Key Takeaways
- The average cost of law school was $32,051 per year for a public, in-state school, while private law schools averaged $59,759 per year according to the Law School Admission Council.
- Approximately 85% of law school graduates took out student loans to pay for their legal education, according to the American Bar Association.
- The median loan balance was $137,500.
Whether you dream of arguing a case in front of the U.S, Supreme Court or want a career in corporate law, a legal career is a popular path. The median salary for lawyers was $151,160 in 2024, significantly higher than the median for all occupations,
However, law school is a significant expense. After earning a bachelor’s degree, you need at least three years to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Depending on the school you choose, each year could cost anywhere from $32,000 to $60,000 (or more).
Continue reading to learn more about typical law school costs and how to pay for your legal degree.
Average Cost of Law School
How much does it cost to go to law school? Prepare for a big expense. The Law School Admission Council reported the following average costs:
| Public (Resident) | Public (Non-Resident) | Private | |
| Annual | $32,051 | $45,673 | $59,759 |
| Total for Three Years | $96,153 | $137,019 | $179,277 |
Like undergraduate degrees, attending a public in-state university can be a smart way to lower your education costs and save money. However, there are some advantages to attending a private school, such as smaller class sizes, tight alumni networks, and specialized programs.
Is Law School Worth It?
With a law degree costing well into the six figures, you may be second-guessing your plans to attend law school. Before making a decision, consider these factors:
Salary
While law school is expensive, the payoff can be worth it. Lawyers tend to earn higher-than-average salaries. As of 2024, the median pay for all lawyers in the private and public sectors was over $150,000.
Attorneys working for major law firms or corporations can command even higher salaries and earn lucrative bonuses.
Employability
Lawyers are in high demand, so you can likely enjoy job security if you pursue a law career. As of 2024, 81% of law school graduates landed jobs after finishing school, far higher than the employment rate for all majors.
Total student loan debt required
If you plan on attending law school, you’ll likely need to take out student loans to pay for it. It’s a common issue; 85% of law school graduates leave school with student loan debt, with an average balance of $137,000.
In general, you should aim to borrow no more than you expect to earn in your first year working full-time to ensure you can afford to repay your debt.
Paying for Law School
Law school can be well into the six figures, so you’ll likely need help covering the cost. As you prepare for law school, consider these options:
1. Complete the FAFSA
Schools use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for financial aid, including federal loans, state grants, and school awards. You must complete the FAFSA for each year of law school.
2. Explore Grants and Scholarships
There are scholarships and grants that can help offset the cost of your legal degree. You may be eligible for awards through your school, state, non-profit organizations, or private companies. For example, the American Bar Association’s Legal Opportunity Scholarship provides incoming law school students with grants of $15,000.
You can find scholarship opportunities and grants through sites like FastWeb.
3. Take Out Student Loans
As a law school student, you have the option of taking out federal and private student loans.
The federal Grad PLUS Loan program will no longer be available to new borrowers on or after July 1, 2026, but you can borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans. However, there are recently reduced borrowing limits.
If you need additional funds, private student loans can cover the gap. ELFI offers student loans for aspiring lawyers. With private loans, you can qualify for competitive interest rates based on your credit and borrow up to the total cost of attendance. You can use ELFI’s Find My Rate tool to get a rate quote for private law school loans without affecting your credit score.
FAQs
How expensive is it to become a lawyer?
Depending on the school you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere from $96,000 to $180,000 for three years of law school.
How many years is law school?
Law school usually takes three years to complete, on top of the time you spend earning a four-year undergraduate degree.
What is the average student loan debt for lawyers?
On average, law school graduates leave school with $137,000 in student loan debt.
