Law school is a major investment, and in Florida the choice of where to study can mean the difference between manageable debt and financial strain. Because student loans for law school are rarely dischargeable in bankruptcy, affordability must be a top priority. While prestige and outcomes matter, the smartest approach is to balance tuition costs with bar passage rates and employment prospects. This guide ranks Florida law schools by affordability and then expands into strategies to make any school cheaper.

Cheapest Law Schools In Florida – Why Cost Matters More Than Prestige

1. Florida State University (FSU) College of Law

FSU College of Law offers one of the best values in Florida, with in‑state tuition around $21,000. Located in Tallahassee, it has strong programs in government, environmental, and criminal law. Students benefit from proximity to the state capitol, excellent bar passage rates, and solid employment outcomes. Its reputation as a top public law school makes it a consistent choice for affordability and career success, combining low cost with strong academic and professional opportunities.

2. University of Florida (UF) Levin College of Law

UF Levin College of Law, Florida’s oldest and most prestigious public law school, charges about $23,000 for in‑state tuition. Located in Gainesville, it boasts a powerful alumni network and strong Big Law recruitment. Bar passage rates are consistently high, and its reputation extends nationally. With affordable tuition compared to private schools, UF delivers excellent value, blending prestige, affordability, and career opportunities. It is widely considered Florida’s flagship law school for students seeking strong outcomes at reasonable cost.

3. Florida International University (FIU) College of Law

FIU College of Law in Miami is one of Florida’s most affordable options, with in‑state tuition around $18,000. Despite its relatively young age, FIU consistently posts the highest bar passage rates in the state. Its location provides access to diverse legal markets and opportunities in international and immigration law. With strong outcomes and low tuition, FIU is regarded as one of the best values in Florida legal education, combining affordability with exceptional academic performance.

4. Stetson University College of Law

Stetson University College of Law, located near Tampa Bay, charges about $35,000 annually. Founded in 1900, it is Florida’s first law school and is nationally recognized for trial advocacy and litigation training. While more expensive than public schools, Stetson offers substantial scholarships to reduce net costs. Its strong reputation in courtroom skills and regional influence make it a solid choice for students interested in litigation careers. Stetson balances higher tuition with specialized strengths and scholarship opportunities.

5. Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Shepard Broad College of Law

NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law, located in Fort Lauderdale, has tuition around $42,000. It offers flexible programs, including part‑time and evening options, appealing to working professionals. While tuition is high, NSU frequently awards significant merit scholarships to reduce costs. Its diverse student body and specialty programs in health and international law add value. NSU provides accessibility and flexibility, making it a viable option for students balancing affordability with non‑traditional schedules and specialized interests.

6. Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law

FAMU College of Law in Orlando is the most affordable public option, with in‑state tuition around $16,000. Historically significant and community‑focused, FAMU provides access to legal education for underrepresented groups. However, its bar passage rates have been lower than the state average, raising concerns about outcomes. Students benefit from low tuition and opportunities in Central Florida’s legal market. FAMU offers affordability and inclusivity, but prospective students must weigh cost savings against bar passage challenges.

7. St. Thomas University (STU) College of Law

St. Thomas University College of Law, located in Miami Gardens, charges about $38,000 annually. It emphasizes practical training and community engagement, with programs in human rights and immigration law. Like other private schools, STU often provides scholarships to reduce net costs. Its location in South Florida offers access to diverse legal markets. While tuition is higher than public schools, STU balances affordability with regional opportunities, making it a viable choice for students seeking specialized practice areas.

8. University of Miami (UM) School of Law

UM School of Law in Coral Gables is Florida’s highest‑ranked private law school, with tuition around $58,000. Known for strong programs in international, entertainment, and tax law, UM attracts national recruiters and offers extensive alumni connections. Its location in Miami provides access to global legal markets. While expensive, UM offers scholarships and financial aid to offset costs. For students seeking prestige and career opportunities in South Florida or beyond, UM delivers strong outcomes despite its high price.

9. (Scholarship Strategy Entry – FIU Law Dean’s Fellowship)

FIU Law’s Dean’s Fellowship is a prestigious award covering full tuition plus a stipend for top applicants. It transforms FIU, already one of Florida’s most affordable schools, into a virtually free option for high‑achieving students. Recipients benefit from FIU’s strong bar passage rates and Miami’s diverse legal market. This fellowship exemplifies how merit‑based aid can make law school dramatically cheaper, offering exceptional value by combining affordability, financial support, and strong academic outcomes.

10. (Scholarship Strategy Entry – UF Law Graduate Fellowships)

UF Law Graduate Fellowships provide merit‑based awards to outstanding applicants, reducing tuition costs significantly. These fellowships enhance UF’s already strong value proposition, making one of Florida’s most prestigious law schools even more affordable. Recipients gain access to UF’s powerful alumni network, high bar passage rates, and strong employment outcomes. By lowering net costs, UF fellowships allow students to enjoy the benefits of a nationally respected law school without the full financial burden of private tuition.

#	Category	Law School / Strategy	Key Details / Highlights
1	Public “Best Value”	Florida State University (FSU) College of Law	~$21K tuition, top public program, strong in government & criminal law, excellent outcomes.
2	Public “Best Value”	University of Florida (UF) Levin College of Law	~$23K tuition, top-ranked, high bar passage, strong Big Law ties statewide.
3	Public “Best Value”	Florida International University (FIU) College of Law	~$18K tuition, #1 bar passage rate in Florida, exceptional value for Miami location.
4	Misconception Note	University of Central Florida (UCF)	No law school—common misconception.
5	Public/Private Mid-Tier	Stetson University College of Law	~$35K tuition, best known for trial advocacy, offers strong merit scholarships.
6	Public/Private Mid-Tier	Nova Southeastern (NSU) Shepard Broad College of Law	~$42K tuition, flexible programs, large merit-based awards available.
7	Public “Best Value”	Florida A&M (FAMU) College of Law	~$16K tuition, lowest sticker price, but low bar passage rates.
8	Private	St. Thomas University (STU) College of Law	~$38K tuition, scholarship-heavy, located in Miami Gardens.
9	Premium Private	University of Miami (UM) School of Law	~$58K tuition, top private law school, national reach, high living costs.
10	Financial Aid	Merit-Based Scholarships	Awarded based on GPA/LSAT; can make private tuition cheaper than public rates.
11	Financial Aid	Need-Based Grants	Non-repayable aid from federal or institutional sources.
12	Financial Aid	FIU Law Dean’s Fellowship	Full-tuition + stipend for top applicants.
13	Financial Aid	UF Law Graduate Fellowships	Merit awards reducing tuition burden.
14	Financial Aid	FSU Public Interest Scholarships	Support students pursuing public service careers.
15	Financial Aid	Stetson Merit Scholarships	Partial to full-tuition awards based on credentials.
16	Financial Aid	NSU Dean’s Merit Scholarship	Substantial tuition reduction based on LSAT/GPA.
17	Financial Aid	STU Chancellor’s Scholarship	Full-tuition scholarship for high achievers.
18	Financial Aid	UM Dean’s Scholarships	Covers 50–100% of tuition for top applicants.
19	External Aid	Florida Bar Foundation Scholarships	External funding to use at any Florida law school.
20	Loan Relief	Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)	Helps graduates in low-paying public interest jobs.
21	Cost of Living	Live with Roommates	Share expenses and reduce rent/utilities.
22	Cost of Living	Choose Cheaper City	Gainesville/Tallahassee cheaper than Miami/Tampa.
23	Cost of Living	Use Public Transport	Avoid vehicle-related expenses.
24	Cost of Living	Buy Used Textbooks	Save hundreds per semester.
25	Cost of Living	Cook at Home	Lower daily living costs.
26	Earn While Learning	Federal Work-Study	On-campus jobs to offset expenses.
27	Earn While Learning	Part-Time Legal Jobs (2L & 3L)	Gain experience and income.
28	Earn While Learning	Summer Associate Positions	High-paying summer roles covering 3L costs.
29	Earn While Learning	Stetson Part-Time JD Program	Enables working professionals to study.
30	Earn While Learning	NSU Part-Time Evening Program	Designed for students working full-time.
31	Accelerated Path	Graduate Early	Save a semester’s tuition and start earning sooner.
32	Efficiency	Bar Exam Prep Discounts	Some schools subsidize prep course fees.
33	Debt Forgiveness	Federal PSLF Program	Forgives loans for 10 years of public service.
34	Debt Forgiveness	Florida Bar Foundation LRAP	State-specific loan aid for legal aid attorneys.
35	Debt Forgiveness	Military JAG Corps	Loan repayment and career experience.
36	Transfer Strategy	Start at Lower-Tier School	Earn scholarship, then transfer after 1L.
37	Transfer Strategy	Transfer to Higher-Ranked School	Boost credentials; scholarships may be limited.
38	Cost Avoidance	Retake LSAT	Higher scores lead to more aid.
39	Cost Avoidance	Apply Early	Access full scholarship pools before depletion.
40	Cost Avoidance	Negotiate Scholarships	Leverage multiple offers for better deals.
41	Cost Avoidance	Avoid Conditional Scholarships	Prevent sudden aid loss due to GPA requirements.
42	Academic Efficiency	Internships for Credit	Earn degree credits while working.
43	Financial Prudence	Limit Student Loans	Borrow only necessary funds.
44	Financial Discipline	Create and Stick to Budget	Prevent overspending during studies.
45	Student Savings	Use Discounts	Take advantage of student deals and memberships.
46	Study Efficiency	Use Law Library	Quiet, free study space reduces home energy use.
47	Career Networking	Network for Paid Roles	Build contacts leading to jobs.
48	Career Outcome	Graduate with Honors	Better job prospects and higher starting pay.
49	Career Outcome	Pass Bar on First Try	Avoid costly delays and retakes.
50	Career Outcome	Secure Job Before Graduation	Eases loan repayment and financial stress.

Closing: 

Florida offers only a dozen law schools, but the real savings come from how you approach admissions and financing. Scholarships, cost‑of‑living choices, part‑time work, and debt forgiveness programs can transform even expensive schools into affordable options. The key is maximizing your LSAT score, applying broadly, and negotiating aggressively. By combining smart financial planning with academic success, you’ll graduate with a degree that opens doors — without closing off your financial future. In law school, value beats sticker price every time.