Law school tuition trends (2023-2027): Analysis of average tuition shows that in-state (public schools) tuition changed from $29,659 to $34,089 (14.94%) and out-of-state tuition moved from $42,681 to $48,406 (13.41%), while private law school tuition averaged $53,606 to $62,590 (16.76%). Overall average tuition (combined measure) went from $48,788 to $56,618 (16.05%) based on out-of-state rate.
Cost of attendance (COA) trends: The COA for public in-state students moved from $51,343 to $60,934 (18.68%) and out-of-state COA changed from $64,365 to $75,252 (16.91%). In private law schools, COA changed from $79,083 to $93,120 (17.75%). Living, books, and other expense components have generally contributed to steady COA increases across the period.
What this means for applicants: Rising tuition and COA indicate increasing financial pressure on prospective students. Applicants should consider in-state options, compare COA components (tuition, living, books, other), and plan for inflationary trends. Use these year-over-year and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) trends to estimate future costs and inform scholarship or loan decisions.
Law School Tuition Trends 2023-2027| Year | Tuition (Combined) | Public (In-State) | Public (Out-of-State) | Private |
|---|
| 2023 | $48,788 | $29,659 | $42,681 | $53,606 |
|---|
| 2024 | $50,222 2.94% | $30,190 1.79% | $43,340 1.55% | $55,553 3.63% |
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| 2025 | $51,778 3.10% | $31,130 3.11% | $44,604 2.92% | $57,287 3.12% |
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| 2026 | $53,761 3.83% | $32,311 3.79% | $45,898 2.90% | $59,798 4.38% |
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| 2027 | $56,618 5.31% | $34,089 5.50% | $48,406 5.46% | $62,590 4.67% |
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| 5 Years Increase | 16.05% | 14.94% | 13.41% | 16.76% |
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| CAGR | 3.21% | 2.99% | 2.68% | 3.35% |
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At a glance: Law School COA Trends 2023-2027
- Tuition: $48,788 → $56,618 (16.05%)
- In-State (Public): $29,659 → $34,089 (14.94%)
- Out-of-State (Public): $42,681 → $48,406 (13.41%)
- Private Schools: $53,606 → $62,590 (16.76%)
- COA: $72,356 → $85,597 (18.30%)
- In-State (Public): $51,343 → $60,934 (18.68%)
- Out-of-State (Public): $64,365 → $75,252 (16.91%)
- Private Schools: $79,083 → $93,120 (17.75%)
Law School Cost of Attendance (COA) Trends 2023-2027| Year | COA (Average) | COA In-State (Public) | COA Out-State (Public) | COA Private |
|---|
| 2023 | $72,356 | $51,343 | $64,365 | $79,083 |
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| 2024 | $75,223 3.96% | $53,237 3.69% | $66,387 3.14% | $82,510 4.33% |
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| 2025 | $77,932 3.60% | $54,982 3.28% | $68,457 3.12% | $85,604 3.75% |
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| 2026 | $81,000 3.94% | $57,347 4.30% | $70,935 3.62% | $89,326 4.35% |
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| 2027 | $85,597 5.68% | $60,934 6.25% | $75,252 6.09% | $93,120 4.25% |
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| Increase rate | 18.30% | 18.68% | 16.91% | 17.75% |
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| CAGR | 3.66% | 3.74% | 3.38% | 3.55% |
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Tuition Trends For All Law Schools (2023-2027)
Compare average law school tuition rates by institution from 2023 to 2027. This interactive table tracks annual in-state and out-of-state tuition fees, year-over-year (YoY) percentage changes, and 5-year Compound Annual Growth Rates (CAGR) to highlight long-term cost trends across top law programs.
Data Source: 2027 Data: Each School's Bursary/Financial Aid Office; 2023 to 2026 Data: American Bar Association.