Best Affordable Online Law Degree Programs

Looking to earn a bachelor’s degree and start your journey toward a legal career? Check out our list of the best affordable online law degree programs.
Matthew Arrojas
By
Edited by
Updated September 19, 2025
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At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Affordable Online Law Programs

  • #1: Northeastern State University — The program has over two dozen elective options in subjects like family law and litigation.
  • #2: University of Central Florida — Florida residents can earn an online bachelor’s degree for under $200 per credit.
  • #3: University of Massachusetts Global — This degree includes options to focus on business law or paralegal studies.

Law school is notoriously pricey, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank for your undergrad law program.

Many online law degree programs across the U.S. offer bachelor’s degrees in legal studies, which will prepare you well for entering the industry. Whether you decide to earn your Juris Doctor (JD) after your bachelor’s is up to you, but these baccalaureate programs can offer an affordable way to start your educational journey.

We considered net price and student outcomes to bring you this list of the best affordable law programs.

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Top Affordable Online Law and Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
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How We Rank Schools

#1

Northeastern State University

  • Tahlequah, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $221
Out-of-State | $525

Credits to Graduate: 124

A public institution in Oklahoma, Northeastern State University stands out for its cheaper-than-average in-state tuition rate. The bachelor’s in legal studies program also offers a fully online route to an undergraduate law degree.

During the legal studies program, you’ll explore American law, civil procedure, and legal ethics. The major develops critical analysis, legal research, and writing skills. The curriculum covers important topics such as technology in legal environments and electronic legal research. You’ll also complete a capstone in law office operations.

78%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,285

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

64%

Retention Rate

$15,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
99%
Students Enrolled
6,631
Institution Type
Public
#2

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $179
Out-of-State | $716

Credits to Graduate: 120

This public university charges a relatively low tuition rate for Florida residents. If you live in Florida, you can earn a bachelor’s in legal studies for under $200 per credit at the University of Central Florida. 

Explore the legal system, international law, and business law as a legal studies major. You’ll learn how to research complex legal topics and write legal briefs. You can also add a specialization in public law, criminal law, litigation, or another field. And you’ll gain real-world experience with an internship and capstone project.

9%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,368

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

93%

Retention Rate

$19,810

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
41%
Students Enrolled
67,959
Institution Type
Public
#3

University of Massachusetts Global

  • Irvine, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | $500

Credits to Graduate: 120

This private university offers multiple online degrees. The online legal studies program covers legal concepts while helping students develop critical thinking skills. Learners strengthen their legal research abilities while exploring the legal system. 

Coursework also covers topics such as negotiation, arbitration, and dispute resolution. Students can also take unique courses like white-collar crime and trial advocacy.

Learners pay the same tuition rate whether they live in Massachusetts or another state at the University of Massachusetts Global.

99%

Online Enrollment

$12,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

19%

Retention Rate

$12,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
9,798
Institution Type
Private
#4

Bellevue University

  • Bellevue, NE
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $449
Out-of-State | $449

Credits to Graduate: 127

Develop critical thinking and reasoning skills with an undergraduate law degree from Bellevue University. The private institution offers an online legal studies bachelor’s degree, which explores the law and legal system. 

If you have an associate degree, you can join an accelerated cohort and take one course at a time. The accelerated track encourages collaboration and networking. You can apply for Bellevue University scholarships and submit a FAFSA to qualify for additional financial aid opportunities.

95%

Online Enrollment

$7,560

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

72%

Retention Rate

$7,560

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
11,902
Institution Type
Private
#5

National University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 year
  • Online
  • Accredited

Cost per Year:
In-State | $13,320
Out-of-State | $13,320

Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter credits

California’s National University grants online degrees as a private institution. The bachelor’s in pre-law studies offers foundational training for law school and other careers. You’ll explore complex legal issues and master legal communication skills during your study. The pre-law senior project helps strengthen legal research and writing skills. 

With year-round enrollment and accelerated four-week courses, you can finish your degree in less time. National also prioritizes cost, connecting students with a financial aid advisor to discuss their options.

80%

Online Enrollment

$13,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

64%

Retention Rate

$13,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
18,631
Institution Type
Private
#6

University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Adelphi, MD
  • 4 year
  • Online
  • Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $324
Out-of-State | $499

Credits to Graduate: 120

Maryland students receive a tuition discount at the University of Maryland Global Campus. That can make earning a bachelor’s in legal studies even more affordable.

In the online legal studies program, you’ll explore American civil and criminal law. The major develops legal analysis and research skills through coursework in legal writing, litigation, and contract law. You’ll also complete a capstone to hone digital research skills while building a portfolio on professional practices in the legal field.

93%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,344

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

52%

Retention Rate

$11,976

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
55,323
Institution Type
Public
#7

Purdue University Global

  • West Lafayette, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $371
Out-of-State | $371

Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter credits

Train for careers as a legal assistant or paralegal at Purdue Global. The online bachelor’s in legal support services emphasizes analytical thinking, legal writing, and communication skills. You can also add a concentration in paralegal studies.

During the program, you’ll learn how to research legal sources, integrate them into arguments, and apply legal theories. You’ll also explore legal philosophy, alternative dispute resolution, and business law.

Purdue Global prioritizes affordability with a flat tuition rate for distance learners. You can also save money with transfer credits and financial aid. Purdue also offers credit for military training and an international student tuition reduction.

100%

Online Enrollment

$10,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

75%

Retention Rate

$13,356

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
43,458
Institution Type
Public
#8

Hodges University

  • Fort Myers, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $595
Out-of-State | $595

Credits to Graduate: 120

Take pre-law courses at Hodges University, a private institution in Florida. The bachelor’s in legal studies can prepare you for law school or diverse career paths.

You’ll take innovative courses in eDiscovery and eLitigation while strengthening your knowledge of legal terminology. Experienced lawyers teach courses in the program, bringing their real-world knowledge to the classroom. 

With accelerated options and monthly start dates, Hodges prioritizes flexibility. Florida residents may qualify for the EASE grant, which lowers costs.

93%

Online Enrollment

$14,280

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

50%

Retention Rate

$14,280

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
61%
Students Enrolled
551
Institution Type
Private
#9

Dominican University

  • River Forest, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $490
Out-of-State | $490

Credits to Graduate: 120

Dominican University, a private institution in Illinois, charges the same tuition rate for online learners regardless of their state residency. The bachelor’s in legal studies offers an affordable, online route to a law degree. 

Designed for adult learners, the legal studies major takes as few as 20 months to complete. You can receive transfer credits for courses you’ve already taken and tailor the curriculum with social sciences electives. Dominican uses an accelerated eight-week term and offers learning seminars to help distance learners adjust to the online classroom.

87%

Online Enrollment

$34,950

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

75%

Retention Rate

$34,950

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
3,195
Institution Type
Private
#10

Keiser University

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Cost per Year:
In-State | $22,936
Out-of-State | $22,936

Credits to Graduate: 120

You can prepare for a career in law or related fields with a degree from Keiser University. The private institution offers an affordable bachelor’s in legal studies, with the option to add a law office management concentration.

During the program, you’ll take courses in criminal procedure, legal research, and evidence. You can also gain hands-on experience with an optional internship. The program concludes with a legal studies capstone project. 

You’ll pay an affordable flat tuition rate per year regardless of your residency status, making it easier to plan for your college costs.

50%

Online Enrollment

$20,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

68%

Retention Rate

$20,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
19,019
Institution Type
Private

Why the Cheapest Online Law Program Isn’t Always the Most Affordable

Affordability is a spectrum.

That means the most affordable programs aren’t always the ones with the lowest posted tuition and fees. A lot goes into what you’ll actually pay for college, including financial aid, program flexibility, and your living situation while enrolled.

A university may post cheap tuition, for example, but if it doesn’t offer the flexibility to keep working while enrolled, is it really affordable? If graduates typically earn low salaries after graduation, is it really worth the low sticker price?

The most affordable colleges blend low tuition with positive return on investment (ROI), making you less likely to be buried in unmanageable debt.

Benefits of Getting an Affordable Undergraduate Law Degree Online

The BestColleges 2025 Online Education Trends Report uncovered key insights into the benefits of earning a degree online, including:

  • 97% of online bachelor’s students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
  • 3 in 4 respondents say the online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
  • Just 17% of online students say paying for college while minimizing student debt was their most significant challenge while enrolled.

How Much Does an Online Law Degree Cost?

Law & Legal Studies Bachelor’s, 2020

Online

Avg. Tuition & Fees: $6,315

Avg. Net Price: $3,206

On-Campus

Avg. Tuition & Fees: $9,717

Avg. Net Price: $4,640

Source: NCES PowerStats

A bachelor’s degree in legal studies typically won’t break the bank.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the 2020 average net price for online students was just over $3,200 per year. This means after you take into account financial aid and other factors, students typically don’t pay as much directly out of pocket.

Tuition and fees vary based on institution type, too.

Private, nonprofit colleges tend to be significantly more expensive than public universities. However, at public institutions, you may have to pay a higher price if you are an out-of-state student. On average, online legal studies students paid less after financial aid than on-campus students.

Private, for-profit universities tend to charge the highest net price at online-only institutions.

What Is an Online Law Degree’s ROI?

Return on investment is influenced by the cost of your studies and the salary you can expect after graduation.

Generally, a bachelor’s in legal studies has a positive ROI, as a law degree opens the door to many higher-paying jobs. However, in order to reach the upper echelons of the legal profession, you’ll need to earn a Juris Doctor professional degree.

A bachelor’s alone can still lead to a positive ROI, as starting salaries for these graduates tend to be over $50,000 per year.

Jobs you can pursue with just a bachelor’s degree in legal studies include:

  • Paralegal
  • Law clerk
  • Mediator
  • Compliance officer

Per Payscale, the average entry-level salary for a paralegal, as of August 2025, is just over $45,500 annually. To become a paralegal or legal assistant, you should graduate from a program accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

How to Save Money on Your Online Law Degree

Legal studies often lead to well-paying jobs, but it’s still beneficial to limit your spending on a degree as much as possible. Finding ways to save money on your online law degree could lead to less debt and a brighter future postgraduation.

1. Apply for Financial Aid

First things first: File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

This application can qualify you for federal financial aid, as well as many types of need-based state and institutional aid programs. Low- and middle-income students can benefit from Pell Grants, while filing a FAFSA can also make you eligible for other aid, including Federal Work-Study and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG).

Filing a FAFSA is also essential to qualify for federal student loans.

2. Start at a Community College

Earning an associate from a community college before enrolling in a baccalaureate program is a great way to save money in pursuit of a legal degree.

While there remains some stigma associated with community college, it’s an affordable option for millions of students. The average tuition and fees at a public, two-year institution were $4,050 in 2024-25, much lower than the in-state ($11,610) and out-of-state ($30,780) rates at public, four-year universities.

Online bachelor’s programs often offer flexible transfer options for students transitioning from an associate to bachelor’s program.

3. Get Exempt from Credits

If you are applying for college from the workforce, you may qualify for credit for prior learning (CPL).

Essentially, CPL is a way for colleges and universities to validate learning that happens outside of college classrooms. Experience spent in the workforce, depending on how it applies to your program, could translate into credits, saving you time and money

4. Attend a ‘Free’ Tuition School

The best way to save money is by not spending it at all.

Many colleges and universities across the country offer tuition-free bachelor’s degrees. Some options are geared to low- and middle-income families or students from certain demographic groups, but eligibility requirements vary. Several schools even offer free tuition to all their students. See if one of these schools is a good fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online Law Degrees

A bachelor of science (BS) in legal studies can help prepare you for law school and eventually to become a practicing lawyer.

It’s not a prerequisite for law school to have earned a BS in legal studies — you can major in many kinds of programs and still be accepted into law school. However, legal studies can offer a sturdy foundation for your eventual foray into law.

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