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In many states, law school is a requirement for aspiring attorneys. Law programs usually lead to a juris doctor (JD) degree, which is the standard academic credential for lawyers. However, a JD or other law degree can also lead to careers in human resources, corporate compliance, and negotiation and mediation, among other areas.
In the past, law schools exclusively offered degree programs in face-to-face settings. However, reputable institutions now offer 100% online formats and hybrid degrees that blend campus-based and distance education modalities. This program guide and ranking profiles some of the best colleges for law that offer e-learning options.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Law Schools
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Best Online Colleges to Study Law
University of California-Berkeley
- Berkeley, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can pursue an online degree that ranks highly among programs. Learners receive the advanced training employers expect from highly skilled professionals. A terminal degree like a doctorate is the next stop for some legal professionals.
The school’s online format is a big draw for students who need to effectively manage their time. This flexibility gives enrollees more control over their schedules and makes it easier to juggle multiple priorities. Support from faculty and the community plays an integral role in students' academic development.
The school typically requires that master’s degree-seekers hold a bachelor’s degree to apply. The institution accepts around 16% of all who apply, though different programs have different averages. If accepted, students in California can expect to pay around $11,442 per year before applying grants, loans, and scholarships.
Percent Online Enrollment
5%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Online Colleges to Study Law
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The JD at Florida State University is a top-ranked degree designed for online students. Learners receive the advanced training employers expect from highly skilled professionals. The program gives graduates the credential they need to pursue a terminal degree like a doctorate.
This program offers a format conducive to effective time-management that many learners need. The program is built to accommodate busy students such as those who work and have pressing family obligations. Enrollees also like the fact that faculty serve as mentors, and they study in an environment that sees each learner’s potential.
The application requirements include a bachelor’s degree, unless the program states otherwise. The data from this school show a 36% admission rate, but expect some variances across programs. Once accepted, enrollees can explore financial aid options to help pay for tuition, which stands at around $9,684 per year for Florida residents.
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Colleges to Study Law
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Central Florida enrolls students in one of the nation’s best programs for online degree-seekers. The program prepares learners for high-level career opportunities not always available to those who hold a bachelor’s alone. Those who complete the degree can also choose to pursue a terminal degree, such as a Ph.D.
This program offers a format conducive to effective time-management that many learners need. Students do not need to sacrifice other important aspects of their lives such as work and family to earn this degree. Enrollees also like the fact that faculty serve as mentors, and they study in an environment that sees each learner’s potential.
The school typically requires that master’s degree-seekers hold a bachelor’s degree to apply. About 44% of applicants get accepted to this school on average, but applicants may find that programs have different averages. Financial aid options such as loans and scholarships can help students pay for tuition, which is $6,916 per year for Florida residents.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Colleges to Study Law
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Georgetown University enrolls students in one of the nation’s best programs for online degree-seekers. Learners receive the advanced training employers expect from highly skilled professionals. Those who complete the degree can also choose to pursue a terminal degree, such as a Ph.D.
Busy learners are drawn to the school because of the online format. Students report being able to continue their careers and engage in family life without sacrificing a master’s degree. Enrollees enjoy a student-focused environment whether they study remotely or on campus.
School application requirements for a master’s include a bachelor’s degree and transcripts. The acceptance rate is 14% at this school, but expect some differences across programs. Financial aid options such as loans and scholarships can help students pay for tuition, which is $51,336 per year for District of Columbia residents.
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Colleges to Study Law
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Liberty University has a reputation for developing rigorous online graduate programs. One of these options is the master's degree for degree-holders with a bachelor’s in law or a related field. The graduate program provides advanced training in a format friendly to those who work or must manage other obligations.
The benefits of a 17-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio that master's degree-seekers enjoy include individualized attention, more room to collaborate, and faculty mentorship opportunities. Learners complete a strong curriculum in law delivered by faculty with industry expertise. By far the biggest benefit of this master’s is preparation for career advancement in this field and related ones, along with the foundational knowledge for a Ph.D.
The tuition rate stands at $7,980 per year for Virginia residents, and $7,980 for out-of-state learners. The price of tuition drops if learners qualify for grants and scholarships, which many do at the institution. They may also be directed to financial aid, used by about 57% of the school’s enrollees, as a means to fund their education.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
What Is Law School?
In the U.S. higher education system, "law school" describes the educational institution focused solely on providing postgraduate training to emerging legal professionals. Some law schools operate independently, but many function as departments or colleges within universities.
Established in 1779, the William & Mary Law School claims the distinction of being the first and oldest law school in U.S. history. As of May 2024, the American Bar Association (ABA) accredits a total of 197 JD degree programs. While a JD is not the only law degree you can get, it is the primary academic credential associated with law school.
In 2023, the ABA counted almost 38,000 first-year students in its accredited JD programs. If you would like to join their ranks, begin by researching programs and comparing your options.
Compare Law School Degrees
Most law students pursue JD degrees, but educational institutions offer law-related credentials at the master's and doctoral levels. The following table compares JD degrees with two other common options: the master of laws (LLM), and the doctor of juridical science (SJD).
Juris Doctor
- Admission requirements typically include bachelor's degree, LSAT scores, and letters of recommendation
- Programs cover legal theory, laws and their applications, advanced research, analysis, and critical thinking
- Usually take three years of full-time study
- Most graduates pursue attorney careers
Master of Laws
- Applicants must typically hold an ABA-accredited JD degree or foreign equivalent
- Programs usually specialize in a targeted area of professional practice
- Foreign-trained lawyers can pursue LLMs to earn US-recognized credentials
- Usually take 1-2 years of full-time study
- Most enrollees are JD graduates or practicing lawyers seeking professional advancement
Doctor of Juridical Science
- Most advanced law degree available
- Applicants usually need JD and/or LLM
- Programs typically maintain academic rather than professional focus
- Usually take 3-4 years of full-time study
- Graduates practice law, seek judicial appointments, work as legal scholars, or lead advanced legal research projects
Not ready for a graduate degree? Check out related bachelor's programs
Guide to Online Pre-Law Degrees
Best Online Bachelor's in Legal Studies Programs
Best Online Bachelor's in Paralegal Studies Programs
Should I Attend Law School Online?
ABA-recognized online JD programs are as valid and authoritative as law degrees from face-to-face programs. Online degrees also tend to offer more scheduling flexibility, which heightens their appeal for busy learners.
However, ABA-accredited online law degrees are relatively rare. As of May 2024, only 18 of the ABA's 197 accredited JD programs offered hybrid or fully online options.
Non-JD law programs are much more accessible to online students. Examples of these degrees include the master of legal studies (MLS) and master of studies in law (MSL) credentials. Remember, though, that MLS/MSL programs by themselves do not meet the academic requirements usually needed to become a practicing attorney.
How Much Does a Law Degree Cost?
According to the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES) DataLab, students paid an average of $39,968 in tuition and fees to attend law school in 2020. The best colleges for law often charge much more. For instance, Columbia University's JD and LLM programs cost $78,444 in tuition alone for the 2023-24 academic year.
Many students meet these high costs by taking out loans, which lead to long-term debt. According to a 2021 ABA analysis, JD graduates had student loans totaling approximately $130,000. About 83% of that total represented debts incurred while in law school.
Admission Requirements for Law School
The best colleges for law maintain a relatively uniform set of admission requirements. These include:
- Bachelor's Degree: While you need a four-year degree, most law schools open admissions to applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. That said, majoring in a relevant field like pre-law, political science, history, philosophy, economics, psychology, or criminal justice can help adequately prepare you for law school.
- Academic Transcripts: Most ABA-accredited law schools require successful applicants to meet elevated academic achievement standards. When evaluating applications, many law programs use prospective students' undergraduate GPAs from their transcripts to measure academic performance.
- Supporting Documentation: Additional materials usually include a personal statement and multiple letters of recommendation. Some law schools also hold admission interviews.
Most JD programs also require or prefer that applicants submit LSAT scores. However, some institutions have moved away from this requirement in recent years, so you can now find some JD programs with no-LSAT admission policies.
For other advanced law degrees, such as LLM and SJD programs, you will usually need to already hold a JD or the foreign equivalent before applying.
How to Choose the Best College for Law
When seeking entry to law school (or any other postsecondary program), you should apply to multiple institutions. This sets you up for success by giving you other options in case your top choices reject you.
Consider these key factors as you put together your final list of candidate programs:
Accreditation
Many law schools function as departments or divisions within universities. Ensure the law department's parent institution holds valid accreditation. Programmatic accreditation is crucial if you plan to become a lawyer, as most states require you to hold a law degree from an ABA-accredited institution to qualify for the state bar exam. You can identify these schools with the ABA's list of approved law programs.
Cost
ABA-accredited law schools tend to be expensive: According to NCES data, students paid average tuition costs of nearly $40,000 per year for these programs in 2020. Many of the best colleges for law carry even higher price tags.
Program Format
Despite the growing popularity of online learning, most ABA-accredited JD programs continue to use face-to-face formats. However, some ABA-accredited schools offer fully online and hybrid JD programs.
While many programs require full-time study, some schools may offer part-time enrollment options, which allows you to work while you learn. This additional income can ease law school's notorious financial sting.
Curriculum and Faculty Expertise
Once you've shortlisted your preferred schools, compare their curricula and areas of faculty expertise. Identify which law schools cover the topics and specializations that match your learning goals and professional aspirations. Prioritize these schools as you prepare applications. Also consider the school's student-to-faculty ratio — programs with lower ratios tend to offer more personalized learning experiences.
How Much Do Law School Graduates Make?
Salaries for lawyers vary. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports attorneys made a median annual wage of $145,760 per year in 2023, top-earning attorneys can make much more.
According to the BLS, lawyers earning in the profession's top 10% make more than $239,200 per year. The BLS identifies the District of Columbia, California, Delaware, New York, and Connecticut as the country's top-paying jurisdictions for lawyers.
Many JD degree-holders pursue careers as lawyers, while some graduates pursue other options. A 2022 analysis published in the ABA Journal found that 51% of 2018 law school graduates were working in law firms, while others were employed in government agencies and on businesses' legal teams. Some graduates also pursue non-attorney careers in other areas, both within and outside the law industry.
The following table profiles salary and job outlook data for lawyers and other common law school graduate jobs.
Salary and Outlook for Law School Grads
| Job |
Median Salary (2023) |
Job Outlook (2022-32) |
| Lawyers |
$145,760 |
+8% |
| Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators |
$71,540 |
+5% |
| Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers |
$111,090 |
+1% |
| Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates |
$148,910 |
+2% |
| Judicial law clerks |
$57,490 |
+2% |
Source: BLS
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Colleges for Law
What courses do you take in law school?
Typical law school courses cover subjects like civil and criminal procedure, contract law, property law, constitutional law, legal writing, and research methods. Electives and concentrated programs allow you to focus on particular specializations such as corporate, environmental, family, intellectual property, and real estate law.
Can you practice law without a law degree?
A very small number of states allow people to practice law without a law degree. As of 2024, this list includes California, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington state. However, you must still pass the bar exam to legally practice in these states, which can be very challenging for people who did not attend law school.
How many years is law school?
Full-time students typically need about three academic years to complete a JD program. LLM programs take 1-2 years, while SJD programs span 3-4 years. If you study part time, you will extend your graduation timeline.
Is it hard to get into law school?
Getting into law school is generally a challenging but attainable goal for diligent, capable students. While the best colleges for law are notoriously selective, other ABA-accredited law schools have more inclusive admission policies.
When do law school applications open?
Many law schools open their annual application windows around the beginning of the school year. However, institutions each maintain their own application policies, so they can vary significantly. Research application deadlines early to give yourself time to prepare your application.
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