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Well paid and highly respected, lawyers draw on skills including public speaking, persuasion, and critical analysis. Law students learn to understand and practice the law. Attending a top-ranked school can lead to high-paying career paths in fields such as business and politics.
Applicants to online law schools typically need a bachelor's degree. However, students with various backgrounds can receive admission. Common undergraduate majors for law students include English, political science, history, and business.
This guide to online law schools provides an overview of available degrees, typical courses, and career options.
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Questions About Law School
Can I go to law school online?
Many schools offer hybrid JD programs, but few deliver fully online JD programs. Learners may pursue other law degrees entirely online.
What types of law degrees are there?
JD programs prepare students to practice law. Law students can also earn a master of science in law, a master of legal studies, or a juris master.
What degree do I need to get into law school?
Law school applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school. Most programs accept students with any undergraduate major.
Featured Online Legal Studies Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Most Affordable Online Law Schools
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
#1 Best Affordable Online Law School Degrees
Abraham Lincoln University
- Glendale, CA
- 4 years
- Online
Abraham Lincoln University offers online programs for law students at all levels. The online format is ideal for students who are juggling work and family obligations.
The school's diverse student body includes individuals who have recently completed their undergraduate degrees, as well as working professionals who are looking to advance their legal careers.
Tuition costs for Abraham Lincoln University vary depending on program selection. In-state and out-of-state undergraduate students pay an average of $6,000. The university charges an average of $4,800 for graduate tuition. Loans are also available to students who need additional financial assistance.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Distance Education Accrediting Commission
#2 Best Affordable Online Law School Degrees
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students of all levels can pursue online programs from Purdue University Global-Indianapolis. Online formats are a good solution for students who need to manage work and family obligations.
The school's diverse student body includes individuals who have recently completed their undergraduate degrees, as well as working professionals who are looking to advance their legal careers.
Annual tuition for Purdue University Global-Indianapolis varies based on residency status and program. For in-state undergraduate students, the cost of tuition averages $10,080. Out-of-state undergraduate students pay an average of $13,356. In-state graduate students pay approximately $8,766, while out-of-state graduate learners pay about $9,740 on average. Students who need extra financial support can also opt for loans.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Affordable Online Law School Degrees
Taft University
- Lakewood, CO
- 4 years
- Online
Taft University offers online programs suitable for students at all academic levels. The online format is ideal for learners who are juggling work and family obligations.
The school caters to a diverse group of students, including recent bachelor's degree recipients and established professionals who want to progress in the legal field.
Tuition costs for Taft University vary depending on program selection. Tuition fees for undergraduate students amount to $3,600 on average. The university charges about $5,400 for graduate tuition, on average. Enrollees who need extra financial assistance can take out loans.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Distance Education Accrediting Commission
At CollegeChoice, we use reliable data from trusted sources like the U.S. Department of Education to rank schools based on their academic quality, affordability, and return on investment. When determining a program's value, we consider metrics such as student debt, graduation rate, and average student earnings after enrolling.
This list is not from 2024. To learn more, consult our ranking methodology.
Why Get a Law Degree?
While earning an online law degree, learners build extensive legal knowledge. These programs prepare students for various legal careers. While law school is expensive, lawyers often earn high salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that lawyers earn a median salary of $145,760 per year.
Many online law schools offer master's degrees in the field. However, fully online JD programs are rare. Learners who want to attend law school online may consider hybrid JD programs, which blend on-campus and online learning. Degree-seekers in hybrid programs may visit campus only a few times per semester.
How Much Does a Law Degree Cost?
Tuition rates for law degrees vary by school. However, EducationData.org reports an average tuition cost of $137,533 for JD programs. Most law programs require three years, but part-time options may take longer to complete.
As of 2022, only St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, offers a fully online JD program with approval from the American Bar Association. However, many online law schools offer hybrid JD programs. Institutions may also deliver other fully online law degrees, such as a master of legal studies.
Additional Online Student Fees
Students who attend law school online may save on costs associated with relocating or commuting to campus. Online learners typically pay additional technology fees, which cover services such as tech support. Online students may also pay graduation fees.
For hybrid programs, learners must pay travel expenses for required in-person activities. Degree-seekers may attend conferences or visit campus regularly. Graduates of JD programs also pay to take the bar exam.
How Much Do Law School Majors Make?
Graduates of JD programs commonly become lawyers, who earn a median salary well above the median for all occupations. Lawyers with significant experience may secure positions as judges or magistrates, who earn an annual median salary of $148,910.
People with a law-related master's degree can apply their legal expertise to a variety of careers. Degree-holders may become hearing officers, who earn an annual median salary of $111,090. Graduates can also pursue roles as human resources managers, legal assistants, and lobbyists.
Courses in a Law Program
Law students gain a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. legal system and the practice of law. Learners develop skills in critical analysis, legal research, and writing.
Law programs cover topics including civil procedure, criminal law, and constitutional law. Many programs offer specializations such as environmental law and civil rights law. The following list highlights three courses common to law programs. Course titles and content vary by program.
Legal Research and Writing
Writing and research play a major role in legal practice. This course focuses on legal writing strategies for documents such as trial memoranda and appellate briefs. Students explore the relationship of legal research to case preparation and analysis.Property Law
Property law focuses on the private ownership of land and personal property. This course covers topics such as landlord and tenant relationships. Other topics include land-use issues and forms of concurrent ownership. Students examine adverse possession and easements.Constitutional Law
Law programs explore the Constitution's role in determining citizens' rights and the overall government structure. Degree-seekers explore topics such as due process and congressional regulatory power. The course also explores courts' authority to declare various legislation unconstitutional.
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