Law Courses in USA: Top Universities & Fees

Law courses in the USA offer academic excellence and global recognition. Top schools like Harvard and Stanford enroll around 560 to 180 JD students yearly. Bar passage rates exceed 94% and with Harvard at 99.4%. This elite system produces professionals equipped to address global legal challenges.

The U.S. legal sector employs over 1.3 million lawyers, with job growth projected at 5% (2023–2033). In the previous year, there were 35,600 annual openings, and lawyer unemployment stayed low at 0.9% in Q1 2025, well below the national average.

Each year, approximately 60,000 international students obtain visas to study in the United States at ABA-approved law programs. The best law colleges in the USA, such as Stanford Law School, also offer JD/LLM programs. In this blog, you will learn about the top universities for law courses in USA.

Law Courses in the USA: Overview

Law courses in the USA offer internationally respected JD and LLM degrees, typically 3 years for JD and 1 year for LLMs. 

Most programs admit only in the Fall, though select LLMs offer a Spring intake (e.g., NYU). A U.S. law degree leads to bar eligibility in many states and high employability, with bar passage rates at top schools exceeding 94%.

Below is a detailed table outlining the key aspects of U.S. law programs:

With world-renowned institutions, globally recognized degrees, and access to diverse legal systems, the U.S. offers unmatched opportunities for aspiring legal professionals.

Why Pursue Law Courses in USA?

The U.S. is home to over 196 ABA-accredited law schools offering JD and LLM programs of global repute.  The U.S. legal sector generated over USD 390 billion (INR 3.24L Cr) in revenue, highlighting its scale and demand. 

The average base salary for first-year associates at major U.S. law firms reached USD 225,000 (INR 18.7 Cr), reflecting the strong education system in the USA.

Here’s why thousands of students choose to study law in the U.S. each year:

• World-Renowned Institutions:  U.S. law schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford consistently rank in the global top 10 for legal education.
• Global Recognition of Degrees: A JD or LLM from the U.S. is highly valued by international firms, government bodies, and legal institutions.
• Diverse Specializations: U.S. law schools offer specialized programs in areas such as Environmental Law, Human Rights, and Cyber Law.
• Strong Employment Outcomes: Over 92.1% of 2022 JD graduates were employed within 10 months of graduation.
• Cultural and Legal Diversity: Exposure to both federal and state legal systems enhances comparative law knowledge and global applicability.
• Strong Alumni Networks: Schools like Columbia and NYU maintain expansive alumni networks that support internships and career growth.
• Scholarship & Funding Options: Top universities offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid tailored for international students.
• Gateway to Global Legal Practice: Graduates often qualify to sit for bar exams in multiple U.S. states and pursue cross-border legal careers.

With a strong legal framework and globally ranked institutions, the U.S. is home to several prestigious universities offering top-tier law programs across various specializations.

Top Universities Offering Law Courses in USA

Leading U.S. law schools not only uphold prestigious rankings but also represent significant academic communities. Chicago Law enrolls approximately 594 first-years with a 4.8:1 student‑faculty ratio. 

Tuition per semester ranges from USD 29K to USD 40K (INR  30L - INR 32 L) depending on the program and institution.

Below is a table summarizing semester fees, program duration, and application deadlines:

With the U.S. consistently home to some of the world's top 10 law schools, students benefit from a diverse range of specializations. Below is a list of popular universities offering law programs with strong academic rankings and industry connections.

Popular Universities to Study Law Courses in USA

The U.S. legal education system is globally renowned, with 7 of the top 10 law schools worldwide located in the country, according to the QS World University Rankings These universities offer advanced legal training, experiential learning, and global exposure. 

Over 20,000 international students pursue law in the U.S., drawn by the academic excellence and high return on investment (ROI).

Here’s a detailed overview of semester fees, program duration, and application deadlines at these schools:

Before applying to a U.S. law school, it’s essential to understand the academic and language requirements that determine your eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria for Law Courses in USA

Admission into U.S. law schools is highly competitive; top-tier JD programs like Harvard report a median GPA of 3.93 and LSAT score of 174 for recent intakes. 

Across ABA-accredited institutions, the average LSAT score hovers around 159, with a mean GPA of 3.59 . Non-native English speakers must also demonstrate proficiency through tests like TOEFL (100+) or IELTS (7.0+).

Below is a breakdown of the essential eligibility criteria and required components:

Once you meet the eligibility requirements, the next step is the application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Application Process for Law Courses in USA

Each year, approximately 39,689 students begin their first year in ABA‑accredited JD programs, marking a 4.8% increase from 2023. While overall JD enrollment remains near its 40‑year average (115,000 students), total applications are surging, over 514,000 in 2025, up 22.8% from last year.

Below is a step-by-step guide to the application process for U.S. law schools:

Step 1: Submit University Admission Application

Apply through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) for JD programs or directly via the university’s portal for LLM/SJD. Ensure all required details are filled accurately and submit them before the deadline.

Step 2: Upload Financial Documents

Provide proof of funds, including bank statements, income tax returns, sponsor letters (if applicable), or affidavits demonstrating your ability to cover tuition and living expenses.

Step 3: Submit Additional Documents (If Required)

Some universities may require supplementary documents, such as updated transcripts, credential evaluations, proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS), or a bar license (for applicants studying an SJD).

Step 4: Attend Interview (If Applicable)

Certain law schools (e.g., Georgetown, NYU) may conduct interviews via Zoom or phone to evaluate your motivations and communication skills.

Step 5: Check the Application Status

Regularly log in to the LSAC portal or university-specific dashboard to monitor updates, requests, and the admission decision.

Step 6: Apply for Student Visa (F-1 Visa)

Once admitted:

• Receive your Form I-20 from the university.
• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
• Complete the DS-160 form and schedule your visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Bring all required documentation, including admission letter, financial proof, and passport.

Understanding the structure, duration, and areas of specialization in U.S. law programs is crucial for making an informed academic decision. Here’s what you need to know.

Law Courses in USA: Course Details & Specialization

U.S. law schools typically require JD students to complete 85–90 total credits, with over 52 upper-level credits during the 2L and 3L years. Harvard University alone offers more than 400 elective courses, including seminars and clinics, with over half having fewer than 25 students, ensuring a personalized learning experience for each student.

Here’s a structured breakdown of core requirements and specialization options:

Understanding the full cost of studying law in the United States, including tuition, living expenses, and additional fees, is essential for effective financial planning and scholarship considerations.

Cost of Pursuing Law Courses in USA

A law degree in the U.S. can cost over USD 121,000 (INR 10.1Cr) per year at top-tier institutions like Harvard, including tuition and living expenses. Living costs in the USA alone exceed USD 38,000 (INR 3.16Cr) annually, or approximately USD  3,200 (INR 266K) per month, according to official estimates. Understanding these figures is vital for international students preparing financially.

To help you plan financially, here’s a breakdown of the typical monthly cost for studying in the USA for Indian students:

Note: INR amounts are approximate and are subject to change.
Given the high cost of legal education in the U.S., numerous scholarships, fellowships, and grants are available to help international students fund their law studies.

Scholarships for pursuing Law Courses in USA

Scholarship opportunities significantly ease the financial burden of U.S. law programs. On average, 73% of JD students receive some form of merit-based funding, up from 49% in 2012. At Harvard Law, 45% of students receive grants, with approximately 13% receiving half- or fully funded Scholarships. 

However, ABA data reveal that 70% of full‑tuition scholarships go to white students who account for 61% of the student body, compared to <23% awarded to students of color.

Below is a breakdown of internal and external scholarships available for students.

Internal Scholarships

Many U.S. law schools offer prestigious institutional scholarships that significantly offset tuition costs; for instance, NYU Law’s Root‑Tilden‑Kern scholarship awards full tuition to 20 public-interest scholars each year. 

At NYU, specialized awards like Furman Academic, AnBryce, and Aspire target academic excellence, first-generation students, and cyber law paths.

Here’s a comparison of top internal  scholarships to study at USA universities for a Law course:

Now, let’s explore some external scholarship options for students studying a Law degree in the USA.

External Scholarships

Numerous prestigious external scholarships support international law students studying advanced degrees in the U.S. The Fulbright Scholarship awards approximately 4,000 grants annually to non-U.S. students for graduate study, including law studies for Indian students.  Other notable awards, such as the Rangel Fellowship, offer up to USD 42,000 (INR 3.49Cr) per year for public service career pathways.

Here are key external scholarships available for U.S. law students and LLM candidates:

After getting a scholarship to study abroad in top universities, let's explore some of the top career paths available after completing law courses in the USA.

Job Opportunities After Law Courses in USA

Most in-demand jobs in the USA for legal professionals remain strong, with over 1.3 million practicing lawyers. As of 2025, the average salary for U.S. lawyers is approximately USD 197,800 (INR 16.5Cr) per year. 

Specialized roles such as Corporate Counsel and Public Defender offer even higher or comparable pay, making a career in Law both prestigious and financially rewarding.

The table below shows the top career options in Law and their expected annual salaries in both USD and INR:

Source: Glassdoor

Graduates from top U.S. law schools are recruited by prestigious global firms and organizations offering competitive salaries and growth opportunities. Below are some of the top recruiters hiring law graduates in the U.S. market.

Top Recruiters

Top-tier legal firms and multinational companies offer some of the highest-paying jobs in the USA in the legal sector. Law graduates can also explore part-time job opportunities in the USA, such as contract attorney roles. Average annual legal salaries range from USD 102,000 (INR 8.49Cr) to over USD 270,000 (INR 22.5Cr).

Here are the leading recruiters hiring law graduates in the U.S., along with average salaries:

Source: Glassdoor

Guiding international law admissions can be complex, but upGrad simplifies the process with end-to-end support. Here's how upGrad empowers your journey to top U.S. law schools.

How Can upGrad Help You Study Law Courses in USA?

upGrad offers end-to-end support for law aspirants, including university selection, SOP review, and test prep. It partners with leading institutions to provide tailored guidance aligned with U.S. law school standards. 

upGrad guides students through visa processes, scholarships, and financing to make studying law in the U.S. more accessible. Its career services team supports resume building, internships, and mock interviews. 

Planning to Study Law in the USA? Schedule a free 1:1 counseling session with upGrad experts to discover top-ranked law schools, craft a winning application strategy, explore scholarship options, and identify high-paying legal career paths, all tailored to your goals.