Is it your dream to practice law in the state of California? Are you lost looking for the cheapest law schools in California? Then you are in the right place.
Studying in California can be expensive, especially for students who want to study at a law school. Fortunately, there are a good number of law schools in the golden state. who focus on providing good value whilst maintaining relatively low fees.
There are numerous law schools in California, each with its own tuition fees and other expenses, and to some extent, everyone looking for affordable law schools in California will surely find one. Also, depending on your level of intellect, you may wish to further your academic career by enrolling in one of the global law schools in the United Kingdom.
Let’s proceed as we take a look at the cheapest law schools in California.
Table of Contents
What are law schools?
A law school is an institution that specializes in legal education and is usually involved in the process of becoming a lawyer in a specific jurisdiction.
Earning a law degree is frequently associated with high pay and prestige. The skills you learn in a Juris Doctor program are transferable and may be useful in careers other than law. The primary goal of law schools focused on teaching students how to think like a lawyer. However, if you’re wondering how long it takes to get a law degree, the answer is straightforward: it does not take more than five years.
Law schools curricula were created with the following goals in mind:
- Hone critical thinking
- Teach doctrinal law using the Socratic method
- Provide “legal” writing techniques and fluency in the “language of the law”
- Advance oral advocacy and presentation skills
- Encourage risk-aversion and mistake avoidance
- Teach legal ethics
What are law school requirements in California?
The requirements to get into a law school in California are as follows:
- Complete the College of Law application
- Submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended at the undergraduate and graduate levels
- Applicants who have taken the LSAT are required to submit their scores
- Present your personal documents.
Complete the College of Law application
In its most basic form, applying to law school is similar to applying to college: Ensure that you have completed all of the various parts of the application, that it has been compiled, and that it has been submitted to the various institutions that interest you.
Submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended at the undergraduate and graduate levels
In accordance with Rule 4.25, the California Committee of Bar Examiners requires applicants to have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of college work.
This completed work must be equivalent to at least half of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree from a college or university with degree-granting authority from the state in which it is located, and it must be completed with a grade average sufficient for graduation.
Applicants who have taken the LSAT are required to submit their scores
Applicants who have taken the LSAT must submit their results. Students who have not taken the LSAT may submit another graduate test score, such as the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, or DAT, or request that their file be considered in the absence of such a score based on demonstrated academic excellence or professional achievement.
The dean and the law school admission committee may choose to admit such a candidate or notify him or her that submitting a test score is required for consideration.
Present your personal documents
When presenting your personal documents, it is important that you include the following:
- Your letter of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Relevant addenda addressing issues pertaining to criminal background; academic background; and/or prior law school enrollment.
How expensive is law school in California?
If you want to study law in California, you’ll need a lot of money because most schools aren’t cheap, although there are lots of law schools with scholarships.
Their level of training, combined with their practicality, distinguishes them as one of the best law schools in the country.
You can, however, use this article on the cheapest law schools in California to narrow down your options.
As a result, if you want to attend a law school in California, you’ll have to pay tuition ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 per year. On the contrary, if you are eligible for a scholarship, you can avoid paying such tuition.
List of 25 Cheapest Law Schools in California
Here is a list of the cheapest law schools in California that you can enroll in without breaking the bank:
- California Western School of Law
- Chapman University School of Law
- Golden Gate University-San Francisco School of Law
- Loyola Law School
- Pepperdine University School of Law
- Santa Clara University School of Law
- Southwestern Law School
- Stanford Law School
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law
- Berkeley School of Law
- Davis School of Law
- University of San Francisco School of Law
- Hastings College of the Law
- Irvine School of Law
- Los Angeles School of Law
- University of La Verne College of Law
- University of San Diego School of Law
- Gould School of Law
- McGeorge School of Law
- Western State College of Law at Westcliff University
- University of California Irvine law school
- UC Davis law school
- UCLA law school.
25 Cheapest Law Schools in California
Below are the most affordable law schools in California to help you realize your dream of becoming a lawyer:
#1. California Western School of Law
California Western School of Law is a San Diego, California-based private law school. It is one of two organizations that have succeeded California Western University, the other being Alliant International University.
The school was established in 1924, was accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) in 1962, and joined the Association of American Law Schools in 1967.
The average GPA of enrolled students is 3.26, with an LSAT score of 151. California Western School of Law has a 53.66 percent acceptance rate, with 866 admitted out of 1,614 applicants.
Tuition:
Full-time Student (12 – 17 units per trimester)
- Tuition cost: $29,100 per trimester
Part-time Student (6 – 11 units per trimester)
- Tuition cost: $21,720 per trimester.
#2. Chapman University School of Law
Chapman University’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law has earned a unique reputation for its collegial and collaborative students, accessible faculty, and supportive staff.
The law school boasts a 6.5-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, offering smaller class sizes and greater opportunities to work closely with faculty and administrators. Chapman University School of Law has a 33.96 percent acceptance rate.
Tuition:
$55,099
#3. Golden Gate University-San Francisco School of Law
Golden Gate University School of Law is one of Golden Gate University’s professional graduate schools. GGU is a California non-profit corporation located in downtown San Francisco, California, and is fully accredited by the American Bar Association.
GGU Law prepares its students to be creative, savvy, and socially-conscious practitioners. Our full-time program gives you unparalleled skills and experiences in the legal profession, all while graduating in three years.
Tuition:
$5,600
#4. Loyola Law School
A law school affiliated with Loyola Marymount University, a private Catholic university located in Los Angeles, California. Loyola was founded in 1920.
Loyola University Chicago School of Law is a student-focused law centre inspired by the Jesuit tradition of academic excellence, intellectual openness, and service to others.
Tuition:
$59,340
#5. Pepperdine University School of Law
When you choose Pepperdine School of Law, you will be joining a distinguished community of students seeking a superior legal education at an internationally renowned institution.
Students in the Laws program are prepared for success in the increasingly globalized legal and business marketplaces. Pepperdine students are prepared for lives of purpose, service, and leadership through rigorous academic programs committed to individualized learning.
Tuition:
$57,560
#6. Santa Clara University School of Law
Santa Clara Law provides an outstanding environment in which to study law. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting economies, on a lush campus centered on a historic California mission.
This law school is consistently ranked as one of the best law schools in the country for its intellectual property curriculum and program, as well as for being one of the most diverse law schools in the country.
Tuition:
$ 41,790
#7. Southwestern Law School
Southwestern students come from a diverse range of cultural and educational backgrounds, contributing to the student body’s rich diversity.
Beyond grades and test scores, the admissions committee of the law school considers many other aspects of a prospective student’s credentials.
Admission to Southwestern is based on a variety of factors that may predict an applicant’s success in law school. Prior to enrolling at Southwestern, applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
Undergraduate grade point averages (UGPA) and Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) scores are taken into account, and each applicant’s file is reviewed for academic work quality, motivation, recommendations, and diversity.
Tuition:
- Full-Time: $ 56,146
- Part-Time: $ 37,447
#8. Stanford Law School
Stanford Law School (Stanford Law or SLS) is a law school affiliated with Stanford University, a private research university located near Palo Alto, California.
It was founded in 1893 and is consistently regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious law schools. Since 1992, Stanford Law has been ranked among the top three law schools in the United States on an annual basis, a feat shared only by Yale Law School.
Stanford Law School employs over 90 full-time and part-time faculty members and enrolls over 550 students pursuing.
Tuition:
47,460
#9. Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Thomas Jefferson School of Law is another cheapest law school In California that is recognized and accredited by the American Bar Association. One unfortunate aspect of registering with this school is that it is under threat of closure. Furthermore, it is not included in the National Jurist’s list of the top 80 law schools in the United States.
Tuition:
$51,000
#10. Berkeley School of Law
The University of California, Berkeley, School of Law is the law school of the University of California, Berkeley, a public research university in Berkeley, California. Berkeley Law is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the United States and the world.
Annual Tuition:
$55,345.50
#11. Davis School of Law
Another low-cost law school The University of California, Davis School of Law, also known as King Hall and UC Davis Law in California, is an American Bar Association-approved law school located in Davis, California on the campus of the University of California, Davis.
#12. University of San Francisco School of Law
The University of San Francisco School of Law is the private University of San Francisco law school. It was founded in 1912 and received American Bar Association accreditation in 1935, as well as membership in the Association of American Law Schools in 1937.
Tuition:
40,464
#13. Hastings College of the Law
The University of California Hastings College of the Law is a public law school in the heart of San Francisco.
UC Hastings was founded in 1878 as the first law department of the University of California and is one of the most exciting and vibrant legal education centres in the nation. The school faculty are nationally renowned as both teachers and scholars.
Tuition:
- Total Resident Fees $23,156 $46,033
- Non-Californian Resident Tuition $3,210 $6,420
#14. Irvine School of Law
UCI’s School of Law is the state’s first public law school in nearly 50 years.
In 2009, the school opened its doors to its first class of 60 law students, fulfilling a long-held campus vision. Today, the UCI Law community consists of more than 50 full-time faculty members and more than 400 students.
Irvine School of Law s a forward-thinking law school dedicated to developing talented and passionate lawyers. Academic excellence, intellectual rigour, and a commitment to enriching communities through public service drive it.
Its goal has always been to establish one of the top law schools in the country and to prepare students for the highest levels of legal practice.
Tuition:
- Domestic tuition $11,502
- International tuition $12,245
#15. Los Angeles School of Law
UCLA School of Law, founded in 1949, has a reputation for artful teaching, influential scholarship, and long-lasting innovation. UCLA Law has consistently pushed new boundaries in the study and practice of law as the first public law school in Southern California and the youngest top-ranked law school in the United States.
Tuition:
- Full-time: $52,468 (in-state)
- Full-time: $60,739 (out-of-state
#16. University of La Verne College of Law
The law school of the University of La Verne, a private university in Ontario, California, is known as the University of La Verne College of Law. It was established in 1970 and is recognized by the State Bar of California, but not by the American Bar Association.
The College of Law teaches the practice of law in an innovative, collaborative environment, while also preparing students to advocate for community access to legal services and justice. Few professions have the power to radically alter the lives of individuals, municipalities, and entire regions like laws.
You will graduate from La Verne Law prepared to make a difference for your clients.
Tuition:
$27,256
#17. University of San Diego School of Law
The University of San Diego is one of the cheapest law schools in California.
Prospective lawyers can study law at the university level through clinics, advocacy programs, and externships.
In addition, students gain hands-on experience and access to San Diego’s leading practitioners and judges.
Tuition:
42,540
#18. Gould School of Law
The USC Gould School of Law, located in Los Angeles, California, is a law school within the University of Southern California. The oldest law school in the Southwestern United States, USC Law traces its beginnings to 1896 and became affiliated with USC in 1900.
Tuition:
$36,399
#19. McGeorge School of Law
McGeorge, located in Sacramento, California, is yet another top-tier cheap law school in California with a high acceptance rate.
The school is one of the few on this list that offers three completely online degrees. McGeorge’s curriculum is designed to produce highly skilled professionals who are ready to enter the rapidly changing legal market.
Tuition:
$49,076
#20. Western State College of Law at Westcliff University
Western University is most well-known for its computer science and engineering programs. They do, however, have a position for lawyers in their law department.
It is one of the most selective universities in the country, as well as one of the best cheap law schools in California. So, if you’re wondering how much law school costs in California, Western University is a good place to start.
Annual Tuition:
$42,860
#21. UC Davis law school
The University of California, Davis School of Law, referred to as UC Davis School of Law and commonly known as King Hall and UC Davis Law, is an American Bar Association-approved law school located in Davis, California on the campus of the University of California, Davis.
UC Davis law school school received ABA approval in 1968.
Tuition:
$53,093
#22. UCLA law school
With its diverse academic programs, world-renowned faculty and innovative approach, UCLA School of Law is acclaimed as one of the nation’s finest institutions.
Each year, an impressive student body assembles here to be intellectually challenged through the rigours and excitement of an unsurpassed legal education.
UCLA School of Law faculty members are consistently honoured for their teaching excellence and are among the most prolific in the nation, generating inspired scholarship recognized in local, national and international circles.
Tuition:
$52,500
#23. Golden State University
Golden Gate University is a non-profit private university located in San Francisco, California. GGU, founded in 1901, specializes in professional education through its law, business, taxation, and accounting schools.
Tuition:
- In-State $12,456
- Out of State $12,456.
#24. Pacific McGeorge School of Law
McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific is a private, American Bar Association-accredited law school located in the Oak Park neighbourhood of Sacramento, California. It is affiliated with the University of the Pacific and is located on the Sacramento campus of the university.
Tuition:
- In-State: $34,110 N/A
- Out-of-State: $51,312 N/A
#25. Abraham Lincoln University law school
Abraham Lincoln University is a private, for-profit online university based in Glendale, California.
The school takes pride in keeping costs low and programs accessible. Students can work full-time while pursuing their degrees.
For those who qualify, federal financial aid is available for the Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and Master of Science in Law degree programs.
Abraham Lincoln University’s law school works hard to make law education available to a diverse and non-traditional student body.
Tuition:
$ 6,400
FAQs About Cheapest Law Schools In California
What are the best cheapest law schools in California?
The cheapest law school in California are: California Western School of Law, Chapman University School of Law, Loyola Law School, Pepperdine University School of Law, Santa Clara University School of Law...
What is the Cost of Studying Law in California?
The tuition for law schools in California range between $20,000-and $60,000 per year.
Is Going To Law School Worth it?
Going to law school does not guarantee instant success or a large sum of money, but it comes close. This professional qualification provides you with more job security and a higher salary than those who do not have it, and in order to practice law, you must attend law school.
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Conclusion
These California law schools have the potential to transform inexperienced students into competent lawyers.
They may be inexpensive, but they are also credible, well-known, and well-recognized institutions. The majority of the work is yours as an individual, as hard work is essential to success.