It is a thing of pride to study law. It is another of utter satisfaction to be able to study it online. While several people still doubt the possibility of acquiring a law degree online because of the nature of the course, it is a reality.
There are affordable, accredited law school programs you can study online. This post exposes you to the cheapest, accredited online law schools where you can get a law degree.
Studying law online gives you the flexibility that online study offers students of other courses.
However, online bachelor’s and master’s may take longer to study than when you study in a brick and mortar institution. Worse is that no online law school currently has accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA).
This implies that if you wish to get a Juris Doctor (JD) online, you have no intention of practicing law.
However, California allows you to sit for Bar exams with a non-ABA law school degree.
So, the question now is:
Why Study Law Online?
Getting a JD online allows you to effectively shuttle between study, work, and family life. Online law school programs allow you to fulfill your dream even though you can’t physically be at school.
Also, many online law schools have accreditation, even though they don’t have ABA backing. This implies that you can still get world class law education from these schools that will parallel on-campus ones.
Furthermore, not everyone acquires a law degree to practice law. The law profession career cuts into a plethora of fields and industry. The online Master of Laws (LLM) program provides specialized health care policy, management, and taxation education.
Also, some online law school programs, like master’s in legal studies programs, are for non-lawyers. There’ll always be non-law students and professionals wishing to get some law education. Online law school programs thus provide them an easy means to satisfy this need.
Let’s also not forget that you can take the California Bar exam with an online law degree. This also restricts your practice to the state of California. So, an online Law degree is for you if you live in California or don’t mind practicing there.
Check out how to get the University of Queensland TC Beirne School of Law Scholarships 2022 to study in Australia.
How Much Can I Earn With an Online Law Degree?
That ABA doesn’t back up online law schools doesn’t make you less a lawyer for getting an online law degree. You are still a lawyer in every aspect and would earn the same as a lawyer with a brick and mortar university degree. You’ll have to practice privately, though, if you must practice.
Law is among the professions that earn a large salary. You are certain of a lawyer’s five to six figure annual salary. Meanwhile, further education may translate to higher pay, and of course, you can always get an LLM online.
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for lawyers in the U.S is $117,188. This figure is the same for healthcare lawyers, a career an online law degree prepares you for.
What kind of online law school should I attend?
You should attend one of the cheapest, accredited online law schools. There are other things to look out for, however, asides affordability and accreditation.
The online law school you choose to attend should have greater online access to professors. Even though you can study law online, it doesn’t change the fact that the course requires you to put legal knowledge into practical circumstances.
You’ll find you need to contact your professor more often than not on the phone. So, check that the professor has office hours where you can call them.
Also, ensure that your online law school is practical in as much as it is theoretical. Check their curriculum to see that it satisfies your needs. More importantly, you should see that the same books students studying on campus are using are the same ones your online school uses.
In addition, you may have to check out for the duration of the online law school program. Most schools commit a minimum of 20 hours a week to their program. However, expect an online law program to last between three to six years.
Meanwhile, we have you covered. The list of schools we’re bringing you has all your checklist ticked.
Cheapest Online School in 2024
The list of online law school programs in this post is available to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate degree students. They span various law-oriented disciplines such as legal office administration, taxation, paralegal studies, and legal studies. Also, they all have regional accreditation, even though they are yet to get the one from ABA.
Here are our top 21 online law schools based on affordability.
#21. Colorado State University-Fort Collins – $28,903
This online law school has regional accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It is also a public, non-profit university. CSU-Fort Collins Offers 78 various programs in other fields of study. However, it offers only one online law school program.
This law school program is in pursuit of a certificate degree. The program is a Graduate Certificate in Campus Crisis Management.
This accredited online law school has a total student population of 33,413 and an acceptance rate of 78%. Thus, this is another not so competitive school students attend.
Meanwhile, CSU-Fort Collins charges $28,903 as undergraduate and $26,430 as graduate tuition.
#20. Capitol Technology University – $24,788
This online law school has regional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). It is also a private, non-profit university.
While this Capitol Technology University offers up to 35 programs in other fields of study, it provides two online law-related programs.
One is in pursuit of a Master’s of science degree, and the other is an MBA degree. These programs are as follows:
- Master of Science in Information and Telecommunications Systems Management – Technology Management Law & Policy Specialization, and
- MBA – Technology Management Law and Policy.
You can also see our 25 Cheapest Online MBA Programs With No GMAT Exam.
In addition, this accredited online degree university has a total number of 843 students and an acceptance rate of 88.3%.
Its tuition is $24,788 for undergraduates and $11,070 for graduates. This makes this school one of the cheapest online law schools for graduates.
#19. Chaminade University of Honolulu – $24,514
This online law school has regional accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission (WASC WSCUC). Also, although it offers up to 36 programs in other fields of study, it provides just a program in Law. This program is in pursuit of a Master’s degree.
Chaminade’s only online law degree program is a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration- Generalist.
This accredited private, non-profit university has an acceptance rate of 92%, admitting 807 out of 875 applicants. Also, with a total student population of 2,836, you can be sure to gain admission here.
Furthermore, Chaminade charges $24,514 for undergraduate students and $20,640 for graduate student.
#18. Georgia State University – $23,971
This online law school has regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACS COC).
It is also a public, not for profit university. While this school offers 33 programs in other fields of study, it provides only an online law program towards an associate degree.
The program is an Associate of Arts in Political Science.
Furthermore, the university has a total enrollment of 32,082 and an acceptance rate of 58.8%. This speaks of some competition towards admission.
Meanwhile, you’ll be paying $23,971 as an undergraduate online law student and $24,646 as a graduate student.
#17. Central Washington University – $22,010
This online law school has regional accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Also, the accredited online law school offers over 24 programs in other fields of study and an online bachelor’s degree program in law.
This program is a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Justice towards a bachelor’s degree, and is available entirely online.
Meanwhile, CWU has a total enrollment of 11,500 students and an acceptance rate of 79.7%. While it is not so competitive, it is a school that students are applying for.
Additionally, CWU’s tuition to study online is $22,010 for undergraduates and $22,421.
#16. Humboldt State University – $19,373
This online law school has regional accreditation by WASC WSCUC and is a public, non-profit university. This accredited school offers up to 10 programs in other fields of study, and just an online law school program.
Meanwhile, this program is towards a certificate & diploma degree. The online law program is a Certificate in Legal Secretary.
Humboldt has a total student population of 7,774 and an acceptance rate of 77.1%
However, you’ll pay a tuition of $19,373 as an undergraduate and $18,431 as a graduate online law student.
#15. North Carolina Central University – $19,106
This online law school has regional accreditation by SACS COC and is a public, not for profit college. Although this accredited university offers 29 programs in other disciplines, it offers only one (1) in Law.
This online law school program is in pursuit of a master’s degree, however. The program is a Master of Library Science – Law Librarian.
Meanwhile, NCCU has a total enrollment of 8,207 students and an acceptance rate of 82.8%. This means that for every 100 students, 83 gets admission.
Furthermore, this accredited online law school charges $19,106 for undergraduates and $20,365 for graduates towards an online degree.
#14. Eastern Kentucky University – $18,250
This online law school has regional accreditation by SACS COC. It also has national accreditation by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training is a national accreditation agency (ACCET).
Eastern Kentucky offers over 88 programs online and on-campus in various fields of study for all levels of education. However, this accredited online law school offers just an online law program.
The program is a Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Science towards an online bachelor’s degree in law.
Meanwhile, this university has a total student population of 16,881 and an acceptance rate of 86.3%
Also, its tuition fees for undergraduates is $18,250, while for graduates, it is $15,220. This is another of the cheapest online law school you can come across.
#13. Angelo State University – $17,161
This online law school has regional accreditation by SACS COC. The non-profit college offers over 35 programs in other fields but one online law degree program. This program is the Master of Science in Criminal Justice (M.S) towards a Master’s Degree.
However, this accredited online law school has an enrollment of 10,447 and an acceptance rate of 74.4%.
However, ASU charges $17,161 as tuition for Undergraduates and $13,977 for graduates.
#12. Grand Canyon University – $17,050
This online law school has regional accreditation by HLC and is a member of the North Central Association. Although it offers up to 220 programs towards other degrees, it provides two online law programs.
These online law school programs are towards a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree. They are as follows:
- BA in Government – Legal Studies, and
- MS in Criminal Justice – Legal Studies.
To support your study, you can also see our Top 10 Criminal Justice Scholarships 2024 [UPDATED].
GCU has a total student population of 20,500 students and an acceptance rate of 56.9%. This also is a reasonably competitive school that students attend.
However, you’ll be paying $17,050 to obtain an online law degree at GCU.
#11. Albany State University – $16,136
This online law school has regional accreditation by SACS COC. It offers over 46 programs but just a law program towards a law degree. The program is Certificate in Legal Assistant/Paralegal – Certificate & Diplomas.
Meanwhile, this non-profit law school has a total enrollment of 6,371 and an acceptance rate of 49.7%. This percentage shows that the University is reasonably competitive.
However, this accredited online law school charges $16,136 as undergraduate and $15,720 as graduate tuition.
#10. Arizona State University – $15,691 – $27,372
This online law school has regional accreditation by HLC and offers more law courses than most schools on our list. This accredited online law school provides up to 208 programs in diverse fields of study and 7 programs in law.
The programs are towards bachelor’s and master’s degree, however. Arizona State online law programs and their degree are as follows:
- BA in Philosophy (Morality, Politics, and Law: Bachelor’s Degree
- MLS Master of Legal Studies: Master’s Degree
- Master of Legal Studies (MLS) – Criminal Law: Master’s Degree
- MLS Master of Legal Studies – HR & Employment Law: Master’s Degree
- Master of Legal Studies (MLS) – Intellectual Property Law: Master’s Degree
- MLS Master of Legal Studies – Sports Law & Business: Master’s Degree, and
- Master of Legal Studies (MLS) – Sustainability Law: Master’s Degree.
Meanwhile, this accredited online law school has a total student enrollment of 71,946 and an acceptance rate of 82.5%. This shows that not only is the university easy to get, but also it is a student’s favorite, judging from the population.
However, Arizona State University’s tuition ranges from $15,691 – $27,372 annually.
#9. Bryan University Online – $15,400 – $15,447
This online law school has national accreditation by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). While regional accreditation is more prestigious, the national certification is for specialized or vocational schools.
Bryan University online offers up to 30 courses in various fields of study but one (1) in law presently.
This online law programs are towards an associate’s degree. The online program is Criminal Justice, and it prepares you to be a respected law enforcement team member.
You can also check out How Long Does It Take To Get An Associate Degree in 2024
However, this accredited online law school has over a thousand students and a student to faculty ratio of 5:1.
Meanwhile, Bryan University online charges between $15,400 – $15,447 for tuition to acquire a degree at the university.
#8. California University of Pennsylvania – $15,326
This online law school has regional accreditation by MSCHE. Also, this public, not for profit school offers over 105 online programs across various educational fields but 3 in Law.
These online law school programs by California University is in the pursuit of certificates and bachelor’s degree. These accredited online law programs are as follows:
- Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence – Land Management: Bachelor’s Degree
- Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence – Legal Studies: Bachelor’s Degree, and
- Certificate in Law and Public policy: Certificates & Diploma.
Meanwhile, Cal U has a total student population of 7,312 and an acceptance rate of 96.5%.
Also, with a tuition of $15,326 for undergraduates and $23,434 for graduates, this is one of the cheapest online law schools on the list.
#7. Argosy University Online – $13,438
This online law school has regional accreditation by WASC WSCUC. Also, this university offers 88 programs in diverse fields of study but two (2) programs in law presently. The online law program of Argosy University is towards a master’s degree in Compliance (ML)
Meanwhile, the private, for-profit online law school has a total student enrollment of 17,600 students and an acceptance rate of 80 – 90%.
Also, with a tuition fee of $13,438 for undergraduates and $13,656 for graduates, this accredited online law school is one of the cheapest on the list.
#6. Liberty University – $11,700
This online law school has regional accreditation by SACS COC and is a Christian University. While it offers 542 programs in other fields, it currently provides seven (7) online law school programs. These online programs with their degree are as follows:
- Paralegal Studies: Associate Degrees
- Law & Policy – Pre-Law: Bachelor’s Degrees
- Paralegal Studies: Bachelor’s Degrees
- Juris Master – American Legal Studies: Master’s Degrees
- Juris Master – International Legal Studies: Master’s Degrees
- Master of Law – International Legal Studies: Master’s Degrees
- Law & Public Policy: Master’s Degrees
This accredited university is a large one with a total student population of 110,000. It also has an acceptance rate of 24.4%. This makes the university a competitive one worth enrolling in.
However, to study these online law degrees, you’ll have to pay a tuition of $11,700. This is one of the cheapest online law school you’ll find out there.
#5. South Dakota State University – $11,689
This online law school has regional accreditation by HLC, a public, non-profit university. This accredited online law school offers up to 60 programs in other disciplines but 1 in law towards a certificate degree.
The school’s online law degree program is an Undergraduate Agricultural & Environmental Law Certificate.
Meanwhile, SDSU’s total enrollment is 12,107, and its acceptance rate is 91%. This makes the school student’s friendly, especially with a student to faculty ratio of 17:1.
In addition, SDSU charges $11,689 for undergraduates and $15,521 for graduates as tuition towards an online degree. This ranks it as one of the cheapest online law schools on our list.
#4. Southern New Hampshire University online – $11,520
This online law school has regional accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). This private, non-profit university offers 286 programs across various other disciplines but only one (1) in law.
This online program, however, is towards a Bachelor’s degree in law. SNHU’s online law degree program is a BS in Criminal Justice – Legal Studies and Advocacy.
Meanwhile, the university has a total student enrollment of 90,955 and an acceptance rate of 92.9%. An interesting fact is that most of SNHU’s student population are online students.
Furthermore, this accredited university charges $11,520 to study its online graduate law program. This ranks it as one of the cheapest online law school on our list.
#3. Bellevue University – $7,752
This online law school has regional accreditation by HLC and offers up to 165 programs. However, the accredited law school presently offers just a program towards a law degree. This is a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies – Bachelor’s Degree.
Meanwhile, Bellevue University is one of the cheapest online law schools offering top military support.
It has a total enrollment of 10,407 students and an acceptance rate of 100%.
In addition, Bellevue charges $7,752 as Undergraduate tuition and $10,770 for graduate for an online law degree.
Meanwhile, if you are interested in studying law in Germany, check out our Free Tuition: Scholarship to study law in Germany (UPDATED)
#2. Abraham Lincoln University – $7,500
This online law school has regional accreditation by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). It also offers five (5) online programs towards a law degree. These programs and their degree are as follows:
- Paralegal Studies (AS): Associate Degree
- Legal Studies (BS): Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s of Science in Law (MS): Master’s Degree
- JD(Juris Doctor): Doctoral Degree, and
- Diploma in Paralegal Studies: Certificates.
This accredited online law school has an acceptance rate of 100% and a total enrollment of 2,002 students.
In addition, with a tuition of $7,500, this is one of the cheapest online law schools to grab a law degree.
#1. American Public University System – $6,880
This online law school has regional accreditation by HLC and DEAC. While ranking as our number one cheapest online law school, this university offers more than twenty (20) degrees.
However, it presently provides five (5) online law programs towards a law degree. These programs and their degree are as follows:
- Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies: Associate Degree
- Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies: Bachelor’s Degree
- Master of Arts in Legal Studies & Master of Public Policy – Public Policy and the Law: Master’s Degree, and
- Certificate in Paralegal Studies: Certificate & Diploma.
This accredited online law school has an acceptance rate of 100% and a total enrollment of 48,623 students.
Meanwhile, APUS provides affordable tuition of $6,880 for undergraduates and $6,600. This gives APUS a high recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
North Carolina Central University, Durham
$11,387 for in-state students and $23,222 for out-of state students.
Here are some of the Easiest Law Schools To Get Into
Southern University Law Center
Widener University – Delaware
Widener University – Pennsylvania (Commonwealth)
Appalachian School of Law
Western Michigan University Thomas M
Northern Illinois University
University of the District of Columbia (Clarke)
In Conclusion:
Online law schools help you study a law program while juggling work and maybe family. However, the primary accreditation body for Law in the United States – American Bar Association (ABA) – does not back up online law degrees.
This means you can’t take an online law degree program, except in California, if you intend to practice. This is the only state in the US that presently allows online law degree holders to take Bar exams and practice in the state.
Meanwhile, the law career is extensive, opening you to various job positions across industries with a high salary. Therefore, you can still gain a law degree online and be relevant.
Our list of the cheapest online law schools will guide you in studying law online if you decide to take the path.
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