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In this article, we profile the top 30 most affordable online law degree programs.

Online law degree programs are difficult to find. Some are designed for the non-lawyer, such as online master’s in legal studies programs, while a few offer ongoing education for the professional attorney. The online LLM program typically provides specialized education in a niche field such as health care policy, management, or taxation.

Featured Programs

We reviewed a pool of 52 colleges and universities with online law degree programs. These programs were either LLM, master’s in legal studies, or closely related degrees. We narrowed our search to include only accredited colleges and universities and attempted to locate the most affordable programs. While some of the schools offer programs with tuition in excess of $40,000 annually, scholarships and financial aid support are often available. We collected the graduate tuition and fees from the most recent published data at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator. Also, many of the schools on our list have received recognition and/or rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We listed the schools according to raw affordability.

Featured Programs

Below is our list of the top 30 most affordable online law degree programs.

#30 – Boston University

Online LLM in Taxation

Boston, Massachusetts

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $51,716

Boston University offers an online law degree in the form of an LLM. This advanced law certification is designed for already practicing lawyers who want to complete the 24 credits required for the LLM in Taxation degree on a part-time or full-time basis. All courses are available online, and the program offers several areas of concentration, including estate planning, general business taxation, international taxation, and transfer pricing. To be admitted, students must hold a first degree in law (JD or LLB) from an accredited institution. While Boston University is not the most affordable school on our list, it does offer a solid reputation and rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks BU as the 37th best national university and 51st best value school.

#29 – Washington University

Online Master of Laws (LLM)

St. Louis, Missouri

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $51,025

One of the best online law degree programs on our list is the online LLM from Washington University. The program is designed to equip international lawyers with a fundamental understanding of the U.S. legal system. The school also offers an online MLS or master’s in legal studies, which is designed for non-lawyers who would like to receive knowledge and build a foundation in law. The online LLM degree consists of 24 credits that can be taken entirely online and be completed in as little as one year. Courses include business associations, civil procedure, legal writing, negotiation, professional responsibility, and trial advocacy. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Washington University as the 18th best national university and the 22nd best value school.

#28 – Emory University

Online Juris Master (JM)

Atlanta, Georgia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $44,016

One of the best types of online JD degree programs on our list is the Juris Master or JM degree from Emory University. The 30-credit master’s program also includes two available concentrations in business law and health care law. The program consists of ten sequential seven-week courses with 3 three-day residencies. There are 60 full-time faculty that teach all online courses. Some of the courses include American legal system and analysis, research and communications for non-lawyers and torts, contracts, legislation, regulation. Emory is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 21st best national university and 17th best value school. Also, the law school has earned top recognition as the 22nd best law school in the country.

#27 – University of Southern California

Online Master of Laws

Los Angeles, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $44,013

One of the top accredited online law schools on our list is University of Southern California. The USC Gould School of Law offers an online Master of Laws program designed for international law professionals seeking leadership roles within the global market. Courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include business for lawyers, constitutional law, introduction to the U.S. legal system, legal profession, legal research, and regulatory compliance. The program offers scholarly yet practical approaches to law to ensure students gain the perspective of a lawyer who will practice, teach, and enter public service or the business field. The school is a top ranked institution and best value university. Also, the law school is ranked #19 by U.S. News and World Report.

Featured Programs

#26 – New York University

Online Executive LLM in Tax

New York, New York

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $43,848

While New York University does not offer an online JD degree, it does offer the most prestigious graduate tax program in the country. Students from all over the world may take online classes and earn an Executive LLM in Tax. The program allows students to customize their classwork around busy schedules, watching their classes on videos at convenient times. Some of the classes include advanced corporate tax problems, corporate taxation, employee benefits law, taxation of affiliated corporations, and taxation of business conduits. NYU is a top ranked institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 30th best national university and 55th best value institution. Also, the law school is ranked #6 in the country.

#25 – Wake Forest University

Online Master of Studies in Law

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $39,140

One of the best online law degree programs on our list is the online master’s in law from Wake Forest University. This fully online MSL program focuses on the complex legal and regulatory environments facing law professionals. There are three professional tracks, including business law and compliance, health law and policy, and human resources. The MSL program is 100% online with classes taught by law faculty. Some of the required core classes include business law and literacy, legal foundations, private law, and public law. Wake Forest University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 27th best national university and 23rd best value school in the country. Also, the law school is ranked #32 among the best law schools in the United States.

#24 – Drexel University

Online Master’s in Legal Studies

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $33,996

Drexel University offers one of the best online law degree programs on our list. The online master’s in legal studies is designed to provide students with advanced legal knowledge and the opportunity to hone their skills in areas of concentration. Students have the option of completing a general master’s degree in legal studies or choosing one or two concentration areas. Some of the concentrations include criminal law, cybersecurity, financial regulatory compliance, higher education compliance, human resources compliance, and NCAA compliance and sports law. The program is fully accredited and can be completed on either a part-time or full-time basis. Drexel is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 94th best national university and 70th best value school in the country.

#23 – Pepperdine University

Online Master of Legal Studies

Malibu, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $32,620

While not an online JD degree, the online master’s in legal studies at Pepperdine University is a program designed for non-lawyers who desire a solid foundation in law. The program is fully online, and classes are taught by Pepperdine instructors. The degree can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis and takes approximately 16 to 28 months. To be admitted to the program, GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores are not required. Pepperdine is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 46th best national university and 35th best value school. Also, several online master’s programs have earned top recognition.

#22 – George Washington University

Online Master’s in Law Firm Management

Washington, District of Columbia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,840

George Washington University has an accredited online law school that offers several master’s programs, including the master’s in law firm management and master’s in paralegal studies. For the purpose of this list, we will focus on the law firm management program. This degree is designed as a 30-credit online graduate program designed for legal professionals with administrative experience. Classes begin in the summer, and the program may be completed in just 18 months. Classes include applying strategic and business planning, applications of leadership frameworks, and legal technology and knowledge management. U.S. News and World Report ranks GWU as the 56th best national university and the 62nd best value school.

Featured Programs

#21 – Hofstra University

Online Master’s in Health Law and Policy

Hempstead, New York

School Profile

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $24,226

Hofstra does not offer an online JD degree, but for those interested in health law, the university has an online graduate program in health law and policy. This uniquely designed legal degree consists of nine or eleven courses that can be completed entirely online. The program is open to experienced legal professionals seeking to build a career in legal counsel or a specialized health care compliance field. The program does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission, and coursework is delivered 100% online. Some of the courses include the affordable care act, the American legal system, and public health. Hofstra is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution and best value school.

#20 – University of Tulsa

Online Master of Jurisprudence

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,720

University of Tulsa offers two best online law degree programs designed for non-lawyers. The programs include online master’s in energy law (MJEL) and master’s in Indian law (MJIL). Both programs may be completed entirely online by taking classes on a part-time or full-time basis. Core classes are the same for both programs and explore topics in legal writing and advanced legal research and environmental permitting. Classes are taught by university professors with scholarly and practical experience in the field. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 87th best national university and 139th best value school.

#19 – Michigan State University

Online Master’s in Global Food Law

East Lansing, Michigan

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,532

One of the most specialized law degree online programs on our list is the online master’s in global food law from Michigan State University. This fully online program is designed for both lawyers and non-lawyers. Lawyers enroll in the Master of Laws (LLM) program while non-lawyers enroll in the Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) program. Courses focus on food law and regulation. Some of the online classes include administrative law – food safety and labeling, food regulation in the U.S., foundations of law and legal research, and international food law. Michigan State is ranked as a top national university by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the law school ranks #88 in the country.

#18 – Seton Hall University

Online LLM in Financial Services Compliance

South Orange, New Jersey

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,468

Seton Hall University has a law degree online program that is for individuals who want to receive training in financial services and compliance. Those seeking admission to the LLM program must have a JD degree from an accredited law school that is approved by the Section of Legal Education of the American Bar Association or its foreign equivalent. Classes may be completed entirely online, in-person, or in a hybrid format. Online courses include governance, compliance, enforcement, and risk management; introduction to corporate finance; and securities regulation and compliance. There is also an advanced writing requirement that must be met. Seton Hall is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the law school ranks #59 in the country.

#17 – Nova Southeastern University

Online Master’s in Law and Policy

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,419

Nova Southeastern University offers an online law degree designed to be completed in just two years. Students may complete their classes entirely online and from the comfort of their own home. To be admitted to the program, no GRE or LSAT requirements are necessary. The program covers courses like civil rights law, constitutional law in the classroom, effective advocacy skills, ethical issues in education law, law of accreditation and licensing, legal foundations, and legal research methods and reasoning. Nova Southeastern is a top ranked national university according to U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks Nova as the 198th best national institution in the country.

#16 – Samford University

Online Master’s in Law (MSL)

Birmingham, Alabama

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,608

The Cumberland School of Law at Samford University is an accredited online law school that offers a master’s in law (MSL). The program may be completed entirely online and consists of 36 credit hours. Designed primarily for non-lawyers, the program offers several concentration areas so that the degree may be tailored toward career goals. These concentrations include financial services regulatory compliance, health law and policy, higher education law and compliance, legal project management, and a custom option. To be admitted to the program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. GRE or MAT scores are strongly advised, though not required. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 3rd best regional university in the South and the 22nd best value institution.

#15 – Loyola University

Online Master of Laws

Chicago, Illinois

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,458

Loyola University’s law degree online program consists of an LLM (Master of Laws) in health law. This 24-credit online program is a post-JD master’s designed for attorneys who wish to enhance special knowledge and expertise in health law. All classes are delivered online and taught by Loyola University professors. Some of the required courses include health care business and finance, introduction to health law and policy, and the LLM thesis project. Several electives allow students to tailor their degree in areas like compliance, food and drug law, health care regulation, and law and bioethics. Loyola is a top ranked institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a top national university and the 58th best value school in the country.

Featured Programs

#14 – Villanova University

Online Master of Laws

Villanova, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,473

One of the best online law degree programs for attorneys who want to earn additional expertise in taxation is the LLM in taxation or the MT (Master of Taxation) at Villanova University. Both degrees are designed to deliver complex curriculum that examines taxation from multiple perspectives. All classes are taught online by Villanova professors. Students earn their Master of Laws degree in just two years or less, depending on the pace. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the university among the top 50 national institutions. Also, the school ranks #48 among the best value schools. Villanova’s law school is ranked #65 out of the top law schools in the country.

#13 – California Southern University

Online Master of Science in Law

Irvine, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,820

For those looking for an alternative to an online JD degree, California Southern University offers an online MSL for those not wanting to practice law as an attorney. The program is designed for business executives and entrepreneurs who want to gain expertise in law. This 36-credit online program takes approximately two years to complete, though the degree can be earned in just 18 months depending on student pace. Courses include American legal process, constitutional law, criminal law, legal ethics, mediation, strategies and ethics in negotiations, and torts.

#12 – University of Vermont

Online LLM

Burlington, Vermont

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,478

University of Vermont offers several law degree online programs designed to expand expertise in law and the legal system. Students may choose to earn an online LLM degree in energy law, environmental law, or food and agriculture. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who lead residential courses. Programs are open to part-time or full-time enrollment. The part-time enrollment option allows students to take up to five years to obtain their degree, while full-time students can complete the program in just 12 months. University of Vermont is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top 100 national university. Also, the school ranks #72 among the best value institutions in the country.

#11 – Regent University

Online LLM in American Legal Studies

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,326

Regent University offers an accredited online law school and LLM degree. This 30-credit hour program is designed for graduates of accredited colleges or universities outside the United States who have earned a JD-equivalent law degree and want to pursue additional studies in domestic law. Some of the online courses include American legal system and writing, foundations of law, foundations of legal thought, and legal analysis – research and writing. The degree is not structured to prepare students to take the American bar examination, though it does prepare for law careers in consulting, corporate law, and private practice. Regent is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.

#10 – University of Arizona

Online Master of Legal Studies

Tucson, Arizona

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,748

University of Arizona’s online law degree programs include the online master’s in legal studies. This fully online program can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis and in only one year. The program is designed to enhance professionals with skills in negotiations, regulations, and working with lawyers and facing legal issues. There are several concentrations offered that allow students to tailor their legal degree toward areas of interest or to meet career goals. These concentrations include compliance and legal risk management, human rights, mining law and policy, or tax law and policy. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 124th best national university and the 102nd best value school in the country.

Featured Programs

#9 – Arizona State University

Online Master’s in Legal Studies – Criminal Law

Tempe, Arizona

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,938

Arizona State University’s law degree online program focuses on the study of criminal law and is designed for those interested in pursuing careers in the courts, corrections, police work, or social justice. All courses are delivered online and taught by ASU professors. Classes emphasize how and why the criminal justice system operates the way it does. For those interested in other legal studies fields, concentrations in corporate and health care compliance, HR and employment law, intellectual property law, sport law, and sustainability are also available. ASU is ranked by U.S. News and World report as a top 120 best national university. Also, the school ranks as the 110th best value institution, and several of its online graduate programs, including online criminal justice, ranks #5 in the nation.

#8 – Florida State University

Online Juris Master

Tallahassee, Florida

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,553

One of the best online law degree programs on our list is also the most affordable. The online Juris Master from Florida State University is a 30-credit program in law that can be completed on a part-time basis. Based on specific career goals and interests, students may choose one of three concentrations, including financial regulation and compliance, health care regulation, and legal risk management and HR compliance. Curriculum is designed for professionals who regularly work with regulations and statutes. All courses are taught by the same professors who teach on campus. Some of the foundational courses include legal studies and research, legislation and regulation, and torts. U.S. News and World Report ranks FSU as the 81st best national university and the 98th best value school in the country.

#7 – University of Illinois

Online Master’s in Legal Studies

Springfield, Illinois

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,308

University of Illinois offers one of the most affordable law degree online programs on our list. Night classes, 100% online delivery, and small class sizes make this program appealing to working professionals with daytime responsibilities. Courses are delivered entirely online and are taught by the same esteemed professors who instruct on campus. These classes include introduction to graduate legal studies, legal research and citation, public advocacy, and theories of justice. Admission requirements require an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, and applicants are expected to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 64th best regional university in the Midwest and the 12th top public school.

#6 – The University of Alabama

Online LLM

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,780

The University of Alabama offers an alternative to the online JD degree–the online LLM. This 24-credit hour program is offered fully online and with two concentration options in business transaction and tax. Courses are taught by distinguished faculty and experienced practitioners not only from Alabama but also Emory, Georgia State University, and other prestigious universities and legal firms. To be considered for admission, candidates must hold a law degree and an academic record reflecting an ability to perform graduate work. Official transcripts must also be submitted. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and best value school. Also, several graduate programs have earned top 50 rankings.

#5 – Grand Canyon University

Online Master’s in Criminal Justice – Legal Studies

Phoenix, Arizona

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,555

Grand Canyon University’s law degree online program consists of an online master’s in criminal justice with an emphasis in legal studies. The program is designed to assist professionals in law enforcement and other decision makers to address issues in public policy, social research, and justice reform. Courses are administered online and include criminal behavior analysis, ethics and decision-making, exploration of law and public policy, and legal research. The online program takes approximately 20 months to complete. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a top 300 best national university. Also, several graduate programs at GCU have earned rankings.

Featured Programs

#4 – University of Nebraska

Online LLM in Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law

Lincoln, Nebraska

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,978

One of the more niche yet accredited online law school programs on our list is the online LLM in space, cyber, and telecommunications law degree at University of Nebraska. This 24-credit hour program is fully online and designed for experienced attorneys who want to continue work in law firms or government agencies. Classes may be completed entirely online and are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Some of the courses include domestic telecommunications law, international law, international telecommunications law, researching space law, and a capstone thesis project. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 124th best national university and the 96th best value school in the country.

#3 – Liberty University

Online Master of Laws in International Legal Studies

Lynchburg, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,723

Liberty University’s online law degree programs include the online Master of Laws in international legal studies. This fully online program consists of 24 credits and is considered to be a postgraduate program that can help enhance your professional legal career. Admission to the program requires a conferred Juris Doctor from an accredited United States law school or a first law degree (LLB or equivalent) from an international law school. All classes are delivered online and taught by Liberty professors. These courses include civil procedure, foundations of law, and lawyering skills. Liberty is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top 200-300 national university. Also, several of the online graduate programs have earned top 150 rankings.

#2 – University of Arkansas

Online Master of Laws in Agricultural and Food Law

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,571

University of Arkansas offers one of the best online law degree programs on our list. For those interested in understanding the complex issues in agriculture and food law, University of Arkansas offers the first advanced legal degree in food law. This 100% online program consists of 24 credit hours and takes between two semesters and four years to complete, depending on student pace. Classes are taught by university professors and experts in the field of agricultural law. To apply to the program, students must hold an earned JD or LLB degree. The school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 133rd best national university and 132nd best value school in the country.

#1 – American Military University

Online Master’s in Legal Studies

Charles Town, West Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,900

American Military University offers the most affordable online law degree on our list. The 36-credit hour program is designed to provide legal and non-legal professionals with knowledge that will further your career. All classes are delivered online and include criminal justice process, criminal law, legal and ethical issues in management, methods of legal research and writing, property law, and tort law. Admission requirements include an earned bachelor’s from an accredited institution that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The university is accredited and recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top unranked regional university in the South. American Military University is the most affordable school on our list to offer an online law degree program.

BCO Staff
May 2018

This concludes our list of the top 30 most affordable online law degree programs.

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