Studying law online has become a viable and flexible option for aspiring legal professionals, despite common misconceptions about the limitations of online education in this field. This comprehensive guide highlights 21 of the cheapest accredited online law schools that offer various programs, enabling you to earn your law degree at a fraction of the cost.
Why Consider an Online Law School?
Flexibility is one of the primary advantages of online law education. You can manage your studies alongside work and family commitments. Many accredited online law programs provide rigorous legal training comparable to traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.
However, it’s important to note that as of now, no online law schools hold accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA). This means that if you’re looking to obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) online with the intent to practice law, your options are limited. Nonetheless, California does allow graduates from non-ABA accredited law schools to sit for the Bar exam, offering a potential pathway for practice in that state.
The Value of an Online Law Degree
Earning an online law degree does not diminish your qualifications. In fact, legal professionals often enjoy competitive salaries. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for lawyers in the U.S. is around $117,188, with further education potentially increasing earning potential. Online law programs also cater to individuals who may not wish to practice law but want to enhance their understanding of legal principles for careers in various fields.
Key Considerations for Online Law Schools
When selecting an online law school, consider the following factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure the school is regionally accredited, even if not ABA-accredited.
- Access to Faculty: Check for available office hours and support from professors to aid your learning.
- Curriculum Quality: Verify that the curriculum aligns with your career goals and that it uses the same resources as on-campus programs.
- Program Length: Understand the time commitment, as online programs typically require 20+ hours of study per week and can last between three to six years.
See: Top 20 WUE Schools: All You Need to Know
Top 21 Cheapest Online Law Schools
Here’s a detailed list of the most affordable online law schools in 2024, complete with tuition rates and program offerings:
21. Colorado State University-Fort Collins – $28,903
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Programs Offered: Graduate Certificate in Campus Crisis Management
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- School Website
20. Capitol Technology University – $24,788
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Programs Offered: MS in Information and Telecommunications Systems Management (Law & Policy Specialization), MBA in Technology Management Law and Policy
- Acceptance Rate: 88.3%
- School Website
19. Chaminade University of Honolulu – $24,514
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Programs Offered: MS in Criminal Justice Administration
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- School Website
18. Georgia State University – $23,971
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
- Programs Offered: Associate of Arts in Political Science
- Acceptance Rate: 58.8%
- School Website
17. Central Washington University – $22,010
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Law and Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 79.7%
- School Website
16. Humboldt State University – $19,373
- Accreditation: WASC
- Programs Offered: Certificate in Legal Secretary
- Acceptance Rate: 77.1%
- School Website
15. North Carolina Central University – $19,106
- Accreditation: SACS
- Programs Offered: Master of Library Science – Law Librarian
- Acceptance Rate: 82.8%
- School Website
14. Eastern Kentucky University – $18,250
- Accreditation: SACS and ACCET
- Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Science
- Acceptance Rate: 86.3%
- School Website
13. Angelo State University – $17,161
- Accreditation: SACS
- Programs Offered: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 74.4%
- School Website
12. Grand Canyon University – $17,050
- Accreditation: HLC
- Programs Offered: BA in Government – Legal Studies, MS in Criminal Justice – Legal Studies
- Acceptance Rate: 56.9%
- School Website
11. Albany State University – $16,136
- Accreditation: SACS
- Programs Offered: Certificate in Legal Assistant/Paralegal
- Acceptance Rate: 49.7%
- School Website
10. Arizona State University – $15,691 – $27,372
- Accreditation: HLC
- Programs Offered: BA in Philosophy (Morality, Politics, and Law), MLS in various specializations
- Acceptance Rate: 82.5%
- School Website
9. Bryan University Online – $15,400 – $15,447
- Accreditation: ACCSC
- Programs Offered: Associate in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: Varies
- School Website
8. California University of Pennsylvania – $15,326
- Accreditation: MSCHE
- Programs Offered: BA in Jurisprudence (Land Management, Legal Studies), Certificate in Law and Public Policy
- Acceptance Rate: 96.5%
- School Website
7. Argosy University Online – $13,438
- Accreditation: WASC
- Programs Offered: Master’s in Compliance
- Acceptance Rate: 80-90%
- School Website
6. Liberty University – $11,700
- Accreditation: SACS
- Programs Offered: Various online law programs including Paralegal Studies and Juris Master
- Acceptance Rate: 24.4%
- School Website
5. South Dakota State University – $11,689
- Accreditation: HLC
- Programs Offered: Undergraduate Agricultural & Environmental Law Certificate
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- School Website
4. Southern New Hampshire University Online – $11,520
- Accreditation: NECHE
- Programs Offered: BS in Criminal Justice – Legal Studies and Advocacy
- Acceptance Rate: 92.9%
- School Website
3. Bellevue University – $7,752
- Accreditation: HLC
- Programs Offered: Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- School Website
2. Abraham Lincoln University – $7,500
- Accreditation: DEAC
- Programs Offered: Various programs including Associate in Paralegal Studies and Juris Doctor
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- School Website
1. American Public University System – $6,880
- Accreditation: HLC and DEAC
- Programs Offered: Associate and Bachelor’s in Legal Studies, Master’s in Legal Studies
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- School Website
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest accredited law school?
- North Carolina Central University offers in-state tuition at $11,387 and out-of-state tuition at $23,222.
What law school is easiest to get into?
- Some of the easiest law schools to gain admission include Southern University Law Center and Widener University.
In Conclusion
Online law schools provide a unique opportunity to pursue a legal education while balancing personal and professional commitments. Although the lack of ABA accreditation limits practice options outside California, an online law degree can still pave the way for various rewarding careers. With the affordable options listed above, you can find a program that meets your needs and budget, empowering you to achieve your legal career aspirations.
