Study LLM in USA: Top Colleges, Admissions, Fees, Scholarships, Jobs

LLM (Master of Law) in USA is offered in various specialized fields like taxation, commercial law, social justice, human rights, environmental law, criminology, and others. It is 9 months to 1-year course available as a residential program in most of the universities. Some institutes also offer it as a distance-learning program. International students are required to have a 3-year bachelor’s degree in law is required to apply for LLM in the USA.  The average tuition cost for universities offering Master of Law in USA varies between 12,000 USD and 70,000 USD.

Explore Scholarships to study in US

LLM is available in 200+ colleges in the USA. To get into these colleges, international applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree in relevant courses with at least 83-86% score. Additional requirements vary from university to university. Post completion of your LLM degree from the US, you can earn an average salary of approximately 96,200 USD per annum. 

Top Universities offering LLM in USA

According to QS News Ranking, following are the top 10 universities in the USA offering LLM or Master of Law program: 

QS Ranking 2022	University	School	Specialization	Total Program Fees	Brochure
5	Harvard University	Harvard Law School	LLM; 1 year	65,875 USD	Brochure
14	Yale University	Yale Law School	LLM; 1 year	43,300 USD	Brochure
3	Stanford University	Stanford Law School	Law, Science & Technology; Corporate Governance & Practise;  etc; 9 months	62,175 USD	Brochure
32	University of California, Berkeley	University of California, Berkeley Law	Tradition & Thesis Track; 9 months	63,362 USD	Brochure
19	University of Columbia	Columbia Law School	LLM; 1 year	72,360 USD	Brochure
42	New York University (NYU)	NYU Law	Competition, Innovation & Information Law; Corporation Law; Taxation etc.	66,036 USD	Brochure
10	University of Chicago	University of Chicago Law School	LLM; 1 year	66,651 USD	Brochure
248	Georgetown University	Georgetown University Law Centre	Taxation; Securities & Financial Regulation; National Security Law, etc; 1 year	62,244 USD	Brochure
40	University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	UCLA Law	LLM; 9 months	66,571 USD	Brochure
23	University of Michigan – Ann Arbor	Michigan Law	LLM; 9 months	64,526 USD	Brochure

Why Study LLM in USA?

Following are some of the reasons that attract the study abroad aspirants towards LLM in USA: 

• With career opportunities like Diplomat or Policy advisor, the law graduates learn to negotiate treaties and maintain international relations.
• On 1^st January 2019, American Bar Association (ABA) shared the report of steady growth in the number of active lawyers i.e. 12.4% (highest since 2010).
• USA legal studies focus on the Socratic method of teaching to improve the argumentative dialogue among the students which is an important skill for lawyers.
• Through the academic year, the students get opportunities to work on pro bono cases due to high requirements in legal clinics of USA.
• The legal profession in the USA warmly welcomes female lawyers. In 2019, there was a hike of 5% (as compared to the last 10 years) in the number of female lawyers practicing in legal clinics.
• Law firms in the USA celebrate diversity. Only 20% of minorities were working as associate lawyers in 2009 whereas in 2018 the number raised to 24%. 
• International graduates can practice law without any kind of discrimination in these law firms.
• Entry-level salaries in legal firms range between 58,000 USD and 70,000 USD.

LLM in USA Course Curriculum

LLM in USA is an abbreviation of Legum Megister (a Latin word) which means Master of Law. Students are required to complete at least 24 units while studying in the USA. Approximately 18 units consist of academic courses and rest can be completed by attending seminars or submitting a project, depending upon the university. 

Looking for Admissions here? or need Help?Register Now

Following are some of the common courses taught in LLM in the USA: 

• Fundamentals of US Law
• Legal Research & Writing
• Constitutional Law, Regulations and Public Policy
• Criminal Justice
• Legal History and Legal Theory
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution
• Social Justice and Human Rights

LLM in USA Admissions 

In the law schools of the USA, the students get the opportunity to work as pro bono and get acquainted with the legal issues. A JD, LLB, or bachelor’s degree in law is required for admission in LLM in this country. Most law schools have their own portal for accepting applications. Students should send their transcripts for evaluation to LSAC’s LLM CAS 3 to 5 weeks before applying so that the agency could complete the evaluation on time and forward it to the university. All the other documents must be directly submitted to the university’s address either via post or mail. 

LLM in USA Deadlines

The application deadline in USA universities for LLM mostly lies in the month of December. Some colleges have a rolling admission policy. Some of the deadlines are discussed below:

School	Deadline
Harvard Law School	December 1
Yale Law School	December 1
Stanford Law School	December 1
University of California, Berkeley Law	December 18
Columbia Law School	December 18
NYU Law	December 20
University of Chicago Law School	December 15
Georgetown University Law Centre	February 4
UCLA Law	November 29
Michigan Law	January 15

Eligibility for LLM in USA Admission

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-approved US Law School or first degree (JD, LLB or equivalent) from a foreign law school
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or 83% at bachelors level (varies with the university)
• Minimum 2 to 2 years of work experience (depends upon university)
• Proof of English proficiency

Documents Required for LLM in USA Admission

• Transcripts of 10^th, 12^th and bachelors degree
• Evaluation of foreign transcripts by LSAC’s LLM Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
• Minimum 2 letters of recommendations
• Essays based on the questions asked by the university
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

English Proficiency Requirement for International Students

Proof of English proficiency is required for admission of international students belonging to non-English speaking countries. The minimum score requirement for most of the top-ranking universities of USA are given below: 

• TOEFL (iBT): 100
• IELTS: 7.0

US Visa Requirements for International Students 

The USA has different types of visa. F1 is used for those who want to pursue academics in universities in the USA. The US student visa is issued post submission of the following documents:  

• University Acceptance Letter
• Migration, provisional, character and birth certificates
• Original I-20 signed and approved by both the university authority and candidate
• GRE scorecard and proof of language proficiency
• 2 letters of recommendation; Resume; Statement of purpose
• Financial Proof: Last 6-month’s bank transaction and balance certificate; Sponsorship letter from sponsor and relationship certificate with sponsor
• Assets valuation
• SEVIS Fee receipt

Once these documents have been submitted, the applicant will be invited for an interview process. Visa will be issued only if the applicant has cleared their visa interview.

Cost of Studying LLM in USA 

The total cost of studying abroad for any program depends upon the university’s tuition fees, cost of living of the area where the university is located, and lifestyle of a student. Thus, it can be divided into three categories: Pre-arrival Cost, Tuition Fees, and Cost of Living. 

Pre-arrival Cost

This is a one-time expense incurred while applying for a university. It includes visa application fees, registration fees of tests required to study in USA, and LSAC’s CAS fees.  

Type of Expense	Cost (USD)
Application Fees	80 – 100
USA Student Visa Fees	160
IELTS Fees	185-190
TOEFL Fees	160-250
LSAC CAS Fees	195

Tuition Cost of LLM in USA

USA has been an expensive country to sustain a livelihood. International students who wish to pursue LLM in USA can get a superficial idea from the table given below about the tuition fees across universities.

Cost of Living in USA

The major contributor to the cost of living for an international student is housing in the USA. On-campus housing is obviously more convenient than off-campus accommodation but most of the universities have only limited space available. Other costs include meal plans, transportation and health insurance. 

Type of Accommodation	Average Monthly Expenses (in USD)
Accommodation	On-Campus: 1000; Off-Campus: 600 -800
Meals	120-160
Transportation	100 – 300
Personal Expenditures	300 – 600
Health Insurance	450 – 700
Total	1,570 – 2,813

Scholarships for LLM in USA

Due to high tuition fees, the international students opt for scholarships in the USA to waive off the cost. Though LLM in the USA is a 9-10months course program, the students require scholarships for easy completion of course. The commonly availed scholarship in USA  and its amount is given below 

University	Scholarship Offered	Amount (in USD)
Harvard University	Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation	Full tuition fees; living expenses; travel allowance
Stanford University	Fulbright scholarship	Tuition fees and travel allowance
New York University	Hauser Global Scholars Program	$25,000
University of California, Berkeley	Fulbright Scholarship	$20,000 to $40,000
Columbia University	Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship	Full or partial tuition fee
Georgetown University	General Merit Scholarships	Vary
University of California, Los Angeles	UCLA Law Distinguished Scholars Program	Partial tuition fees

Details on more scholarships available for international students in the USA can be found here. 

Job Prospects for LLM in USA 

The graduates of LLM from the USA can try for Optional Practical Training (OPT). At least 6 months before completion of the degree, the LLM students should apply for this training. The maximum duration for OPT is 12 months. The job can be on a contractual basis, paid or unpaid. After completion of the OPT, graduates can apply for an H1B visa to start working under a US employer. Every year 65000 H1B visas are being issued for the foreign nationals.

You are required to pass the Bar examination of the state in which you are interested to practise as a lawyer. Most of the states, including New York and California, allows students to take this examination even with a foreign degree in law. However, approximately 23 states of the USA have this rule that only those students will be allowed to sit for Bar exam who have a degree from ABA-approved law school. Thus, pursuing LLM in USA becomes necessary for international students with a foreign bachelors degree in law to practise in these states. 

Two of the most prominent jobs in USA available for graduates having a degree in LLM are: 

• Associate Attorney: Average salary is 94,000 USD per annum.
• Attorney Lawyer: Average salary is 113,000 USD per annum

Other than the USA, there is a high demand for law graduates in Canada. The job markets for law graduates in Canada are not only concentrated on the law firms but can also work as legal advisors in banking as well as administrative sectors.

Top 13 Cheapest Law Schools in the U.S.

Studying in the U.S. can be expensive, especially for international students who want to study at a law school. Fortunately, there are a few law schools in the U.S. who focus on providing good value whilst maintaining relatively low fees.

Table of Contents

• Top 13 Cheapest Law Schools at a Glance
• Top 13 Cheapest Law Schools
• Conclusion

Top 13 Cheapest Law Schools at a Glance

School	In-State Fees	Out-of-State Fees
North Carolina Central University, Durham	$11,387	$23,222
CUNY – Queens College	$21,802	$13,802
Southern University Law Center	$10,990	$18,590
University of Alabama School of Law	$15,760	$28,070
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville	$6,835	$14,060
University of Kansas School of Law	$15,561	$27,038
University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law	$15,760	$30,300
University of Mississippi	$13,488	$29,288
University of Montana	$11,283	$28,602
University of North Dakota	$10,417	$22,394
University of South Dakota	$13,904	$28,430
University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law	$10,620	$21,240
University of Wyoming	$13,428	$26,628

Top 13 Cheapest Law Schools

If you want to save money while studying law take a look below at the 13 cheapest law schools in the U.S. and some of their program highlights.

CUNY – Queens College

In-State Tuition Fees: $13,802

Out-of-State Tuition Fees: $21,802

CUNY (City University of New York) – Queens College is located in Flushing, New York. CUNY’s law school was named the premier public interest law school in the country. Their mission is “to train lawyers to serve the underprivileged and disempowered”.

Some of CUNY’s program highlights:

• All third-year students get the opportunity to work at Main Street Legal Services, Inc. under the supervision of attorneys
• Emphasis is on public service and public-interest law
• Received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award in 2013
• Requires LSAT
• Applications close in May each year

North Carolina Central University, Durham

In-State Tuition Fees: $11,387

Out-of-State Tuition Fees: $23,222

North Carolina Central University boasts great diversity in gender, age, and ethnicity. The university’s school of law was originally founded as a separate-but-equal option for African American people who wanted to study towards becoming a lawyer.

Some of North Carolina Central University’s program highlights:

• Ranked as one of the top four law schools for clinical opportunities
• More than 18 scholarships are available to students with varying qualification criteria
• They have two institutes namely Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Law & Dispute Resolution
• Fourteen clinical programs are available including Veterans Law, Street Law, Small Business, Low Income Taxpayer, Juvenile Law, Family Law, Domestic Violence, Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Two four-year joint degree programs are available namely Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (J.D./M.B.A.) program & Juris Doctor/Master of Library Science (J.D./M.L.S.) program

Southern University Law Center

In-State Tuition Fees: $10,990

Out-of-State Tuition Fees: $18,590

The Southern University Law Center was established in 1947 as a state law school. This school was originally established to prepare African Americans for the legal profession. Its mission is to provide access to high-quality legal education to a diverse group of students, including underrepresented racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

Some of Southern University Law Center’s program highlights:

• Voted number one in providing the most financial value upon graduation
• Offers clinical programs in Administrative/Civil Law, Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, Elder Law, Juvenile Law, Low-income Taxpayer, and Mediation
• Offers opportunities in Externships and Simulated Trial Competition
• Summer Abroad program available to spend 6-weeks in University College London

University of Alabama School of Law

In-State Tuition Fees: $15,760

Out-of-State Tuition Fees: $28,070

The University of Alabama School of Law is the only public law school in the state of Alabama.

Some of University of Alabama School of Law’s program highlights:

• Guaranteed an opportunity to participate in one of seven law clinics
• Listed #35 best law school in the country by the U.S. News and World Report (2011)
• Ranks under the top 20 best-value law schools

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

In-State Tuition Fees: $6,835

Out-of-State Tuition Fees: $14,060

The University of Arkansas is one of the cheapest law schools around.

Some of the University of Arkansas’ program highlights:

• Ranks under the top 20 best-value law schools
• Opportunity to participate in two study abroad programs (either in Russia or England)
• A wide variety of legal education programs available including foreign study and dual degree

University of Kansas School of Law

In-State Tuition Fees: $15,561

Out-of-State Tuition Fees: $27,038

The University of Kansas School of Law was recently ranked as the 79th best law school in the U.S.

Some of the University of Kansas School of Law’s program highlights:

• Ranks under the top 20 best-value law schools
• Many curriculum guides available
• Offers 8 certificate programs including Advocacy Skills and International Trade and Finance

University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law

In-State Tuition Fees: $15,760

Out-of-State Tuition Fees: $30,300

The University of Louisville’s Louis D. Brandeis School of Law has a strong focus on practical legal education. It is the fifth oldest continually operated law school in the country.

Some of the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law’s program highlights:

• Ranks under the top 20 best-value law schools
• Strong focus on practical legal education
• Recently ranked #100 best law school nationally

University of Mississippi

In-State Tuition Fees: $13,488

Out-of-State Tuition Fees: $29,288

The University of Mississippi (also known as Ole Miss) offers various merit-based scholarships to assist students in need.

Some of the University of Mississippi’s program highlights:

• It offers a unique dedicated aerospace law curriculum
• Certificate programs  in Criminal Law and Business Law available
• Offers two concurrent degree programs namely Juris Doctor/Master of Taxation (J.D./M.Tax.) and Juris Doctor/Master of Accountancy (J.D./M.Accy)
• Ranks under the top 20 best-value law schools

University of Montana

In-State Tuition Fees: $11,283

Out-of-State Tuition Fees: $28,602

The University of Montana’s law school is over a hundred years old. With fewer than 250 students, it describes itself as an intimate hands-on college. It was accredited by the National Bar Association in 1923 already.

Some of the University of Montana’s program highlights:

• You may undertake advanced work in environmental and natural resources law, trial advocacy, business law, Indian law, and dispute resolution.
• Offers a recognized Environmental and Natural Resources Law program, as well as joint law and graduate degrees in Environmental Studies, Public Administration, and Business Administration.
• Students get the opportunity to participate in the Public Land and Resources Law Review.

University of North Dakota

In-State Tuition Fees: $10,417

Out-of-State Tuition Fees: $22,394

The University of North Dakota focuses on hands-on teaching, which means first-year classes are about 90 students give or take. The total students enrolled in its law school is about 250 students.

Some of the University of North Dakota’s program highlights:

• Various financial aid options and scholarships available, as well as partial tuition waivers
• Offers two certificate programs being U.S. Air Transportation Policy and Indian Law
• Offers two joint-degree programs being Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) along with J.D.
• Offers a summer foreign program in Norway

University of South Dakota

In-State Tuition Fees: $13,904

Out-of-State Tuition Fees: $28,430

There are various admission options available at the University of South Dakota law school. These include:

1. PLSI – a free two-month program aimed at preparing Native-American students for their first law school year)
2. Law Screening Program – a six-week performance-based program available to all ethnicities
3. Accelerated admissions program – students are allowed to start law school before completing their undergraduate

Some of the University of South Dakota’s program highlights:

• Offers a flex-time program. This program allows students to complete the J.D. curriculum in 5 years
• Various joint law degree programs available
• Various admission options available
• Over 80% of students receive financial aid
• Rated 5th best value law school around in 2013 by the National Jurist.

University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law

In-State Tuition Fees: $10,620

Out-of-State Tuition Fees: $21,240

The University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law aims to recruit and train students from groups which are currently underrepresented in law-related fields. This school boasts its status as the most diverse law school in the nation.

Some of the David A. Clarke School of Law’s program highlights:

• Required to do 40 hours of community service in your first year
• Up to 20 full three-year Advocate for Justice scholarships available annually
• One of the top 10 law-school clinical programs according to U.S. News & World Report Best Law Schools 2014

University of Wyoming

In-State Tuition Fees: $13,428

Out-of-State Tuition Fees: $26,628

The College of Law at the University of Wyoming was founded in 1920 and currently has fewer than 230 students. Their focus is to give experiential legal education offering various programs to achieve this.

Some of the University of Wyoming’s College of Law program highlights:

• Offers four clinical programs including Defender Aid, Legal Services, Domestic Violence, and Prosecution Assistance
• Offers three practicum: International Human Rights, Estate Planning, Natural Resources
• Externships in Legal, Judicial, Government Agency, and Non-profit/Public Interest available

Conclusion

Even though studying in the U.S. as an international student can be financially challenging, you are not without options. Your dream to become a lawyer might just be a little more attainable and your worries about a looming student loan a bit more eased if you study at one of the cheapest law schools in the U.S.