If you are looking for the cheapest online law schools, continue reading this article until the end.
Studying law can be stressful, and many doubt the possibility of doing it online.
But, if you have a flair for law and a desire to study it, the good news is that you can study online law online.
You can get other online courses for free; click Here for Free Online Courses.
There are a variety of accredited schools that offer online law courses. This article compiles a list of the cheapest online schools to study law. So you don’t just study law online to fit your schedule; you also get to study it at a minimum cost.
See Also: Top 26 Free Online Public Health Courses| How to Apply
Cheapest Online Law Schools
It can be very difficult to find a legitimate online law degree program.
While some are for those who do not have a law degree, such as an online master’s degree in legal studies, others offer educational advancement to those who are already professional lawyers. The online LLM program offers specialized education in health care policies and taxes.
While studying law online, you can also enjoy the flexibility other online students who are studying other courses enjoy.
But, it is important to note that studying law online may take longer than studying it at a physical university.
The sad news is that the American Bar association is yet to accredit any online law school.
This means you can obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) online, but it doesn’t make you eligible to practice law.
But, in California, you will be exempt from sitting for bar exams. If you already have a non-American Bar Association school diploma.
Can I Study Law Online?
Contrary to popular opinion, YES! You can study law online.
As I already said, various accredited schools offer online law programs.
Why Study Law Online?
Obtaining a JD online allows you to switch between studies, work, and family life effectively.
Online law school programs allow you to pursue your dream even if you cannot attend classes in person.
Many online law schools are also accredited, even if not approved by the ABA.
This implies that you can still get world-class law education at these schools which will run parallel to those on campus.
What kind of Online Law School Should I Attend?
You should attend one of the cheapest online accredited law schools.
However, aside from the cost, there are other things you should consider before enrolling in a cheap online law school.
The online law school you choose to attend should have better online access for teachers.
Although you can study law online, that doesn’t mean you will not have to put your legal knowledge into practice.
You will find that you have to contact your teacher most of the time by phone or via mail. Therefore, be sure that the teacher has office hours where you can reach them.
How Much Can I Earn With an Online Law Degree?
The fact that ABA does not endorse online law schools nevertheless makes it an advocate for an online law degree.
If you obtain a law degree online, you are still a lawyer in all respects and would gain the same as a lawyer with a traditional university degree.
The only thing is that you will have to practice privately if you have to practice.
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for lawyers in the United States is $117,188.
This figure is the same for health attorneys, a career for which an online law degree prepares you.
Read More: Top 30 Marine Engineering Free Online Courses| How to Apply
How Long does it take to get a Law Degree Online?
Typically, online law degree programs take four years to complete.
An academic year consists of 48 to 52 consecutive weeks. As with traditional law school programs, online law schools have certain compulsory and other elective courses that vary by institution.
Most law school online courses meet practically for classroom discussions, provide lectures and texts for review, and have assignments and assessments to complete.
A big difference between traditional law and online study programs is that many distance education courses have more than one large exam at the end of the course that determines a student’s grade. A great exam is usually found in more traditional courses taken at campus law schools.
Read Also
30 Cheapest Online Law Schools
Here are the lists of 30 cheapest online law schools in 2023
#30 – Boston University – $51,716
Online LLM in Taxation
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston University is one of the cheapest online law schools. They offer 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 part-time or full-time.
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 law degree (JD or LLB) from an accredited institution.
While Boston University is not the most affordable online law school on our list, it does offer a solid reputation and rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. U.S. News ranks BU as the 37th-best national university and 51st-best value school.
Read More: Top 60 University of Pennsylvania Free Online Courses| How to Apply
#29 – Washington University – $51,025
Online Master of Laws (LLM)
St. Louis, Missouri
The university is one of the cheapest online law schools; equally, 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, designed for non-lawyers who want to acquire knowledge and build a foundation in law. The online LLM degree consists of 24 credits that can be taken entirely online and 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 ranked Washington University as the 18th best national university and the 22nd best value school.
Related post: 23 Best Stanford University Free Online Courses in 2023| How to Apply
#28 – Emory University – $44,016
Online Juris Master (JM)
Atlanta, Georgia
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.
60 full-time faculty members teach all online courses. Some courses include the American legal system and analysis, research and communications for non-lawyers and torts, contracts, legislation, and regulation. U.S. News and World Report ranks Emory as the 21st best national university and the 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 – $44,013
Online Master of Laws
Los Angeles, California
One of the top accredited and cheapest online law schools on our list are the University of Southern California. The USC Gould School of Law offers an online Master of Laws program for international law professionals seeking leadership roles in 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, the legal profession, legal research, and regulatory compliance.
The program offers scholarly yet practical approaches to law to ensure students gain the perspective of lawyers who will practice, teach, and enter public service or business. The school is a top-ranked institution and best valuable university. Also, the law school is ranked #19 by U.S. News and World Report.
Check: 15 Free Online Courses from Harvard University| How to Apply
#26 – New York University – $43,848
Online Executive LLM in Tax
New York, New York
While New York University does not offer an online JD degree, it offers the country’s most prestigious graduate tax program. 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 classes include advanced corporate tax problems, corporate taxation, employee benefits law, taxation of affiliated corporations, and business conduits.
NYU is a top-ranked institution. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 30th-best national university and the 55th-best value institution. Also, the law school is ranked #6 in the country.
#25 – Wake Forest University – $39,140
Online Master of Studies in Law
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
One of the cheapest 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: 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.
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 27th-best national university and 23rd-best value school in the country rank Wake Forest University. Also, the law school is ranked #32 among the best law schools in the United States.
You might want to see this: 18+ Free Online Courses at Yale University | Learn Online for Free
#24 – Drexel University – $33,996
Online Master’s in Legal Studies
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Drexel University offers one of the best online law degree programs. 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 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. U.S. News and World Report rank Drexel as the 94th-best national university and the 70th-best value school in the country.
#23 – Pepperdine University – $32,620
Online Master of Legal Studies
Malibu, California
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 Pepperdine instructors teach classes.
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.
Check: 20 Free Online Courses for Developing Countries | A Detailed Guide
#22 – George Washington University – $29,840
Online Master’s in Law Firm Management
Washington, District of Columbia
George Washington University has an accredited online law school that offers several master’s programs, including a master’s in law firm management and a master’s in paralegal studies. For 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 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.
#21 – Hofstra University – $24,226
Online Master’s in Health Law and Policy
Hempstead, New York
Hofstra University does not offer an online JD degree, but the university has an online graduate program in health law and policy for those interested in health law. 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 healthcare compliance field. The program does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission; coursework is delivered 100% online.
Some courses include the affordable care act, the American legal system, and public health. U.S. News and World Report rank Hofstra as a top national institution and best value school.
See More: 20+ Free Online Courses at Massachusetts Institute of Technology| Learn Online for Free
#20 – University of Tulsa – $22,720
Online Master of Jurisprudence
Tulsa, OklahomaGraduate
The University of Tulsa offers the two best online law degree programs designed for non-lawyers. The programs include an online master’s in energy law (MJEL) and a 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, advanced legal research, and environmental permitting. University professors teach classes with scholarly and practical experience in the field. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 87th-best national university and 139th-best value school.
#19 – Michigan State University – $22,532
Online Master’s in Global Food Law
East Lansing, Michigan
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 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. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report ranked Michigan State as a top national university. Also, the law school ranks #88 in the country.
Read Also: 20+ Free Online Courses for Kids| Learn Online for Free
#18 – Seton Hall University – $22,468
Online LLM in Financial Services Compliance
South Orange, New Jersey
Seton Hall University has an online law degree program 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 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 a hybrid format. Online courses include governance, compliance, enforcement, and risk management; an introduction to corporate finance; and securities regulation and compliance.
There is also an advanced writing requirement that must be met. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Seton Hall as a top national university. Also, the law school ranks #59 in the country.
#17 – Nova Southeastern University – $20,419
Online Master’s in Law and Policy
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Nova Southeastern University offers an online law degree designed to be completed in two years. Students may complete their classes entirely online and from the comfort of their own homes. No GRE or LSAT requirements are necessary to be admitted to the program.
The program covers courses like civil rights law, constitutional law in the classroom, effective advocacy skills, ethical issues in education law, the law of accreditation and licensing, legal foundations, legal research methods, and reasoning.
According to U.S. News and World Report, Nova Southeastern is a top-ranked national university. U.S. News ranks Nova as the 198th-best national institution in the country.
Check this: 65 Best Free Online Courses with Printable Certificates| A Full Guide
#16 – Samford University – $19,608
Online Master’s in Law (MSL)
Birmingham, Alabama
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 – $19,458
Online Master of Laws
Chicago, Illinois
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 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 compliance, food and drug law, health care regulation, and law and bioethics. Loyola is a top-ranked institution.
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.
You might want to see this: Top 26 Free Online Public Health Courses| How to Apply
#14 – Villanova University – $18,473
Online Master of Laws
Villanova, Pennsylvania
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 a complex curriculum that examines taxation from multiple perspectives.
All classes are taught online by Villanova professors. Students earn their Master of Laws degree in 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 – $17,820
Online Master of Science in Law
Irvine, California
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 18 months, depending on student’s pace. Courses include the American legal process, constitutional law, criminal law, legal ethics, mediation, strategies, negotiation ethics, and torts.
Check More: 15 Free Online Web Development Courses with Certificates | How to Apply
#12 – University of Vermont – $17,478
Online LLM
Burlington, Vermont
The University of Vermont offers a variety of online law degree programs designed to expand expertise in law and the legal system. Students may 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 12 months.
U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Vermont as a top 100 national university. Also, the school ranks #72 among the best-value institutions in the country.
#11 – Regent University – $13,326
Online LLM in American Legal Studies
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Regent University offers an accredited online law school and an 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 online courses include the American legal system and writing, foundations of law, 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 them for law careers in consulting, corporate law, and private practice. U.S. News and World Report rank Regent as a top national university.
Read More: 10 Free Microsoft Online Courses with Certificates| How to Apply
#10 – University of Arizona – $12,748
Online Master of Legal Studies
Tucson, Arizona
The University of Arizona’s online law degree programs includes the online master’s in legal studies. This fully online law program can be completed part-time or full-time in only one year. The program is designed to enhance professionals with skills in negotiations, regulations, working with lawyers, and facing legal issues.
Several concentrations offer students the opportunity 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, and 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.
#9 – Arizona State University – $11,938
Online Master’s in Legal Studies – Criminal Law
Tempe, Arizona
Arizona State University’s online law degree program focuses on studying criminal law. It is designed for those interested in 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, concentrations in corporate and healthcare compliance, HR and employment law, intellectual property law, sports law, and sustainability are also available. U.S. News and World Report rank ASU 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.
Editor’s Pick: 10+ Free Online Mechanical Engineering Courses| Learn Online for Free
#8 – Florida State University – $11,553
Online Juris Master
Tallahassee, Florida
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: financial regulation and compliance, health care regulation, legal risk management, and HR compliance.
The 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 foundational courses include legal studies and research, legislation and regulation, and torts. U.S. News and World Report rank FSU as the 81st-best national university and the 98th-best value school in the country.
#7 – University of Illinois – $11,308
Online Master’s in Legal Studies
Springfield, Illinois
The 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 an 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. U.S. News and World Report rank the institution as the 64th-best regional university in the Midwest and the 12th top public school.
Read Also: 20 Free Online Engineering Courses with Certificate of Completion| All you Need to Know
#6 – The University of Alabama – $10,780
Online LLM
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
The University of Alabama offers an alternative to the online JD degree–the online LLM. This 24-credit-hour program is fully online and has two concentration options: business transactions and tax. Courses are taught by distinguished faculty and experienced practitioners from Alabama, Emory, Georgia State University, and other prestigious universities and legal firms.
To be considered for admission, candidates must hold a law degree and have an academic record reflecting an ability to perform graduate work. Official transcripts must also be submitted. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution as a top national university and best value school. Also, several graduate programs have earned top 50 rankings.
#5 – Grand Canyon University – $10,555
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice – Legal Studies
Phoenix, Arizona
Grand Canyon University’s online law degree program consists of an online master’s in criminal justice with an emphasis on legal studies. The program is designed to assist professionals in law enforcement and other decision-makers in addressing issues in public policy, social research, and justice reform.
Courses are administered online, including criminal behavior analysis, ethics and decision-making, law and public policy exploration, 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.
Also Check: 10 Free Online GIS Courses With Certificates | Learn for Free
#4 – The University of Nebraska – $8,978
Online LLM in Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law
Lincoln, Nebraska
One of the more niches yet accredited cheapest online law school programs on our list is the online LLM in space, cyber, and telecommunications law degree at the 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 online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Some courses include domestic and international law, international telecommunications law, researching space law, and a capstone thesis project. U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 124th-best national university and the 96th-best value school in the country.
#3 – Liberty University – $8,723
Online Master of Laws in International Legal Studies
Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University is one of the cheapest online Law schools on our list. 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 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.
Read More: Free Online Short Courses – Complete Guide
#2 – The University of Arkansas – $8,571
Online Master of Laws in Agricultural and Food Law
Fayetteville, Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers one of the cheapest online law degree programs. For those interested in understanding the complex issues in agriculture and food law, the 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 the student’s pace. University professors and experts in the field of agricultural law teach classes.
Students must hold an earned JD or LLB degree to apply to the program. The school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 133rd-best national university and the 132nd-best value school in the country.
#1 – American Military University – $6,900
Online Master’s in Legal Studies
Charles Town, West Virginia
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 the 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 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.
Check: 39+ Professional Short Courses in Nigeria with Certificates | How to Apply
Conclusion
Different individuals certainly have different reasons for doing a particular thing. But one of the reasons students choose law school online is the flexibility of schooling online.
Students are usually free to attend lectures on their own time; this way, schooling online can suit everyone’s schedule.
Also, students choose law school online because it allows them to work and earn a living while schooling.
Also, the fact that they do not have to travel to a different state or country and pay for new apartments is one of the reasons students prefer to study online.
If you have read this article until now, I believe you have seen some of the best online law courses that are cheap enough to fit your budget.
Please Share this with Family and Friends
