For those who plan to attend a Massachusetts law program, it's important to factor in pricing and costs of Massachusetts law schools as part of the decision making process. Along with the cost of tuition fees, including books and housing, prospective law students must consider the special considerations of the Massachusetts area if you aren't already a resident.

Get information about scholarships and financial programs to help with the cost of attending a law school in Massachusetts. Here are some additional things to consider about the pricing and costs of Massachusetts Law Schools:

1. Find out about the costs of the top ranked law schools in Massachusetts.

2. Use listings of MA law schools to learn about costs of law programs so that you can compare them.

3. Learn about scholarships and financial aid programs to assist with the pricing and costs of Massachusetts law schools.

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Learn the cost of top ranked law programs in Massachusetts

According to current rankings of law schools in the United States, four of the top 100 schools are in Massachusetts, and they are Harvard Law School, Boston University School of Law, Boston College School of Law, and Northeastern University. The prices to attend these high-ranked schools varies in price from approximately $39,000 per year to attend Harvard Law School, to about $36,000 to $36,500 per year to attend the other three top-ranked law programs. Besides tuition fees, there are living expenses which can range from about $11,000 to about $23,500 each year for those attending Harvard School of Law.

I recommend: Go to the Harvard Law School, Boston University School of Law, Boston College Law School and the Northeastern University School of Law websites to read about their various tuition fees.

Use ranking lists to compare costs of law schools for Massachusetts law scholars

The ability to compare the costs of one law school in MA to another, but also the living expenses you will incur while you live there is an invaluable aid in decision making. For instance, the tuition and living expenses for students who attend Suffolk University Law School are about $48,000 each year, while at the New England School of Law, the approximate yearly cost is about $39,000.

I recommend: Review the listings of each of the 12 law schools in MA at the Massachusetts State Bar Association website. Use the law school rankings featured at the Internet Legal Research Group to compare the cost of not only attending a law program in Massachusetts, but also the costs for a non-resident to study there.

Learn about financial aid and scholarship programs for students attending law schools in MA

To help students afford the high costs of tuition fees, most law colleges in Massachusetts, and across the U.S., offer financial aid and scholarships programs. There are scholarships that offer awards from about $2,000 up to $12,000 annually for students who have met academic standards, are minorities or have special needs.

I recommend: Use the alphabetical listings to find the MA law school of your choice and then click the link to find the financial aid and scholarship information at Law Boost. Read the articles about the prices and costs of attending public or private law schools at the University of Massachusetts website and then read the article about financial aid and grant programs for law school students at Ulinks.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make a list and compare and contrast all related costs when deciding which Massachusetts law programs best suit you.

There are many jobs for people who hold degrees from a law school in MA. From civil law to criminal litigation to business negotiations, lawyers are in high demand. Law schools generally accept students who hold a Bachelor's degree in any major, but they prefer students who majored in business, political science, legal studies or something similar during their undergraduate years.

Massachusetts law programs have strict admission requirements, and being the best student you can be will only help your chances of getting accepted. You can begin with getting a paralegal certificate or A.S., then advance to get your Bachelor's, then proceed to law school.

1. Look into paralegal studies to start your journey to law schools in Massachusetts. Paralegal careers pay well and offer great experience.

2. Get your undergraduate degree before applying to a law program in Massachusetts. All law programs require a Bachelor's degree for admission.

3. Apply for law school in Massachusetts. There are no public schools in MA, but there are some great private law schools.

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Consider a certificate in paralegal studies to help get you into law schools in MA

Paralegals assist attorneys, in short. Depending on their education, they may do almost as much as the attorney himself, although they do not hold bar cards. This is a great career for those interested in law but who don't have the time and/or money to attend law school for a J.D. degree. If you plan to eventually go to law school, you'll need a Bachelor's degree, but a paralegal certificate can be the first step in your preparation.

I recommend: Get a certificate in Legal Office Administration from Salter College. Consider getting a certificate or Associate's degree from the American Bar Association-approved Suffolk University in Boston.

Prepare yourself for admission into law programs in Massachusetts with an undergraduate degree

Admission into law school is extremely competitive. Getting good grades while working on your Bachelor's isn't the only deciding factor as to your acceptance into a law program; teacher recommendations and extracurricular activities factor in as well. Choose a school with a program that interests you as well as has academic clubs and caring teachers.

I recommend: Look into the Pre-Law program at Elms College in Chicopee. The "3+3" program at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (in conjunction with Southern New England School of Law) saves you a year's worth of school.

Earn a J.D. degree from an accredited Massachusetts law school

The J.D. is the highest degree that can be held by those in the legal industry. Private schools may cost more but each has its own advantages. For example, some colleges use rolling admissions (and thus, no application deadlines) and offer part-time classes as well as full-time schedules.

I recommend: Take a look at the different concentrations offered at the Boston University School of Law. Submit your application early for the prestigious Harvard Law School.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As a general rule, private schools cost more than public schools, but may offer a better curriculum. Carefully weigh your options before choosing a program of study to prepare yourself for getting into Massachusetts law schools.

Massachusetts law schools advice and ratings use many statistics, such as employment prospects, median salary and tuition. Intangibles such as campus life, teaching methods and learning atmosphere may also form the basis of a law school evaluation.

Applicants to accredited law programs in Massachusetts should begin their search by first considering law schools located in their desired geographic area. They also should consider the top law schools in the state where they plan to practice. Applicants should then select the schools that are within their budget and meet their specific needs. There are three general sources for evaluating Massachusetts law schools:

1. Blogs on Massachusetts law programs. A credible blog or other type of social media may have posts from students, faculty and law school experts sharing their personal experiences with Massachusetts law schools.
2. Rating services of law schools. Recognized experts may provide ratings of law schools that offer an exceptional education.
3. Recognition for individual law schools. The best law schools will have awards, grants and other accolades for their programs.
   

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Get advice for law colleges in Massachusetts through blogs

Blogs contain posts from law students, professors or lawyers who have personal experience with various law schools. They may also discuss law school rankings.

I recommend: Magic Cookie is kept by a law school graduate of Harvard Law School and provides advice for first year law students. Wall Street Journal Law Blog has a recent post that analyzes U.S. News & World Report's ranking for Harvard.

Study rankings of MA law schools

Rankings for law schools in Massachusetts are an effective and credible source of advice and ratings. Each rating service should provide their methodology. Rankings typically consist of weighted factors, such as assessments of law professors, selectivity and placement rate.

I recommend: The Law School 100 uses data from US News & World Reports to group law schools with similar rankings. Brian Leiter's Law School Rankings provides rankings for law schools based on scholarly impact. Both ranking sites feature law schools in Massachusetts.

Look at a MA law school that is the recipient of awards

Awards and accolades can be an excellent way of identifying top tier law schools in Massachusetts. Law schools may receive awards for legal research, academic programs or specific papers. The best law schools will also receive grants for their programs.

I recommend: The American Bar Association awarded the 2008 Robert B. McKay Law Professor Award to Ronald A. Cass of the Boston University School of Law. Equal Justice Works awarded the 2008 Dean John R. Kramer Outstanding Law School Dean Award to Dean Kagan of the Harvard University School of Law.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Law school applicants seeking highly rated Massachusetts law schools should use the law school ratings to get a good overview of the schools. However, applicants should be more concerned with finding a law school that will meet their particular needs, rather than attending the highest ranked law school on a list. Law school students may also wish to consider attending Massachusetts law schools online. An online law school in Massachusetts may provide a more affordable option for busy law school students.

Take the time to learn about some of the key terms associated with Massachusetts law schools, so you'll be familiar with their usage. Here are some of those terms along with some resourceful links to get you started.

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LSAT, law school admission test

The LSAT or law school admission test, is an admission test that is required by many law schools in Massachusetts. The test determines the potential aptitude and determines if the prospective student has some core knowledge of the law and how it functions.

I recommend: Visit the website for the University of Massachusetts. They outline the guidelines for taking the LSAT in order to gain admission into their law school.

Pro bono

Pro bono refers to a program where law school students give back to the community as well as people and organizations in need by providing free legal work. Pro bono programs are considered outreach community programs.

I recommend: Go to the website for Boston College for more information about the Pro Bono program offered. Pro bono programs are popular at many law schools.

Moot court, mock trial

A moot court, or mock trial refers to a practice where students pretend to argue their cases in a fake court of law. Through the process of arguing their cases, they experience what it will be like in a real courtroom once they complete their education and pass the bar exam.

I recommend: Go to the website for the New England School of Law, which is a law school located in Boston, for more information on mock trials and how they are held.

Massachusetts bar exam

The Massachusetts bar exam is the exam that must be taken after law school in order to become a licensed attorney within the state of Massachusetts.

I recommend: Visit the official state website for the Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners for additional information about the Bar Exam within the state of Massachusetts.

Externship

An externship is a program offered by many Massachusetts law school programs, that allows students in their second and third years of law school to get real life experience by working in a law firm or courthouse.

I recommend: Check out the website for Boston University for an example of a legal externship program.

Reciprocity

Reciprocity, in terms of Massachusetts law schools, refers to a common policy that allows students of one law school to use the services and resources of another law school. Certain restrictions usually apply. For instance, reciprocity might be suspended during the Autumn recruitment season.

I recommend: Visit the website for the law school at Northeastern University for more information on reciprocity and common associated policies and procedures.