Cost of attendance
In-depth analysis on law school costs including tuition, grants, debt, cost of living, and more.
Loan Repayment by Law School for Recent Graduates
Law school graduates borrow more for law school than their incomes support, according to U.S. Department of Education data. This impacts quality of life, as well as creditworthiness.
Change the data scope on the top right to view student loan burden from different years.
Debt-to-income ratio based on monthly loan obligations (rather than total debt) provides another way to assess student loan burden. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), this debt service ratio "is one way lenders measure your ability to manage the monthly payments to repay the money you plan to borrow." Banks will consider, for example, what percentage of monthly pre-tax income goes to debt service in deciding whether to issue a mortgage. Beyond student loans, lenders look to any outstanding debt, e.g. bar loans, consumer debt, child support, or alimony. When your monthly debt obligations (including the prospective mortgage) exceed 43% of your monthly income, mortgage approval will be more difficult and the bank will be subject to additional regulations. According to Investopedia, if your percentage is above 43%, the "lender will likely deny the loan application because your monthly expenses for housing and various debts are too high as compared to your income."
A large monthly student loan payment impairs quality of life, although the debt service will decrease over time if the graduate's income increases and they make their full loan payment each month.
According to 2016 and 2017 graduate data from the U.S. Department of Education, law schools range from 4.8% to 31.6% on the debt service ratio using the standard term for federal student loans of 10 years.
Highest % of Income to Debt Service
2016 and 2017 Graduates
| School | % of Income to Debt Service |
|---|---|
| Whittier Law School | 31.6% |
| Florida Coastal School of Law | 31.2% |
| Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico | 31.1% |
| Charlotte School of Law | 27.4% |
| John Marshall Law School - Atlanta | 27.2% |
| Arizona Summit Law School | 26.9% |
| Thomas Jefferson School of Law | 26.9% |
| Thomas M. Cooley Law School | 25.0% |
| Barry University | 24.3% |
| Inter American University | 23.0% |
Lowest % of Income to Debt Service
2016 and 2017 Graduates
| School | % of Income to Debt Service |
|---|---|
| Brigham Young University | 4.8% |
| Cornell University | 4.9% |
| Northwestern University | 4.9% |
| Stanford University | 5.0% |
| Harvard University | 5.2% |
| Duke University | 5.2% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 5.3% |
| University of Virginia | 5.7% |
| University of Chicago | 5.7% |
| University of California - Berkeley | 5.9% |
Graduates may also opt for an extended repayment plan with a 25-year loan term. While the median graduate at the median law school ($109,256 total borrowed) owes $574 per month on the 10-year plan, they owe $574 per month on the 25-year plan. While this may make a difference in creditworthiness, and will certainly improve quality of life, they will pay significantly more interest over the term. Under the 10-year plan, they will pay $-40,425. Under the 25-year plan, they will pay $62,822. See caveats and assumptions here.
The federal government does, however, provide hardship programs to lessen the burden of monthly student loan obligations for those in financial hardship. The graduate at every ABA-approved law school who makes the median earnings with the median amount borrowed qualifies for Revised Pay As You Earn ("REPAYE"), one of these programs.
| Amount Borrowed | $109,256 |
| Pre-Tax Income | $59,438 |
| Discretionary Income | $41,348 |
| Monthly REPAYE Payment | $345 |
| Standard Payment | $574 |
| $0 / $574principal / interest |
This table uses the median earned at the median school (by earnings) with the median borrowed at the median school (by borrowing).
This hypothetical person would need to make at least $68,831 to devote 10% of pre-tax income to servicing the standard payment each month. For 20%, the necessary income is $34,416.
The government defines financial hardship under REPAYE (and other hardship programs) as a debt service ratio above 10%, although it calculates this ratio using pre-tax discretionary income. Discretionary income is income minus 150% of the poverty rate for the person's household size, which was $12,060 in 2017 (the relevant year for the reporting year 2020) for a single person. Borrowers then pay 10% of discretionary income each month. In other words, a borrower owes $0 unless they earn at least $18,090 no matter how large their loan balance. Whether to utilize REPAYE or other plans is complicated; it is not a matter of qualification or which payment is least.
Under the 10- or 25-year plan, the full monthly payment covers all interest due on the loan. But someone on REPAYE may not cover the interest payment, causing the outstanding balance to grow. Instead of growing by the full amount of unpaid interest, the government covers 50% of the unpaid interest, thus the outstanding balances will grow by the remainder. On the table below, the 2nd and 3rd rightmost columns include the REPAYE payment and the portion of the first payment (standard and extended) that is interest. If the values are in red, the REPAYE payment is less than the interest payment, i.e. the overall loan balance will grow unless the borrower pays more than the REPAYE payment. The graduate at 79.7% of law schools who makes the median earnings with the median amount borrowed cannot cover the interest with the REPAYE payment. If they want to do so and avoid an increased balance, they need to opt into government-defined financial hardship and pay more than the REPAYE amount.
The last column calculates the income necessary to devote 10% or 20% of pre-tax income to servicing student loans.
Debt Service Table
| School | Median Borrowed | Median Earnings | Debt Service Ratio | REPAYE Payment | Interest1st Payment | Salary for Full Service10% / 20% of Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany Law Schoolalbany, union.Private | NY | $105,731$555/mon, 10 years | $62,880 | 10.6% | $373 | $555 | $66,611 / $33,305 |
| American Universityamerican, washington college of law.Private | DC | $177,999$934/mon, 10 years | $65,833 | 17% | $398 | $934 | $112,139 / $56,070 |
| Appalachian School of Lawappalachian.Private | VA | $101,278$532/mon, 10 years | $47,260 | 13.5% | $243 | $532 | $63,805 / $31,903 |
| Arizona State Universityasu, o'connor.Public | AZ | $92,309$485/mon, 10 years | $64,706 | 9% | $388 | $485 | $58,155 / $29,077 |
| Arizona Summit Law Schoolarizonasummit, phoenix, infilaw.For-Profit | AZ | $198,258$1,041/mon, 10 years | $46,432 | 26.9% | $236 | $1,041 | $124,903 / $62,451 |
| Ave Maria School of Lawavemaria.Private | FL | $158,206$831/mon, 10 years | $44,666 | 22.3% | $221 | $831 | $99,670 / $49,835 |
| Barry Universitybarry.Private | FL | $167,186$878/mon, 10 years | $43,345 | 24.3% | $210 | $878 | $105,327 / $52,664 |
| Baylor Universitybaylor.Private | TX | $86,862$456/mon, 10 years | $74,786 | 7.3% | $472 | $456 | $54,723 / $27,362 |
| Belmont Universitybelmont.Private | TN | $135,522$711/mon, 10 years | $54,275 | 15.7% | $302 | $711 | $85,379 / $42,689 |
| Boston Collegebc.Private | MA | $109,256$574/mon, 10 years | $91,744 | 7.5% | $614 | $574 | $68,831 / $34,416 |
| Boston Universitybu.Private | MA | $119,295$626/mon, 10 years | $109,286 | 6.9% | $760 | $626 | $75,156 / $37,578 |
| Brigham Young Universitybyu, clark.Private | UT | $49,710$261/mon, 10 years | $65,457 | 4.8% | $395 | $261 | $31,317 / $15,659 |
| Brooklyn Law Schoolbrooklyn.Private | NY | $120,042$630/mon, 10 years | $68,880 | 11% | $423 | $630 | $75,626 / $37,813 |
| California Western School of Lawcalwestern.Private | CA | $141,521$743/mon, 10 years | $60,643 | 14.7% | $355 | $743 | $89,158 / $44,579 |
| Campbell Universitycampbell.Private | NC | $140,880$740/mon, 10 years | $49,498 | 17.9% | $262 | $740 | $88,754 / $44,377 |
| Capital Universitycapital.Private | OH | $111,600$586/mon, 10 years | $47,553 | 14.8% | $246 | $586 | $70,308 / $35,154 |
| Cardozo-Yeshiva Universitycardozo.Private | NY | $110,033$578/mon, 10 years | $71,725 | 9.7% | $447 | $578 | $69,321 / $34,660 |
| Case Western Reserve Universitycasewestern, cwru.Private | OH | $83,500$438/mon, 10 years | $59,288 | 8.9% | $343 | $438 | $52,605 / $26,303 |
| Catholic University of Americacatholic, columbus.Private | DC | $145,649$765/mon, 10 years | $70,386 | 13% | $436 | $765 | $91,759 / $45,879 |
| Chapman Universitychapman.Private | CA | $155,229$815/mon, 10 years | $70,680 | 13.8% | $438 | $815 | $97,794 / $48,897 |
| Charleston School of Lawcharleston, csol.For-Profit | SC | $144,682$760/mon, 10 years | $45,500 | 20% | $228 | $760 | $91,150 / $45,575 |
| Charlotte School of Lawcharlotte, infilaw, csol.For-Profit | NC | $196,998$1,034/mon, 10 years | $45,213 | 27.4% | $226 | $1,034 | $124,109 / $62,054 |
| Chicago-Kent College of Lawkent, illinois institute of technology.Private | IL | $102,823$540/mon, 10 years | $64,051 | 10.1% | $383 | $540 | $64,778 / $32,389 |
| Cleveland-Marshall College of Lawcleveland.Public | OH | $85,892$451/mon, 10 years | $51,273 | 10.6% | $277 | $451 | $54,112 / $27,056 |
| Columbia Universitycolumbia, cls.Private | NY | $177,000$929/mon, 10 years | $185,760 | 6% | $1,397 | $929 | $111,510 / $55,755 |
| Concordia University School of Lawconcordia.Private | ID | $93,836$493/mon, 10 years | $56,234 | 10.5% | $318 | $493 | $59,117 / $29,558 |
| Cornell Universitycornell.Private | NY | $139,926$735/mon, 10 years | $179,153 | 4.9% | $1,342 | $735 | $88,153 / $44,077 |
| Creighton Universitycreighton.Private | NE | $130,998$688/mon, 10 years | $57,168 | 14.4% | $326 | $688 | $82,529 / $41,264 |
| CUNYcuny-queens, city university of new york.Public | NY | $70,450$370/mon, 10 years | $59,438 | 7.5% | $345 | $370 | $44,384 / $22,192 |
| DePaul Universitydepaul.Private | IL | $125,162$657/mon, 10 years | $58,704 | 13.4% | $338 | $657 | $78,852 / $39,426 |
| Drake Universitydrake.Private | IA | $116,582$612/mon, 10 years | $63,749 | 11.5% | $380 | $612 | $73,447 / $36,723 |
| Drexel Universitydrexel.Private | PA | $73,894$388/mon, 10 years | $58,823 | 7.9% | $339 | $388 | $46,553 / $23,277 |
| Duke Universityduke, dook.Private | NC | $139,961$735/mon, 10 years | $168,296 | 5.2% | $1,252 | $735 | $88,175 / $44,088 |
| Duquesne Universityduquesne.Private | PA | $82,620$434/mon, 10 years | $57,318 | 9.1% | $327 | $434 | $52,051 / $26,025 |
| Emory Universityemory.Private | GA | $136,500$717/mon, 10 years | $77,643 | 11.1% | $496 | $717 | $85,995 / $42,998 |
| Florida A&M Universityfamu.Public | FL | $103,971$546/mon, 10 years | $45,826 | 14.3% | $231 | $546 | $65,502 / $32,751 |
| Florida Coastal School of Lawfloridacoastal, infilaw.For-Profit | FL | $204,226$1,072/mon, 10 years | $41,280 | 31.2% | $193 | $1,072 | $128,662 / $64,331 |
| Florida International Universityfiu.Public | FL | $103,947$546/mon, 10 years | $54,996 | 11.9% | $308 | $546 | $65,487 / $32,743 |
| Florida State Universityfsu.Public | FL | $72,302$380/mon, 10 years | $54,005 | 8.4% | $299 | $380 | $45,550 / $22,775 |
| Fordham Universityfordham.Private | NY | $150,000$788/mon, 10 years | $118,210 | 8% | $834 | $788 | $94,500 / $47,250 |
| George Mason Universitygmu.Public | VA | $99,248$521/mon, 10 years | $73,870 | 8.5% | $465 | $521 | $62,526 / $31,263 |
| George Washington Universitygw.Private | DC | $172,333$905/mon, 10 years | $87,242 | 12.4% | $576 | $905 | $108,570 / $54,285 |
| Georgetown Universitygulc, gtown.Private | DC | $164,954$866/mon, 10 years | $145,898 | 7.1% | $1,065 | $866 | $103,921 / $51,961 |
| Georgia State Universitygsu.Public | GA | $65,768$345/mon, 10 years | $67,225 | 6.2% | $409 | $345 | $41,434 / $20,717 |
| Golden Gate Universitygoldengate.Private | CA | $158,774$834/mon, 10 years | $55,813 | 17.9% | $314 | $834 | $100,028 / $50,014 |
| Gonzaga Universitygonzaga.Private | WA | $111,584$586/mon, 10 years | $53,739 | 13.1% | $297 | $586 | $70,298 / $35,149 |
| Harvard Universityharvard, hls.Private | MA | $141,190$741/mon, 10 years | $172,423 | 5.2% | $1,286 | $741 | $88,950 / $44,475 |
| Hofstra Universityhofstra, deane.Private | NY | $146,890$771/mon, 10 years | $63,749 | 14.5% | $380 | $771 | $92,541 / $46,270 |
| Howard Universityhoward.Private | DC | $153,893$808/mon, 10 years | $68,033 | 14.3% | $416 | $808 | $96,953 / $48,476 |
| Indiana University - Bloomingtonindiana, IU, mauer.Public | IN | $81,500$428/mon, 10 years | $65,238 | 7.9% | $393 | $428 | $51,345 / $25,673 |
| Indiana University - Indianapolisindiana-indy, IU.Public | IN | $89,961$472/mon, 10 years | $60,714 | 9.3% | $355 | $472 | $56,675 / $28,338 |
| Inter American Universityinteramerican.Private | PR | $100,520$528/mon, 10 years | $27,532 | 23% | $79 | $528 | $63,328 / $31,664 |
| John Marshall Law School - Atlantajohnmarshal-atl,jmls.For-Profit | GA | $180,883$950/mon, 10 years | $41,937 | 27.2% | $199 | $950 | $113,956 / $56,978 |
| Lewis and Clark Collegelewisandclark, northwestern.Private | OR | $130,058$683/mon, 10 years | $58,142 | 14.1% | $334 | $683 | $81,937 / $40,968 |
| Lincoln Memorial Universitylincoln, lmu.Private | TN | $85,713$450/mon, 10 years | $43,240 | 12.5% | $210 | $450 | $53,999 / $27,000 |
| Louisiana State Universitylsu, hebert.Public | LA | $75,768$398/mon, 10 years | $53,080 | 9% | $292 | $398 | $47,734 / $23,867 |
| Loyola Marymount Universityloyola-la.Private | CA | $143,433$753/mon, 10 years | $72,564 | 12.5% | $454 | $753 | $90,363 / $45,181 |
| Loyola University Chicagoloyola-chicago.Private | IL | $138,223$726/mon, 10 years | $70,136 | 12.4% | $434 | $726 | $87,080 / $43,540 |
| Loyola University New Orleansloyola-neworleans.Private | LA | $112,662$591/mon, 10 years | $52,420 | 13.5% | $286 | $591 | $70,977 / $35,489 |
| Marquette Universitymarquette.Private | WI | $156,615$822/mon, 10 years | $54,622 | 18.1% | $304 | $822 | $98,667 / $49,334 |
| Mercer Universitymercer, george.Private | GA | $129,917$682/mon, 10 years | $55,356 | 14.8% | $311 | $682 | $81,848 / $40,924 |
| Michigan State Universitymsu, michstate, detroit college of law, dcl.Public | MI | $90,168$473/mon, 10 years | $58,402 | 9.7% | $336 | $473 | $56,806 / $28,403 |
| Mississippi Collegemississippicollege.Private | MS | $140,178$736/mon, 10 years | $47,595 | 18.6% | $246 | $736 | $88,312 / $44,156 |
| Mitchell Hamline School of Lawmitchell,hamline,william.Private | MN | $78,744$413/mon, 10 years | $57,948 | 8.6% | $332 | $413 | $49,609 / $24,804 |
| New England School of Lawnewengland.Private | MA | $146,068$767/mon, 10 years | $52,542 | 17.5% | $287 | $767 | $92,023 / $46,011 |
| New York Law Schoolnewyork, nyls.Private | NY | $150,358$789/mon, 10 years | $70,596 | 13.4% | $438 | $789 | $94,726 / $47,363 |
| New York Universitynyu.Private | NY | $184,952$971/mon, 10 years | $177,207 | 6.6% | $1,326 | $971 | $116,520 / $58,260 |
| North Carolina Central Universitynccu, nc central.Public | NC | $98,248$516/mon, 10 years | $45,986 | 13.5% | $232 | $516 | $61,896 / $30,948 |
| Northeastern Universitynortheastern.Private | MA | $93,751$492/mon, 10 years | $59,485 | 9.9% | $345 | $492 | $59,063 / $29,532 |
| Northern Illinois Universityniu.Public | IL | $74,611$392/mon, 10 years | $51,551 | 9.1% | $279 | $392 | $47,005 / $23,502 |
| Northern Kentucky Universitynku, chase.Public | KY | $88,500$465/mon, 10 years | $44,418 | 12.6% | $219 | $465 | $55,755 / $27,878 |
| Northwestern Universitynorthwestern, nu, nw.Private | IL | $138,065$725/mon, 10 years | $176,087 | 4.9% | $1,317 | $725 | $86,981 / $43,490 |
| Nova Southeastern Universitynova, broad.Private | FL | $162,536$853/mon, 10 years | $51,829 | 19.8% | $281 | $853 | $102,398 / $51,199 |
| Ohio Northern Universityonu, pettit.Private | OH | $100,224$526/mon, 10 years | $49,064 | 12.9% | $258 | $526 | $63,141 / $31,571 |
| Ohio State Universityosu, moritz.Public | OH | $100,481$528/mon, 10 years | $66,512 | 9.5% | $404 | $528 | $63,303 / $31,652 |
| Pace Universitypace.Private | NY | $94,806$498/mon, 10 years | $63,699 | 9.4% | $380 | $498 | $59,728 / $29,864 |
| Pennsylvania State University - Dickinson Lawpennstate,dickinson,psu.Public | PA | $70,763$372/mon, 10 years | $54,867 | 8.1% | $306 | $372 | $44,581 / $22,290 |
| Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Lawpennstate,psu,university park.Public | PA | $70,763$372/mon, 10 years | $54,867 | 8.1% | $306 | $372 | $44,581 / $22,290 |
| Pepperdine Universitypepperdine.Private | CA | $162,500$853/mon, 10 years | $70,651 | 14.5% | $438 | $853 | $102,375 / $51,188 |
| Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Ricocatholic-pr.Private | PR | $106,290$558/mon, 10 years | $21,508 | 31.1% | $28 | $558 | $66,963 / $33,481 |
| Quinnipiac Universityquinnipiac.Private | CT | $93,151$489/mon, 10 years | $61,516 | 9.5% | $362 | $489 | $58,685 / $29,343 |
| Regent Universityregent.Private | VA | $116,588$612/mon, 10 years | $51,750 | 14.2% | $281 | $612 | $73,450 / $36,725 |
| Roger Williams Universityrogerwilliams, rwu.Private | RI | $123,384$648/mon, 10 years | $49,547 | 15.7% | $262 | $648 | $77,732 / $38,866 |
| Rutgers Universityrutgers,camden,newark.Public | NJ | $76,500$402/mon, 10 years | $61,855 | 7.8% | $365 | $402 | $48,195 / $24,098 |
| Samford Universitysamford, cumberland.Private | AL | $127,411$669/mon, 10 years | $50,952 | 15.8% | $274 | $669 | $80,269 / $40,134 |
| Santa Clara Universitysantaclara, scu.Private | CA | $151,269$794/mon, 10 years | $79,561 | 12% | $512 | $794 | $95,299 / $47,650 |
| Seattle Universityseattle.Private | WA | $154,269$810/mon, 10 years | $62,856 | 15.5% | $373 | $810 | $97,189 / $48,595 |
| Seton Hall Universitysetonhall.Private | NJ | $114,394$601/mon, 10 years | $66,781 | 10.8% | $406 | $601 | $72,068 / $36,034 |
| South Texas College of Law Houstonsouthtexas.Private | TX | $133,762$702/mon, 10 years | $65,338 | 12.9% | $394 | $702 | $84,270 / $42,135 |
| Southern Illinois Universitysiu, carbondale.Public | IL | $97,582$512/mon, 10 years | $46,087 | 13.3% | $233 | $512 | $61,477 / $30,738 |
| Southern Methodist Universitysmu, dedman.Private | TX | $141,372$742/mon, 10 years | $87,718 | 10.2% | $580 | $742 | $89,064 / $44,532 |
| Southern University Law Centersouthern.Public | LA | $101,655$534/mon, 10 years | $44,959 | 14.2% | $224 | $534 | $64,043 / $32,021 |
| Southwestern Law Schoolsouthwestern.Private | CA | $211,466$1,110/mon, 10 years | $62,192 | 21.4% | $368 | $1,110 | $133,224 / $66,612 |
| St. John's Universitystjohns.Private | NY | $109,414$574/mon, 10 years | $71,940 | 9.6% | $449 | $574 | $68,931 / $34,465 |
| St. Louis Universityslu.Private | MO | $91,143$479/mon, 10 years | $60,162 | 9.5% | $351 | $479 | $57,420 / $28,710 |
| St. Mary's Universitystmarys.Private | TX | $114,578$602/mon, 10 years | $55,383 | 13% | $311 | $602 | $72,184 / $36,092 |
| St. Thomas University - Floridastu.Private | FL | $152,124$799/mon, 10 years | $47,056 | 20.4% | $241 | $799 | $95,838 / $47,919 |
| Stanford Universitystanford, sls.Private | CA | $130,762$687/mon, 10 years | $163,869 | 5% | $1,215 | $687 | $82,380 / $41,190 |
| Stetson Universitystetson.Private | FL | $141,439$743/mon, 10 years | $54,543 | 16.3% | $304 | $743 | $89,107 / $44,553 |
| Suffolk Universitysuffolk.Private | MA | $119,123$625/mon, 10 years | $58,629 | 12.8% | $338 | $625 | $75,047 / $37,524 |
| SUNY Buffalobuffalo.Public | NY | $94,804$498/mon, 10 years | $58,252 | 10.3% | $335 | $498 | $59,727 / $29,863 |
| Syracuse Universitysyracuse.Private | NY | $104,570$549/mon, 10 years | $60,714 | 10.9% | $355 | $549 | $65,879 / $32,940 |
| Temple Universitytemple, beasley.Public | PA | $67,518$354/mon, 10 years | $69,477 | 6.1% | $428 | $354 | $42,536 / $21,268 |
| Texas A&Mtexasam, texas wesleyan, tamu.Public | TX | $102,723$539/mon, 10 years | $65,825 | 9.8% | $398 | $539 | $64,715 / $32,358 |
| Texas Southern Universitytexassouthern, tsu, marshall.Public | TX | $116,166$610/mon, 10 years | $51,652 | 14.2% | $280 | $610 | $73,185 / $36,592 |
| Texas Tech Universitytexastech, ttu.Public | TX | $73,000$383/mon, 10 years | $69,732 | 6.6% | $430 | $383 | $45,990 / $22,995 |
| Thomas Jefferson School of Lawthomasjefferson, tjsl.Private | CA | $205,025$1,076/mon, 10 years | $48,041 | 26.9% | $250 | $1,076 | $129,166 / $64,583 |
| Thomas M. Cooley Law Schoolcooley, wmu, western michigan.Private | MI | $180,337$947/mon, 10 years | $45,383 | 25% | $227 | $947 | $113,612 / $56,806 |
| Touro Collegetouro, fuchsberg.Private | NY | $141,289$742/mon, 10 years | $61,622 | 14.4% | $363 | $742 | $89,012 / $44,506 |
| Tulane Universitytulane.Private | LA | $109,928$577/mon, 10 years | $61,516 | 11.3% | $362 | $577 | $69,255 / $34,627 |
| University of Akronakron.Public | OH | $73,530$386/mon, 10 years | $50,272 | 9.2% | $268 | $386 | $46,324 / $23,162 |
| University of Alabamaalabama, bama.Public | AL | $63,595$334/mon, 10 years | $63,572 | 6.3% | $379 | $334 | $40,065 / $20,032 |
| University of Arizonaarizona, rogers.Public | AZ | $77,069$405/mon, 10 years | $59,288 | 8.2% | $343 | $405 | $48,553 / $24,277 |
| University of Arkansas - Fayettevillearkansas-fayetteville.Public | AR | $61,500$323/mon, 10 years | $56,949 | 6.8% | $324 | $323 | $38,745 / $19,373 |
| University of Arkansas - Little Rockarkansas-littlerock, bowen.Public | AR | $78,617$413/mon, 10 years | $49,737 | 10% | $264 | $413 | $49,529 / $24,764 |
| University of Baltimorebaltimore.Public | MD | $104,000$546/mon, 10 years | $57,995 | 11.3% | $333 | $546 | $65,520 / $32,760 |
| University of California - Berkeleyberkeley, ucb, boalt.Public | CA | $150,000$788/mon, 10 years | $160,316 | 5.9% | $1,185 | $788 | $94,500 / $47,250 |
| University of California - Davisdavis, ucd, king.Public | CA | $89,009$467/mon, 10 years | $74,200 | 7.6% | $468 | $467 | $56,076 / $28,038 |
| University of California - Irvineirvine, uci.Public | CA | $119,986$630/mon, 10 years | $76,998 | 9.8% | $491 | $630 | $75,591 / $37,796 |
| University of California - Los Angelesucla.Public | CA | $124,812$655/mon, 10 years | $110,067 | 7.1% | $766 | $655 | $78,632 / $39,316 |
| University of California College of Law, San Franciscohastings, uch.Public | CA | $138,152$725/mon, 10 years | $76,460 | 11.4% | $486 | $725 | $87,036 / $43,518 |
| University of Chicagochicago, uchi.Private | IL | $156,934$824/mon, 10 years | $173,847 | 5.7% | $1,298 | $824 | $98,868 / $49,434 |
| University of Cincinnaticincinnati.Public | OH | $64,066$336/mon, 10 years | $57,318 | 7% | $327 | $336 | $40,362 / $20,181 |
| University of Coloradocolorado, cu, boulder.Public | CO | $100,082$525/mon, 10 years | $63,600 | 9.9% | $379 | $525 | $63,052 / $31,526 |
| University of Connecticutuconn.Public | CT | $86,158$452/mon, 10 years | $74,845 | 7.3% | $473 | $452 | $54,280 / $27,140 |
| University of Daytondayton.Private | OH | $133,728$702/mon, 10 years | $48,432 | 17.4% | $253 | $702 | $84,249 / $42,124 |
| University of Denverdenver, du, sturm.Private | CO | $140,174$736/mon, 10 years | $61,558 | 14.3% | $362 | $736 | $88,310 / $44,155 |
| University of Detroit Mercydetroit-mercy.Private | MI | $135,776$713/mon, 10 years | $57,657 | 14.8% | $330 | $713 | $85,539 / $42,769 |
| University of Floridaflorida, uf, levin.Public | FL | $92,076$483/mon, 10 years | $63,869 | 9.1% | $381 | $483 | $58,008 / $29,004 |
| University of Georgiageorgia, uga.Public | GA | $81,080$426/mon, 10 years | $65,840 | 7.8% | $398 | $426 | $51,080 / $25,540 |
| University of Hawaiihawaii, richardson, manoa.Public | HI | $80,116$421/mon, 10 years | $63,302 | 8% | $377 | $421 | $50,473 / $25,237 |
| University of Houstonhouston, uhlc, uh.Public | TX | $81,118$426/mon, 10 years | $73,446 | 7% | $461 | $426 | $51,104 / $25,552 |
| University of Idahoidaho.Public | ID | $97,842$514/mon, 10 years | $53,150 | 11.6% | $292 | $514 | $61,640 / $30,820 |
| University of Illinoisillinois, uofi, urbana-champaign.Public | IL | $71,701$376/mon, 10 years | $74,666 | 6% | $471 | $376 | $45,172 / $22,586 |
| University of Illinois Chicago School of Lawjohnmarshall-chicago,jmls,uic.Public | IL | $157,559$827/mon, 10 years | $54,970 | 18.1% | $307 | $827 | $99,262 / $49,631 |
| University of Iowaiowa.Public | IA | $59,711$313/mon, 10 years | $63,788 | 5.9% | $381 | $313 | $37,618 / $18,809 |
| University of Kansaskansas, ku.Public | KS | $61,500$323/mon, 10 years | $58,898 | 6.6% | $340 | $323 | $38,745 / $19,373 |
| University of Kentuckykentucky, uk.Public | KY | $82,450$433/mon, 10 years | $51,106 | 10.2% | $275 | $433 | $51,944 / $25,972 |
| University of La Vernelaverne.Private | CA | $161,762$849/mon, 10 years | $52,107 | 19.6% | $283 | $849 | $101,910 / $50,955 |
| University of Louisvillelouisville, brandeis.Public | KY | $80,928$425/mon, 10 years | $48,703 | 10.5% | $255 | $425 | $50,985 / $25,492 |
| University of Mainemaine.Public | ME | $100,974$530/mon, 10 years | $54,655 | 11.6% | $305 | $530 | $63,614 / $31,807 |
| University of Marylandmaryland, carey.Public | MD | $117,611$617/mon, 10 years | $66,335 | 11.2% | $402 | $617 | $74,095 / $37,047 |
| University of Massachusetts Dartmouthumassd.Public | MA | $116,322$611/mon, 10 years | $49,214 | 14.9% | $259 | $611 | $73,283 / $36,641 |
| University of Memphismemphis, humphreys.Public | TN | $91,826$482/mon, 10 years | $55,512 | 10.4% | $312 | $482 | $57,850 / $28,925 |
| University of Miamimiami, um, the u.Private | FL | $153,562$806/mon, 10 years | $62,384 | 15.5% | $369 | $806 | $96,744 / $48,372 |
| University of Michiganmichigan, umich, um, uofm.Public | MI | $141,505$743/mon, 10 years | $145,235 | 6.1% | $1,060 | $743 | $89,148 / $44,574 |
| University of Minnesotaminnesota, uminn.Public | MN | $112,944$593/mon, 10 years | $67,879 | 10.5% | $415 | $593 | $71,155 / $35,577 |
| University of Mississippimississippi, ole miss.Public | MS | $65,900$346/mon, 10 years | $52,584 | 7.9% | $287 | $346 | $41,517 / $20,759 |
| University of Missouri - Columbiamissouri, mizzou.Public | MO | $63,084$331/mon, 10 years | $55,840 | 7.1% | $315 | $331 | $39,743 / $19,871 |
| University of Missouri - Kansas Citymissouri-kc, umkc.Public | MO | $98,485$517/mon, 10 years | $53,017 | 11.7% | $291 | $517 | $62,046 / $31,023 |
| University of Montanamontana.Public | MT | $76,994$404/mon, 10 years | $50,922 | 9.5% | $274 | $404 | $48,506 / $24,253 |
| University of Nebraskanebraska.Public | NE | $58,621$308/mon, 10 years | $56,140 | 6.6% | $317 | $308 | $36,931 / $18,466 |
| University of Nevada - Las Vegasunlv.Public | NV | $85,790$450/mon, 10 years | $73,579 | 7.3% | $462 | $450 | $54,048 / $27,024 |
| University of New Hampshirenh, franklin pierce.Public | NH | $83,797$440/mon, 10 years | $63,005 | 8.4% | $374 | $440 | $52,792 / $26,396 |
| University of New Mexiconewmexico.Public | NM | $85,991$451/mon, 10 years | $53,908 | 10% | $298 | $451 | $54,174 / $27,087 |
| University of North Carolinaunc, chapel hill.Public | NC | $95,390$501/mon, 10 years | $68,778 | 8.7% | $422 | $501 | $60,096 / $30,048 |
| University of North Dakotanorthdakota, UND.Public | ND | $61,500$323/mon, 10 years | $53,045 | 7.3% | $291 | $323 | $38,745 / $19,373 |
| University of Notre Damenotredame, nd.Private | IN | $126,962$667/mon, 10 years | $95,295 | 8.4% | $643 | $667 | $79,986 / $39,993 |
| University of Oklahomaoklahoma, ou.Public | OK | $73,500$386/mon, 10 years | $63,997 | 7.2% | $383 | $386 | $46,305 / $23,153 |
| University of Oregonoregon.Public | OR | $86,641$455/mon, 10 years | $60,156 | 9.1% | $351 | $455 | $54,584 / $27,292 |
| University of Pennsylvaniapenn, upenn.Private | PA | $150,634$791/mon, 10 years | $179,672 | 5.3% | $1,347 | $791 | $94,899 / $47,450 |
| University of Pittsburghpitt.Public | PA | $101,541$533/mon, 10 years | $56,028 | 11.4% | $316 | $533 | $63,971 / $31,985 |
| University of Richmondrichmond, williams.Private | VA | $86,056$452/mon, 10 years | $59,819 | 9.1% | $348 | $452 | $54,215 / $27,108 |
| University of San Diegosandiego, usd.Private | CA | $122,698$644/mon, 10 years | $77,013 | 10% | $491 | $644 | $77,300 / $38,650 |
| University of San Franciscosanfrancisco, usf.Private | CA | $196,166$1,030/mon, 10 years | $66,240 | 18.7% | $401 | $1,030 | $123,585 / $61,792 |
| University of South Carolinasouthcarolina, usc.Public | SC | $110,100$578/mon, 10 years | $53,450 | 13% | $295 | $578 | $69,363 / $34,682 |
| University of South Dakotasouthdakota.Public | SD | $83,269$437/mon, 10 years | $51,169 | 10.3% | $276 | $437 | $52,459 / $26,230 |
| University of Southern Californiausc, gould.Private | CA | $129,000$677/mon, 10 years | $99,325 | 8.2% | $677 | $677 | $81,270 / $40,635 |
| University of St. Thomas - Minneapolisstthomas.Private | MN | $73,500$386/mon, 10 years | $58,673 | 7.9% | $338 | $386 | $46,305 / $23,153 |
| University of Tennesseetennessee, utk.Public | TN | $61,500$323/mon, 10 years | $58,744 | 6.6% | $339 | $323 | $38,745 / $19,373 |
| University of Texastexas, ut.Public | TX | $105,553$554/mon, 10 years | $106,117 | 6.3% | $734 | $554 | $66,498 / $33,249 |
| University of The District of Columbiaudc, clarke.Public | DC | $111,015$583/mon, 10 years | $60,099 | 11.6% | $350 | $583 | $69,939 / $34,970 |
| University of the Pacific - McGeorgepacific, mcgeorge.Private | CA | $160,450$842/mon, 10 years | $63,005 | 16% | $374 | $842 | $101,084 / $50,542 |
| University of Toledotoledo.Public | OH | $79,000$415/mon, 10 years | $47,729 | 10.4% | $247 | $415 | $49,770 / $24,885 |
| University of Tulsatulsa.Private | OK | $76,373$401/mon, 10 years | $58,673 | 8.2% | $338 | $401 | $48,115 / $24,057 |
| University of Utahutah, uu, quinney.Public | UT | $74,100$389/mon, 10 years | $66,420 | 7% | $403 | $389 | $46,683 / $23,342 |
| University of Virginiauva.Public | VA | $157,870$829/mon, 10 years | $175,653 | 5.7% | $1,313 | $829 | $99,458 / $49,729 |
| University of Washingtonwashington, uw.Public | WA | $95,727$503/mon, 10 years | $70,100 | 8.6% | $433 | $503 | $60,308 / $30,154 |
| University of Wisconsinwisconsin.Public | WI | $61,500$323/mon, 10 years | $58,995 | 6.6% | $341 | $323 | $38,745 / $19,373 |
| University of Wyomingwyoming.Public | WY | $98,352$516/mon, 10 years | $57,110 | 10.8% | $325 | $516 | $61,962 / $30,981 |
| Valparaiso Universityvalparaiso, valpo.Private | IN | $136,455$716/mon, 10 years | $47,553 | 18.1% | $246 | $716 | $85,967 / $42,983 |
| Vanderbilt Universityvanderbilt, vandy.Private | TN | $126,907$666/mon, 10 years | $129,252 | 6.2% | $926 | $666 | $79,951 / $39,976 |
| Vermont Law Schoolvermont.Private | VT | $144,920$761/mon, 10 years | $48,432 | 18.9% | $253 | $761 | $91,300 / $45,650 |
| Villanova Universityvillanova.Private | PA | $78,619$413/mon, 10 years | $63,140 | 7.8% | $375 | $413 | $49,530 / $24,765 |
| Wake Forest Universitywake, wf.Private | NC | $105,577$554/mon, 10 years | $63,666 | 10.4% | $380 | $554 | $66,514 / $33,257 |
| Washburn Universitywashburn.Public | KS | $75,093$394/mon, 10 years | $52,226 | 9.1% | $284 | $394 | $47,309 / $23,654 |
| Washington and Lee Universitywl.Private | VA | $97,097$510/mon, 10 years | $66,007 | 9.3% | $399 | $510 | $61,171 / $30,586 |
| Washington University in St Louiswashu, wustl.Private | MO | $88,000$462/mon, 10 years | $93,342 | 5.9% | $627 | $462 | $55,440 / $27,720 |
| Wayne State Universitywayne.Public | MI | $61,500$323/mon, 10 years | $64,415 | 6% | $386 | $323 | $38,745 / $19,373 |
| West Virginia Universitywvu.Public | WV | $82,128$431/mon, 10 years | $56,544 | 9.2% | $320 | $431 | $51,741 / $25,870 |
| Western State College of Law at Westcliff Universitywesternstate, argosy.For-Profit | CA | $124,476$653/mon, 10 years | $60,523 | 13% | $354 | $653 | $78,420 / $39,210 |
| Whittier Law Schoolwhittier.Private | CA | $204,664$1,074/mon, 10 years | $40,747 | 31.6% | $189 | $1,074 | $128,938 / $64,469 |
| Widener University - Delawarewidener, wilmington.Private | DE | $128,868$677/mon, 10 years | $54,462 | 14.9% | $303 | $677 | $81,187 / $40,593 |
| Widener University - Pennsylvaniawidener, harrisburg.Private | PA | $128,868$677/mon, 10 years | $54,462 | 14.9% | $303 | $677 | $81,187 / $40,593 |
| Willamette Universitywillamette, collins.Private | OR | $147,911$777/mon, 10 years | $57,318 | 16.3% | $327 | $777 | $93,184 / $46,592 |
| William and Marywm, marshall-wythe.Public | VA | $105,414$553/mon, 10 years | $70,083 | 9.5% | $433 | $553 | $66,411 / $33,205 |
| Yale Universityyale, yls.Private | CT | $126,398$664/mon, 10 years | $130,669 | 6.1% | $938 | $664 | $79,631 / $39,815 |
Excluded Schools (insufficient data): Elon Law School (Private), Faulkner University (Private), Hamline University (Private), Indiana Tech (Private), Oklahoma City University (Private), Western New England University School of Law (Private)
School-specific borrowing and earnings data on this page come from the United States Department of Education, except for the estimated monthly payment. In calculating the estimated monthly payment, the Education Department has used unwarranted assumptions. In 2019, ED used an imputed rate over 7%, which could only have been a proper weighted interest rate for some (if any) borrowers. In 2020, ED used an imputed rate of 4.3%, which would have been the weighted interest rate for zero borrowers. Instead, LST calculated an interest rate for each cohort based on the interest rates from all years those included graduates borrowed. For the current page's year, we used a rate of 6.3%.
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