Bachelors in Law in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Bachelors in Law in USA, often a pre-law or political science major, costs about USD 30,000–60,000 per year (≈ ₹25–50 lakhs). Leading universities like Harvard and Stanford prepare students for law school or policy roles. Pursuing bachelors in law in USA or legal studies degrees helps develop analytical, ethical, and communication skills crucial for global legal practice.

A Bachelors in Law offers a strong foundation for tackling the growing challenges in fields like technology, climate change, and intellectual property. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 8% job growth for law professionals from 2022 to 2032, making this degree highly relevant for the future job market.

In addition to a legal career, a Bachelors in Law USA prepares you to handle emerging areas like climate litigation and intellectual property law, which are expanding rapidly. With around 39,000 job openings expected each year, studying law in the USA provides access to career opportunities like a public attorney. 

Bachelors in Law USA: Overview

A Bachelor's in Law is a 3-4 year undergraduate course for students interested in pursuing a career in law. After completing the degree, graduates can either continue their studies with a Master's in Law (LLM) or explore career roles like legal consultant, policy advisor, or legal analyst. These roles are available in industries such as the Department of Justice, corporate law firms, and government agencies.

Below is a brief overview of Bachelors in Law USA.

Before exploring the top universities for this degree, let’s understand why the US offers great opportunities for a Bachelor’s in Law.

Why Pursue Bachelors in Law USA?

The current US legal services market is valued at $396.80 billion and is expected to grow by 2.5% between 2025 and 2030. A degree from top universities in the QS rankings, such as Harvard University or Yale University, prepares you academically while allowing you to take advantage of this booming market.

Here are the benefits of pursuing a Bachelors in Law USA.

• Strong Alumni Networks: Graduating from top US law schools, such as Columbia University, connects you with influential alumni, providing valuable mentorship and career opportunities.
• Diverse Specializations: US law schools offer specialized courses such as entertainment law, health law, and environmental law, allowing you to choose specific career interests.
• Access to Latest Research: US law programs provide opportunities to engage in legal research, particularly in areas like international law and digital privacy.
• Comprehensive Legal Education: The curriculum not only covers traditional law but also includes practical skills training such as client interaction, negotiation, and trial advocacy.
• Global Recognition: A Bachelors in Law from an ABA-accredited school is highly respected worldwide, increasing your opportunities to work internationally.

Now, let’s take a look at the top universities offering a Bachelor’s in Law program in the USA.

Top Universities For Studying Bachelors in Law USA

Top universities provide the knowledge and skills needed to meet their specific requirements. Universities like the University of Washington offer high academic standards, preparing graduates for careers in government, policy-making, and NGOs.

Here are some top universities offering a Bachelors in Law USA.

Apart from top universities, you can also explore other popular institutions that offer bachelors programs in law. Let’s discuss them in detail.

Popular Universities for Bachelors in Law USA

Popular universities serve as alternatives for your plans to study a Bachelor’s in Law. Institutions like the University at Buffalo not only offer quality education but are also affordable for students with diverse financial needs.

Below are some popular universities.

Next, let’s discuss the eligibility criteria required for a Bachelors in Law USA.

Eligibility Criteria for Bachelors in Law USA

The eligibility criteria ensure that your qualifications meet the program's demands. It typically involves having a high school diploma and completing standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. International students must also demonstrate English language proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL. Once accepted, you can apply for a US student visa.

Here are the eligibility requirements for students to study for a Bachelors in Law USA.

After you’ve fulfilled the eligibility requirements, it’s time to fill out the application form. Let’s check out the steps.

Application Process for Bachelors in Law USA

A clear understanding of the application process can reduce errors and streamline the process. It involves filling out the form on the portal and submitting documents like academic transcripts. 

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency levels through tests like TOEFL. After receiving admission confirmation, you can apply for a student visa.

Here are the steps involved in the application process.

• Step 1: Submit University Application: Submit your application to the university, including personal details, academic records, and any required forms or essays.
• Step 2: Provide Additional Documents: Submit the following documents if required:
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose (if required)
  • Resume or CV (if required)
  • Standardized tests like SAT or ACT
• Step 3: Attend an Interview: Universities like Harvard may require an interview. Be ready to talk about your academic background, motivation, and career goals.
• Step 4: Check Application Status: Regularly check your application status on the university’s portal. Respond promptly to any additional requests for documents.
• Step 5: Apply for Student Visa: Once accepted, apply for the F-1 student visa by submitting the following:
  • Copy of the university's acceptance letter
  • Completed visa application form (DS-160)
  • Proof of financial support
  • Visa application fee of $535 (INR 46.1K)
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • SEVIS fee payment confirmation

Once you’ve gone through the application process, it’s time to explore the subjects and specializations you will study in a Bachelors in Law in USA.

Course details for Bachelors in Law USA

The program includes core subjects like Constitutional Law and Criminal Law, with opportunities to specialize in fields such as Intellectual Property and International Law. In addition to coursework, students gain practical experience through internships at prominent law firms and capstone projects that address real-world legal challenges.

Below is the course structure for a Bachelor's in Law in USA.

Now that you’ve seen the curriculum for a Bachelors in Law in USA, let’s check out the costs associated with pursuing this program.

Cost of Pursuing a Bachelors in Law USA

The average annual tuition for a law school in the U.S. is $50,357 (INR 43.4L). Additionally, students must pay around $160 (INR 13.6K) for the multi-state bar exam. Beyond tuition, living expenses such as food and transportation are estimated at $13,200 (INR 11.2L ) per year, adding to the overall cost of studying law in the USA.

Here is the cost of living in the USA for a Bachelors in Law.

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Students can apply for scholarships to help reduce their costs in the U.S. Let’s discuss this in detail.

Bachelors in Law USA: Scholarships for Students

Around 11% of students receive some form of financial aid in the form of scholarships, including grants, tuition fee remission, or other benefits. However, only 0.1% of students receive complete coverage, making knowledge of available scholarships essential.

Below is a breakdown of internal and external scholarships to study in the USA for Indian students.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships are university-funded, primarily through their own resources or endowments. For example, the Presidential Scholarship awarded by Gannon University provides a financial grant of $21,000 to $22,000 (INR 17.9L to INR 18.8L) for high-performing students.

Here are some internal scholarships for a Bachelor's in Law USA.

Students can also qualify for external scholarships awarded by entities other than universities. Let’s explore them.

External Scholarships

Students can apply for external scholarships, which are awarded by governments and foundations. The Legal Opportunity Scholarship, for instance, offers $15,000 (INR 12.8L) in financial aid for incoming students from marginalized groups.

Below are some external scholarships.

Next, let’s explore the potential job roles after a Bachelors in Law in USA.

Job Opportunities After Bachelors in Law USA

An entry-level law graduate in the USA earns around $61,900 (INR 52.9L), which is close to the average salary in the country. After a Bachelor’s in Law, you can apply for roles like Legal Assistant in industries such as corporate, law firms, and government.

Here are some top jobs after a Bachelors in Law USA.

Source: Indeed

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Now, let’s take a look at some top organizations hiring graduates with a Bachelors in Law in USA.

Top Recruiters Hiring Graduates After Bachelors in Law USA 

A Bachelor’s in Law prepares graduates for roles like Paralegal, Legal Analyst, and Compliance Officer. Graduates can find opportunities in corporate companies like Microsoft and law firms such as The Carson Law Firm.

Here are some top recruiters hiring graduates after Bachelors in Law USA.

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Finally, let’s explore how upGrad can assist you in starting your journey to study abroad.

How upGrad Can Help You Study Bachelors in Law USA?

Studying abroad in the USA is challenging due to the long and complex application processes and financial planning. upGrad simplifies the process by offering expert support, making your journey smoother.

upGrad offers personalized guidance, helping you make confident decisions. They assist with visa paperwork, scholarships, and provide targeted IELTS/TOEFL preparation. Additionally, career counseling and resume reviews ensure continuous success.

Don't delay your study abroad journey to the US. Book a 1:1 session with upGrad experts to receive personalized assistance on admission requirements, fees, and the application process for a successful experience!