![[top 10] The Best And Most Affordable Law Schools In](https://midwestnewsauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Top-10-The-best-and-most-affordable-law-schools-in.jpg "[Top 10] The best and most affordable law schools in the Midwest")
A career in law is one of the most sought-after paths for people who want to make a difference. There are many areas of law – from immigration to copyright to criminal defense and more – enough to attract any person. It is a career where the stakes of one's job are high. You might save someone from a life sentence, win a large settlement for an injured party, or champion a case that establishes legal precedent in an area you're passionate about. But first, you have to finish law school. If you live in the American Midwest or are about to study there, Business Review USA has compiled a list of the best and the most affordable law schools in this region of the country.
10. University of Toledo (Toledo, OH)
Overall ranking: 142-tie
Tuition $17,900 per year (full-time, in-state) / $29,449 per year (full-time, out-of-state)
Toledo Law recently reduced in-state and out-of-state tuition. In-state tuition is the lowest of any law school in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. Residents of Michigan and Indiana pay in-state tuition “under the College's automatic Michigan Resident Scholarship Guarantee and Indiana Resident Scholarship Guarantee.” The school, founded in 1906, has a student-to-student ratio of 10:1. The employment of its students upon graduation is 22.9 percent.
9. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Lincoln, NE)
Overall ranking: 56-tie
Tuition $14,479 per year (full-time, in-state)/$32,852 per year (full-time, out-of-state)
Nebraska law students graduate with some of the lowest law school debt in the nation, “which means they can pursue their dreams and goals as lawyers, rather than having to focus their careers on how best to service their debt. Lincoln is the state capital of Nebraska, “which creates many opportunities for students to work in the legislature, administrative agencies, prosecutor's offices and courts. Students have the opportunity to present oral arguments before the Nebraska Supreme Court and the Nebraska Court of Appeals.” Employment upon graduation is 51.6 percent. Nebraska Law's student-to-student ratio is 11:1.
8. Wayne State University (Detroit, MI)
Overall ranking: 105-tie
Tuition $30,025 per year (full-time, in-state)/$32,808 per year (full-time, out-of-state)
Wayne Law is the premier public interest law school in the Midwest. Their civil rights, entrepreneurship, environmental and international programs, and related clinics have distinguished Wayne Law as an advocate for justice committed to serving the community. The International Legal Studies Program provides qualified students with many opportunities to study abroad after their first or second year. Being in Detroit provides the school with unique opportunities. “It's rewarding for Wayne Law to be a part of Detroit's renewal. We are an anchor in Midtown – where lawyers work and deal with the real problems of an urban environment – and our students, faculty and alumni contribute to the city's revitalization on a daily basis.” The student-faculty ratio is 10:1. Their employment upon graduation is 27.6 percent.
7. Washburn University (Topeka, KS)
Overall ranking: 122-tie
Tuition $19,094 per year (full-time, in-state)/$29,766 per year (full-time, out-of-state)
Washburn's position and caliber in teaching writing are two of the school's most important features. “From its capital city location—exposing you to tons of internship and externship opportunities—to its nationally ranked legal writing program, Washburn provides its students with the foundation for success,” one student writes. The following states are eligible for in-state tuition: Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. It also offers dual degrees that combine a JD degree with an MBA, Master of Accountancy or Master of Social Work degree. Its employment upon graduation is 26.5 percent.
6. University of South Dakota (Vermillion, SD)
Overall ranking: 145-tie
Tuition $13,904 per year (full-time, in-state)/$29,518 per year (full-time, out-of-state)
Graduates of the University of South Dakota School of Law “make up the majority of the membership of the South Dakota Bar and the five justices of the South Dakota Supreme Court.” The school has excellent first-time bar employment rates and statistics. The employment to graduation rate is 59.2%. The student-faculty ratio is 12:1.
5. University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH)
Overall ranking: 82-tied
Tuition $24,010 per year (full-time, in-state) / $29,010 per year (full-time, out-of-state)
The University of Cincinnati School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in the country. Dual JD and MBA degree available. Students can get real-world training through centers and clinics run by law schools, such as the Rosenthal Institute for Justice, where, through the Ohio Innocence Project, students work to identify wrongfully imprisoned inmates across the state. The National Law Journal and National Jurist's PreLaw Magazine recently named UC Law a top school for practical training and business recruiting. Its employment to graduation rate is 36.2 percent.
4. Ohio Northern University (Pettit) (Ada, OH)
Overall ranking: 145-tie
Tuition $24,800 per year (full-time)
In 2013, Ohio Northern University became the first private law school in the country to lower tuition. A 25 percent tuition reduction earned them the recognition of being one of only 6 private law colleges in the nation to be named to the “Best Value Law Schools” in 2014. ONU is No. 1 in Ohio for job placement and passage to the bar. ONU's in-house legal clinic is different from other law school clinics. “It works like a real law firm. Students are assigned clients and are expected to not only meet with them, but to represent their clients from the beginning of a case and see it through by the time their term at the clinic ends.” The student to faculty ratio is 12:1
3. University of Akron (Akron, OH)
Overall ranking: 127-tie
Tuition $24,340 per year (full-time, in-state)/$24,440 per year (full-time, out-of-state)
Akron Law is a National Jurist Magazine Best Value Law School. School scholarships remain valid for an entire law school career. Students have the opportunity to try a real case in a state trial and appellate court. The program also offers specialized certificates in intellectual property, healthcare and litigation. Akron Law's student-faculty ratio is 11:1 and its employment to graduation rate is 28.9 percent.
2. University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, SW)
Overall ranking: 138-tie
Tuition $10,925 per year (full-time, in-state) / $24,249 per year (full-time, out-of-state)
The University of North Dakota School of Law is one of the smallest public law schools in the country. Entering classes are 80 to 90 students, with a total enrollment of 250. The school has an Academic Success program designed to help students succeed in their first year and beyond. Getting a good job after graduation is on the rise in North Dakota because of the state's attorney shortage. “The State of North Dakota is in the midst of a rapid-onset attorney shortage… Practice-ready attorneys are critically needed throughout [North Dakota].” Finally, the law school is undergoing an $11.4 million renovation.
1. University of the Capital (Columbus, OH)
Overall Ranking: Ranking not published
Tuition of $1,185 per full-time and part-time credit
Capital's comprehensive curriculum balances advanced courses in emerging areas of law with significant experiential opportunities and skills training. Capital's faculty includes full-time faculty who are nationally recognized legal experts in their fields, including Professor Mark Strasser, an expert in the fields of constitutional law and family law who has published more than 100 articles and books. Capital's downtown Columbus, Ohio location provides ample opportunities for networking, professional relationships, and pro bono opportunities. Located just a few blocks from Ohio State and the Capitol Square. The Law School is also close to many courts, government agencies, public services and non-profit organizations, law firms and corporate headquarters.
Source: NEW USA
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