Master of Science in Law Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition
The following tuition rates and fees apply for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Full-time residential: $65,686 with 50% billed at the start of the fall semester and the remaining 50% billed at the start of the spring semester.
- Part-time online: $2,346 per credit for a total of 28 credits.
The following tuition rates and fees apply for the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Full-time residential: $63,160 with 50% billed at the start of the fall semester and the remaining 50% billed at the start of the spring semester.
- Part-time online: $2,256 per credit for a total of 28 credits.
Additional Mandatory Fees
Resdential students have a $828 ($414 per semester) health services fee. This fee contributes to the provision of a variety of health, well-being, and wellness services provided by Northwestern outside of those covered by health insurance plans.
All MSL students are required to have health insurance. The University offers an insurance plan for all students. Domestic students may either buy the University's plan or secure their own qualified insurance plan and ask to waive the University insurance plan. International students are required to enroll in the University insurance plan.
The Chicago Financial Aid office has compiled comprehensive information about the cost of attendance, including living expenses, transportation, and so on.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Scholarship Opportunities for MSL Students
The MSL program offers a limited number of scholarship awards to full-time students.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit awards are granted at the time of admission and are based on a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant’s academic achievements, professional experience, and other distinguishing qualifications. These awards typically cover between 20% and 50% of tuition. A small number of full-tuition scholarships may be available for exceptional candidates.
Need-Based Scholarships
Applicants in the full-time program who do not receive a merit-based award may be considered for need-based funding. The application for need-based scholarships will be made available after admission and requires documentation to demonstrate financial need.
Loans
Both full-time and part-time students may be eligible to apply for federal and private loans. Visit the Law School's loans page for more information.
Other Financial Aid
Many MSL students seek scholarships and funding from outside entities, often applying for scholarships that match their individual profiles. Here are several resources to assist in the financial aid search:
100 Great Scholarships for Master's Degree Programs
Access Scholarships
FastWeb
FinAid
Scholarships.com
Student Scholarship Search
AccessLex Law Scholarship Databank