A career in the legal industry can be one of the most intellectually stimulating and engaging occupations in the world. Whether you have an interest in the justice system, the nuances of legal debate, or simply want a stable, reliable career, the cheapest bachelor of law online can help achieve your goals.
In this database, you’ll find 39 online law degree programs from 33 accredited colleges and universities. These legal studies programs are designed to build your success in the legal profession and can lead to careers as paralegals, legal researchers, and consultants. They run the full scope of legal subjects, including public policy, justice and legal studies, and legal science. With additional education and training, law students can also use these online programs as stepping stones to careers as lawyers, judges, and other advanced positions in the legal industry.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost: $54,800
Least Expensive (In-State): SUNY College of Technology at Canton (New York) – $28,280
Least Expensive (Out-of-State): SUNY College of Technology at Canton – $33,920
18 Cheapest Bachelor of Law Online Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | SUNY College of Technology at Canton | (NY) | $28,280.00 $33,920.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Central State University | (OH) | $31,336.00 $39,336.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | University of Maine at Augusta | (ME) | $36,209.00 $45,526.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Ohio University | (OH) | $36,840.00 $37,440.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Peru State College | (NE) | $37,080.00 | All Students |
6 | Hampton University | (VA) | $38,000.00 | All Students |
7 | William Woods University | (MO) | $39,800.00 | All Students |
8 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $40,010.00 $61,730.00 $30,050.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
9 | Georgia State University | (GA) | $41,072.00 $117,224.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $45,000.00 $23,040.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
11 | Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $45,144.00 $49,104.00 $36,504.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
12 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | (MA) | $46,440.00 | All Students |
13 | Liberty University | (VA) | $49,292.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
14 | Lander University | (SC) | $50,950.00 | All Students |
15 | University of Memphis | (TN) | $51,720.00 | All Students |
16 | Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $52,080.00 | All Students |
17 | Regent University | (VA) | $53,000.00 | All Students |
18 | Truett McConnell University | (GA) | $53,073.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
George Mason University | (VA) | $55,598.00 $152,270.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Campbell University | (NC) | $56,280.00 $31,480.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Wayland Baptist University | (TX) | $56,669.00 $32,613.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Bellevue University | (NE) | $59,123.00 $33,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Massachusetts Global | (CA) | $61,040.00 $31,040.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Madonna University | (MI) | $63,100.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $63,232.00 | All Students | |
University of Colorado - Colorado Springs | (CO) | $64,736.00 $74,556.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
National University | (CA) | $66,600.00 | All Students | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $67,850.00 $69,650.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $69,024.00 | All Students | |
Peirce College | (PA) | $73,995.00 | All Students | |
Humphreys University | (CA) | $74,210.00 | All Students | |
Mississippi College | (MS) | $90,621.00 $39,637.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Davenport University | (MI) | $114,248.00 | All Students |
Methodology for These Rankings of the Cheapest Bachelor of Law Online
These rankings of online pre-law bachelor’s programs are based on our spring 2024 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual online law degree program. Profiles for the same legal studies degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire online law degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of a legal studies degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings of affordable online law programs. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online legal studies degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the online paralegal program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Pursue the Cheapest Bachelor of Law Online?
These online legal studies program cover many complex topics and require roughly four years of dedicated full-time study. Here are the main reasons people enroll in a bachelor of law online:
- Numerous career options: While there are specific careers for graduates of an online law degree, they can also lead to a wide range of occupations in criminal justice, legal writing, or for government agencies, as examples. These degrees build critical thinking, communication, analysis, and research skills, which are key in numerous professions.
- Thought-provoking, stimulating career: Legal careers require in-depth research, analysis, and critical thinking. You’ll have the chance to deal with interesting issues from all corners of society. The law, after all, deals with everything from criminal justice to estate planning, making this a diverse and engaging career.
- Join a solid, reliable industry: The legal profession can bring strong salaries and offers a stable job market. Growth for legal careers is largely positive and incomes can be significant. (See “Salary and Outlook for a Career in Law” below.)
Bachelor in Legal Studies: Expected Cost
Before enrolling in a legal studies bachelor degree online, you need to understand the cost. Fortunately, this database provides clear, reliable pricing information.
The average price in this database is about $54,800. If we assume a four-year track for online students (the standard timeline for a bachelor’s degree), the annual cost is around $13,700. While this is far from the largest database in our collection, there are many low-cost options available. 23 degrees are priced below the average, including seven with an estimated cost under $40,000.
The cheapest bachelor of law online, both for in-state and out-of-state students, is the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from SUNY College of Technology at Canton. This program costs $28,280 for New York residents and $33,920 for out-of-state students. Both prices are the lowest in their categories.
Not all programs have a low price for online students. The most expensive option in this database is the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from Davenport University, a private institution based in Michigan. This program has an estimated cost of $114,248; that’s roughly $28,500 a year to complete the program.
Cost should not be the only consideration, but it is important. Use this database to find reliable pricing information on the top degrees in paralegal, pre-law, and legal studies.
Who Offers the Cheapest Bachelor of Law Online?
#1. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
Cost: $28,280 (In-state, New York)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
This is the cheapest bachelor of law online for both New York residents and out-of-state learners. The bachelor’s degree has an in-state cost of $28,280, which is the lowest estimated cost in this entire database. However, the out-of-state cost is only $33,920, which is the lowest in that category as well.
If you want a well-rounded legal degree that includes legal research, writing, and various types of law, this is a great option. The legal studies coursework covers business law, civil litigation, torts, real estate law, family law, Constitutional law, and criminal law. While gaining deep knowledge of the legal system, students can utilize SUNY Canton’s online platform, powered by the school’s innovative learning system called Brightspace.
#2. Central State University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice / Judicial
Cost: $31,336 (In-state, Ohio)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
With a total estimated cost of only $31,336 for Ohio residents, this is one of the most affordable online legal studies degree programs in our database. It’s also one of the top programs in judicial studies. Law students gain critical thinking skills within the legal profession while studying issues that include criminal law and criminal justice. Graduates are prepared for work in law enforcement, corrections, and courts.
Central State University, based in Wilberforce, Ohio, has created a useful online learning system that allows students to complete a degree from any location. CSU offers the Center for Instructional Technology, which is a useful program that provides online technical support.
#3. University of Maine at Augusta
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies / Pre-Law
Cost: $36,209 (In-state, Maine)
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
If you are interested in law enforcement at the federal, state, or local level, this affordable online degree is a good choice. The bachelor’s degree program has an in-state (Maine) cost of $36,209, while out-of-state residents pay about $46,000, which is still roughly $8,000 less than the database average for in-state cost.
Students looking for a well-rounded law education that encompasses many facets of the legal system will thrive in this program. The program has specializations in criminal justice and pre-law, but students can also complete their degree without a concentration.
The University of Maine at Augusta is an innovator in distance education. In fact, the school first offered remote learning in 1985 (based on VHS tapes), and now offers online courses with a variety of support resources.
Online Law Degrees: Program Types
Within this database, you’ll find a long list of quality programs. While they all focus on the law and legal industry in some fashion, there are important differences among these degrees. Before applying to an online program, you should understand the different degree types and specializations.
Most of these affordable online law degrees are either bachelor of arts or bachelor of science programs, which, although there is plenty of overlap, have important differences. Bachelor of art programs, in general, are more theoretical, philosophical, and broad.
They cover issues such as ethics in justice, legal philosophies, and the history of law. The programs deliver an all-encompassing education. A bachelor of science is typically more focused on the details and delivery of law. While ethics, history, and other issues are covered, there is often more study in the specific working mechanisms of the legal system.
If you enroll in one of these degrees, then you may consider a variety of concentrations for your future legal career, including:
- E-discovery (online research)
- Judicial issues
- Law and society
- Legal studies
- Paralegal
- Paralegal science
- Pre-law
- Public policy
Specialization Highlight: E-Discovery
We can’t cover every specialty in detail, but we can take a look at one program to provide an example. Liberty University, which has multiple legal education programs in this database, offers a paralegal degree with a concentration in e-discovery. This program includes coursework in evidence gathering, data management, and other e-discovery for cases. Liberty University students learn to find information online, store data as needed, and leverage the information to win court cases and settlements.
Accreditation for Online Paralegal and Pre-Law Programs
To ensure consistency and quality throughout the education system, schools rely on a system called accreditation. Basically, independent groups recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation review schools and degree programs for academic quality, staff expertise, and graduate success. If the schools meet a specific standard for quality, then they receive accreditation. The standard form of institutional accreditation is called regional accreditation because accrediting bodies cover various regions of the country.
There is also a form of accreditation called “programmatic,” which covers the specific program. For instance, a flight or aviation degree may be accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International. In online legal education, however, there is no specific accrediting body. As long as the legal studies program comes from an accredited institution, it will deliver a high-quality education.
Typical Admission Requirements for Legal Studies Programs Online
The admission process for a bachelor degree in criminal justice is fairly simple. In fact, if you have a high school diploma with decent grades, you’ll likely find a program that accepts your application.
The most basic requirement is a high school diploma, but some programs also have minimum GPA requirements. A 2.5 or even a 3.0 could be required by certain programs. If you do not meet this requirement, however, some programs may grant conditional enrollment. You may have to complete certain courses and maintain a strong GPA in that case.
During the application process, you’ll need to submit documents that include high school transcripts. You may also need an essay or a statement of purpose, which should outline your goals for the degree.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements for Law Careers
Legal studies degrees can lead to a variety of professions, but each has its own unique requirements, including licensing, training, or experience requirements. Lawyers are required to pass the American Bar Association exam in order to practice law, but these online law degrees won’t qualify you for work as an attorney. They merely set the stage for law school.
Paralegals can complete voluntary certification programs. There are a variety of national and local paralegal groups, such as the National Association of Legal Assistants, that provide certifications. These certifications demonstrate a professional’s expertise while enhancing job opportunities.
Some of these jobs require brief on-the-job training. Arbitrators and mediators, for instance, are required to complete moderate on-the-job training and usually need professional legal experience. They often have to work under the supervision of a qualified professional and may also need previous job experience. Many mediators, in fact, are retired lawyers, judges, or business professionals with experience in certain industries. (And, as such, provide legal advice to businesses in those industries.)
Salary and Outlook for Careers in Law
Occupation | Expected Growth (2022-2032) | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyers | 8% | $135,740 |
| Judges | 2% | $128,610 |
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | 5% | $64,030 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 4% | $59,200 |
| Legal Support Workers | 3% | $58,810 |
| All Occupations | 3% | $46,310 |
As can be seen from the statistics above, the cheapest bachelor of law online can provide a range of stable, reliable careers. Even if they are not lawyers and judges, people with a legal education can expect strong salaries backed by a secure job market.
Working in the law profession can be stressful. It’s a competitive industry, and clients can be demanding. Success is never guaranteed. However, legal professionals enjoy significant benefits as well.
Lawyers have the highest salaries and greatest expected growth, but you’ll need to pursue law school for this occupation. One immediate career for graduates of an online legal studies bachelor’s degree is a paralegal, which allows you to start your legal career and work in law firms. You will be able to handle tasks such as legal writing and legal research for attorneys handling Constitutional law, business law, health law, international law, environmental law, intellectual property law, immigration law, corporate law, civil rights law, and more. It has a median salary of $59,200 and an expected growth of 4%.
Overall, legal professionals, whether they pursue careers as lawyers, support workers, arbitrators, or paralegals, will be needed to prepare and organize legal documents, conduct legal research, be knowledgeable about civil procedure and the judicial process, provide guidance, and help businesses and individuals deal with the complexities of the modern legal environment. Also, corporations are expected to establish or expand in-house legal teams, resulting in more opportunities for graduates of legal studies bachelor degree online programs.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Pre-Law Program?
Whether you have a large budget or need the cheapest online law degree, this database provides an excellent resource. You’ll find a variety of specializations, a wide range of prices, and clear information on the top programs.
To find the best degree for your needs, above all, you need the right strategy. Start by thinking about your goals and why you want an education. In detail, what are your interests, and what type of degree do you need to reach your career goals? Also, think about your budget. How much can you spend per year or per semester to complete a degree?
With a sense of your personal goals, you can then begin to choose the right type of degree. Use this database for clear information on degree type, concentration, and budget, and you’ll be undoubtedly on the right track to an online pre-law degree that fits your needs.
You deserve a world-class education and a satisfying career. Use this database to find the best program for your future!