This ranking evaluates the top 20 best value law schools in the United States based on a multi-factorial analysis, including average scholarship and financial aid offered, average student debt upon graduation, U.S. News ranking, first-year post-graduation salary, and overall career opportunity. Each program was assessed for its return on investment (ROI), taking into account both cost and earning potential.
1. University of Georgia School of Law
Location: Athens, GA (Public)
Average Debt: $37K–$56K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #22
First-Year Salary: $150K+
Overall Opportunity: Very High (Top ROI)
2. University of Iowa College of Law
Location: Iowa City, IA (Public)
Average Debt: $90K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #28
First-Year Salary: $160K
Overall Opportunity: High
3. Brigham Young University (J. Reuben Clark Law)
Location: Provo, UT (Private)
Average Debt: <$50K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #23
First-Year Salary: $65K
Overall Opportunity: High (Low Debt)
4. Cornell Law School
Location: Ithaca, NY (Private Ivy)
Average Debt: $140K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #13
First-Year Salary: $179K
Overall Opportunity: Very High
5. Northwestern Pritzker Law
Location: Chicago, IL (Private)
Average Debt: $138K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #13
First-Year Salary: $176K
Overall Opportunity: Very High
6. Columbia Law School
Location: New York, NY (Private Ivy)
Average Debt: $140K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #4
First-Year Salary: $200K+
Overall Opportunity: Very High
7. Stanford Law School
Location: Stanford, CA (Private Ivy)
Average Debt: $140K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #1
First-Year Salary: $200K+
Overall Opportunity: Very High
8. University of Pennsylvania Carey Law
Location: Philadelphia, PA (Private Ivy)
Average Debt: $140K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #3
First-Year Salary: $200K+
Overall Opportunity: Very High
9. Yale Law School
Location: New Haven, CT (Private Ivy)
Average Debt: $140K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #1
First-Year Salary: $200K+
Overall Opportunity: Very High
10. University of Virginia School of Law
Location: Charlottesville, VA (Public)
Average Debt: $70K–$90K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #4
First-Year Salary: $200K+
Overall Opportunity: Very High
11. University of Chicago Law
Location: Chicago, IL (Private)
Average Debt: $140K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #6
First-Year Salary: $200K
Overall Opportunity: Very High
12. University of Minnesota Law
Location: Minneapolis, MN (Public)
Average Debt: $43K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #20
First-Year Salary: $115K
Overall Opportunity: High
13. University of North Carolina School of Law
Location: Chapel Hill, NC (Public)
Average Debt: $87K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #22
First-Year Salary: $150K
Overall Opportunity: High
14. George Mason University – Antonin Scalia Law School
Location: Arlington, VA (Public)
Average Debt: $82K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #32
First-Year Salary: $130K–$160K
Overall Opportunity: High
15. University of Arizona
Location: Tucson, AZ (Public)
Average Debt: $71K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #30
First-Year Salary: $150K
Overall Opportunity: High
16. Wayne State University
Location: Detroit, MI (Public)
Average Debt: $61.7K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #97
First-Year Salary: $80K
Overall Opportunity: Moderate (Low Debt)
17. Ohio State University
Location: Columbus, OH (Public)
Average Debt: $81K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #30
First-Year Salary: $150K
Overall Opportunity: High
18. Emory University
Location: Atlanta, GA (Private)
Average Debt: $126K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #30
First-Year Salary: $150K
Overall Opportunity: High
19. Vanderbilt University
Location: Nashville, TN (Private)
Average Debt: $151K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #14
First-Year Salary: $190K
Overall Opportunity: Very High
20. UC-Irvine School of Law
Location: Irvine, CA (Public)
Average Debt: $150K
U.S. News Rank (2025): #38
First-Year Salary: $150K
Overall Opportunity: Moderate to High
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Avg Student Debt | USNWR Rank (2025) | 1st-Year Salary | Overall Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Georgia | Athens, GA | Public | $37K–$56K | #22 | $150K+ | Very High (Top ROI) |
| 2 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | Public | $90K | #28 | $160K | High |
| 3 | Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | Private | <$50K | #23 | $65K | High (Low Debt) |
| 4 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private (Ivy) | $140K | #13 | $179K | Very High |
| 5 | Northwestern University | Chicago, IL | Private | $138K | #13 | $176K | Very High |
| 6 | Columbia University | New York, NY | Private (Ivy) | $140K | #4 | $200K+ | Very High |
| 7 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Private (Ivy) | $140K | #1 | $200K+ | Very High |
| 8 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private (Ivy) | $140K | #3 | $200K+ | Very High |
| 9 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | Private (Ivy) | $140K | #1 | $200K+ | Very High |
| 10 | University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA | Public | $70K–$90K | #4 | $200K+ | Very High |
| 11 | University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | Private | $140K | #6 | $200K | Very High |
| 12 | University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $43K | #20 | $115K | High |
| 13 | UNC Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | $87K | #22 | $150K | High |
| 14 | George Mason University | Arlington, VA | Public | $82K | #32 | $130K–$160K | High |
| 15 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | Public | $71K | #30 | $150K | High |
| 16 | Wayne State University | Detroit, MI | Public | $61.7K | #97 | $80K | Moderate (Low Debt) |
| 17 | Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | Public | $81K | #30 | $150K | High |
| 18 | Emory University | Atlanta, GA | Private | $126K | #30 | $150K | High |
| 19 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | $151K | #14 | $190K | Very High |
| 20 | UC Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $150K | #38 | $150K | Moderate to High |
Evaluation Methodology
Our composite score for this ranking weighted the following components:
1. Average debt (lower is better)
2. Scholarship and aid percentage
3. First-year salary outcomes
4. School ranking and placement (U.S. News T14/T50/T100)
5. Return on investment metrics (salary-to-debt ratio)
This ranking includes both elite law schools and regional public institutions offering strong financial and professional returns. Applicants should consider not only prestige, but also financial risk and long-term opportunity when choosing a law school.
Top 10 Law School Application FAQs
1. What GPA and LSAT score do I need to get into law school?
Most competitive law schools prefer applicants with a GPA above 3.5 and LSAT scores above 160. However, many reputable schools accept students with GPA in the 3.0–3.4 range and LSAT scores in the 150s, especially if they have strong personal statements, work experience, or unique backgrounds.
2. When should I apply to law school for the best chance of admission?
You should apply as early as possible in the admissions cycle, ideally between September and November. Most law schools use rolling admissions, meaning spots fill up over time—early applications are reviewed when the most seats and scholarships are available.
3. How long does it take to complete a law school application?
A well-prepared law school application typically takes 2 to 3 months to complete. This includes writing personal and diversity statements, gathering letters of recommendation, refining your resume, and preparing for the LSAT.
4. What should I write about in my law school personal statement?
In your personal statement, focus on why you want to attend law school, what experiences shaped your decision, and how your background will contribute to the legal profession. Be authentic, reflective, and concise—most schools require 2 pages double-spaced.
5. How many law schools should I apply to?
Most applicants apply to 8 to 12 law schools: a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. Choose programs based on your LSAT/GPA fit, geographic preferences, career goals, and specialized programs or clinics.
6. What are the most important parts of a law school application?
The most critical parts are your LSAT score, GPA, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Optional essays (like diversity statements) and work experience can also significantly strengthen your application.
7. How can I improve my chances of getting into law school with a low GPA?
To offset a low GPA, aim for a high LSAT score, write a compelling personal statement, obtain strong letters of recommendation, and consider submitting an addendum explaining your GPA. Gaining relevant work experience also helps.
8. Do law schools prefer applicants with work experience?
Yes. Many law schools value applicants who bring professional or real-world experience, especially for non-traditional or older applicants. Work experience can demonstrate maturity, leadership, and communication skills.
9. How do I choose the right law school for me?
Consider law schools based on their location, rankings, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, tuition and debt, and specialized programs (e.g., IP law, public interest). Use LSAC’s Law School Search and speak to alumni or advisors.
10. Can I get scholarships for law school and how do I apply?
Yes, many law schools offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. You’re automatically considered for most merit awards when you apply. To apply for need-based aid, submit the FAFSA and any institutional financial aid forms the school requires.
