Best Accredited Online Law Schools
Best online law schools are ABA-approved law schools that offer online or hybrid Juris Doctor (JD) programs, allowing you to earn a degree that qualifies for the bar exam while studying remotely. In 2026, more than 30 ABA-accredited schools have received acquiescence for distance-education JD divisions. Our top 5 online JD programs for 2026 are: Northeastern University School of Law (Flex JD), Syracuse University College of Law (JD Interactive), Suffolk University Law School (Hybrid Online JD), Albany Law School (Flex Juris Doctor), and University of Hawaii at Manoa – William S. Richardson School of Law (Hawaii Online JD Flex). EDsmart ranks programs by ABA approval for distance education, program type (fully online vs hybrid), and recognition in major rankings. All schools listed are ABA-accredited; verify at the ABA Distance Education list and check bar admission rules in your state.
Our ranking uses the same transparent, criteria-driven approach as EDsmart’s methodology. Because law schools are not in federal undergraduate datasets (e.g. College Scorecard), we rank by: (1) ABA approval for distance-education JD, (2) program type (fully online option vs hybrid), and (3) recognition in third-party rankings such as Above the Law/University Magazine, (4) affordability and aid, (5) experiential offerings, and (6) support and outcomes (faculty, attrition). Data for (4)–(6) come from ABA annual reports. See “How We Rank” below.
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Top 5 at a Glance
| # | School | Program | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeastern University School of Law | Flex JD | Hybrid |
| 2 | Syracuse University College of Law | JD Interactive | Hybrid |
| 3 | Suffolk University Law School | Hybrid Online JD | Full-time/part-time, fully online option |
| 4 | Albany Law School | Flex Juris Doctor | Hybrid |
| 5 | U of Hawaii – William S. Richardson | Hawaii Online JD Flex | Fully online option |
Top 30 Online Law Schools (Online JD Programs) 2026
How We Rank
EDsmart ranks online law schools and online JD programs using a transparent, criteria-based methodology. We do not use undergraduate datasets (e.g. College Scorecard), which do not include law schools. Instead, we order programs by: (1) ABA approval for distance-education JD (formal division or acquiescence under Standard 105); (2) program type — schools with a fully online option are ranked above hybrid-only where otherwise tied; (3) recognition in major third-party rankings (e.g. Above the Law/University Magazine Top 10); (4) affordability and aid — tuition and mandatory fees and the percentage of students receiving grants/scholarships (ABA Tuitions and Fees, Grants and Scholarships); (5) experiential offerings — number of law clinics, field placements, and simulation courses (ABA Curricular Offerings); (6) support and outcomes — faculty resources per JD student and academic attrition (ABA Faculty Resources, Attrition). The authoritative list of ABA-approved distance-education JD programs is maintained by the American Bar Association. Our list was verified against the ABA list (Feb 2026). Tuition and cost data come from each school’s ABA Standard 509 report; we also use ABA annual datasets (2025) for aid, curricular offerings, faculty, and attrition. For our general ranking approach, see EDsmart’s methodology.
Best Accredited Online Law Schools
Northeastern University School of Law
Northeastern University School of Law, part of Northeastern University in Boston, is renowned for its co-op program, which guarantees a full year of real-world legal experience. The school excels in public interest law and social justice, and its hybrid Distance Education Division brings that experiential model to students who need flexibility. Boston’s legal market offers strong networking and employment opportunities.
Why it stands out: The only top-ranked online law school that guarantees a full year of legal co-op experience, plus strong recognition in public interest and social justice.
Syracuse University College of Law
Syracuse University College of Law, in Syracuse, New York, excels in national security law and disability law. Its Innovation Law Center pioneers legal solutions for emerging tech industries. The hybrid JD Interactive program combines online coursework with required residencies, balancing flexibility and community. Syracuse’s interdisciplinary approach integrates law with other fields.
Why it stands out: Leading hybrid JD program with a distinctive focus on innovation and technology law, plus strong national security and disability law offerings.
Suffolk University Law School
Suffolk University Law School, in Boston, shines in legal writing and public service. It offers both full-time and part-time hybrid J.D. options and has ABA approval for a fully online pathway. Proximity to courts, firms, and government enhances practical opportunities. Suffolk’s focus on mentorship and career placement supports graduate success.
Why it stands out: One of the few ABA-approved law schools with a fully online JD option plus full-time and part-time enrollment, in a major legal market.
Albany Law School
Albany Law School, the oldest independent law school in the United States (founded 1851), emphasizes experiential learning and clinical programs. Its Flex Juris Doctor combines online study with required on-campus components. Located in New York’s capital, the school offers strong access to government, judicial, and legal networking. Albany Law’s hybrid division suits working professionals seeking balance.
Why it stands out: Historic prestige as the nation’s oldest independent law school, plus a capital-city location ideal for government and policy careers.
University of Hawaii at Manoa – William S. Richardson School of Law
The William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii excels in environmental law, Native Hawaiian law, and Pacific-Asian legal studies. Its fully online J.D. program with optional residential components brings this specialized expertise to a national audience. Honolulu’s setting supports a culturally rich legal perspective and a commitment to public service and sustainability.
Why it stands out: Unique focus on Pacific-Asian and Native Hawaiian law with a fully online ABA-approved pathway and optional in-person components.
Seattle University School of Law
Seattle University School of Law, a Jesuit institution in Seattle, excels in social justice and public interest law. Its Flex JD hybrid program offers flexibility while maintaining a collaborative community. The school’s location in a tech and legal hub provides access to firms and advocacy organizations. Seattle Law emphasizes diversity and practical training for impactful careers.
Why it stands out: Strong social justice mission in a major tech and legal market, with a flexible hybrid JD suited to working professionals.
South Texas College of Law-Houston
South Texas College of Law-Houston, an independent institution in Houston, is known for trial advocacy and energy law. Its hybrid Distance Education Division serves part-time and online students without sacrificing the school’s competitive skills focus. Houston’s legal and energy sectors provide strong employment opportunities. Championship moot court teams reflect the school’s advocacy strength.
Why it stands out: Standalone law school with a laser focus on practice readiness, trial advocacy, and energy law in a major market.
Southwestern Law School
Southwestern Law School, in Los Angeles, excels in entertainment law and trial advocacy. It offers both fully online and part-time evening hybrid J.D. options under ABA approval. The historic Art Deco campus sits in the heart of media and legal innovation. Southwestern’s flexible formats suit full-time and working students alike.
Why it stands out: ABA-approved fully online and hybrid options in Los Angeles, with strengths in entertainment and trial advocacy.
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Case Western Reserve University School of Law, in Cleveland, is nationally recognized in health law, international law, and intellectual property. Its fully online J.D. program with optional residential components serves students who want flexibility and a personalized touch. The school’s ties to the legal and business communities support hands-on opportunities and a forward-thinking curriculum.
Why it stands out: Fully online ABA-approved JD with optional residencies and strengths in health law, IP, and international law.
Vermont Law and Graduate School
Vermont Law and Graduate School, in South Royalton, Vermont, is a global leader in environmental law and restorative justice. Its hybrid Distance Education Division extends that expertise to students who cannot relocate. The rural campus fosters a tight-knit community focused on sustainability and impact. Vermont Law’s top-ranked environmental programs attract change-makers worldwide.
Why it stands out: Top-ranked environmental and restorative justice programs available through a flexible hybrid JD.
University of New Hampshire – Franklin Pierce School of Law
The University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, in Concord, NH, is a national leader in intellectual property and technology law. Its ABA-approved Hybrid JD offers concentrations in IP, Technology, and Information Law or Health & Life Sciences Law. Students complete coursework primarily online with required immersions in locations across the U.S. UNH Law prepares graduates for careers in innovation and global technology.
Why it stands out: First ABA-approved Hybrid JD with specialized tracks in IP/tech and health & life sciences law.
Arizona State University – Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University offers a top-tier fully online J.D. with optional residential components. Named after the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice, the school emphasizes diversity and innovation. Strengths include intellectual property, health law, and sustainability law. ASU Law’s flexible format suits students who cannot relocate.
Why it stands out: Prestigious fully online ABA-approved JD with strengths in IP, health, and sustainability law.
Cleveland State University College of Law
Cleveland State University College of Law, in downtown Cleveland, is known for legal writing and advocacy. Its hybrid Distance Education Division provides flexibility while maintaining a strong community focus. The urban location offers access to federal courts and major firms. Cleveland State emphasizes affordable education and practical, practice-ready training.
Why it stands out: Cost-effective hybrid JD with strong legal writing and advocacy training in an urban legal market.
University of Dayton School of Law
The University of Dayton School of Law, a Marianist institution in Dayton, Ohio, excels in intellectual property and entrepreneurship law. Its “Lawyer as Problem Solver” approach integrates practical skills into every course. The hybrid Distance Education Division offers flexibility without sacrificing personalized support. Dayton Law emphasizes ethical leadership alongside legal expertise.
Why it stands out: Values-driven hybrid JD with a problem-solving curriculum and strengths in IP and entrepreneurship.
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Mitchell Hamline School of Law, in St. Paul, Minnesota, was the first ABA-approved law school to offer a blended-learning J.D. It excels in dispute resolution and health law and runs an innovative “Prison to Law Pipeline” program. Fully online and high-enrollment Distance Education options provide flexibility for diverse learners. The school connects students to a robust Upper Midwest legal network.
Why it stands out: Pioneer in blended legal education and the only program with an ABA-approved “Prison to Law Pipeline” initiative.
St. Mary's University School of Law
St. Mary's University School of Law, in San Antonio, excels in civil litigation and international law. Its fully online J.D. program broadens access to a Marianist, service-oriented curriculum. The location supports cross-border legal practice with Mexico. Strong alumni networks and career services support graduate outcomes.
Why it stands out: Fully online ABA-approved JD with a San Antonio base ideal for cross-border and international practice.
Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law
The Duncan School of Law at Lincoln Memorial University, in Knoxville, Tennessee, emphasizes small class sizes and personalized attention. Strengths include rural law and trial practice. The hybrid Distance Education Division ensures accessibility without sacrificing hands-on learning. LMU’s affordable tuition and supportive environment make it a practical choice for aspiring lawyers.
Why it stands out: Intimate, affordable hybrid JD with a focus on rural law and trial practice in the Southeast.
Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law
Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, in Pittsburgh, excels in trial advocacy and business law. The school has ABA approval for both hybrid and high-enrollment Distance Education options. Spiritan values emphasize ethical practice alongside academic rigor. Duquesne’s flexible online offerings cater to diverse schedules while maintaining a supportive community.
Why it stands out: Strong trial advocacy and business law in a flexible ABA-approved distance format, with Pittsburgh legal market access.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law emphasizes social justice and clinical education. Its fully online program extends access to this mission-driven curriculum. A unique dual J.D. option with Canadian law schools supports cross-border legal careers. Detroit Mercy’s Jesuit and Mercy traditions infuse teaching with a commitment to service.
Why it stands out: Fully online ABA-approved JD with a social justice focus and optional dual J.D. with Canadian schools.
Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit College of Law
The Claude W. Pettit College of Law at Ohio Northern University, in Ada, Ohio, emphasizes small-town lawyering and advocacy. Its fully online program extends reach beyond the rural campus. Clinical programs and a close-knit community support student success. ONU Law’s affordability and practical focus make it a strong value option.
Why it stands out: Fully online ABA-approved JD with a focus on small-town and rural practice at an affordable price.
Western New England University School of Law
Western New England University School of Law, in Springfield, Massachusetts, excels in public interest law and small-firm practice. Its Center for Social Justice offers hands-on advocacy experience for underserved communities. The hybrid J.D. provides flexibility while balancing a supportive campus with access to legal markets in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Why it stands out: Community-focused hybrid JD with a strong social justice center and practical training for public interest and small-firm practice.
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Loyola University Chicago School of Law offers a Weekend Hybrid J.D. designed for working professionals. The program combines online coursework with weekend on-campus sessions. Located in Chicago, the school provides access to a major legal market and strong clinical and externship opportunities. Loyola’s commitment to ethics and service aligns with its Jesuit identity.
Why it stands out: Weekend-based hybrid JD in a major market, ideal for working professionals who can attend periodic residencies.
University of Georgia School of Law
The University of Georgia School of Law, in Athens, is a top-ranked public law school with ABA approval for distance education courses. The school offers strong programs in business law, environmental law, and trial advocacy. UGA Law’s reputation and bar passage rates make it a compelling option for students seeking flexibility within a respected flagship program.
Why it stands out: Highly ranked public law school with ABA-approved distance education options and strong employment outcomes.
Indiana University Bloomington – Maurer School of Law
Indiana University Maurer School of Law, in Bloomington, is a well-regarded public law school with ABA acquiescence for distance education. The school excels in legal research and writing, business law, and environmental law. Bloomington’s college-town setting and IU’s resources support a strong academic experience with flexible delivery options.
Why it stands out: Top public law school with ABA-approved distance education and strengths in business and environmental law.
Florida International University College of Law
Florida International University College of Law, in Miami, excels in international law and trial advocacy. The school has ABA approval for high-enrollment distance education. Miami’s location offers a gateway to Latin American and Caribbean legal markets. FIU Law’s diverse student body and strong bar passage rates support career success.
Why it stands out: Miami-based program with international and trial advocacy strengths and ABA-approved distance education.
University of North Dakota School of Law
The University of North Dakota School of Law, in Grand Forks, is the only law school in North Dakota and has ABA approval for distance education. The school emphasizes practical training, energy law, and American Indian law. Affordable tuition and a tight-knit community support students in the Northern Plains and beyond.
Why it stands out: Only law school in North Dakota with ABA distance-ed options and strengths in energy and American Indian law.
Southern Illinois University – Simmons Law School
Southern Illinois University School of Law (Simmons Law School), in Carbondale, has ABA approval for distance education. The school offers a traditional curriculum with flexible delivery for students who need to balance work or family. SIU Law’s affordability and public mission make it an accessible option in the Midwest.
Why it stands out: Affordable public law school with ABA-approved distance education in the Midwest.
Roger Williams University School of Law
Roger Williams University School of Law, in Bristol, Rhode Island, emphasizes experiential learning and maritime law. The school has ABA approval for high-enrollment distance education. Its coastal location supports a niche focus on environmental and maritime legal issues. Small class sizes and a supportive environment foster hands-on training.
Why it stands out: Experiential and maritime law focus with ABA distance-ed options in a New England coastal setting.
Northern Kentucky University – Salmon P. Chase College of Law
Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law, in Highland Heights (greater Cincinnati), has ABA approval for distance education. The school offers strong programs in trial advocacy, business law, and intellectual property. Proximity to Cincinnati provides access to a major regional legal market at a public-school price.
Why it stands out: Cincinnati-area public law school with ABA distance-ed options and strengths in trial advocacy and IP.
New England Law | Boston
New England Law | Boston has ABA approval for distance education and offers a practice-oriented curriculum in the heart of Boston. The school emphasizes experiential learning, public interest law, and career placement. Boston’s legal market provides strong externship and employment opportunities for graduates.
Why it stands out: Boston-based law school with ABA distance-ed options and a strong focus on practice readiness and public interest.
Find Your School in 5 Minutes or Less
Many schools have rolling admissions.
Top T-14 Law Schools and Admissions Statistics (2024)
T14 refers to the top 14 law schools that consistently appear in the yearly published U.S. News & World Report law school rankings. These schools are predominantly full-time, on-campus programs; none offer an ABA-approved fully online or hybrid JD. They are included here for context and comparison.
| School | US News Rank | Location | Med. GPA | Med. LSAT | 1st-Time Bar (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford | 1 (tie) | Palo Alto, CA | 3.96 | 173 | 97.2% |
| Yale | 1 (tie) | New Haven, CT | 3.95 | 174 | 97.0% |
| UChicago | 3 | Chicago, IL | 3.94 | 173 | 97.4% |
| Harvard | 6 (tie) | Cambridge, MA | 3.93 | 174 | 97.9% |
| Georgetown | 14 | Washington, DC | 3.91 | 171 | 95.7% |
For full T-14 table with tuition and year established, see ABA 509 Reports.
Your Guide to Navigating the Path to a Legal Career
Obtaining a law degree, particularly a Juris Doctor (JD), is the standard path to bar eligibility. The ABA has adapted its policies to accredit hybrid programs and, under specific variances, some fully online JD programs. Bar admission requirements—including acceptance of online degrees—are set by each state’s bar examiners; always confirm rules in the state(s) where you intend to practice.
Why a Law Degree Is Essential
A law degree provides the groundwork in legal principles, critical thinking, and communication skills required for practice. It is the primary qualification for sitting for the Bar Exam in almost every U.S. jurisdiction.
Types of Law Degrees
- Juris Doctor (JD): The standard professional degree to practice law and sit for the bar; typically three years full-time.
- Master of Laws (LLM): Post-JD specialization (e.g. tax, international law); usually one year.
- Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD): Research-focused doctorate for academia.
Understanding ABA Accreditation
ABA accreditation signifies that a law school meets the association’s standards for curriculum, faculty, and resources. In most states, graduation from an ABA-approved law school is required to sit for the Bar Exam. Verify programs at the ABA Distance Education list.
Bar Admission and State Rules
Contact the state board of bar examiners in the state(s) where you intend to practice to confirm rules regarding distance education and online JD degrees. Some states impose additional limits on online credit hours.
Top 30 ABA Accredited Online Law Schools
| Rank | School | Program | Format | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeastern University School of Law | Flex JD | Hybrid | $49,230/year |
| 2 | Syracuse University College of Law | JD Interactive | Hybrid | ~$2,321/credit (87 cr) |
| 3 | Suffolk University Law School | Hybrid Online JD | Full-time/part-time; fully online option | — |
| 4 | Albany Law School | Flex Juris Doctor | Hybrid | — |
| 5 | University of Hawaii at Manoa – William S. Richardson School of Law | Hawaii Online JD Flex | Fully online option | $971/credit |
| 6 | Seattle University School of Law | Flex JD | Hybrid | — |
| 7 | South Texas College of Law-Houston | J.D. Part-time / Online | Hybrid | — |
| 8 | Southwestern Law School | Online J.D. / Part-Time Evening Hybrid | Full-time/part-time; fully online option | — |
| 9 | Case Western Reserve University School of Law | Online JD | Fully online option | — |
| 10 | Vermont Law and Graduate School | Online Hybrid JD | Hybrid | — |
| 11 | University of New Hampshire – Franklin Pierce School of Law | Hybrid JD | Hybrid (IP/tech or health & life sciences) | — |
| 12 | Arizona State University – Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law | Online/hybrid JD | Fully online option | — |
| 13 | Cleveland State University College of Law | Online JD | Hybrid | — |
| 14 | University of Dayton School of Law | Online Hybrid Juris Doctor | Hybrid | — |
| 15 | Mitchell Hamline School of Law | Hybrid J.D. | Hybrid (includes Prison to Law Pipeline) | ~$55,300 FT/yr; ~$19,965 PT/sem |
| 16 | St. Mary's University School of Law | Online J.D. | Fully online option | — |
| 17 | Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law | Part-Time/Hybrid JD | Hybrid | — |
| 18 | Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law | Distance Education JD | ABA-approved hybrid/DE | — |
| 19 | University of Detroit Mercy School of Law | Distance Education JD | Fully online option | — |
| 20 | Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit College of Law | Distance Education JD | Fully online option | — |
| 21 | Western New England University School of Law | Hybrid J.D. | Hybrid | — |
| 22 | Loyola University Chicago School of Law | Weekend Hybrid J.D. | Hybrid (weekend-based) | — |
| 23 | University of Georgia School of Law | Distance Education JD | ABA DE (Standard 105) | — |
| 24 | Indiana University Bloomington – Maurer School of Law | Distance Education JD | ABA DE (Standard 105) | — |
| 25 | Florida International University College of Law | Distance Education JD | ABA DE (Standard 105) | — |
| 26 | University of North Dakota School of Law | Distance Education JD | ABA DE (Standard 105) | — |
| 27 | Southern Illinois University – Simmons Law School | Distance Education JD | ABA DE (Standard 105) | — |
| 28 | Roger Williams University School of Law | Distance Education JD | ABA DE (Standard 105) | — |
| 29 | Northern Kentucky University – Salmon P. Chase College of Law | Distance Education JD | ABA DE (Standard 105) | — |
| 30 | New England Law | Boston | Distance Education JD | ABA DE (Standard 105) | — |
+ Full-time and part-time enrollment options; others may be part-time only. * Fully online program option (may have optional residential components); others are hybrid. Tuition and cost: see each school’s ABA Standard 509 report at abarequireddisclosures.org.
+ Full-time and part-time enrollment options; others are part-time only. * Fully online program option (may have optional residential components); others are hybrid.
Tuition and cost: The ABA does not publish tuition on its distance-education list. For each school’s tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, see the school’s ABA Standard 509 report at abarequireddisclosures.org (search by school name). 509 reports also include bar passage and employment outcomes.
Other Online Legal Education
Online JD (state-accredited): Some schools offer fully online JDs accredited by a state bar (e.g., the State Bar of California) rather than the ABA. For example, Purdue Global Law School offers a fully online JD geared toward the California Bar. Bar eligibility varies by state; confirm with your state’s bar examiner before enrolling.
Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and other non-JD degrees: If you do not plan to sit for the bar, online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) or similar programs offer flexibility for careers in compliance, policy, or business. Examples include the University of Utah (S.J. Quinney College of Law) and William & Mary Law School, which offer 100% online MLS programs with various concentrations. This article ranks ABA-approved online and hybrid JD programs for bar-eligible degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between “best online law schools” and “best online JD programs”?
We rank law schools that offer online or hybrid JD programs. The same list satisfies both search intents: each school is an ABA-approved law school, and each offers at least one online or hybrid JD program (e.g. Flex JD, JD Interactive). So “best online law schools” and “best online JD programs” refer to the same ranked set of 30 schools.
Are there any legit online law schools?
Yes. Several ABA-approved law schools offer hybrid or fully online J.D. formats. Examples include Syracuse (JD Interactive), Southwestern (Online J.D.), Mitchell Hamline (Blended J.D.), and University of Dayton (Online Hybrid J.D.). Verify accreditation at the ABA Distance Education list and the U.S. Department of Education DAPIP database.
Is an online law degree respected?
Respect depends on ABA approval, accreditation status, and bar outcomes. Confirm a school’s status in the Department of Education database and check bar exam data on your state’s bar website.
Can I go to school online to become a lawyer?
In most states, you must earn a J.D. from an ABA-approved school to sit for the bar. Many schools offer online or hybrid J.D. programs that meet this standard. Check eligibility with your state’s bar association.
How does EDsmart rank online law schools?
We rank by (1) ABA approval for distance-education JD, (2) program type (fully online option vs hybrid), (3) recognition in major third-party rankings (e.g. Above the Law/University Magazine), (4) affordability and aid, (5) experiential offerings, and (6) support and outcomes (faculty per student, attrition). Data for (4)–(6) come from ABA annual reports. We do not use undergraduate datasets (e.g. College Scorecard). See our methodology at edsmart.org/our-rankings.
Where can I compare accredited online law schools?
Use this page’s ranked list and the ABA Distance Education list. Verify accreditation via the Department of Education DAPIP tool.
Where can I find tuition and cost data for online JD programs?
The ABA does not publish tuition on its distance-education page. Each ABA-approved law school posts a Standard 509 report with tuition, fees, cost of attendance, bar passage, and employment data. Search by school at abarequireddisclosures.org.
Sources
- ABA Distance Education J.D. Programs (authoritative list of approved schools)
- ABA 509 Reports (enrollment, GPA, LSAT)
- ABA Bar Passage Outcomes (2024 first-time rates)
- U.S. Department of Education DAPIP (accreditation verification)
