Pursuing a law degree can be an expensive endeavor, but California offers several affordable options for aspiring lawyers; whether you’re looking for public institutions, private schools, or part-time programs, there are various ways to achieve your legal education goals without incurring substantial debt.
The 20 Cheapest Law Schools in California
Here is a comprehensive list of the top 20 cheapest law schools in California, considering tuition fees, scholarships, and overall cost of living.
1. University of California, Hastings College of the Law
Overview
UC Hastings, located in San Francisco, is known for its affordable tuition rates for in-state residents.
Tuition and Fees
- In-State Tuition: Approximately $44,000 per year
- Out-of-State Tuition: Approximately $50,000 per year
Key Features
- Strong emphasis on practical experience
- Extensive alumni network
2. University of California, Davis School of Law
Overview
UC Davis offers a robust legal education at a relatively low cost for California residents.
Tuition and Fees
- In-State Tuition: Approximately $48,000 per year
- Out-of-State Tuition: Approximately $56,000 per year
Key Features
- Diverse and inclusive community
- High employment rate for graduates
3. University of California, Irvine School of Law
Overview
UC Irvine is one of the newer law schools in California but has quickly established itself as an affordable option.
Tuition and Fees
- In-State Tuition: Approximately $47,000 per year
- Out-of-State Tuition: Approximately $55,000 per year
Key Features
- Innovative curriculum
- Emphasis on public service
4. University of California, Los Angeles School of Law
Overview
UCLA Law offers a high-quality education with relatively affordable tuition rates for residents.
Tuition and Fees
- In-State Tuition: Approximately $48,000 per year
- Out-of-State Tuition: Approximately $58,000 per year
Key Features
- Strong national reputation
- Comprehensive clinical programs
5. University of California, Berkeley School of Law
Overview
UC Berkeley is known for its excellent legal program and relatively low tuition rates for in-state students.
Tuition and Fees
- In-State Tuition: Approximately $49,000 per year
- Out-of-State Tuition: Approximately $55,000 per year
Key Features
- Prestigious faculty
- Strong emphasis on public interest law
6. Santa Clara University School of Law
Overview
Santa Clara University offers competitive tuition rates and a strong focus on intellectual property law.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $52,000 per year
Key Features
- Located in Silicon Valley
- Strong tech law programs
7. University of San Francisco School of Law
Overview
USF School of Law provides a quality legal education at a moderate cost.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $51,000 per year
Key Features
- Emphasis on social justice
- Strong community engagement
8. California Western School of Law
Overview
Located in San Diego, Cal Western offers a comprehensive legal education with relatively low tuition.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $50,000 per year
Key Features
- Extensive clinical programs
- Diverse student body
9. Western State College of Law
Overview
Western State, located in Irvine, offers one of the lowest tuition rates among private law schools in California.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $43,000 per year
Key Features
- Focus on practical training
- Supportive learning environment
10. Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Overview
Loyola offers a strong legal program with a focus on experiential learning at a moderate cost.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $60,000 per year
Key Features
- Extensive alumni network
- Strong emphasis on trial advocacy
11. Chapman University, Fowler School of Law
Overview
Chapman University provides a solid legal education with competitive tuition rates.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $55,000 per year
Key Features
- Emphasis on entertainment law
- Personalized education experience
12. Pepperdine University, Caruso School of Law
Overview
Pepperdine offers a picturesque campus and a strong legal program at a reasonable cost.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $59,000 per year
Key Features
- Renowned dispute resolution program
- Strong emphasis on ethics and public service
13. Southwestern Law School
Overview
Southwestern offers a variety of programs at competitive tuition rates.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $54,000 per year
Key Features
- Located in Los Angeles
- Strong entertainment law programs
14. Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Overview
Thomas Jefferson provides an affordable option for students looking to practice law in California.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $50,000 per year
Key Features
- Emphasis on practical skills
- Diverse student body
15. University of La Verne College of Law
Overview
La Verne offers a quality legal education at one of the lowest tuition rates in California.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $32,000 per year
Key Features
- Focus on public service
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
16. San Joaquin College of Law
Overview
Located in Clovis, San Joaquin College of Law offers an affordable legal education focused on practical training.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $40,000 per year
Key Features
- Emphasis on community service
- Supportive learning environment
17. Trinity Law School
Overview
Trinity Law School offers a Christian perspective on legal education at an affordable cost.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $35,000 per year
Key Features
- Emphasis on ethics and public service
- Flexible scheduling options
18. Humphreys College Laurence Drivon School of Law
Overview
Humphreys College offers a practical and affordable legal education in Stockton, California.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $35,000 per year
Key Features
- Focus on practical skills
- Evening classes available
19. Golden Gate University School of Law
Overview
Golden Gate University provides a comprehensive legal education at a moderate cost.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $52,000 per year
Key Features
- Strong emphasis on public interest law
- Located in San Francisco
20. Pacific Coast University School of Law
Overview
Pacific Coast University offers one of the most affordable legal education options in California.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $15,000 per year
Key Features
- Focus on practical training
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
Conclusion
Choosing the right law school involves considering various factors, including tuition costs, location, programs offered, and overall fit. The schools listed above provide a range of affordable options for pursuing a legal education in California. By selecting a school that balances cost with quality, you can achieve your legal education goals without incurring excessive debt.