Are you thinking of applying to law school but have nowhere to begin your search? We understand how daunting the whole process can be if you are not sure where to search and what exactly you need to consider.
Law school, like any graduate school, can also be expensive, which you should think about before you begin your journey. If these concerns resonate with you, then read on and find out more of what you need to consider before you zero down on a specific law school.
What is Law School?
Law school refers to a graduate school specialized in offering legal education. In most parts of Europe, it is recognized as the process that everyone who wants to become a lawyer has to go through first. No one can be fully recognized as a lawyer before going through law school.
The Average Costs of Law School Worldwide
The cost of law school will largely depend on which caliber of the university you would wish to attend. It will also matter whether you are attending a private or public school, as these factors will contribute to how much you have to pay.
For instance, in most United States universities, private law schools cost about $43,020, while public schools cost about $26,264 to $39,612.
Law School Cost Breakdown
Most law graduates in the USA pay an average tuition fee of about $40,000 per year. This is not inclusive of application fees, admission fees, and other additional costs.
In the UK, if you are a citizen, you pay £13,500, and for international students, you are required to pay £12,150. It is important to note that private universities, public in-state, and public out-of-state universities charge their law students differently.
Keep in mind that you will need to buy scholastic materials and textbooks, on top of the actual tuition fees.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Law School
Several factors affect the price of law school, such as whether the university you are joining is private or public. This is because private universities tend to charge more fees compared to public universities.
The location of a university will also play a significant role in determining the cost. This is because universities in the US charge more fees compared to other places, such as Ireland, the UK, and Canada.
If you are taking out a student loan, you might have to incur extra costs, especially when it comes to interest.
Additional Costs Associated with Law School
On top of tuition fees, you will have to pay for your personal upkeep and transportation, in case you are staying far from the university or institution. You also have to pay for books and other literary materials that you will be using during your studies. There might be additional costs, such as trip fees or research materials that you'll have to shoulder during your study.
Conclusion
Although some people think law school is expensive, many scholars believe it is an investment worth the price. Before you settle down on a particular institution, it is always advisable to check out other institutions and compare notes in terms of fees and other additional costs. With that said, to go to law school, you might have to part with upwards of $25,000, depending on personal circumstances and which institution you have in mind.
