In an era where the cost of higher education is under constant scrutiny, the National Jurist’s preLaw Magazine has released its annual ranking of the law schools offering the best value for students in 2025. This year’s list highlights affordability and value, focusing on metrics that matter most to students: tuition costs, living expenses, and debt levels upon graduation.

The methodology adopted by the National Jurist places a significant emphasis on economical factors, accounting for 55% of the overall ranking. These include tuition fees, cost of living while studying, and the average debt students accumulate by the time they graduate. Employment rates post-graduation, which stand as a crucial factor for prospective students, contribute 30% to the rankings. The remaining 15% is based on bar passage rates, comparing schools against state averages and examining long-term pass rates.

This approach tends to favor public law schools, which generally offer lower tuition rates compared to their private counterparts. Indeed, the 2025 rankings see public universities taking pride of place, with Florida State University leading the pack, followed by Brigham Young University and the University of Georgia rounding out the top three.

Erin O’Hara O’Connor, dean of FSU Law, credits their top ranking to the school's philosophy of balancing affordability with quality education and career opportunities. "Per dollar invested in their legal education, our students cannot and will not receive a better education and better opportunities," O'Connor stated, highlighting the significant return on investment that FSU Law offers its students.

While public schools dominate the list, a notable private institution made its way into the top 20, showcasing that value can also be found in the private sector, albeit less frequently. The rankings also revealed an interesting trend with ties in positions, reminiscent of the U.S. News law school rankings, with an 18-way tie for 21st place and a 20-way tie for 22nd place.

Aspiring law students are often advised to weigh the cost of their education against potential career earnings and opportunities. The 2025 Best Value Law Schools ranking serves as a crucial tool for those looking to minimize debt while maximizing their career prospects post-graduation.

For a complete list of the top 20 Best Value Law Schools and more detailed insights into the rankings, visit the National Jurist’s official website. Congratulations to all the institutions that have made education both accessible and impactful, providing their students with a foundation for success in the legal field.