University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights affordable programs in legal studies.
Get Matched With Legal Studies Programs
Are you considering earning a degree in legal studies? This may be a good choice if you are interested in pursuing a career in either law or business. While many professions in this field require additional education and/or training, graduating from an accredited academic program is generally a good start./p>
Degrees of this type offer significant flexibility. Students learn to hone various theoretical, technical, and problem-solving skills, attributes that are valuable in nearly any workplace. As a result, there are numerous career paths available in law, criminal justice, business, and homeland security after graduation.
It’s important for prospective students to note that many of the most prominent positions require additional education. Common continuing education pathways include earning a master’s degree in criminal justice, business law, business administration, or homeland security. There are also graduate certificates available for students interested in pursuing careers as paralegals.
While job specifics will vary depending on the career chosen, legal studies professionals often assist in the legal process. Responsibilities tend to revolve around analytical thinking, conflict resolution, active listening, communication, and research. Other helpful skills include being well organized and capable of making decisions under pressure. Professionals in this field must also be able to read and write for extended periods of time.
Most careers related to legal studies require some level of higher education, which can be expensive. Employers generally expect candidates to have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in legal studies is generally needed for masters of business administration (MBA) programs or law school.
Compare Popular Online Legal Studies Programs
Top 50 Affordable Legal Studies Colleges and Universities
1
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Score: 100
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,420
- Out-of-State:$9,124
- Net Price: $3,029
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 2,288
- Undergrad Students: 2,288
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
2
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Score: 94.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,470
- Out-of-State:$15,420
- Net Price: $5,001
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 13,921
- Undergrad Students: 12,061
- Graduate Students: 1,860
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
3
Northern Kentucky University
Score: 87.54
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,896
- Out-of-State:$21,480
- Net Price: $7,259
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 15,801
- Undergrad Students: 10,776
- Graduate Students: 5,025
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
4
The University of West Florida
Score: 83.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State:$19,241
- Net Price: $8,609
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 13,521
- Undergrad Students: 9,291
- Graduate Students: 4,230
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
5
Peirce College
Score: 80.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,060
- Out-of-State:$15,060
- Net Price: $9,621
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 5%
- Total Enrollment: 856
- Undergrad Students: 762
- Graduate Students: 94
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
6
Northeastern State University
Score: 80.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,513
- Out-of-State:$16,633
- Net Price: $9,669
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 6,702
- Undergrad Students: 5,242
- Graduate Students: 1,460
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
7
Clayton State University
Score: 80.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,068
- Out-of-State:$15,790
- Net Price: $9,792
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 5,847
- Undergrad Students: 5,283
- Graduate Students: 564
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
8
East Central University
Score: 78.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,032
- Out-of-State:$17,542
- Net Price: $10,221
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 3,376
- Undergrad Students: 2,730
- Graduate Students: 646
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
9
Eastern Kentucky University
Score: 77.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,130
- Out-of-State:$20,820
- Net Price: $10,806
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 14,324
- Undergrad Students: 12,072
- Graduate Students: 2,252
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
10
Florida Gulf Coast University
Score: 77.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,118
- Out-of-State:$25,162
- Net Price: $10,834
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 15,969
- Undergrad Students: 14,130
- Graduate Students: 1,839
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
11
Morehead State University
Score: 76.56
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,838
- Out-of-State:$14,706
- Net Price: $10,991
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 8,807
- Undergrad Students: 8,215
- Graduate Students: 592
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
12
American Public University System
Score: 76.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State:$8,400
- Net Price: $11,172
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 48,668
- Undergrad Students: 39,206
- Graduate Students: 9,462
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
13
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Score: 76.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,455
- Out-of-State:$19,210
- Net Price: $11,173
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 8,197
- Undergrad Students: 5,825
- Graduate Students: 2,372
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
14
University of Illinois Springfield
Score: 74.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,252
- Out-of-State:$22,017
- Net Price: $11,733
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 4,198
- Undergrad Students: 2,393
- Graduate Students: 1,805
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
15
West Virginia University
Score: 72.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,648
- Out-of-State:$27,360
- Net Price: $12,202
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 24,741
- Undergrad Students: 19,059
- Graduate Students: 5,682
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
16
University of Utah
Score: 72.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,315
- Out-of-State:$29,837
- Net Price: $12,399
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 34,734
- Undergrad Students: 26,355
- Graduate Students: 8,379
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
17
Paul Quinn College
Score: 72.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,498
- Out-of-State:$13,498
- Net Price: $12,409
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Total Enrollment: 938
- Undergrad Students: 938
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
18
Washburn University
Score: 72.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,578
- Out-of-State:$20,582
- Net Price: $12,473
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 5,460
- Undergrad Students: 4,733
- Graduate Students: 727
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
19
Ball State University
Score: 71.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,758
- Out-of-State:$28,766
- Net Price: $12,615
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 19,777
- Undergrad Students: 14,416
- Graduate Students: 5,361
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
20
Mississippi University for Women
Score: 71.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,092
- Out-of-State:$8,092
- Net Price: $12,691
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 2,339
- Undergrad Students: 2,080
- Graduate Students: 259
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
21
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Score: 70.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,487
- Out-of-State:$16,400
- Net Price: $12,908
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 2,710
- Undergrad Students: 2,213
- Graduate Students: 497
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
22
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Score: 70.74
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,150
- Out-of-State:$24,464
- Net Price: $12,967
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 9,070
- Undergrad Students: 6,604
- Graduate Students: 2,466
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
23
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Score: 70.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,370
- Out-of-State:$22,358
- Net Price: $12,973
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 15,058
- Undergrad Students: 12,026
- Graduate Students: 3,032
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
24
University of Central Florida
Score: 70.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,368
- Out-of-State:$22,467
- Net Price: $13,108
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 68,346
- Undergrad Students: 58,662
- Graduate Students: 9,684
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 29:1
25
Fort Hays State University
Score: 69.69
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,633
- Out-of-State:$16,811
- Net Price: $13,322
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 12,949
- Undergrad Students: 10,427
- Graduate Students: 2,522
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
26
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Score: 69.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,205
- Out-of-State:$40,603
- Net Price: $13,376
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Total Enrollment: 48,956
- Undergrad Students: 36,306
- Graduate Students: 12,650
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
27
Goldey-Beacom College
Score: 69.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,440
- Out-of-State:$13,440
- Net Price: $13,454
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 1,012
- Undergrad Students: 620
- Graduate Students: 392
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
28
Tarleton State University
Score: 68.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,878
- Out-of-State:$17,958
- Net Price: $13,755
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 14,092
- Undergrad Students: 11,880
- Graduate Students: 2,212
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
29
Central Penn College
Score: 68.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,404
- Out-of-State:$19,404
- Net Price: $13,803
- Acceptance Rate: 34%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 943
- Undergrad Students: 918
- Graduate Students: 25
- Grads Salary: $60,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
30
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Score: 67.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,689
- Out-of-State:$13,519
- Net Price: $14,049
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 2,836
- Undergrad Students: 2,836
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
31
Texas State University
Score: 67.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,450
- Out-of-State:$23,210
- Net Price: $14,120
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 38,171
- Undergrad Students: 33,834
- Graduate Students: 4,337
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
32
University of Southern Mississippi
Score: 66.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,618
- Out-of-State:$11,618
- Net Price: $14,427
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 13,526
- Undergrad Students: 10,258
- Graduate Students: 3,268
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
33
Ursuline College
Score: 66.22
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,860
- Out-of-State:$37,860
- Net Price: $14,502
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 950
- Undergrad Students: 625
- Graduate Students: 325
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
34
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Score: 66.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,004
- Out-of-State:$34,501
- Net Price: $14,544
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 56,916
- Undergrad Students: 35,120
- Graduate Students: 21,796
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
35
Arizona State University
Score: 65.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State:$32,193
- Net Price: $14,808
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 80,065
- Undergrad Students: 65,492
- Graduate Students: 14,573
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
36
South College
Score: 65.25
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,935
- Out-of-State:$17,935
- Net Price: $14,831
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 6,182
- Undergrad Students: 4,906
- Graduate Students: 1,276
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
37
Central Michigan University
Score: 62.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,190
- Out-of-State:$14,190
- Net Price: $15,605
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 14,557
- Undergrad Students: 10,401
- Graduate Students: 4,156
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
38
University of Alaska Anchorage
Score: 62.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,566
- Out-of-State:$21,693
- Net Price: $15,609
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 10,464
- Undergrad Students: 9,925
- Graduate Students: 539
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
39
Cleveland State University
Score: 62.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,613
- Out-of-State:$17,973
- Net Price: $15,719
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 14,385
- Undergrad Students: 9,776
- Graduate Students: 4,609
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
40
Mercy University
Score: 62.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,106
- Out-of-State:$22,106
- Net Price: $15,879
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 8,615
- Undergrad Students: 6,379
- Graduate Students: 2,236
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
41
University of Maryland
Score: 61.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,505
- Out-of-State:$40,306
- Net Price: $16,210
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Total Enrollment: 40,792
- Undergrad Students: 30,353
- Graduate Students: 10,439
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
42
Indiana University-Bloomington
Score: 61.12
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,790
- Out-of-State:$40,482
- Net Price: $16,234
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Total Enrollment: 47,005
- Undergrad Students: 35,660
- Graduate Students: 11,345
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
43
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Score: 59.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,108
- Out-of-State:$27,748
- Net Price: $16,805
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 23,805
- Undergrad Students: 19,189
- Graduate Students: 4,616
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
44
University of California-Los Angeles
Score: 58.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,747
- Out-of-State:$44,524
- Net Price: $16,999
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Total Enrollment: 46,430
- Undergrad Students: 32,423
- Graduate Students: 14,007
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
45
Berkeley College-Woodland Park
Score: 58.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $28,600
- Out-of-State:$28,600
- Net Price: $17,068
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 2,078
- Undergrad Students: 1,944
- Graduate Students: 134
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
46
University of Arizona
Score: 58.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,626
- Out-of-State:$41,095
- Net Price: $17,075
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 49,403
- Undergrad Students: 38,751
- Graduate Students: 10,652
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
47
Grand Valley State University
Score: 58.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,628
- Out-of-State:$20,820
- Net Price: $17,105
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 21,648
- Undergrad Students: 18,665
- Graduate Students: 2,983
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
48
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Score: 58.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,570
- Out-of-State:$35,396
- Net Price: $17,240
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 17,153
- Undergrad Students: 12,389
- Graduate Students: 4,764
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
49
Regent University
Score: 57.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,686
- Out-of-State:$20,686
- Net Price: $17,341
- Acceptance Rate: 32%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 10,337
- Undergrad Students: 4,541
- Graduate Students: 5,796
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
50
Mount Saint Joseph University
Score: 57.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,650
- Out-of-State:$36,650
- Net Price: $17,506
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 2,027
- Undergrad Students: 1,423
- Graduate Students: 604
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
