Top 10 Law Schools for Getting Rich Without Selling Your Soul: The Real Law School ROI in 2025

Tom Borman, LawFuel contributing editor

Is law school really worth it? Every prospective law student hears about skyrocketing tuition and horror stories of six-figure debt. Yet they also see the allure of six-figure BigLaw salaries and dream legal careers.

The key is finding law schools with the best ROI (return on investment) – programs that launch great careers without leaving you buried in loans. In 2025, a handful of both elite institutions and affordable law schools stand out for value.

They deliver high-paying legal careers or strong outcomes at a reasonable cost, meaning you can get rich (or at least comfortable) without selling your soul to debt. Let’s explore what ROI means for law students today and count down the best law schools for value this year.

What Does Law School ROI Mean in 2025?

Law School ROI = Career Outcomes ÷ Costs. In simple terms, a law school’s ROI measures how well its graduates’ salaries and job prospects stack up against the cost of attending.

A high ROI school either produces high earners (think big law firm associates) or keeps debt low (through low tuition or scholarships) – or, ideally, both.

The job market for new JDs has been hot: 92.1 percent of the Class of 2022 found employment within 10 months, the best rate in 35 years. National median pay hit $85,000, with graduates in private practice earning a median of $150,000.

And at large firms, first-year associate salaries now start around $215,000. With incomes soaring, if you attend a school that opens doors to those jobs, even big debt can “pay off.”

For example, Columbia Law grads have a median salary of $280,900 four years out, the highest in the nation, which more than covers their hefty debt payments. In contrast, many lower-ranked schools see median salaries around $55–75k – not nearly enough to comfortably service $100k+ in loans. ROI is all about that balance.

How is ROI measured?

A common metric is the salary-to-debt ratio: the higher the ratio, the better your return. U.S. News recently analyzed this by comparing graduates’ median starting salaries vs. average debt. The average new law grad carries about $102k in student loans, but at the 20 schools with the best ratios, grads earned an average $147k starting salary – a much healthier equation.

Some schools shine here: in 2024 data, University of Texas School of Law had a salary-to-debt ratio over 2:1, meaning grads’ salaries were more than double their debt load. By contrast, many reputable schools have ratios below 1.5:1, and the average law school grad’s net earnings (after loan payments) is only about $72k four years in.

“Best value” law schools work to improve this math by keeping costs down (scholarships, low in-state tuition) and ensuring strong employment outcomes (high bar passage and job placement rates).

It’s not just about money. ROI can also give you freedom. A low-debt graduate can take a fulfilling public interest or government job without financial panic.

As one University of Georgia student said, “I would not have been able to take advantage of [amazing opportunities] had I been saddled with burdensome loans… I appreciate having the freedom to explore a variety of practice areas.”

In other words, a great ROI law school lets you launch your legal career on your own terms, not just chase the highest paycheck to manage debt.

Below we count down the Top 10 law schools for ROI in 2025, blending top-tier giants and hidden-gem regionals that deliver exceptional bang for your buck. We’ll look at tuition costs, typical debt, salaries, and more. (Spoiler: Yes, Harvard Law is on the list – but so is a law school where the average debt is under $65k!)

Top 10 Law Schools for ROI in 2025

To rank “ROI,” we considered salary-to-debt ratios, employment data, and the latest rankings of affordable law schools. These 10 offer stellar outcomes for the investment. Some are household-name top law schools (2025); others are affordable regional schools punching above their weight. All can help you build wealth (or at least stay solvent) after law school.

(All tuition figures are for full-time J.D. tuition only; “Avg. Debt” is the average debt at graduation for borrowers; “Median Private Salary” is the median starting salary for graduates in the private sector. Salary-to-debt ratio is calculated as (median salary)÷(average debt).)

1. University of Texas at Austin – BigLaw ROI King

When it comes to “best law schools for value,” Texas Law is a perennial champion. UT Austin offers T14-level prestige and outcomes at a public school price. In fact, Texas Law grads have the best salary-to-debt ratio in the country according to multiple studies.

How do they do it?

Reasonable in-state tuition (around $36k) and generous scholarships keep the average law debt just around $100k. Meanwhile, UT places nearly 60% of graduates into law firms (many in high-paying BigLaw jobs) and another 17% into clerkships.

The result: a median private-sector starting salary of about $225,000 – essentially the Cravath BigLaw scale that top New York firms pay. With such outcomes, UT grads can quickly pay down loans. Dean Ward Farnsworth says UT is “committed to producing great outcomes for our students… [so] ours have an easier time than most” repaying debt.

The school’s network in Texas (and beyond) is a huge asset in job placement. Bottom line: If you want BigLaw money without Ivy League debt, UT Austin is arguably #1 for ROI (as U.S. News itself has ranked in the past).

2. Harvard Law School – Prestige Pays, Literally

No surprise, Harvard Law makes the list – but perhaps not for the reasons you think. Yes, Harvard is ultra-elite and expensive, (and getting a hard time from President Trump at present) but its outcomes are so stellar that it ends up a solid ROI choice if you leverage its opportunities.

Harvard’s class of 2022 enjoyed a median salary around $234k four years after graduation – one of the highest in the nation. Nearly all Harvard grads land jobs: over half go to BigLaw or federal clerkships, often with starting salaries at or near $215k.

Others enter lucrative business or academia paths, and Harvard’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program helps those in lower-paid public service.

Harvard also offers significant need-based grants; as a result, the median debt for HLS grads is lower than many might expect (under $100k). That combination of moderate debt and sky-high income yields a top-tier ROI.

In fact, a study using U.S. Dept. of Education data found Harvard Law had the lowest debt-to-earnings ratio of any U.S. law school – just 39.9%, meaning the median debt was only ~40% of median annual earnings. In short, Harvard grads can quickly recoup their investment.

Of course, getting into HLS is its own challenge – but if you do, it pays off. As one ROI study put it, Harvard and its T-14 peers have “returns… concentrated among a small number of institutions” that dominate high-paying legal jobs. Things are changing for Harvard, which has registered very low on the ‘free speech’ rankings, but the name remains gold, if slightly burnished at present.

3. University of Georgia – Best Value in Public Legal Education

UGA School of Law has quietly become a national leader in ROI. In 2023, preLaw Magazine ranked Georgia Law #1 “Best Value” law school in the country, and it’s consistently in the top spots year after year.

What makes Georgia so special? For starters, tuition is only about $19k for Georgians (around $39k out-of-state), and the school devotes resources to scholarships and keeping student costs low.

The result: average debt at graduation under $80k, far below the national norm of ~$130k. But UGA also delivers on outcomes: an outstanding 93% first-time bar passage rate (well above the state average) and a 92.7% employment rate 10 months after graduation.

Grads land big law jobs in Atlanta and beyond, federal clerkships, and solid regional firm positions. Dean Peter “Bo” Rutledge explicitly markets UGA as “the nation’s best return on (students’) investment,” both quantitatively and qualitatively.

The philosophy is paying off – students like Carolina Mares chose UGA so they could pursue public interest law debt-light: “UGA was the obvious choice… exceptional outcomes as well as accessible programs… I have the freedom to explore [my career]” without huge loans. With debt loads 40% lower than the average law grad’s and outcomes on par with higher-ranked schools, UGA is a premium legal education at a bargain price.

4. Brigham Young University (BYU) – Low Cost, High Placement

BYU Law is legendary among law school bargain hunters. It dominates “best value” rankings thanks to rock-bottom tuition and strong career stats. BYU, being affiliated with the LDS Church, charges LDS members just $15k per year in tuition (non-LDS pay about $30k) – by far one of the lowest prices for a top-30 law school.

Even factoring in living expenses, the total cost of attendance is about half that of other private schools. BYU also reports that 42% of its 2022 graduates were debt-free, and those who did borrow had an average debt around $51k – an astounding figure in an era where many law grads owe triple that.

But BYU’s value isn’t just about cheap tuition; the school produces excellent outcomes in the Mountain West and nationally. Bar passage is ~95%, and about 53% of grads go directly into law firms (with another 21% landing clerkships).

The median private-sector starting salary is $140,000 – meaning many BYU grads secure jobs at large firms in Salt Lake City, Denver, Phoenix, and even on the coasts. That salary is 2.5 times the average debt of a BYU alum, giving them arguably the best ROI of any law school.

One study found BYU Law had one of the very lowest debt-to-income ratios of any school (around 74%). Students do work hard for those outcomes (and abide by BYU’s honor code), but the payoff is huge. If you want a top-tier legal education without the sticker shock, BYU Law is hard to beat.

5. University of Florida – High Rankings, Low Debt

University of Florida Levin College of Law combines a strong national reputation with extremely low graduate debt – making it one of the best law schools for value. UF Law is ranked around the top 25 and is the top law school in Florida, meaning its JDs are competitive for BigLaw jobs in major markets (especially Miami, Tampa, Atlanta) and coveted federal clerkships.

Roughly 70% of UF grads secure full-time lawyer jobs, with many in firms or business. The median private salary is about $140,000, indicating a healthy portion land six-figure jobs.

Now, consider the cost: UF in-state tuition is just ~$22k (out-of-state ~$38k), and the school has expanded scholarships as well. The average debt for 2024 UF Law graduates was only $61,356 (and just 53% of grads needed to borrow at all). That average debt is almost 40% lower than the national law school average, reflecting UF’s affordability push.

With Florida’s economy booming and a large alumni base in legal and corporate circles, UF grads find high-paying jobs without the burden of massive loans.

A recent U.S. News analysis placed UF among the top law schools where you can “pay off your debt” quickly. For Florida residents especially, UF Law is a steal – you get a top-notch education, a nationwide alumni network, and you might walk out owing half of what peers at comparable schools do. That’s a recipe for great ROI.

6. University of Alabama – Scholarship Rich, Debt Poor

Alabama School of Law proves that a regional school can deliver Ivy-like results in debt management.

Alabama has aggressively kept student borrowing low: thanks to inexpensive tuition (≈$24k in-state) and hefty scholarship support, only about 56% of Alabama grads incur law school debt at all. Those who do borrow have an average debt around $63k – almost 40% less than the typical law grad’s.

In fact, the Dept. of Education data ranked Alabama Law #7 among all schools (and #2 public school) for lowest debt-to-income ratio for graduates. (US News has it at #12).

The DoE ranking is partly because Alabama, though not in the T14, still sends graduates into well-paying jobs. Many stay in the Southeast, but the school’s strong reputation in the region means graduates get hired at top firms in Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville, and even Texas.

Above the Law noted Alabama’s median private starting salary is about $145,000 (likely for those in big firms). A chunk of grads do take smaller firm or government jobs at lower pay (around $70k median for some, per ABA data), but with such low debt, they can comfortably manage.

Alabama also places a remarkable number of grads into federal clerkships (ranked #7 nationally), which are prestigious and often lead to big firm offers after the clerkship bonus.

All told, “Bama Law” offers a safe financial bet. As a student, you’re almost guaranteed not to over-borrow, and you’ll still get a quality education (Alabama is usually top 25 ranked) with the credentials to snag high-paying jobs.

That’s why Alabama routinely ranks in the top 10 for best debt-to-income outcomes.

7. University of Houston – High Earnings in the Energy Capital

University of Houston Law Center (UH) is a fantastic example of a strong regional law school that offers big returns. UH may not be T14, but it’s located in Houston – one of the largest legal markets in the U.S., especially for energy, healthcare, and intellectual property law.

Houston Law capitalizes on this with specialty programs and deep ties to local firms. The result: graduates in private practice report a median starting salary of $147,500, on par with some higher-ranked schools.

UH’s average debt is about $104k, which is roughly the national average – but with that six-figure median salary, UH grads achieve a salary-to-debt ratio around 1.41x, placing Houston among the top 25 law schools for ROI according to U.S. News. (In fact, UH was ranked #21 in a 2024 “Pay Off Your Debt” study.)

Tuition at UH is moderate for a public school (about $29k in-state, $44k out-of-state), and many students are able to work part-time or intern given Houston’s many opportunities, which can offset costs.

UH Law also excels in practical training and has a solid bar-pass rate above 85%, funneling grads into good jobs – over 90% employment within 10 months.

For those interested in big firm jobs in Texas or the energy sector, UH is a pipeline. It’s telling that even without the prestige of a national T14, UH grads can out-earn their debt quickly, making it one of the best law schools for value in the country.

As the school proudly noted, UH Law folks “can more quickly repay their student loans” than grads of many peer schools.

8. George Mason (Antonin Scalia Law School) – Policy and ROI in D.C.’s Backyard

George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School (in Arlington, VA) has transformed in recent years into an ROI powerhouse, particularly for those interested in law & economics, antitrust, or government practice.

Mason’s law school benefits from low in-state tuition (~$26k) and strategic scholarships funded by conservative-leaning donors, which together keep student debt loads reasonable (median debt about $65k).

On the back end, GMU Law grads earn a median of around $109k four years after graduation – an impressive number given the school’s rank in the 30s. Many top students snag coveted jobs in Washington, D.C., from BigLaw associate gigs to agencies and think-tanks.

Mason’s proximity to D.C. and its growing reputation in areas like administrative law and tech law mean its graduates are in demand. About 50-60% of GMU grads go into law firms, and recent data shows a median private starting salary of $106k+ (which likely jumps to the ~$150k range by a few years out). Mason was highlighted in a 2024 National Jurist study for having the 2nd best debt-to-income ratio among all law schools (thanks to low median debt).

The school’s nimble class size (~150) and part-time program also let many students work during law school, further offsetting costs. GMU’s dean has described their mission as producing “business-ready lawyers” with practical skills – a formula that appeals to employers. For students, Scalia Law offers a ticket to the DC legal market at a fraction of Georgetown or GWU’s cost.

If you’re interested in policy, economics, or simply want a solid legal education without massive debt in the DC area, GMU is a standout choice (their grads’ ~1.68x salary-to-debt ratio speaks for itself).

9. Wayne State University – The No-Frills, No-Debt JD

Not everyone wants BigLaw or coastal life – some want a great local law school that virtually guarantees low debt. For that, Wayne State University Law School in Detroit is a model.

Wayne Law prides itself on being incredibly affordable: in-state tuition is about $15k per year (among the lowest in the country), and the school also offers a part-time evening program for working students. Small wonder that Wayne Law grads have the lowest average debt of any law school – about $61,700 on average. A

recent education data report confirmed Wayne State had the lowest average debt among new lawyers, period. Better yet, fewer than 68% of Wayne students borrow loans at all, meaning many graduate debt-free.

Now, Wayne’s outcomes in terms of salary are more modest than others on this list – the median private sector salary is around $85,000, as many grads join mid-sized Michigan firms or corporate in-house jobs.

But relative to the ultra-low debt, that’s a good deal (roughly a 1.4:1 salary-to-debt ratio). Wayne State also benefits from Detroit’s rebounding economy and a tight-knit legal community; employment rate for grads is ~85%, and bar passage usually exceeds the state average. For students who want to stay in Michigan or the Midwest, Wayne offers perhaps the best ROI for a no-frills legal education – you get a solid degree, minimal debt, and a decent-paying job with a clear conscience.

In fact, U.S. News ranked Wayne Law #2 in the nation for salary-to-debt ratio (second only to one school) in 2024, and it was #11 in the HEA Group’s broader study on debt-to-income.

Translation: Wayne Law punches far above its ranking when it comes to setting you up for financial stability.

10. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill – Regional Star with Low Debt

Rounding out the list is UNC School of Law, a public school that offers a terrific blend of quality and affordability. UNC is ranked in the mid-20s and is the top law school in North Carolina, feeding major law firms in Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham, and the broader Southeast. Grads have strong outcomes – high bar passage and an employment score around 90%.

The median private salary for UNC grads is estimated around $120k-$130k, given many go to firms in NC (starting salaries in big NC firms tend to be a bit lower than NYC, though still often six figures). What pushes UNC into ROI winners’ circle is cost control: in-state tuition is about $24.5k, and even out-of-state is ~$41.6k (often offset after 1L year by gaining residency). UNC also distributes a lot of scholarship aid.

The result: the average debt for UNC Law grads is about $87k, with just over half the class borrowing. That’s significantly below the national average. A 2024 analysis listed UNC’s salary-to-debt ratio at 1.43 to 1 – better than many higher-ranked schools.

As a “public Ivy,” UNC offers a highly regarded education (alums include judges, CEOs, senators) and a loyal alumni base, which helps with job placement in desirable markets like Charlotte (a banking hub) and Atlanta. UNC grads also benefit from the state’s LRAP if they enter public interest jobs, further easing debt burdens.

All this makes UNC a smart choice for ROI, especially for residents of North Carolina: you’re getting a top-25 legal education at roughly one-third the price of a private school, and your job prospects are just as bright in the region.

When applicants talk about “affordable law schools that don’t skimp on quality,” UNC Law is frequently part of that conversation.

Summary: Choosing a Law School with ROI in Mind

Choosing a law school is a huge decision – and thinking about return on investment can help ensure it’s the right decision. The best law schools for value in 2025 prove that you don’t need to drown in debt to launch a high-powered legal career. Whether it’s an elite school like Harvard or a regional gem like Georgia or BYU, the common thread is strong outcomes (jobs, salaries, bar pass) paired with reasonable costs.

As the American Bar Association has noted, high debt can limit young lawyers’ career choices and even life choices (from buying a home to starting a family). It’s an urgent issue the industry is watching. The good news is that many law schools are responding – increasing scholarships, freezing tuition, and innovating to boost graduate salaries.

A decade ago, legal education was often a losing financial proposition for grads outside the top schools; today, “legal education is a far better value than it was 10 years ago,” with overall debt loads down and employment up.

For prospective students, the takeaway is do your homework on ROI. Look at salary and employment stats (resources like Law School Transparency and NALP are your friends), and weigh them against tuition and likely debt. Sometimes the “highest ranked” school might not be the best value if it means $300k in loans for only a modest bump in outcomes.

As we’ve seen, a school like Texas or UGA might offer equal BigLaw opportunities at a fraction of the cost – that’s money in your pocket. On the flip side, an elite school that opens doors to $250k/year jobs can absolutely justify a big investment (so long as you’re comfortable with the career path that entails).

Ultimately, “getting rich without selling your soul” as a lawyer is about maximizing the value of your J.D. – financially and personally. The schools above are leading examples in that regard. Think about where you want to practice, what kind of law you aspire to, and how much debt you’re willing to carry.

Then, choose the law school that offers the best value for your goals. With a little strategy and the right choice, you can graduate with a law degree that sets you up for success – and sleep soundly knowing it was worth every penny.

Principal Sources:

• Law School Transparency – Data on law school costs and employment (access via LSAC LawHub)
• National Association for Law Placement (NALP) – Class of 2022 employment report
• U.S. News & World Report – “24 Law Schools Where You Can Pay Off Your Debt” (2024)
• preLaw Magazine – Best Value Law Schools 2023 (UGA #1, BYU #2)
• Reuters – “Law grads’ median earnings of $72,000 after debt show ‘vast gulf’ in pay”
• ABA Journal – law school salary and debt rankings
• LawFuel – BigLaw Salary Guide 2025 (first-year associate base $225k) and LawFuel news on law school ROI rankings