Cheap law schools in California: Choosing to study law in California is an amazing decision. But the big question that strikes the mind of intending lawyers is “How Much is law school” “How long does it take to become a lawyer in California” “Does California Law schools operate online”?
These questions plague the mind of many lawyers wanna-be. Knowing how important and expensive law schools can be, we put together this piece on cheap law schools in California.
Because they are cheap doesn’t make them insignificant.
A law degree remains one of the most sought-after and competitive degrees in the world. It is a professional degree that not only opens the students’ minds, but also opens up a wide range of opportunities in what they can do professionally.
The legal profession is a respected profession that remains relevant despite the rapid development of the labor market. Lawyers will always be in high demand with any technological advancement and this is why a law degree is a must.
Most of these cheap law schools are among the best law colleges in California.
The tuition fees of law schools can be way off the radar. However, with these cheap good law schools in California, you don’t have to ditch your desires.
You can still train to become a lawyer at an affordable cost.
And yes, just in case flying to California is going to be hard task, save costs by going to any of the law schools online.
So without further ado, let’s proceed to Court, Scholar!!!
What Does it take to Study Law in California?
While growing up, it was natural for us to call anyone who is good at winning arguments by the name “Lawyer”. But today having known about the profession, I realized that being able to win an argument is just a tip of the needed skill.
Before getting into law school, it’s important you know the skills and attributes that will aid you to do well in school. And when you are called to bar, you can be able to defend your clients effortlessly.
Here are the attributes you need to become a Lawyer,
Possessing these skills gives you a natural edge. But to validate them, you have to attend a law school. Going to study abroad will be great for that. But however, the cost of law school especially in California can be high.
For this cause, below you will find a list of cheap law schools in California.
What is a Law School?
I often wonder why it’s necessary to have a separate school to train lawyers? Of course, that’s after they have earned a bachelor’s degree in law.
Usually, it pissed me off till I realized the whole puzzle behind what happens in law schools. It’s a process you have to undergo as a lawyer before you’re called to bar just like doctors who have to go to med school after bagging a bachelor’s degree in medicine.
What then is “Law School”?
Law school is a separate institution with the sole aim of training law bachelor’s degree holders in matters regarding legal education.
Within the confines of law schools, prospective lawyers are educated on how to exercise authority within the legal jurisdiction.
Although some countries do not consider law schools necessary, some demand them. And since we are hinging on California, it’s important you know that you need to attend law school before you become a lawyer.
The field of law is constantly expanding in terms of the scope of what can be argued or requires the intervention of new laws and guidelines.
Lawyers are needed in almost every field, from trade to international legal relations, politics and economics to emerging areas.
Because of this, lawyers need to follow all trends in society so they know what to do when legal intervention is required.
Many law programs around the world are geared towards staying one step ahead of the news and ensuring that law students receive the most appropriate education currently available.
Are There Good And Low Tuition Law Schools in California?
Of course, there are cheap law schools in California. And to add to the topping, most of the cheap law schools in California have a long history of excellence.
And most also ranks as one of the best law schools in the world.
Now you have them at your fingertips. You now have the choice of making a pick from our list of cheap law schools in California.
And you will also find how much each law school cost.
Why you should pursue a law degree
The reasons for enrolling in law school are almost too obvious, but it’s worth remembering. Many first-year students have questions about a possible law degree. The reasons for one should be clear and easy to understand. Almost anyone with a passion knows that there are several advantages to studying law.
It is still common knowledge that lawyers are among the most qualified professionals in their profession. Their skills are so unique that not everyone can do their job. Because of this, a law degree puts you on your way to a potentially budding career that will always be in demand.
There are a variety of careers that you can pursue once you have a law degree. Improved Job Stability and Growth – Given that the English language never gets old, a Masters graduate is expected to earn more than a degree holder and hold senior positions in the jobs. You can become an attorney, consultant, executive director, entrepreneur, teacher, and more.
21+ Cheapest Law Schools in California 2022
Below are the cheapest law schools in California. We considered many factors while putting this piece together.
However, the primary factor remained the cost of law school in California.
Here is a list of the best cheap law schools in California you can apply for.
#1. Stanford University
Annual Tuition: $20,725
Stanford University is a top-ranked private research university in California. It’s one of the universities with a long history of academic excellence and achievements.
Also, it’s not one of the universities with high acceptance. What this means is that you have to measure up to the high application competition.
However, it’s one of the good cheap law schools in California.
#2. University of La Verne College of Law
Annual Tuition: $30,280
Here at the University of La Verne College of law, students get to study for the Juris Doctor (JD) law degree. This can either be in Business Administration (JD/MBA) or Public Administration (JD/MPA).
Since its inception in 1970, it’s been regarded as one of the best law colleges in California. But unfortunately, the college is “unranked” in the U.S. News & World Report, “Best Law Schools” report.
#3. Western State University
Annual Tuition: $42,860
Western University is best known for computer science and engineering fields. However, they have a spot for lawyers via their law department.
It’s one of the universities with a high acceptance rate and also one of the best cheap law schools in California. So if you’re wondering how much law school is in California, you can go to Western University.
#4. University of San Francisco
Annual Tuition: $50,770
Here is one of the low-cost law schools in California. With a very high acceptance rate of 71%. Also, the university ranks 97th in the U.S. News & World Report, tied for 63rd “Best College for Veterans”, and 67th in “Best Value” in the National University category in 2021.
It’s also one of the law schools whose tuition is quite affordable.
#5. Golden State University
Annual Tuition: $51,000
For students willing to study in a private university, Golden State University is one. It’s one of the best law colleges in California that’s very professional.
Also, it’s one of the good law schools in California accredited and recognized by the American Bar Association.
Here at the university, prospective lawyers can earn a first degree in law (J.D.) and first graduate degrees in law (L.L.M., and doctoral S.J.D.) programs. This can either be in intellectual property, environmental law, taxation, U.S. legal studies, and international law.
#6. Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Annual Tuition: $51,000
Here’s one of the cheap private law schools in California recognized and accredited by the American Bar Association.
One sad factor about registering with this school is that it’s on the threat of removal. And also, it’s not ranked in National Jurist’s rankings of the top 80 law schools in the United States.
#7. Santa Clara University
Annual Tuition: $52,528
How much is a law school in California? Santa Clara costs $52,528. It’s a private and oldest Jesuit University in California.
This is one of the good and cheap law schools in California that offers the Juris Doctor (J.D.) law degree. Also, it offers double degree programs such as J.D./M.B.A. and J.D./MSIS.
#8. University of California Davis
Annual Tuition: $53,220
Here’s one of the most recognized law schools which enlists as one of the cheap law schools in California. Also, it has a high acceptance rate of 42%. This increases your chances of getting admission.
#9. University of California Los Angeles
Annual Tuition: $54,052.30
UCLA is one of the cheap law schools in California. Although a public research university, the cost of its law school is considered affordable in California.
However, UCLA’s admission rates vary because certain laws restrict admission. In other words, you have to be the best to earn admission into UCLA law school.
#10. Chapman University
Annual Tuition: $54,540
Chapman’s University School of Law is at Kennedy Hall. Here they offer Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees in various specialties.
Also, it’s one of the cheap law schools you can opt for when considering how much law school costs.
#11. University of California Berkeley
Annual Tuition: $55,345.50
Gaining admission into UC Berkeley can be a daunting task due to the high admission standards. Following its worldwide recognition, it’s not just regarded as one of the good law schools in California but also a cheap one.
#12. University of California Hastings
Annual Tuition: $55,538
Here’s one of the first law schools to be instituted in the US. Also, the college is one of the affiliated law schools that doesn’t share a campus with other PG and UG programs
Law programs offered here include a 3-year Juris Doctor program with a concentration in criminal law, taxation, public interest, family, intellectual property law, etc
#13. University of San Diego
Annual Tuition: $56,230
The University of San Diego is one of the cheap law schools in California. At the university, prospective lawyers get to study law through clinics, advocacy programs, and externships.
Also, students gain hands-on experience and access to leading practitioners and judges in San Diego.
#14. Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
Annual Tuition: $55,648.62
Pepperdine Caruso is one of the cheap law schools in Canada located in Malibu, California. In addition to traditional law schools, it offers online programs in California.
#15. Loyola Law School
Annual Tuition: $58,048.00
Situated in the city of Los Angeles, is one of the low cost tuition law school in California. When considering how much law school costs, you can look out for Loyola.
It is currently ranked highest in the Southern California Super Lawyers and fifth in trial advocacy.
The program promotes diversity and inclusivity, and being a catholic based school, it’s very attractive to those who would like to pursue their law degree while still practicing their faith.
The school, however, does not discriminate against students from other faiths who may also benefit from its good program.
The school also pays special attention to catering for disabled students and has in place measures to ensure inclusivity in that regard.
#16. McGeorge School of Law
Annual Tuition: $49,076
We find McGeorge in Sacramento, California. It’s one of the cheap law schools in California with a high acceptance rate. The institution is one of the few schools on this list that offers three fully online degrees. The curriculum at McGeorge is designed to develop highly skilled professionals who are prepared for the rapidly changing legal market.
#17. California Western School of Law
Annual Tuition: $47,000
California Western School of Law is found in San Diego, California. It’s one of the good law schools in California with low cost tuition.
The school ranks among one of the top 10 U.S. Schools for diversity. It also ranks in the top 3 for required experiential learning credits (15) among U.S. Schools.
The faculty has been published extensively in a number of law reviews and specialty journals, including California Law Review, Boston College Law Review, Iowa Law Review, among others.
There are several programs available for both local and international students for postgraduate students.
#18. Southwestern Law School
Annual Tuition: $27,858
When you’re considering how much going to law school can cost in California, you should look out for Southwestern law school.
It’s one of the law schools in California which is considered cheap because the tuition is low.
#19. The University of Southern California, Gould School of Law
Annual Tuition: $64,908
USC Gould School of Law is found in Los Angeles. It’s one of the oldest law schools which provides prospective lawyers various opportunities for externships, public interest, etc
Also, it’s one of the cheap law schools you can consider when you’re thinking of how much a law school can cost in California.
#20. Whittier Law School
Annual Tuition: Under Review
Basically, Whittier Law School in California used to be one of the top-rated cheap and best colleges in California.
However, at the time of writing this article, it’s on the verge of shutting down.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Law Schools in California
How Long Does It Take To Go to Law School in California?
Depending on how you calculate it, the time spent in law school might vary. The addition of both bachelor’s degrees and law school will make it longer than the actual.
Getting a bachelor’s degree in law takes 4 years. While going to law school takes about 18 months. In essence, to study law takes about 3-6 years.
However, online law schools in California and other countries will take a shorter time.
How Do I Get into any Good Law Schools in California?
To get into any of the cheap law schools in California or elsewhere, here’s what to do;
- Complete your bachelor’s degree program. (Optional for some countries)
- Apply to any law school of your choice.
- Pass the bar exam
- Once they accept you, you’re in!!!
Is Going To Law School Important?
The answer will depend on the country. However, it’s safe to say it’s country-dependent. But for California, it’s important.
Are there Scholarships for Law students?
Clicking the Scholarship button on our homepage will take you to a list of Californian scholarships. Or check out the 91+ Scholarships to Study Abroad For International Students.
How Much Do Lawyers Earn?
Lawyers earn about $120,910 annually. However, this depends on country, experience, place of practice, and legal niche.
How Many Law Schools Are In California?
Basically, there are about 20 law schools in California. But the Whittier Law School is on the verge of shutting down.
Until new law schools are instituted, we have 19 law schools in California
What is the Cost of Studying Law in California?
Without mincing words, studying law in California is freaking expensive. Most of the good law schools in California don’t come cheap.
Nonetheless, If you wish to study law in California you need a have a huge budget. The level of training combined with practicality make them one of the exceptional law schools in the country.
However, if you take advantage of this guide you will get access to cheap law schools in California. Like we stated above the tuition for law schools in California range between $20,000-$60,000 per year.
Are There Online Law Schools In California?
Yes, there are online law schools in California. Though not many.
These cheap online law schools are there for people who can’t make it to California to study. Same classes and training procedure applies. Just that online law schools in California afford students the opportunity to study at their own pace.
Some of the online law schools in California include;
- Pepperdine University
- University of Southern California
What are the Public law schools in California?
Many people have some misunderstanding about public law schools. In fact, most of them agree that public law schools are actually one of the cheapest law schools in California.
Conversely, as our list still proves, we cannot say it is true. The only nice thing about public schools is their access to funding and opportunities.
Again, that doesn’t mean they’re much better than private law schools, just that they have better advantage.
Conclusion
We hope you make your passion come alive in any of these cheap law schools in California. As cheap as these schools may be, they are credible institutions that are known and recognized. Most of the work falls on you as an individual because hard work is essential to success.
Without further ado!!!
Court!!!