New York Law Schools

This article was edited and reviewed by FindLaw Attorney Writers

| Last reviewed January 31, 2023

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New York — home of the city that never sleeps. With several prestigious law schools, including at least three that consistently rank among the top 20 in the nation, it’s also filled with its fair share of law students that never sleep.

Going to law school in New York gives students and graduates access to the heart of the U.S. financial sector and other business hubs. And with all of the domestic and international financial transactions taking place in the state, it’s no surprise that New York has the highest number of active attorneys, even though it’s the fourth-largest state in the union.

Unique Law School Opportunities

Studying law in the same jurisdiction that governs Wall Street and some of the largest national and international corporations, not to mention one of the most diverse populations in the world, presents many unique opportunities for students.

These opportunities are reflected in the wide range of programs offered in New York’s law schools which include, among others, the following centers and institutes:

• Albany Law School’s Institute for Financial Market Regulation
• Fordham University School of Law’s Center on National Security
• Columbia University Law School’s Center for International Commercial and Investment Arbitration
• Hofstra University School of Law’s Gitenstein Institute for Health Law and Policy
• New York University School of Law’s Center for Cybersecurity
• Pace University School of Law’s Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies
• Cornell University Law School’s Clarke Business Law Institute
• Syracuse University College of Law’s Disability Law and Policy Program
• St. John’s University School of Law’s Center for Bankruptcy Studies

As you research the law schools you would like to attend, pay special attention to any unique practice areas and courses that you can learn while a student. After all, going to a law school where you can obtain specialized knowledge of particular practice areas is one way to stand out when you graduate and enter one of the largest legal markets in the country.

Important Financial Considerations

Given that five of New York’s top law schools are located in New York City, going to one of these schools would mean living in one of the most expensive areas in the country.

However, some of New York’s law schools, such as Albany Law School and Syracuse University College of Law, are outside of the Big Apple and may be more financially appealing. Plus, New York has a decent public transportation system, which may make it possible to attend schools in the city while living further away in less expensive areas.

With the potential costs associated with going to law school in New York, it’s important to carefully consider all of the financial assistance that may be available to you. Having a good financial plan before law school can make a tremendous difference once you’re armed with your degree and ready to take on the world.

ABA-Accredited New York Law Schools

With such a large legal market operating within the state, it’s no surprise that New York has fifteen different law schools accredited by the American Bar Association. All have their own unique offerings, and of course, it’s important to consider tuition.

The chart below can help you start researching law schools in New York by comparing key features, locations, and yearly tuition for full-time students. Remember that tuition rates are approximate and often vary for residents vs. non-residents.

School	Location	Features
Albany Law School	Albany	Ranked #3 in the nation for preparing prosecutors and public defenders Tuition: $55,000
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law	New York City	Birthplace of the Innocence Project Tuition: $68,000
Brooklyn Law School	Brooklyn	Leaders in entertainment law Tuition: $68,000
City University of New York School of Law at Queens College	Flushing	Number one public interest law school in the nation Tuition: $16,000 – $26,000
Columbia University Law School	New York City	Ranked among the top five U.S. law schools Tuition: $76,000
Cornell University Law School	Ithaca	#1 in job placement at large law firms Tuition: $75,000
Fordham University School of Law	New York City	Highly ranked in trial advocacy and dispute resolution Tuition: $51,000-$68,000
Hofstra University School of Law	Hempstead	Highly ranked for legal technology and innovation Tuition: $66,000
New York Law School	New York City	Evening J.D. program dates back to 1894 Tuition: $61,000
New York University (NYU) School of Law	New York City	Ranked #7 in best law schools; extensive business law offerings Tuition: $73,000
Pace University School of Law	White Plains	#1 Environmental Law program in the U.S. Tuition: $53,000
St. John’s University School of Law	Queens	High job placement at large law firms Tuition: $68,000
State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law	Buffalo	Highly ranked for family law Tuition: $25,000 – $30,000
Syracuse University College of Law	Syracuse	Nationally recognized for innovation and technology law Tuition: $60,000
Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center	Central Islip	Highly ranked for criminal law Tuition: $55,000

What’s Next?

Like most prospective law students, you probably have an ever-growing list of questions about law school and the legal profession. FindLaw’s attorney writers have been in your shoes and can provide you with some of the lessons learned from their law school experiences. Stay tuned to FindLaw for Law Students for more information and resources to guide you as you launch into your legal career.