Pursuing a law degree is a big investment, both in time and money. Traditional law schools often come with high tuition fees, relocation costs, and the challenge of balancing studies with work or personal responsibilities. That’s why online law degree programs have become an attractive option. They offer flexibility, accessibility, and in many cases, a much lower price tag compared to on-campus programs.
Still, affordability shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing a school. The best online law programs are not just budget-friendly but also accredited, academically strong, and career-focused. They provide quality instruction, reliable student support, and the training you need to succeed in the legal field, all while keeping costs manageable.
In this article, we’ve done the research to highlight the most affordable online law degree programs available today. Each of these schools combines quality education with reasonable tuition rates and gives you the chance to pursue your dream of studying law without taking on overwhelming debt. Read on to learn more about the top ten cheapest online law degree programs.
Cheapest Online Law Degree Programs
1. University of Dayton School of Law, Dayton, Ohio ($1,500/credit)
Dayton’s hybrid J.D. program balances online learning with occasional on-campus intensives. It’s ABA-approved, so graduates can sit for the bar in most states. You’ll attend live online classes, complete interactive coursework, and visit campus four times for “Get REAL” intensives.
The full 90-credit curriculum takes about 44 months ( 3 years, 8 months) and averages 15–30 hours of work per week. The program also accepts transfer credits (up to 30 semester hours) and supports joint degree options like J.D./MBA and J.D./MPA.
2. Mitchell Hamline School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota ($1,600/credit)
Mitchell Hamline was the first law school in the nation to receive ABA approval for a blended learning J.D. Students complete a mix of online courses and short, in-person residencies on campus a few times each semester.
The flexible schedule allows both full-time and part-time study, and the program typically takes 3–4 years to finish. Accredited by the American Bar Association, Mitchell Hamline offers certificates in specialized areas like health law, intellectual property, and dispute resolution, making it a strong contender among the Most Affordable Online Law Degree Programs.
3. University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, Concord, New Hampshire ($1,500–$1,600/credit)
UNH Franklin Pierce offers a hybrid J.D. program that combines online coursework with limited on-campus sessions. Known for its strength in intellectual property and technology law, the program is fully ABA-accredited and designed for students who need flexibility without sacrificing quality.
Most students complete the degree in about 3.5 to 4 years, balancing live online classes, recorded lectures, and interactive modules. With its focus on affordability and specialized learning, Franklin Pierce stands out as one of the Most Affordable Online Law Degree Programs.
4. Southwestern Law School, Los Angeles, California ($1,570/credit)
Southwestern offers a Part-Time Evening Hybrid J.D. that gives students the chance to complete much of their coursework online while attending limited in-person classes in Los Angeles.
The program is ABA-accredited and designed for working professionals who want flexibility without putting their careers on hold. Students typically finish in about 4 years, covering the full J.D. curriculum with access to electives in entertainment law, public interest, and more.
5. Syracuse University College of Law, Syracuse, New York ($1,650/credit)
Syracuse runs JDinteractive (JDi), the first fully ABA-approved online J.D. program. Students take part in live, real-time online classes, complete self-paced coursework, and attend short on-campus residencies for hands-on training.
The program is designed to be completed in about 3.5 to 4 years and provides the same full curriculum as the traditional J.D. With its combination of flexibility, accessibility, and lower-than-average tuition, Syracuse has earned a spot among the Most Affordable Online Law Degree Programs while maintaining strong national recognition.
6. St. Mary’s University School of Law, San Antonio, Texas ($1,350/credit)
St. Mary’s offers the first fully online ABA-accredited J.D. program in the nation. It is designed for working professionals and students who cannot relocate but still want access to a comprehensive law education.
The program features live online classes, interactive coursework, and access to the same faculty who teach on campus. Students also benefit from networking opportunities, career services, and pro bono experiences.
7. Vermont Law and Graduate School, South Royalton, Vermont (Hybrid, “Online Hybrid JD”)
Vermont offers a part-time online hybrid J.D. combining virtual coursework with just three short, in-person residencies (Thursday–Sunday) during the program. The format includes synchronous evening online classes and asynchronous components for flexibility.
The hybrid J.D. is ABA-accredited and grants the same academic rigor as the residential program. Students can finish in about three years plus one semester. It is known for its strengths in environmental, energy, and animal law.
8. University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Bowen School of Law, Little Rock, Arkansas ($700-1,000/credit for in-state)
Bowen offers both full-time and evening part-time J.D. programs, with classes meeting Monday through Thursday evenings, ideal for working students. The part-time track lets you finish in about four years.
Bowen is ABA-accredited and offers the same rigorous curriculum as the full-time program, including skills training, clinics, and externships. Because of its lower tuition and public status, it’s often cited among the more affordable law schools.
9. Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Chicago, Illinois (≈ $40,740/year for Weekend JD)
Loyola’s Weekend JD program is a part-time hybrid J.D. designed for working professionals. Students attend on-campus classes every other weekend—Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
After the third semester, students can take up to 15 credits entirely online. The program is ABA-accredited and typically completed in four years, including summer sessions. Tuition for the Weekend JD program is approximately $40,740 per year. This structure offers flexibility without compromising the depth of legal education, making it a notable option among the Most Affordable Online Law Degree Programs.
10. University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Denver, Colorado ($2,051 per credit )
Denver Law’s Professional Part-Time J.D. The program offers a hybrid format that blends online coursework with occasional in-person classes, giving working professionals flexibility. The program is ABA-accredited and typically completed in four years, though students can accelerate through summer sessions.
It delivers a full legal curriculum with access to electives, clinics, and career services. With a focus on accessibility and quality, this program is recognized among the Most Affordable Online Law Degree Programs.
FAQs
Are online or hybrid J.D. programs recognized by employers?
Yes. ABA-accredited online or hybrid J.D. programs carry the same legal recognition as traditional programs, and graduates are eligible to take the bar exam. Employers value the degree the same, especially if you highlight your flexibility and time management skills developed during the program.
How long does it typically take to complete an online J.D.?
Most hybrid or online programs take about 3.5 to 4 years for full-time students, while part-time students may take 4–5 years. Some schools offer summer sessions to help accelerate graduation.
Can I work while pursuing an online law degree?
Yes! Online and hybrid programs are designed for working professionals. They allow you to balance work, family, and study with evening or weekend classes, plus flexible online coursework.
What types of jobs can I get after completing an online law degree?
Graduates can pursue traditional legal careers, including attorney roles, corporate counsel, compliance officer, or public interest law. Some may also use a law degree for consulting, human resources, or business leadership roles.
Are online law degrees cheaper than traditional law programs?
Yes. Many online and hybrid ABA-accredited J.D. programs offer lower tuition per credit, fewer relocation costs, and flexible schedules that reduce lost income from leaving work.
Conclusion
Pursuing a law degree doesn’t have to mean overwhelming debt or putting your life on hold. The programs listed here offer affordable, flexible, and ABA-accredited options that let you earn your J.D. while balancing work, family, or other commitments. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, switch fields, or simply fulfill your passion for the law, these schools provide quality education without the heavy price tag.