Understanding the Cost of Attending the University at Buffalo School of Law
The University at Buffalo (UB) School of Law, the only law school within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, offers a comprehensive legal education. Situated on the flagship campus in Buffalo, New York, and drawing on over 135 years of experience and innovation in legal education, it is recognized as a top public research university and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). This article provides a detailed overview of the tuition, fees, and estimated budget for prospective students, particularly for the academic year 2025-2026.
Tuition and Fees for 2025-2026 Academic Year
The School of Law aims to provide an affordable tuition rate for both New York State residents and non-residents. The tuition rates for the Fall 2025 semester have been approved by SUNY, pending administrative finalization. It’s important to note that successful in-state applicants are required to provide proof of New York State residency post-admission.
J.D., LL.M., and J.S.D. Programs
The following table outlines the tuition rates for full-time enrollment in the J.D. (Juris Doctor), LL.M. (Master of Laws), and J.S.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science) programs:
| Enrollment | New York State Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time J.D. | $26,430* | $32,100* |
| Full-Time LL.M. | $26,430* | $32,100* |
| Full-Time J.S.D. | $11,310* | $25,740* |
*Tuition rates are subject to change.
Comprehensive Fees
In addition to tuition, students are assessed annual fees to cover a range of services and activities. Here’s a breakdown of the fees for the 2025-2026 academic year:
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| Description | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Fee | $2,474.00 |
| Academic Excellence | $626.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $220.00 |
| Direct Loan Origination Fee | $220.00 |
The comprehensive fee encompasses various aspects of student life, including the athletic fee, campus life fee, career services fee, college fee, health services fee, recreation fee, technology fee, transportation fee, and transcript fee. Part-time students are assessed on a per-credit-hour basis, except for the transcript fee, which is a flat fee.
Important Note on Health Insurance
It's important to highlight that the Comprehensive Fee does not include health insurance coverage for domestic students. Effective in Fall 2024, UB discontinued the domestic health insurance plan offered by the university and will no longer require domestic students to provide proof of coverage. However, international students (and their dependents) are required to maintain health insurance coverage through SUNY or an equivalent plan throughout their time of academic study.
Direct Loan Origination Fees
The origination fee is the amount it costs students to obtain a Federal Direct Student Loan. The fee incurred is a percentage of the total loan amount borrowed and deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive. Therefore, the amount disbursed to your student account reflects the net amount minus any fees.
Estimated Student Budget for 2025-2026
Understanding the overall cost of attendance is crucial for financial planning. The student budget represents the estimated annual cost of attending the School of Law as a full-time student, including both direct and indirect costs. Your maximum financial aid eligibility, including loans and scholarships, cannot exceed this student budget.
Breakdown of Estimated Expenses
The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the estimated annual expenses for J.D. and LL.M. students:
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| Component | New York State Resident | Non-New York State Resident |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 Tuition* | $26,430.00 | $32,100.00 |
| Academic Excellence Fee | $626.00 | $626.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $220.00 | $220.00 |
| Comprehensive Fees* | $2,474.00 | $2,474.00 |
| Direct Loan Origination Fees** | $220.00 | $220.00 |
| Living Expense-Room Estimate | $13,500 | $13,500 |
| Living Expense-Meals Estimate | $4,564.00 | $4,564.00 |
| Course Materials Estimate | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 |
| Personal Expense Estimate | $2,172.00 | $2,172.00 |
| Transportation-Expense Estimate | $3,078.00 | $3,078.00 |
| Total | $54,784.00 | $60,454.00 |
*Tuition rates and comprehensive fees are subject to change.
**The origination fee is the amount it costs students to obtain a Federal Direct Student Loan.
Financial Aid and Budget Adjustments
Financial aid may be used towards reasonable expenses related to the cost of your education. It's important to note that the figures provided are estimates, and actual expenses may vary. In cases where a student's actual expenses exceed UB's budgeted cost to attend, a budget increase may be necessary. Budget increases are considered on a case-by-case basis and are subject to review and approval by the Financial Aid Office.
To request a budget increase, students must complete a Budget Increase Request form and return it with supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Office before the last day of classes of the academic year. Expenses must be under the student's name and incurred during the current school year.
Important Considerations
- Information is subject to change without notice due to changes in federal, state, and/or institutional rules and regulations.
- Students must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) every year to be eligible for financial aid.
- The Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA) is developed to assist students with budget management while earning a degree.
UB School of Law: An Overview
Established in 1887, the University at Buffalo School of Law has a rich history and a commitment to providing a flexible J.D. curriculum with a broad range of curricular options, practical coursework, and special programs. The school emphasizes the study of law and its practical application, preparing students for their profession upon graduation.
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Academic Programs and Opportunities
The UB School of Law offers various programs to cater to different academic and professional goals:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) Program: The traditional three-year J.D. program forms the core of the law school. Instruction is offered in two semesters from late August to May, including a January short term and a summer session from mid-May to mid-July. Six full-time semesters or five full-time semesters plus two summer sessions are required for graduation. Beyond the first year, students are required to complete 58 semester credit hours, including a select number of specifically required credits and courses.
- Advanced Standing Two-Year J.D. for Internationally Trained Lawyers: This program allows professionals with a first law degree from outside the United States to earn a J.D. in two years.
- LL.M. Programs: UB School of Law offers three LL.M. programs for students who already hold a first degree in law: the General LL.M., the Criminal Law LL.M., and the Cross-Border Legal Studies LL.M.
- Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.): This is the law school’s most advanced degree, training legal scholars to employ interdisciplinary tools to observe, analyze, and assess legal doctrines, policies, and institutions.
- Dual-Degree Programs: Access to other graduate and professional schools within the campus offers unparalleled access to dual-degree programs that permit students to earn credit toward a master’s or PhD degree jointly with the JD.
Experiential Learning and Practical Skills
UB School of Law places a strong emphasis on experiential learning through various programs:
- Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research (LAWR) Program: All J.D. students complete a 7-credit, two-semester LAWR curriculum.
- Advocacy Institute: The Institute serves as host to programs in Trial Advocacy, Appellate Advocacy, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
- Moot Court Competitions: The School of Law runs three national moot court competitions-the Buffalo Niagara Mock Trial Competition, the Herbert J. Wechsler National Criminal Moot Court Competition, and the Albert R. Mugel National Tax Moot Court Competition-as well as the intramural Charles S. Desmond Moot Court Competition.
- Clinical Legal Education Program: This program offers diverse and sophisticated practice opportunities to upper-class and LL.M. students working closely with skilled supervising attorneys.
- Practicums: These four-credit courses are based on 120 hours of in-field work assisting and observing practicing attorneys.
- Externships and Judicial Clerkships: Law students gain unique legal and public service experience as they work in government and nonprofit organizations and earn academic credit for doing so.
- New York City Program in Business and Law: This program provides law students with an introduction to New York City’s financial markets and a gateway to its highly competitive financial-sector job market.
- Pro Bono Scholars Program: This program gives third-year law students the opportunity to take the February New York State Bar before they graduate, then work full-time in a pro bono placement while taking one course for their final semester of law school.
Student Life and Career Support
The greater Buffalo area offers a wide variety of social and cultural activities. At the law school, students experience a relaxed, friendly, and collaborative atmosphere and access to a broad range of extracurricular opportunities. The Student Bar Association oversees all law school student organizations, which include affinity groups, special interest and social groups, moot court boards, and student-run law journals.
The Career Services Office supports students throughout their job search, offering resume assistance, interview preparation, and guidance on summer opportunities. UB School of Law is deeply committed to supporting students on their journey to bar exam success through its comprehensive bar pass initiatives.
Admission and Financial Aid
UB School of Law’s overall educational expenses are less than half the cost of many other law schools. Merit scholarships are available to students demonstrating high academic achievement, and state aid is offered on a need basis to qualified students. The admission process is selective and based on both quantitative and qualitative criteria.
The class of 2026 had a median LSAT of 156, and the median GPA was 3.72. Out of 930 applications, 382 were accepted for a 41.08% acceptance rate, with 141 enrolled. Tuition for the 2023-24 academic year was $26,170 for in-state residents with a $3,078 comprehensive fee. The combined tuition, fees, and living expenses for state residents was $52,010, with an additional $4,990 for out-of-state residents. Approximately 80% of the student body received grants and scholarships.
Tuition and Fees for Various Programs in Fall 2025
To provide a comprehensive view, here's a detailed breakdown of tuition and fees for various programs at the University at Buffalo for the Fall 2025 semester for resident students. Note that these rates are subject to change.
Undergraduate Programs
| Program | Tuition | Fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (includes Certificates) | $3,535.00 | $1,982.77 | $5,517.77 |
| Undergraduate (Excelsior, includes Certificates) | $3,535.00 | $1,982.77 | $5,517.77 |
*For students receiving a TAP award, full-time fees are $1,932.77.
Graduate Programs
| Program | Tuition | Fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate (includes Certificates) | $5,655.00 | $1,659.86 | $7,314.86 |
| Medicine | $23,235.00 | $1,749.86 | $24,984.86 |
| Dentistry | $19,565.00 | $1,649.86 | $21,214.86 |
| Law | $13,215.00 | $1,659.86 | $14,874.86 |
| Pharmacy | $13,225.00 | $1,669.86 | $14,894.86 |
| MBA (includes Certificates) | $7,615.00 | $1,624.86 | $9,239.86 |
| Physical Therapy | $12,195.00 | $1,659.86 | $13,854.86 |
| Master of Architecture | $7,530.00 | $1,659.86 | $9,189.86 |
| Master of Social Work | $6,540.00 | $1,659.86 | $8,199.86 |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice | $12,810.00 | $1,659.86 | $14,469.86 |
| Doctor of Audiology | $5,710.00 | $1,659.86 | $7,369.86 |
| Doctor of Social Work | $9,600.00 | $1,659.86 | $11,259.86 |
*For students receiving a TAP award, full-time fees are $1,932.77.
Per Credit Rates for Fall 2025 (Resident)
The following tables break down the per-credit costs for tuition and fees for resident students in various programs.
Undergraduate
| Tuition or Fee Type | 1 Credit | 2 Credits | 3 Credits | 4 Credits | 5 Credits | 6 Credits | 7 Credits | 8 Credits | 9 Credits | 10 Credits | 11 Credits | 12 Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $295.00 | $590.00 | $885.00 | $1,180.00 | $1,475.00 | $1,770.00 | $2,065.00 | $2,360.00 | $2,655.00 | $2,950.00 | $3,245.00 | $3,535.00 |
| Academic Excellence and Success Fee* | $26.04 | $52.08 | $78.12 | $104.16 | $130.20 | $156.24 | $182.28 | $208.32 | $234.36 | $260.40 | $286.44 | $312.50 |
| Athletic Fee | $22.61 | $45.22 | $67.83 | $90.44 | $113.05 | $135.66 | $158.27 | $180.88 | $203.49 | $226.10 | $248.71 | $271.33 |
| Campus Life Fee | $11.21 | $22.42 | $33.63 | $44.84 | $56.05 | $67.26 | $78.47 | $89.68 | $100.89 | $112.10 | $123.31 | $134.50 |
| Career Services Fee | $2.08 | $4.16 | $6.24 | $8.32 | $10.40 | $12.48 | $14.56 | $16.64 | $18.72 | $20.80 | $22.88 | $25.00 |
| College Fee | $11.46 | $22.92 | $34.38 | $45.84 | $57.30 | $68.76 | $80.22 | $91.68 | $103.14 | $114.60 | $126.06 | $137.50 |
| Health Service Fee | $18.68 | $37.36 | $56.04 | $74.72 | $93.40 | $112.08 | $130.76 | $149.44 | $168.12 | $186.80 | $205.48 | $224.10 |
| Recreation Fee | $2.30 | $4.60 | $6.90 | $9.20 | $11.50 | $13.80 | $16.10 | $18.40 | $20.70 | $23.00 | $25.30 | $27.58 |
| Student Activity Fee | $9.08 | $18.16 | $27.24 | $36.32 | $45.40 | $54.48 | $63.56 | $72.64 | $81.72 | $90.80 | $99.88 | $109.00 |
| Technology Fee | $36.58 | $73.16 | $109.74 | $146.32 | $182.90 | $219.48 | $256.06 | $292.64 | $329.22 | $365.80 | $402.38 | $438.93 |
| Transcript Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Transportation Fee | $20.61 | $41.22 | $61.83 | $82.44 | $103.05 | $123.66 | $144.27 | $164.88 | $185.49 | $206.10 | $226.71 | $247.33 |
| Wellness Fee | $4.17 | $8.34 | $12.51 | $16.68 | $20.85 | $25.02 | $29.19 | $33.36 | $37.53 | $41.70 | $45.87 | $50.00 |
| Total | $464.82 | $924.64 | $1,384.46 | $1,844.28 | $2,304.10 | $2,763.92 | $3,223.74 | $3,683.56 | $4,143.38 | $4,603.20 | $5,063.02 | $5,517.77 |
*For students receiving a TAP award, $21.88 per credit or $262.50 full time.
Undergraduate (Excelsior)
This table is identical to the standard Undergraduate table as the rates include certificates.
Graduate
| Tuition or Fee Type | 1 Credit | 2 Credits | 3 Credits | 4 Credits | 5 Credits | 6 Credits | 7 Credits | 8 Credits | 9 Credits* | 10 Credits* | 11 Credits* | 12 Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $471.00 | $942.00 | $1,413.00 | $1,884.00 | $2,355.00 | $2,826.00 | $3,297.00 | $3,768.00 | $4,239.00 | $4,710.00 | $5,181.00 | $5,655.00 |
| Academic Excellence and Success Fee | $26.04 | $52.08 | $78.12 | $104.16 | $130.20 | $156.24 | $182.28 | $208.32 | $312.50 | $312.50 | $312.50 | $312.50 |
| Athletic Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Campus Life Fee | $11.21 | $22.42 | $33.63 | $44.84 | $56.05 | $67.26 | $78.47 | $89.68 | $134.50 | $134.50 | $134.50 | $134.50 |
| Career Services Fee | $2.08 | $4.16 | $6.24 | $8.32 | $10.40 | $12.48 | $14.56 | $16.64 | $25.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| College Fee | $11.46 | $22.92 | $34.38 | $45.84 | $57.30 | $68.76 | $80.22 | $91.68 | $137.50 | $137.50 | $137.50 | $137.50 |
| Health Service Fee | $18.68 | $37.36 | $56.04 | $74.72 | $93.40 | $112.08 | $130.76 | $149.44 | $224.10 | $224.10 | $224.10 | $224.10 |
| Recreation Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $85.00 | $85.00 | $85.00 | $85.00 | $85.00 | $85.00 | $85.00 | $85.00 | $85.00 | $85.00 | $85.00 | $85.00 |
| Technology Fee | $36.58 | $73.16 | $109.74 | $146.32 | $182.90 | $219.48 | $256.06 | $292.64 | $438.93 | $438.93 | $438.93 | $438.93 |
| Transcript Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Transportation Fee | $20.61 | $41.22 | $61.83 | $82.44 | $103.05 | $123.66 | $144.27 | $164.88 | $247.33 | $247.33 | $247.33 | $247.33 |
| Wellness Fee | $4.17 | $8.34 | $12.51 | $16.68 | $20.85 | $25.02 | $29.19 | $33.36 | $50.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Total | $691.83 | $1,293.66 | $1,895.49 | $2,497.32 | $3,099.15 | $3,700.98 | $4,302.81 | $4,904.64 | $5,898.86 | $6,369.86 | $6,840.86 | $7,314.86 |
*Part-time professional students registered 9-11 hours are charged fees at the full-time rate.
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