Tuition and Financial Aid for the Online Law Programs
Legal education has become a requirement for roles that didn't need it a decade ago. Compliance officers navigating AI regulation. HR directors managing employment law exposure. Cybersecurity analysts understanding their legal obligations after a breach. Business leaders working with counsel on governance and risk.
The University of Illinois Master of Science in Law was designed to make graduate legal education accessible to the professionals who need it at a price that doesn't require pausing your career or taking on overwhelming law school debt.
Program Tuition
Tuition is charged per credit at a flat rate of $1,183, whether you're enrolling in the full MSL degree or starting with a single certificate.
Every certificate you complete can be applied toward the MSL if you choose to continue, so you're always building toward the full credential even if you start small.
| Program | Per Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| MSL (32 credits, 8 courses) | $1,183 | $37,856 |
| Single Law Certificate (12 credits, 3 courses) | $1,183 | $14,196 |
Tuition and costs effective as of September 1, 2026. Tuition rates are not inclusive of textbooks and fees. Tuition and costs are subject to change and should be confirmed on the university’s official tuition listing at the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Master Legal Skills in AI, Privacy, and Compliance
Built for working professionals navigating legal complexity without a law degree. The online MSL from U. of I. delivers stackable credentials in high-demand areas including AI governance, cybersecurity, employment law, and business compliance. Start with a certificate or go straight to the full degree.
What law program are you interested in?
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Paying for Your Program
Many working professionals pursuing the MSL are able to fund their education through a combination of:
- Fellowships: Information on fellowships is available from the Fellowship Office at the Graduate College.
- Assistantships: Assistants enrolled in most graduate programs receive a tuition and partial fee waiver, provided the appointment is for not less than one-quarter time and not more than two-thirds time, and if the assistant is on appointment for at least three-quarters (91 days) of the term. Details about tuition waivers are available from the Guide to the Tuition Waiver Policy.
- Loans (for Domestic Applicants only). Graduate students interested in applying for student loans should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Use Federal School Code is 001775. For more information about student loans, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.
This list may not be complete; it is important to check with your department to find out which financial aid options are available.
Note About Online Law Certificates
The U. of I. is currently seeking U.S. Department of Education approval to make this certificate eligible for federal financial aid. Until then, certificate students are admitted with non-degree status. The certificate is awarded by the College of Law, your courses appear on your University of Illinois transcript, and certificate students are not eligible for federal financial aid. If you're later admitted to the MS in Law, up to 12 credit hours of non-degree coursework (one full certificate) can count toward the degree.
Ready to Build Legal Expertise for Your Career?
Start your application to the MSL or a certificate program; or learn more about the program and how legal knowledge could help you reach your professional goals.
