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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 2019
Rank | School Name | Location | Description | Rating | ||
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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7 | 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
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8 | 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
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9 | 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
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10 | South Texas College of Law | Houston, TX |
South Texas College of Law offers 1 Law Degree program. It's a private university in a large city. In 2015, 339 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 339 Doctoral degrees. |
Read more: South Texas College of Law Reviews
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List of Law Schools in the U.S.
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 |
|
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 |
|
University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA |
3/5
|
12 : 1 | 41,908 |
Find Local Colleges Offering Law Degrees
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 going for a Law degree, know that 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 standard to acquire advanced degrees in addition to the traditional. The most common 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. At this point, it comes down to pinpointing the degree based on what your goals are by earning a degree in Law. After that, the next steps will be to find the right school that offers that degree based on your flexibility and your needs.
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
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Program Descriptions
- A.S. - Criminal Justice
A.S. - Criminal JusticeHelp make the world a safer place and prepare for a variety of criminal justice careers in both the public and private sector. In the Criminal Justice degree program at Southern Technical College, you can gain a foundation in corrections, law enforcement, terrorism, private security and investigation. Upon completing the program, you can pursue positions with local or state law enforcement agencies, the federal government, insurance companies, correctional facilities or private security services. -
Program Descriptions
- Criminal Justice - Associate of Applied Science
- Criminal Justice - Associate of Occupational Science
- Paralegal Studies – Associate of Applied Science
- Security & Investigation - Associate of Applied Science
- Security & Investigation - Associate of Occupational Science
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Program Descriptions
- B.A. in Government with an Emphasis in Legal Studies
- B.A. in Government with an Emphasis in State and Local Public Policy
- B.S. in Justice Studies
- B.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management
- M.S. in Criminal Justice: Legal Studies
- M.S. in Leadership: Disaster Preparedness & Executive Fire Leadership
- Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Government and Policy
B.A. in Government with an Emphasis in Legal StudiesThe fascinating and expansive arena of law represents diversity among academic backgrounds. From the paralegal professions to the demanding rigor of law school, the legal domain shares a common set of interdisciplinary themes that are essential for success in these disciplines. Rooted in the study of politics, policy and law, GCU's government degree in legal studies blends an interdisciplinary curriculum with communication, philosophy and business. It serves as a pre-law degree that offers a foundation in ethical leadership and the knowledge to excel in law school.B.A. in Government with an Emphasis in State and Local Public PolicyAs the 21st century drives us forward, a push toward greater transparency and effective governance reflects upon the standing of distinguished policy makers and administrators in the legislative branches. The age of information and the innovative, open forums of communication – blogs, social media and the internet as a whole – demand a comprehensive understanding of the political forces in this arena. The bachelor's degree in government for state and local public policy envisions strong political leadership, which improves and makes a difference in the lives of people in their communities. The program, which serves as an alternative to a political science degree, explores the scope of governance and democracy through patterns of political behavior.B.S. in Justice StudiesGrand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies prepares students to enter careers in law enforcement, governmental and private agencies, research, social work, political science, and a variety of other fields. Graduates will be able to describe the components of the justice system from a systems perspective, including function, organization, issues, practices, and interrelationship of law enforcement agencies, the courts, and the corrections system.B.S. in Public Safety and Emergency ManagementGrand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Public Safety and Emergency Management program is a bachelor’s degree completion program that provides a theoretical and applied approach to the professional education of students, while ensuring relevance to the homeland security and public safety industries. The program emphasizes the fundamentals of emergency management while providing an interdisciplinary course of study in the skills and practices of emergency planning and management. Candidates for the degree include those working in or desirous of working in one of several fields, including emergency management, fire protection, emergency medical response, law enforcement, environmental health and safety, and other related fields. The program highlights the application of research methodology; the utilization of communication skills at the personal, professional, and public level; and the development of professional skills and knowledge in the fields of public safety and emergency management.M.S. in Criminal Justice: Legal StudiesThe Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a Legal Studies emphasis is designed for students seeking to expand their understanding of the law, social order and justice. This program also prepares students for work in legal foundations where in-depth research on legal and social issues is carried out.M.S. in Leadership: Disaster Preparedness & Executive Fire LeadershipGrand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Leadership with an Emphasis in Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Leadership provides students with the skills to develop professionally and gain self-confidence in their own leadership styles. The program offers an opportunity for graduates of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program (NFA-EEOP) to complete a graduate degree. Students learn to integrate a conceptual foundation for an executive leadership role that emphasizes the immediate application of ethical and practical leadership skills as well as disaster preparation and crisis management. Environmental issues directly related to leadership skills development and content required of leaders in the area of emergency public safety and disaster preparedness will also be addressed.Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Government and PolicyThe Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Government and Policy prepares students for careers in the public sector. The program is targeted at individuals working or desirous of finding employment in all levels of government. The core coursework gives students the opportunity to apply administrative skills in the areas of economics, leadership, human capital development, and governance within the public sector environment. Emphasis courses will challenge students to identify and provide solutions for the unique issues facing public sector organizations in the areas of financial management, inter-agency cooperation, policy and law. -
Program Descriptions
- Master of Management, Criminal Justice Management Emphasis
Master of Management, Criminal Justice Management EmphasisThe Master of Management degree is designed to increase your knowledge and skills as a manager, especially by focusing on the “big picture” issues involved with management, such as finance, marketing, or organizational structure. You will develop a well-rounded portfolio of management knowledge, skills and abilities along with a holistic view of the organization. Students who select the generalist MBA without an emphasis area will work with their Graduate Advisor to select 13.5 hours of elective credit that best match their professional interests