- Best Colleges
- United States
- Legal and Law
- General Law
- Law
Best Colleges with Law Degrees in the U.S.
While a career in law may not actually be like an episode of Law and Order, it’s never the less an excellent choice for those who are always curious. A law degree is formally known as a Juris Doctorate (J.D.), and granted as a graduate degree after one completes a three-year program at a law school. It is the highest education available in the United States in the legal field.
Traditional courses taken in law school include civil law, public law, criminal law, contract law, and business law. When obtaining a law degree, it may seem necessary to live among the book stacks of a law library, but there will be time for fun as well. Along with schoolwork, students working towards a law degree will generally partake in internships and externships or volunteer in legal societies. Due to the rigor and time commitment that comes with the degree, many students do not work and take out loans to cover tuition and cost of living while completing this degree. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before law school, you’ll need to get an undergraduate degree. The great thing about law is there are a variety of areas of practice, so students with specialized bachelor’s degrees are often more highly desired. Some common undergrad majors include political science, literature, philosophy, and history, which provide the writing and critical thinking practice students will need in law school. However, science degrees are especially beneficial, because students with a science degree will have already proven to do well in rigorous classes. Having a science degree is also great if you want to practice environmental law or represent scientific-based companies.
The Best Law Colleges of 2017
| Rank | School Name | Location | Description | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Michigan University-Thomas M. Cooley Law School | Lansing, MI |
Western Michigan University-Thomas M. Cooley Law School offers 1 Law Degree program. It's a private university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 688 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 688 Doctoral degrees. | |||
| 2 | Charlotte School of Law | Charlotte, NC |
Charlotte School of Law offers 1 Law Degree program. It's a private university in a large city. In 2015, 440 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 440 Doctoral degrees. |
Read more: Charlotte School of Law Reviews
| ||
| 3 | Florida Coastal School of Law | Jacksonville, FL |
Florida Coastal School of Law offers 1 Law Degree program. It's a private university in a large city. In 2015, 415 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 415 Doctoral degrees. |
Read more: Florida Coastal School of Law Reviews
| ||
| 4 | Georgetown University | Washington, DC |
Georgetown University offers 2 Law Degree programs. It's a large private university in a large city. In 2015, 678 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 678 Doctoral degrees. | Based on 32 Reviews |
Read more: Georgetown University Reviews
| |
| 5 | The John Marshall Law School | Chicago, IL |
The John Marshall Law School offers 1 Law Degree program. It's a private university in a large city. In 2015, 381 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 381 Doctoral degrees. |
Read more: The John Marshall Law School Reviews
| ||
| 6 | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA |
Harvard University offers 1 Law Degree program. It's a large private university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 590 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 590 Doctoral degrees. | Based on 44 Reviews |
Read more: Harvard University Reviews
| |
| 7 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY |
Columbia University in the City of New York offers 1 Law Degree program. It's a large private university in a large city. In 2015, 415 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 415 Doctoral degrees. | Based on 20 Reviews | ||
| 8 | American University | Washington, DC |
American University offers 1 Law Degree program. It's a large private university in a large city. In 2015, 462 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 462 Doctoral degrees. | Based on 40 Reviews |
Read more: American University Reviews
| |
| 9 | Suffolk University | Boston, MA |
Suffolk University offers 1 Law Degree program. It's a medium sized private university in a large city. In 2015, 464 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 464 Doctoral degrees. |
Read more: Suffolk University Reviews
| ||
| 10 | Yeshiva University | New York, NY |
Yeshiva University offers 1 Law Degree program. It's a medium sized private university in a large city. In 2015, 363 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 363 Doctoral degrees. |
Read more: Yeshiva University Reviews
|
List of Law Schools in the U.S.
Filter:
| School Logo | School Name | Average tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Western Michigan University-Thomas M. Cooley Law School Lansing, MI | 18 : 1 | 1,444 | |
|
|
Charlotte School of Law Charlotte, NC | 17 : 1 | 931 | |
|
|
Florida Coastal School of Law Jacksonville, FL | 17 : 1 | 955 | |
|
Georgetown University Washington, DC |
5/5
|
13 : 1 | 18,459 |
|
|
The John Marshall Law School Chicago, IL | 11 : 1 | 1,204 | |
|
Harvard University Cambridge, MA |
5/5
|
14 : 1 | 29,652 |
|
Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY |
5/5
|
7 : 1 | 28,086 |
|
|
American University Washington, DC |
5/5
|
14 : 1 | 13,198 |
|
|
Suffolk University Boston, MA |
5/5
|
18 : 1 | 7,922 |
|
|
Yeshiva University New York, NY |
5/5
|
7 : 1 | 6,194 |
|
South Texas College of Law Houston, TX | 15 : 1 | 1,042 | |
|
New York University New York, NY |
5/5
|
8 : 1 | 50,027 |
|
Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA |
5/5
|
8 : 1 | 2,172 |
|
New England Law-Boston Boston, MA | 15 : 1 | 688 | |
|
University of Miami Coral Gables, FL |
5/5
|
11 : 1 | 16,825 |
|
George Washington University Washington, DC |
5/5
|
17 : 1 | 26,212 |
|
Brooklyn Law School Brooklyn, NY | 18 : 1 | 1,175 | |
|
Fordham University Bronx, NY |
5/5
|
16 : 1 | 15,286 |
|
Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, CA |
5/5
|
13 : 1 | 9,392 |
|
New York Law School New York, NY | 13 : 1 | 931 | |
|
University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA |
4/5
|
11 : 1 | 23,883 |
|
Whittier College Whittier, CA |
5/5
|
12 : 1 | 2,187 |
|
Arizona Summit Law School Phoenix, AZ | 11 : 1 | 580 | |
|
Southwestern Law School Los Angeles, CA | 14 : 1 | 1,031 | |
|
|
Stetson University DeLand, FL |
5/5
|
14 : 1 | 4,330 |
Find Local Colleges Offering Law Degrees
United States
What degrees do people get in Law?
| Degree Level | Program Length | Colleges | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctoral | 1-2 year Length | 221 Colleges | 40,644 Graduates |
Law Degree Overview
When it comes to choosing a Law degree, one should be ready to enroll in advanced degrees. Earning a degree in Law may take more time than just your traditional degree as it is prevalent to receive advanced degrees alongside the traditional. The most commonplace Law degree earned was a doctoral degree and it also has the widest range of school possibilities as well. Many people find that earning only a doctoral degree is enough. When it comes to finding the right degree for you, find what would be a good match to your goals and flexibility as well as looking into what school options are available in order for you to earn your degree.
Average cost of college for a Law degree
Average Tuition and Fees for a 4 year Degree
| Average Tuition and Fees | School Control | Student Residence |
|---|---|---|
| $9,713 | Public | In-State |
| $35,291 | Private | In-State |
| $24,320 | Public | Out-of-State |
| $35,291 | Private | Out-of-State |
Search Law Program Courses
-
Program Descriptions
- AA: Criminal Justice
- AA: Paralegal Studies
- BS: Criminal Justice
- BS: Criminal Justice: Business Administration
- BS: Criminal Justice: Criminal Psychology
- BS: Criminal Justice: Forensics
- BS: Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
- BS: Criminal Justice: Public Administration
- BS: Criminal Justice: Youth Corrections
- BS: Paralegal Studies
- CERT: Criminal Justice
- CERT: Paralegal Studies
- CERT: Public Policy
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Command College
- MA Public Policy: Campaigns and Elections
- MA Public Policy: International Affairs
- MA Public Policy: Middle East Affairs
- MA Public Policy: Public Administration
- MA: Human Services: Criminal Justice
- MA: Public Policy
- Master of Busi Admn: Criminal Justice
- MS: Criminal Justice: Public Administration
AA: Criminal JusticeWhether you are beginning your career in education or just getting an introduction to the field, this program will teach you the fundamentals of early childhood educational development and behavior. Approach the discipline of education from a Christian perspective with a degree from Liberty University Online. This degree can lead to professional certification. Liberty University has pre-approved the following credentials for credit: Child Development Associate (CDA) Christian Child Development Education (CCDE), CDEA The Preschool Associate Credential (PAC), ACSI Potential Career Options: Child-care, Preschool Teacher, Teacher’s Aide, Paraprofessional, Pre-licensure Preparation, Christian School Educator, Home School Teacher, Church Early Childhood EducatorAA: Paralegal StudiesLooking to pursue a career in the field of law? Liberty’s Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies will prepare you for the legal career you have always wanted through a 60-credit-hour program. Courses are designed and taught by practicing lawyers and will equip you to succeed in the expanding field of law. Through this program you will develop strong professional skills, a firm foundation in ethics, and competency in the foundations of law, contemporary worldviews, rhetoric and real estate. Potential Career Options: Administration, Casework, Corrections, Counseling, Juvenile Justice, Probation and Parole, Social Services, Victim AdvocacyBS: Criminal JusticeLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation program provides a solid foundation of both knowledge and skills to equip you for a career in the criminal investigative field. Through Liberty’s forensic program, you will develop a foundational understanding of law enforcement, the internal workings of the criminal justice system, and its response to different types of crime. While earning your degree, you will develop skills in scientific and analytical practices of forensics and law. Knowledge and experience gained through courses will prepare you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of forensics.BS: Criminal Justice: Business AdministrationLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Business Administration and Management program prepares you for an effective career in the modern world of business and criminal justice. Through Liberty’s program, you will gain foundational knowledge and skills regarding upholding the law, organizational administration, and financial workings within the criminal justice system. Courses will strengthen your leadership and managerial skills, emphasizing the importance of applying ethics to practices and integrating faith with learning in a professional atmosphere.BS: Criminal Justice: Criminal PsychologyLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Criminal Psychology program prepares you for an effective career in a growing field. Through Liberty’s program, you will gain foundational knowledge and skills regarding mental health and behavior of criminals, as well as how to effectively assess and counsel individuals within the justice system. Courses will strengthen your investigative and cognitive ability to understand the thoughts and intentions of the criminal mind, emphasizing the importance of applying ethics to practices and integrating faith with learning in a diverse and challenging atmosphere.BS: Criminal Justice: ForensicsLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation program provides a solid foundation of both knowledge and skills to equip you for a career in the criminal investigative field. Through Liberty’s forensic program, you will develop a foundational understanding of law enforcement, the internal workings of the criminal justice system, and its response to different types of crime. While earning your degree, you will develop skills in scientific and analytical practices of forensics and law. Knowledge and experience gained through courses will prepare you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of forensics.BS: Criminal Justice: Homeland SecurityLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security program provides a solid foundation of the knowledge and skills necessary to serve and protect your community and country. Focus your understanding on an exciting challenge, learning what it takes to serve in areas such as security, transportation disaster response, anti-terrorism, and intelligence. Gain an understanding of the internal workings of the criminal justice system to serve at the local, state, or federal level. While earning your degree, you will develop professional skills in research and development, ensuring the most relevant and comprehensive information to succeed in your career. Knowledge and experience gained through courses will prepare you to serve effectively as an expert in the field.BS: Criminal Justice: Public AdministrationLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Public Administration program prepares you for an effective career as a public servant in a growing field. Through Liberty’s program, you will gain foundational knowledge and skills regarding the management and structure of the criminal justice system as it relates to controversial issues and the general public. Courses will strengthen your leadership and public management skills as you learn to develop responses and solutions to difficult situations, emphasizing the importance of applying ethics to practices and integrating faith with learning in a professional atmosphere.BS: Criminal Justice: Youth CorrectionsLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Youth Corrections program provides you with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for a rewarding career working with youth in the local, state, or federal juvenile justice system. Through Liberty’s youth corrections program, you will gain an understanding of the internal workings of the criminal justice system and its response to youth in the criminal system. While earning your degree, you will develop professional skills in correctional procedures, as well as cultural and sociological diversity, ensuring the most relevant and comprehensive information needed to impact the lives of today’s youth. Knowledge and experience gained through courses will prepare you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of youth corrections.BS: Paralegal StudiesLiberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies will offer you the opportunity to excel in a growing career field. This 120-credit-hour program is designed and taught by practicing lawyers who know what it takes to succeed in the field of law. This challenging profession demands strong professional skills, a firm foundation in ethics and a foundational knowledge of law. This program develops your competency in the foundations of law, contemporary worldviews, rhetoric and real estate. Course topics and assignments will train you in practical skills, such as writing and filing a deposition and performing a title search. Going beyond the basics, you will learn to analyze and handle ethical dilemmas from a biblical perspective and utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Potential Career Options: Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Law Clerk, Claims Adjuster, Title Examiner or ResearcherCERT: Criminal JusticeThe Certificate in Criminal Justice teaches the skills necessary for a wide variety of careers within the criminal justice system. This program emphasizes oral and written communication skills as well as leadership and management abilities.CERT: Paralegal StudiesA Certificate in Paralegal Studies develops the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this growing career field. Students will develop competency in various areas of the law including the foundations of law, contemporary worldviews, rhetoric, and real estate. Credits earned in this program can also be put toward a bachelor`s degree.CERT: Public PolicyThe Certificate in Public Policy develops skills necessary for careers in public administration, government, and politics. This program strengthens critical thinking skills and improves the student`s comprehension of the issues facing today’s society. Course credit earned in this program can be directly applied to a Master of Arts in Public Policy.Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Command CollegeThe Master of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare students for a career in the criminal justice system as a leader and decision-maker. Ethical criminal justice leadership is critical to the integrity, effectiveness and public trust of the criminal justice system nationwide. The goal of the Helms School of Government’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is to train present and future leaders in the field of criminal justice who will bring a solid Christian worldview to the development and execution of criminal justice policy, and the leadership and management of criminal justice organizations. Combining strong master’s level foundational courses, ethics, and leadership education, students will prepare to take on the challenges of the criminal justice system.MA Public Policy: Campaigns and ElectionsLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — Campaigns and Elections program prepares you for an exciting career in many fields, including campaign outreach, public administration, state and local campaign policy, government, and more. Courses will equip you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of public policy with a specific emphasis on the processes of running a campaign and participating in electoral events. The program emphasizes the importance of applying ethics to business practices and integrates faith with learning in a professional atmosphere. Through the M.A. in Public Policy, you will strengthen your critical thinking skills and stretch your comprehension of electoral processes and campaign strategies.MA Public Policy: International AffairsLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — International Affairs program prepares you for an exciting career with a global reach. Courses will equip you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of international public policy with a specific emphasis in foreign policy, governmental and non-governmental agencies, strategic intelligence, and more. The program focuses on applying ethics to management practices and integrates faith with learning in a professional atmosphere. Through the M.A. in Public Policy, you will strengthen your critical thinking skills and stretch your comprehension of international processes and policy.MA Public Policy: Middle East AffairsLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — Middle East Affairs program prepares you for a professional career with a focus on international interests and Middle Eastern culture. Courses will equip you with specific knowledge regarding the political, cultural, and social history of the Middle East in relation to the field of public policy. The M.A. in Public Policy focuses on integrating ethics and faith with a versatile skill set to prepare you for the professional settings in government and international policy.MA Public Policy: Public AdministrationLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — Public Administration program prepares you for an exciting career within government and public service. Courses will equip you to serve as an expert in the field of public administration with emphasis on the professional and administrative issues related to policy in government. This program will strengthen your critical thinking skills and broaden your understanding of social issues. The M.A. in Public Policy focuses on integrating ethics and faith with learning in the professional field at both the national and international levels.MA: Human Services: Criminal JusticeThe Master of Arts in Human Services – Criminal Justice program is designed to prepare students for a career in the criminal justice system or administrative-related work. Combining Christian perspective with accredited academics, students will explore contemporary issues and challenges pertinent to the field of criminal justice. This program will help you gain valuable experience as well as establish a firm understanding of management principles, administration, and topics and trends within criminal justice, equipping you with the skills needed to achieve your goals and succeed in your career.MA: Public PolicyLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — Public Administration program prepares you for an exciting career within government and public service. Courses will equip you to serve as an expert in the field of public administration with emphasis on the professional and administrative issues related to policy in government. This program will strengthen your critical thinking skills and broaden your understanding of social issues. The M.A. in Public Policy focuses on integrating ethics and faith with learning in the professional field at both the national and international levels.Master of Busi Admn: Criminal JusticeLiberty University’s Master of Business Administration in Criminal Justice program will advance your proficiency in business skills relevant to leadership positions in the field of criminal justice both domestically and internationally. You will be equipped to serve successfully as an expert in the modern business world, while sharpening your knowledge of effective research methods, organizational administration, and criminal law. Gain knowledge on how to develop collaborative skills pertinent to current business practices and topics and trends related to the justice system. Courses will emphasize the importance of applying ethics to criminal justice practices and integrating faith with learning in a professional atmosphere. Potential Career Options: Administration, Casework, Corrections, Counseling, Juvenile Justice, Probation and Parole, Social ServicesMS: Criminal Justice: Public AdministrationThe Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Public Administration program is designed to prepare students for a career in the criminal justice system or in the administration of governmental functions. Combining Christian values with accredited academics, students will explore contemporary issues and challenges pertinent to the field of criminal justice. This program will help you gain valuable experience as well as establish a firm understanding of active policing skills, management and administration principles, and topics and trends within criminal justice, equipping you with the skills needed to achieve your goals and succeed in your career.