,319
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
757-221-3785
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 34 - 86
intelligent score 87.6
Award
Champaign, IL
Graduation Rate: 86%
Admission Rate: 63%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 32 - 90
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,520 - $2,750
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
217-333-0035
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 32 - 90
intelligent score 85.66
Award
Lexington, VA
Graduation Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 25%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 57
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,170
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
540-458-8503
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 57
intelligent score 85.53
Award
Chestnut Hill, MA
Graduation Rate: 91%
Admission Rate: 26%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 85
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,630
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-552-4351
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 85
intelligent score 85.49
Award
Bronx, NY
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 53%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 83
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,463
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
212-636-6810
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30 - 83
intelligent score 85.42
Award
Davis, CA
Graduation Rate: 88%
Admission Rate: 46%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 40 - 88
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $487
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
530-752-6477
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 40 - 88
intelligent score 85.35
Award
Irvine, CA
Graduation Rate: 87%
Admission Rate: 30%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 86
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $635
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
949-824-5335
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 86
intelligent score 85.28
Award
Salt Lake City, UT
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 88
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,003
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
801-581-7479
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 88
intelligent score 84.7
Award
Winston-Salem, NC
Graduation Rate: 89%
Admission Rate: 32%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 60 - 90
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $2,125
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
336-758-5437
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 60 - 90
intelligent score 83.46
Award
Bloomington, IN
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 80%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 79
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,531
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
812-855-4765
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 79
intelligent score 83.31
Award
Madison, WI
Graduation Rate: 87%
Admission Rate: 57%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 90
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,381
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
608-262-5914
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 90
intelligent score 82.91
Award
Tucson, AZ
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 112
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,020
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
520-621-8430
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 112
intelligent score 82.79
Award
College Station, TX
Graduation Rate: 83%
Admission Rate: 63%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 49
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,359
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
817-212-4040
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 49
intelligent score 82.38
Award
Tallahassee, FL
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 32%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 88
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,355
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
850-644-3400
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 88
intelligent score 82.26
Award
Baltimore, MD
Graduation Rate: 90%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 26 - 85
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,177
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
410-706-3492
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 26 - 85
intelligent score 81.85
Award
Boulder, CO
Graduation Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 84%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 89
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,313
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
303-492-7203
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 89
intelligent score 81.6
Award
Seattle, WA
Graduation Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 56%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 135
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $971 - $1,737
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
206-543-2283
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 135
intelligent score 80.19
Award
Boston, MA
Graduation Rate: 88%
Admission Rate: 20%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 83
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $1,400 - $2,443
accreditation
American Bar Association
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-373-2395
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 24 - 83
A law degree equips you to practice law in a corporate setting, private practice, government, or in the nonprofit world. Lawyers affiliated with corporations or government tend to earn the highest salaries.
The practice of law is a rigorous profession, and as most lawyers will attest, practitioners tend to work more than 40 hours a week. Research and the review of documentation takes up a considerable amount of their time.
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To practice law legally, you must pass your state’s bar exam, which may take up to 18 hours and include a character and fitness review. Passing this exam will allow you to receive your law license to practice in your state. Some lawyers take the bar exam in several states to allow for a greater range of practice.
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As you are considering programs, take advantage of the resources that each institution makes available to prospective students. A robust website will answer many questions, but even better is a phone, email, or live chat conversation with a knowledgeable admissions counselor, who can answer questions and guide you through the application process.
Law school can be expensive, but most schools offer financial aid packages to prospective students. You may also find scholarships, loans, or grants through your employer or your professional organizations.