Understanding University of Washington Law Tuition Costs

Navigating the financial landscape of law school can be daunting. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tuition costs associated with the University of Washington (UW) School of Law, as well as comparative information from other institutions. It aims to offer prospective and current students a clear understanding of the expenses involved in pursuing a legal education.

University of Washington Law School: An Overview

The University of Washington School of Law is a well-regarded institution. UW Law ranks #33 in terms of bar passage rate among first-time test takers (91.7%), and it outperforms by +9.5% the state of Washington's overall bar passage rate of 82.2%. UW Law ranks #42 in LSAT composite (164.7), an average of its 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile LSAT scores (162 · 165 · 167). UW Law ranks #63 in GPA composite (3.74), an average of its 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile GPAs (3.60 · 3.76 · 3.86). The student-faculty ratio is 6.3:1.

Tuition and Fees at UW Law

For the academic year 2025-2026, the tuition and fees for the Juris Doctor (J.D.) program at the University of Washington School of Law are as follows:

In-state: $44,844 (full-time)
Out-of-state: $56,691 (full-time)

These figures are based on an average of 40-45 credits over three quarters. It's important to note that these rates are subject to change. International students are required to have health insurance, which adds to the overall cost.

Additional Programs and Their Costs

Besides the J.D. program, UW Law offers other graduate programs with varying tuition structures:

Master of Laws (LL.M.): Tuition and fees are calculated similarly to the J.D. program, based on the number of credits taken.
Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.): The Master of Jurisprudence Global Cohort operates under a contractual agreement, where program costs are paid through the sponsoring organizations rather than directly to the UW on a per-credit basis.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance (COA)

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is a comprehensive budget for the nine-month academic year. It includes not only tuition and fees but also allowances for living expenses such as room and board, personal expenses, and transportation. The COA helps students plan their finances and ensure they have sufficient funds for the entire academic year.

Components of COA

Tuition and Fees: Covers the cost of instruction and mandatory fees.
Room and Board: An estimate of housing and food costs.
Personal Expenses: Includes items like clothing, toiletries, and entertainment.
Transportation: Covers commuting costs.
Books and Supplies: An allowance for textbooks and course materials.
Health Insurance: Mandatory for all students, though waivers may be available with proof of adequate coverage.

Importance of Budgeting

Students are advised to budget carefully, as they will be living on a fixed income. Spending priorities should be established to ensure funds last until the next disbursement of aid.

Health Insurance Requirements

All students enrolled at the University of the District of Columbia are required to have adequate health insurance to provide coverage for medical and mental health care needs in case of an illness. Domestic and international students, undergraduate, graduate, and law school students are automatically enrolled in the United Health Care Plan offered through the University. Students are encouraged to waive the university-sponsored plan if they have health insurance that provides adequate coverage to avoid been charged for the insurance provided by United Health Care. The University-sponsored plan costs $1,593. Students starting coverage in the fall semester will be covered through the following summer semester. Students entering in Spring or Summer will be charged a pro-rated fee for coverage unless they waive coverage by the waiver deadline.

Financial Aid and Loan Information

Financial aid is available to help students cover the cost of law school. The financial aid application deadline should be noted, and students should contact the financial aid office for more information.

Loan Repayment

Graduates who incur law school debt should be aware of their repayment obligations. For every $10,000 borrowed, you can expect to pay approximately $125 each month in debt service after graduation. Some schools offer loan repayment assistance programs to help graduates manage their debt.

Tuition at Other Institutions: A Comparison

To provide context, it's helpful to compare UW Law's tuition with that of other law schools. For instance, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) David A. Clarke School of Law offers different tuition rates based on residency:

D.C. Residents: $6,219 per semester (full-time) or $422 per credit hour (part-time)
Metropolitan Area Residents: $9,328 per semester (full-time) or $631 per credit hour (part-time)
Non-District Residents: $12,437 per semester (full-time) or $843 per credit hour (part-time)

These rates are for the 2025-2026 academic year. UDC also requires annual fees totaling approximately $1,000.

George Washington University Law School (GW Law) also has its tuition structure. For the 2025-2026 academic year:

Full-Time J.D.: $75,420
Part-Time J.D.: Calculated per credit hour at $2,650 per credit.
Full-Time LL.M.: $63,600
Part-Time LL.M.: Calculated per credit hour at $2,650 per credit.
SJD: $75,420 divided into four equal payments of $18,855 for the first four semesters.

GW Law's Cost of Attendance includes additional expenses like personal costs, room and board, transportation, health insurance, books, and loan fees.

Factors Influencing Tuition Costs

Several factors can influence tuition costs, including:

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Residency Status: In-state versus out-of-state tuition rates.
Program Type: J.D., LL.M., or other graduate programs.
Enrollment Status: Full-time versus part-time enrollment.
University Policies: Annual increases and adjustments by the Board of Trustees.

Residency Requirements

Many universities offer preferential tuition rates to students who meet specific residency requirements. For example, at UDC David A. Clarke School of Law, any student who has resided in the District of Columbia or the DC metropolitan area for 90 days (3 consecutive months) by the start of the fall or spring semester may apply for the relevant preferential tuition rate. The student must submit a Proof of Residency Form by the deadlines to be considered.

Tuition Refund Policy

It's important to understand the tuition refund policy in case of withdrawal from the School of Law. At UDC, a student who voluntarily withdraws may receive a refund according to the following schedule:

Registration to last day of the second week after Registration: 75%
Third week to the last day of the fourth week after Registration: 50%
Fifth week after Registration: 30%
Sixth week after Registration: 10%
After the last day of the sixth week after Registration: 0%

A student required to withdraw as a penalty for violating school regulations is not entitled to a refund.

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