Understanding Alabama Law School Tuition and Costs
The University of Alabama School of Law offers a compelling combination of quality legal education and accessible tuition. National Jurist’s PreLaw Magazine consistently recognizes the Law School as a "Best Value Law School," highlighting its commitment to affordability. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of tuition costs, fees, scholarships, and other financial considerations for prospective students.
Tuition Overview
The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees determines tuition each June, and it is subject to change annually. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the tuition rates are:
- In-state tuition: $24,980
- Out-of-state tuition: $48,100
These figures represent the baseline cost of attending the Law School and serve as a starting point for financial planning.
Cost of Attendance (COA) Breakdown
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is a comprehensive estimate used to determine eligibility for federal funding. It includes tuition, living expenses, books, transportation, and miscellaneous costs. The COA is updated annually after the Board of Trustees sets tuition rates.
Here's a breakdown of the 2025-2026 COA:
Read also: University of Alabama Grad School Costs
| Expense Category | In-State | Out-of-State | In-State 3rd Year | Out-of-State 3rd Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $24,980 | $48,100 | $24,980 | $48,100 |
| Living Expense - Housing | $10,640 | $10,640 | $10,640 | $10,640 |
| Living Expense - Food | $4,616 | $4,616 | $4,616 | $4,616 |
| Books | $900 | $900 | $900 | $900 |
| Transportation | $3,050 | $4,114 | $3,050 | $4,114 |
| Miscellaneous | $3,962 | $3,962 | $3,962 | $3,962 |
| Professional Credential | $- | $- | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Loan Fee Estimate | $190 | $190 | $190 | $190 |
| Total | $48,338 | $72,522 | $49,438 | $73,622 |
Note: These amounts reflect the estimated costs for a full-time law student.
Understanding Additional Fees
Beyond tuition, students should be aware of potential additional fees that may be added to their registration web bill or student account. These fees support various aspects of the University's operations and services.
- Technology/Infrastructure Fee: This fee is $29.00 per hour for all main campus courses, with the exception of graduate Commerce and Business Administration courses. It supports the technology infrastructure required by students, faculty, and staff, and helps maintain a safer campus environment.
- Graduate Commerce and Business Administration Courses Fee: These courses are assessed a college, technology/infrastructure fee of $288.00 per course (excluding EMBA and overseas campuses).
- College of Arts and Sciences or the College of Education Fee: Distance campus courses that fall in the College of Arts and Sciences or the College of Education are assessed a college fee. The fee for the College of Arts and Sciences is $15.00 per hour and the fee for the College of Education is $10.00 per hour.
- Honors College Enrichment Fee: The Honors College is implementing an enrichment fee of $300 per semester for students enrolled starting in the Fall 2025 semester. This fee supports the various enrichment opportunities offered by the Honors College. Students who were in the Honors College before this date will not be charged the fee.
- Dining Dollars Account: All undergraduate students enrolled in 9 or more main campus course hours are billed $350 per semester to establish a Dining Dollars account.
- Freshman Residency & Dining Program: The University of Alabama requires first-year freshman students to participate in the Freshman Residency Program, including the Freshman Dining Program.
- Parking Decal: If you will have an automobile/motorcycle on campus, you will need to purchase a parking decal.
- Medical Insurance: All international students on F-1 or J-1 student visas are billed for medical health insurance coverage through their student account each semester.
Scholarship Opportunities
The University of Alabama School of Law offers a significant amount of scholarships to law students each year, thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, and the support of the University and the Law School. All applicants are automatically considered for first-year scholarships, regardless of the application method used. There is no separate application or additional material required.
Scholarships are awarded based on criteria established by the donors and the Scholarship Committee. These criteria include undergraduate grade point average and performance on the LSAT, and may also include other relevant factors, including economic background.
Financial Aid Resources
The University of Alabama's Financial Aid Office centrally manages financial aid, including the management and distribution of federal loans. The University participates in the Federal Direct Lending Program, allowing students to borrow directly from the government instead of a private lender.
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Students interested in seeking financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When a law student applies for financial aid by filling out the FAFSA, the results of the application will be sent to The University of Alabama in the form of a Student Aid Report (SAR) if the student designates UA as an institution in the FAFSA (UA’s federal school code is #001051). Following acceptance to the Law School, each student who applied for federal aid and designated UA receives a financial aid packet from Student Financial Aid. Additional information may be requested for the FAFSA or from The University of Alabama.
More information on financial aid may be obtained by contacting Student Financial Aid, The University of Alabama, Box 870162, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0162; (205) 348-6756 or by visiting 106 Student Services Center. The University of Alabama Financial Aid Office requires all students who receive a federal direct loan to undergo online entrance counseling. Online exit counseling is also required.
Utilizing the ABA 509 Report
A school’s Standard 509 Information Report provides tuition and fees and estimated living expenses for the year of the Report. A link to this Report can be found on a law school’s homepage. The ABA 509 Report is a valuable resource for prospective students.
Personal Spending Habits
Your personal circumstances that influence spending (e.g., living alone or with a roommate; eating out or at home; spending on entertainment, etc.) will help shape the amount you actually pay for your living expenses during law school.
MAX by AccessLex
Currently, the Law School also offers MAX by AccessLex programming for our students. This gives students access to in-person and online lessons and informational sessions regarding the financial components of law school and legal practice, including information about student loans and debt.
Read also: Looking at Alabama's Schedule
Admissions Competitiveness
Based on the 2025 ABA 509 Report, 1748 candidates submitted JD applications to University of Alabama Law School and 448 received acceptance letters. This means that of the 448 applicants who received law school acceptance letters, 137 chose to enroll. For a competitive law school application to University of Alabama Law School, students should aim to meet or exceed the median statistics shown below.
LSAT and GPA Considerations
LSAT: took multiple times, 167 highest. 165 -> 163 -> 168 -> 166 (lol). Previous career in healthcare/med school. I own the WE category in my field. Take the LSAT seriously. Started with 152 diagnostic. 169 on the first official.
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