Summary: The U.S. News compares data to determine which ranked law schools have graduates with the smallest amount of debt upon graduation.
Want to go to law school but worried about the debt? Tuition and fees typically run at $30,000 per year or more so loans are a must. Of the 183 ranked law schools, the average debt for 2015 graduates was $112,748.
The U.S. News Short List compiled the 10 law schools where alumni have the least amount of debt. Use this list if you are concerned about debt when deciding on what law schools to apply to and ultimately enroll at. Some schools are able to offer more grants and scholarships, driving down the cost for their students.
The top of the list – the school with graduates that have the least amount of debt was the University of Hawaii – Manoa. The average debt for 2015 graduates was $54,988. The opposite of this school is Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Graduates borrowed an average of $172,726 in 2015.
- University of Hawaii – Manoa: Average debt load for the class of 2015 was $54,988. The school is tied for No. 92 in the overall law school rankings.
- University of South Dakota: Average debt load for 2015 graduates was $57,170. The school is ranked 143.
- North Carolina Central University: Average debt load for the class of 2015 was $57,924.
- University of Nebraska – Lincoln: Average debt load for 2015 graduates was $58,744. The school is tied for No. 57.
- Brigham Young University (Clark): Average debt load for the class of 2015 was $62,423. The school is tied for No. 38.
- University of Arkansas – Fayetteville: Average debt load for 2015 graduates was $64,901. The school is tied for No. 86.
- Georgia State University: Average debt load for the class of 2015 was $66,637. The school is tied for No. 57.
- University of Tennessee – Knoxville: Average debt load for the class of 2015 was $66,939. The school is tied for No. 65.
- Liberty University (VA): Average debt load for 2015 graduates was $68,667.
- University of Arkansas – Little Rock: Average debt load for the class of 2015 was $68,960. The school is tied for No. 136.
Do you think debt is more important than school rankings? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
To learn more about school rankings, read 2017 Law School Rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
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