A law degree is one of the most powerful credentials a student can earn, opening doors to careers in legal practice, public service, corporate leadership, and academia. However, the cost of attending law school—especially in the United States—can be staggering. Tuition alone at many private law schools exceeds $50,000 per year, not including living expenses, books, and bar preparation. Fortunately, several affordable law schools offer quality education along with robust scholarship opportunities, allowing students to graduate with less debt and more flexibility.
In this article, we highlight some of the cheapest accredited law schools that also offer strong scholarship support, making them excellent choices for aspiring legal professionals on a budget.
Why Law School Affordability Matters
Before diving into the schools themselves, it's important to understand why affordability is such a key factor when choosing a law school:
-
Lower student debt means more career flexibility, allowing graduates to consider public interest roles or small firm work.
-
Financial stress during law school can impact academic performance and well-being.
-
Scholarships and low tuition make legal education accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
By choosing a reasonably priced law school and leveraging scholarship opportunities, students can obtain a top-tier education without sacrificing their financial future.
Top Affordable Law Schools with Scholarships
1. University of the District of Columbia (UDC) – David A. Clarke School of Law
-
Tuition (in-state): Approx. $13,438/year
-
Tuition (out-of-state): Approx. $25,874/year
-
Location: Washington, D.C.
Why It’s Affordable: UDC is one of the most affordable ABA-accredited law schools, particularly for D.C. residents. It also has a strong emphasis on public interest law.
Scholarship Options:
-
UDC Law offers merit-based scholarships to incoming students with strong academic records.
-
The DC School of Law Foundation provides additional grants and need-based support.
Ideal For: Students interested in civil rights, legal aid, or public service law.
2. University of North Dakota School of Law
-
Tuition (in-state): Approx. $16,000/year
-
Tuition (out-of-state): Approx. $31,000/year
-
Location: Grand Forks, ND
Why It’s Affordable: UND offers one of the lowest in-state tuition rates in the country, and the cost of living in North Dakota is also relatively low.
Scholarship Options:
-
The UND School of Law Scholarship Program includes several merit and need-based awards.
-
All admitted students are automatically considered for scholarships.
Ideal For: Students looking for a close-knit academic environment and excellent value.
3. Southern University Law Center
-
Tuition: Approx. $14,000/year (resident); $26,000/year (non-resident)
-
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Why It’s Affordable: Southern University is an HBCU that prioritizes access and affordability for underrepresented students.
Scholarship Options:
-
Offers multiple academic merit scholarships.
-
Need-based aid and specialized grants for minority and first-generation law students.
Ideal For: Students from diverse backgrounds pursuing social justice or civil rights law.
4. University of Arkansas – Fayetteville School of Law
-
Tuition (in-state): Approx. $17,200/year
-
Tuition (out-of-state): Approx. $36,100/year
-
Location: Fayetteville, AR
Why It’s Affordable: Despite being a flagship university, Arkansas Law maintains relatively low tuition costs compared to peers.
Scholarship Options:
-
Scholarships range from partial to full tuition and are awarded based on LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA.
-
The Arkansas Bar Foundation and other donors provide additional financial aid.
Ideal For: Budget-conscious students seeking a strong academic program in a beautiful, affordable college town.
5. City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law
-
Tuition (in-state): Approx. $15,000/year
-
Tuition (out-of-state): Approx. $25,000/year
-
Location: Long Island City, NY
Why It’s Affordable: As a public institution focused on public interest law, CUNY offers one of the lowest tuitions in New York City.
Scholarship Options:
-
CUNY Law Foundation Scholarships support students with demonstrated commitment to public interest.
-
Numerous external scholarships and fellowships available to NYC residents.
Ideal For: Students interested in social justice, immigration law, and community-based legal work.
6. University of Mississippi School of Law (Ole Miss)
-
Tuition (in-state): Approx. $17,000/year
-
Tuition (out-of-state): Approx. $35,000/year
-
Location: Oxford, MS
Why It’s Affordable: Ole Miss offers one of the most affordable law degrees in the South, especially for in-state students.
Scholarship Options:
-
Offers Dean’s Scholarships and Academic Excellence Awards based on GPA and LSAT scores.
-
Additional scholarships for Mississippi residents and underrepresented students.
Ideal For: Students looking for a well-established law school with excellent bar passage and employment outcomes.
7. Florida A&M University College of Law
-
Tuition (in-state): Approx. $14,000/year
-
Tuition (out-of-state): Approx. $34,000/year
-
Location: Orlando, FL
Why It’s Affordable: FAMU is another HBCU with a mission to provide access to legal education for underserved communities.
Scholarship Options:
-
Merit-based scholarships for first-year students
-
Special support for students pursuing public interest or government careers
Ideal For: Minority students and those committed to serving marginalized populations.
Maximizing Scholarship Opportunities
To make the most of these affordable law schools, consider the following tips when applying for scholarships:
-
Apply Early: Many scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis. Submit your application as early as possible.
-
Write a Strong Personal Statement: Use your essay to highlight your unique background, goals, and commitment to law.
-
Secure Strong Recommendations: Letters from faculty or professionals who can vouch for your potential are invaluable.
-
Research School-Specific Awards: Each law school offers unique scholarships—check the financial aid section of their website.
-
Maintain Strong Academic Performance: Some scholarships are renewable based on GPA and class rank.
Conclusion
A legal education doesn’t have to mean six-figure debt. By choosing one of the cheapest accredited law schools that also offer generous scholarship options, students can receive a high-quality education while minimizing financial stress. From public interest-focused institutions like CUNY and UDC to regional powerhouses like Ole Miss and Arkansas, these schools offer accessible pathways to the legal profession.
Affordability, however, should not come at the expense of quality. Fortunately, the law schools listed above combine low tuition with academic rigor, bar exam preparation, and career support—proving that value and excellence can go hand in hand.