Pricing and costs of Virginia law schools does not come cheap but neither does the education. Each prestigious school boasts superior curriculum and a commitment to society to educate attorneys and to train their students to know the law and practice with respect to individual rights.

Choose one of these schools based on whether they offer a tuition break for state residents. Another criterion to think about is the location of the school. The more rural schools will not cost as much in living expenses as the schools located in the larger cities. Consider the following about pricing and costs of Virginia law schools:

1. Choose VA law schools that offer a discounted rate to state residents.

2. Earn your Virginia law degree in a rural setting.

3. Select law schools in Virginia with smaller price tags.

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Find Virginia law universities with a state resident discount

If you are a Virginia state resident, take advantage of the tuition discount for law school. Virginia imposes strict requirements to qualify for the tuition discount, such as one must live in state all year round and one must expect not to leave the state to practice.

I recommend: University of Virginia law school, located in Charlottesville, offers a discounted tuition to Virginia residents of under $37,000 per year versus under $42,000 for a non-state resident. They estimate total costs for a state resident to be under $56,000 while for a non-resident it will be under $61,000. William and Mary Law School, located in Williamsburg, offers a discounted tuition to Virginia residents. Students who wish to pursue this discount must meet strict residency requirements. The one-year discounted tuition for Virginia residents runs under $21,000. For out of state students, the tuition runs under $31,000. This does not take into account the price of room and board which adds approximately another $15,000 to each fee whether resident or not.

See wildlife up close at suburban law colleges in Virginia

Tranquil settings may inspire deeper studying, so check out the rural law schools Virginia has to offer.

I recommend: Appalachian School of Law one year tuition runs under $27,000. Factor in other direct costs and the one year cost to attend this college is just under $30,000. This only includes the cost of schooling and does not include room and board. This school is located in Grundy in the Blue Ridge Mountain area and offers hiking, biking and sightseeing nearby to give weary students a much needed break from their studies. Liberty University School of Law offers tuition for all students for under $26,000 per year. This does not include room and board or book costs. Located in Lynchburg, the school offers a haven of activities for students to do in between their studies.

Decrease tuition costs of your VA law degree

Not all schools charge the same amount for a law degree. Choose one of the schools offering a lesser tuition but not a lesser education.

I recommend: George Mason University School of Law, located in Arlington, offers a discounted rate to Virginia residents of under $700 per credit hour versus under $1200 per credit hour for non-residents. This comes to under $19,000 per year for residents and under $32,000 per year for non-residents. This school also offers both full-time and part-time rates. The part-time rate for residents is under $16,000 per year and for non-residents it is under $27,000 per year. Regent Law School's current tuition is under $1000 per credit hour. The cost per year is under $28,000 per year and this only includes the tuition. Estimated total for all fees including room and board, books and fees is under $48,000 per year. The school is located in Virginia Beach.

There are so many jobs for people who hold a Virginia law degree. 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 or something similar during their undergraduate years.

Different VA law schools have different requirements, but being the best student you can be will only help your chances. Remember to research each school's admission requirements before applying.

1. Look into attending one of the public Virginia law colleges. These schools are bustling with life and social opportunities.

2. See if perhaps private Virginia law schools are right for you. These schools cost a bit more but the quality of education is known for being of the highest quality.

3. Locate ABA approved Virginia law schools. Attending an American Bar Association accredited school ensures that you'll be eligible to sit for the Bar Exam.

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Check out the public Virginia law universities

Public schools can be just as good as private schools, but for a fraction of the cost. They have large student bodies and foster a feeling of community. The opportunities for networking are great, and after you graduate, you'll be glad you made those contacts.

I recommend: See if the clinical programs at the University of Virginia Law School interest you. If you have other obligations, like a full-time job or child care duties, the evening program at George Mason University Law School may suit your needs.

Consider attending one of the private law colleges in Virginia

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 tuition and fee schedule for the Appalachian School of Law, located in Grundy, VA. Check out the timeline for the program offered at Washington and Lee University School of Law.

Find reputable and ABA approved law schools in VA

The American Bar Association (ABA) approves schools that offer a proper law education, and guarantees that the student can sit for the Bar Exam upon graduation. Laws vary from state to state, but going to an accredited school is a good idea no matter what. Also, checking out the rankings of different schools can help you find top law schools in Virginia.

I recommend: Find accredited schools in your area at the American Bar Association. Check rankings for Virginia schools on Top-Law-Schools.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Carefully compare law schools in Virginia before you make a decision to apply to one. You'll want to find the school that's right for you; some schools may offer law programs that don't appeal to you. Also, consider the professors' experience before deciding.

Advice and ratings on Virginia law schools 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 Virginia law universities 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 Virginia law schools:

1. Blogs on Virginia law colleges. A credible blog or other type of social media may have posts from students, faculty and law school experts sharing their personal experiences with Virginia 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 on a Virginia law degree through blogs

Blogs contain posts from law students, professors or lawyers who have personal experience with various law schools. They can provide valuable insight and advice for choosing the best law schools in Virginia.

I recommend: Charlie Misseijer has a blog with advice and insight for first year law students attending Regent University School of Law in Virginia.

Study rankings of ABA approved law schools in Virginia

Rankings for law schools in Virginia 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 University of Virginia provides its specific rankings from various nationally recognized sources. Thomas M. Cooley Law School ranked the University of Virginia fourth in 2008.

Look at ABA approved law schools in VA that are awards recipients

Awards and accolades can be an excellent way of identifying top tier law schools in Virginia. 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: Virginia Law Weekly reports that the University of Virginia chapter of the Black Law Student Association received the National Black Law Students Association’s Chapter of the Year Award for 2008. Miranda Jones at the George Mason University of Law in Virginia is a 2008 winner of The Burton Awards in Legal Writing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Law school applicants seeking highly rated law colleges in Virginia 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 Virginia law schools online. An online law school in Virginia may provide a more affordable option for busy law school students.

There is a range of law schools in Virginia designed to fit the financial, locality and academic needs of prospective students. Choosing a law school is one of the most important decisions a student can make. Choosing which type of law degree to pursue can also be a difficult decision.

If you are looking to attend a Virginia school, familiarize yourself with a few Virginia law schools key terms to make your decision a more educated one.

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Juris Doctor (J.D.)

J.D. is the degree earned by most students before they go one to become lawyers. To earn this degree, most law students will be in school for approximately three years full-time. Each school's credit requirements may vary which could extend or decrease the time it will take to graduate.

I recommend: Read more about the J.D. degree offered by Virginia law schools at Regent Law.

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

An LL.M. degree is typically pursued by students abroad looking to gain a broad education on the American legal system. Students can typically gain approval to pursue a Doctor of Judicial Science (S.J.D) degree after earning an LL.M.

I recommend: Read more about LL.M. degrees offered by Virginia law schools at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Joint/dual degrees

A joint/dual degree program allows students to earn two degrees in four years. Students have the option of taking courses to earn a law degree along with other postgraduate degrees.

I recommend: Read more about joint/dual degrees at Richmond School of Law.

Judicial clerkship

Judicial clerkships give law students the ability to experience first hand how the legal system works. Some students may be asked to read formal court filings, hear arguments or research legal issues and decisions

I recommend: Find out more about judicial clerkship opportunities at Virginia law schools at George Mason Law School.

Moot court

Participating in moot court helps law students obtain invaluable trial practice and strengthen advocacy skills. Some Virginia law schools allow first-year students to participate in moot courts, while other law schools restrict moot court participation to second- and third-year students.

I recommend: Learn more about moot court in Virginia law schools at Liberty University School of Law.

Electives

Electives are optional courses that students choose on their own. The first year of law school is structured with specific courses that each student must take. However in the second and third years, students have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of courses that more so reflect their particular law interests

I recommend: Read more about electives at William & Mary Law School.