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 1st 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.
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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 10th, 12th 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:
- PLSI – a free two-month program aimed at preparing Native-American students for their first law school year)
- Law Screening Program – a six-week performance-based program available to all ethnicities
- 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.
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