The 20 Best Online Law Schools in the U.S

Anyone desiring to practice law in the U.S. can efficiently study even with a busy schedule. With the increased number of universities offering online law classes, acquiring an online law degree from top-ranked universities has become easier. There are many different online law schools available, and choosing one that best suits your needs might seem overwhelming. This guide highlights some of the best online law schools in the U.S.

20. Rowan University

This is a public university or post-secondary institution offering undergraduate programs. It is based in Glassboro, New Jersey. The institution was founded in 1923 and offers more than 40 degrees, including a bachelor’s degree in Architecture, an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. Regarding its law degrees, Rowan is committed to the principle that students should be able to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world problems while also making use of their communication skills. Their online Bachelors of arts in law degree programs aim at preparing graduates to successfully compete for jobs in diverse fields such as business, banking and finance, criminal justice, and public service. With as little as 120 credit hours, this general education degree allows students to specialize in areas of interest.

Average cost: $25,000

19. Drexel University

Drexel University’s first accredited law school began offering classes in 1891. However, the Law School was later moved to the main Temple campus. After Temple relocated to Philadelphia in 1909, the school became known as Franklin & Marshall College until it merged with Lincoln University and closed in 1966. In 1984, the college reorganized and opened again as Drexel University College on the 32-acre campus in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Since then, it has consistently ranked among the top ten law schools. With their highly reliable long-distance courses offered in legal writing, contracts, torts, property, civil procedure, environmental law, family law, juvenile delinquency, appellate litigation, labour, constitutional law, sports law, intellectual property, securities regulation, and international law, this law school makes studying law much easier. Its flexible course options and low tuition prices make it affordable for all prospective applicants.

Average cost: $69, 392

18. Hamline University

Hamline University College of Law is located in St. Paul, Minnesota and was founded in 1854 law. Their law degrees include a bachelor of science in law, a master of laws, and a doctorate in law. The school prepares students to become licensed attorneys through their rigorous curriculum, which includes four years of study. The school also offers specializations in corporate law, health care law, immigration law, employment law, estate planning, tax, elder law, military law, and insurance law.

Average cost: $53, 346

17. Seton Hall University

Seton Hall University’s College of Law is located on a 35-acre campus in South Orange, New Jersey. The school got its start in 1908 and eventually made way for the founding of Seton Hall University in 1963. Although it did not receive accreditation until 1973, it was granted provisional status in 1978. Currently, Seton Hall University’s law school comprises three departments, namely, clinical law, jurisprudence, and administration and management studies. After completing their undergraduate degree, most Seton Hall law graduates opt to pursue careers working for legal firms or working in small, medium, or large corporations. There is also evidence that indicates that some Seton Hall graduates go on to work for governmental offices such as judgeships.

Average cost: $59, 947

16. West Virginia University

West Virginia University School of Law is located in Morgantown, West Virginia. Founded in 1876, this school of law is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in West Virginia. Today, W.V.U. School of Law boasts an enrollment size of around 1,200 students. Approximately 30% of enrolled students are part-time, while 70% are full-time. As an online law school, there are several ways that W.V.U. Law can help you with your academic needs. First, they offer a Master of Laws degree. This program gives students the chance to focus specifically on areas like constitutional law, international law, labour and employment law, environmental law, intellectual property law, election law, civil rights, criminal procedure, contracts, financial advising, banking, business transactions, real estate, social security disability benefits, bankruptcy, family law, and so much more. Second, if you have already completed your undergraduate degree, then W.V.U. Law will allow you to continue on to earn your Juris Doctor.

Average cost: $23,000

15. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago School of Law is located near downtown Chicago in Maywood, Illinois. It is accredited by the American Bar Association and the AALS. Today, Loyola Law offers four primary degrees, including a J.D., M.B.A., PhD, and a Postgraduate Certificate Program. These programs allow prospective students to specialize in family law, environmental and natural resources, human rights, health care, construction law, tax law, insurance law, real estate, corporate law, and appellate litigation. In addition to these programs, Loyola School of Law provides non-degree certificate programs in mediation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution. These certificates are designed for individuals interested in pursuing a particular career path without going through the standard degree process.

Average Cost: $34,400

14. University of Tusla

The University Of Tusla College Of Law has established a reputation for preparing excellent future lawyers ready for their careers in state and federal courtrooms throughout its history. Its faculty members come from all over the United States and teach from various perspectives. From private practice to academia, judgeships to government positions, most of them have taught law formally or informally before joining the ranks of top-notch professors at the university. They impart both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which help their students secure lucrative jobs upon graduation.

Average cost: $59, 500

13. George Washington University

George Washington University School of Law is a highly ranked law school in Virginia. As an online law school, G.W.U. The School of Law allows aspiring attorneys to pursue education from anywhere around the world. Students from across the globe enrol in this renowned law school each year. GWULaw offers three different degrees at various levels: Juris Doctor, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Laws.

Average Cost: $70, 450

12. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers two accredited legal programs – JD/MSL and JD/MA. It is consistently listed amongst the highly respected law schools in the country by major publications such as U.S. News & World Report. Although it doesn’t belong to any specific branch of law, the program focuses primarily on civil trial advocacy and commercial litigation. Upon graduating from this program, graduates can continue their education in the form of an L.L.M. degree. Many practising lawyers also chose this option after completing their undergraduate studies with excellent results.

Average cost: $27, 009

11. University of Arkansas

Founded in 1872, the University Of Arkansas School Of Law is the oldest public law school in Arkansas. The college opened in the fall of 1974 and, since 2006, has been housed within the new facility called T. Don Hutto Law Center in Fayetteville. In its online law classes, the university gives equal weight to theory and practical applications to provide its students with a better understanding of how to succeed in today’s legal field. Most of the faculty members are active practitioners whose job is to guide the students through the process of becoming successful lawyers while teaching them about law and the laws governing society.

Average cost: $25, 000

10. University of Alabama

Founded in 1910, the University Of Alabama College Of Law was one of the first public law schools in Alabama and remains so to date. At U.A., students have access to all the resources and facilities needed to obtain information on what they could expect from a legal career and law school itself. For online legal students, U.A. provides a good mix of theoretical concepts and real-life experience. During the first two years, students get trained by full-time professors and gain a thorough knowledge of the fundamental areas such as constitutional law, contracts, torts, property, federalism, criminal law, and environmental protection. After that, they focus on developing their skills as they start working towards passing the bar exam.

Average Cost: $26, 855

9. Pepperdine University

Home to the prestigious Southern California Malibu Campus, Pepperdine University School of Law, focuses on providing its students with comprehensive training in the different aspects of the profession. The main objective of this institution is to help students excel as attorneys and professionals in various fields. Pepperdine is ranked among the top 5 best law schools for practical training by U.S. News & World Reports. One of the reasons behind this high ranking is the fact that its programs cover several subjects, including legal philosophy, labor law, tax law, and business organization.

Average cost: $ 73, 090

8. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, the University Of Nebraska College Of Law is the only public law school in the Midwest located in the United States’ heartland. UNCL provides high-quality education to its future lawyers through engaging courses and practical exercises. Although it is still relatively young compared to other institutions, the college has achieved tremendous success. With nearly 45% of graduates obtaining jobs within five months after graduation, UNCL’s employment rate is significantly higher than many others. Students can apply for a student loan to fund their education at UNCL.

Average Cost: $ 24, 990

7. New York University

N.Y.U. offers online law studies under three schools – College of Arts and Science, Stern School of Business, and Tisch School of the Arts. Students who want to study law from N.Y.U. should note that their tuition fee varies according to each program and location. N.Y.U. ‘s program also includes a variety of practical lessons taught by subject-matter experts in state-of-the-art facilities. With over 100 full-time faculty members and more than 500 tenured professors, N.Y.U. puts great effort into ensuring its students receive a thorough legal education.

Average Cost: $ 35, 110

6. University of Vermont

The Vermont law school was established in 1970 as the first-ever law school in Green Mountain State. Today, the institution provides high-quality instruction and services to some 3 600 students in four locations throughout Burlington, Montpelier, St Johnsbury, and Barre. The American Bar Association has accredited it since 1978. Online legal studies at Vermont allow students to gain invaluable experience outside of a classroom setting. Through distance learning, students have access to hundreds of different lectures, seminars, and webinars covering a wide range of topics. Students can also participate in mock trials, simulations, and problem-solving workshops. In addition to this, the school hosts several conferences yearly that provide plenty of opportunities for personal interaction. They include the Vermont Trial Practice Conference, which allows students and practitioners to engage and share valuable experiences, and the Vermont Legal Symposium, which aims to explore pressing issues affecting the discipline.

Average Cost: $33, 800

5. Villanova University

This Catholic school offers a Master of Laws degree through two programs – International & Comparative Legal Studies and Advanced Professional Studies. Most alumni of Villanova often go on to become judges, lawyers, prosecutors, public defenders, and more. Its strong research program allows them to stay up-to-date with developments in the discipline. Villanova boasts an extensive offering of classes and a highly active virtual campus for online law students.

Average Cost: $ 68, 900

4. Boston University

Boston University has developed itself into a prominent academic institution by consistently producing graduates who make valuable contributions to the practice of law. Their alumni are known to be successful attorneys, government officials, corporate executives, and more. In their online legal classes, B.U. students have direct opportunities to interact with leading professionals within their fields. Boston University Law School provides three tracks for L.L.M. programs, including general administration, environmental law and policy, and human rights. The school also offers an alternative route to complete your undergraduate degree while pursuing a specialization in criminal justice, intellectual property, health care management, family law, labor/employment, international development, and many others.

Average Cost: $70, 350

3. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California awards both Juris Doctorate and Masters of Law degrees through five different faculties: Business Law & Policy, Health Sciences, Human Rights, Public Interest Advocacy & Management, and Social Work. Each faculty offers a diverse number of courses and electives, though they all focus on the same core principles of American civil law. U.S.C.’s online law school gives students direct access to professors and experienced advocates from across the globe. Whether you choose to take advantage of clinical placements or hands-on internships, you’re sure to receive much greater insight into the practice of law than what can be found in textbooks alone. For those with a legal background, the school offers advanced professional certification. Students who wish to work as immigration attorneys, paralegals, or court-appointed counsel will need to pass the Multistate Bar Exam after their studies.

Average Cost:$77, 500

2. Michigan State University

Established in 1926, Michigan State University’s law school is located on Lansing’s east side. It currently awards two bachelor’s degrees and four graduate degrees. The Higher Education Accreditation Commission accredits the law school, and many of its professors hold endowed chairs that allow them to continue teaching while working for prestigious firms. Michigan State lets prospective law students enroll full-time during the fall and spring semesters and part-time during summer sessions to meet individual study needs.

Average cost: $28, 523

1. Texas A&M University

The College of Law program at Texas A&M University was established in 1925. It is one of only 10 universities nationwide awarded the “Most Innovative Legal Education Program” award twice by the National Association of Professors of Legal Studies. It has earned Magnet status from the U.S. Department of Education and is fully bilingual. Texas A&M’s online law school offers a flexible curriculum to accommodate busy schedules. It provides an array of experiential learning opportunities through cooperatives and externship programs at public interest organizations like the ACLU or the Texas Civil Rights Project, where students can gain valuable courtroom experience. In addition, student groups sponsor conferences, panel discussions, moot courts, clinics, lectures, speakers, and other events.

Average Cost: $29, 534