# What are the best law schools that don't charge an application fee?

Natalie Fletcher · August 4, 2026

> The University of Miami School of Law has never charged an application fee, making it one of the most accessible top-tier law schools in the country...

The University of Miami School of Law has never charged an application fee, making it one of the most accessible top-tier law schools in the country.

The University of Idaho College of Law waives application fees for all applicants, encouraging a diverse pool of prospective students.

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Florida A&M University College of Law's no-fee policy helps attract students from underrepresented backgrounds, promoting equity in legal education.

Howard University School of Law's application fee waiver is part of its longstanding commitment to increasing access for minority and disadvantaged applicants.

The University of North Dakota School of Law eliminates financial barriers by not requiring an application fee, aiming to make legal education more attainable.

Many law schools use automatic application fee waivers during designated periods to encourage early applications and broaden their applicant pool.

Socioeconomic status is a common criterion for application fee waivers, as schools seek to reduce financial obstacles for students from low-income backgrounds.

Participation in pre-law programs, such as the Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO), can sometimes qualify applicants for automatic fee waivers at certain law schools.

The American Bar Association reports that nearly half of all ABA-accredited law schools in the United States do not charge an application fee.

Application fee waivers can save law school applicants hundreds of dollars, especially when applying to multiple institutions.

Some law schools update their fee waiver policies annually, so applicants should always check the latest information before submitting their applications.

The average application fee for law schools that do charge a fee is around $50, but it can range from $25 to $100 or more.

Fee waivers can be a strategic tool for law schools to attract a more diverse and qualified applicant pool, as they remove financial barriers to the application process.

Applying to law school without fees can significantly reduce the overall cost of the admissions process, which can include the LSAT, transcripts, and other expenses.

Law schools that waive application fees may be able to devote more resources to other aspects of the admissions process, such as holistic review and student support services.

The University of California, Hastings College of the Law (now known as UC Law San Francisco) has eliminated application fees for all applicants starting in the 2024-2025 cycle.

Some law schools offer fee waivers for specific groups, such as active-duty military personnel, veterans, or applicants from underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds.

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) provides fee waivers for the LSAT and Credential Assembly Service (CAS) registration, which can further reduce the financial burden for law school applicants.

Applying to law schools with no application fees can free up financial resources for other aspects of the law school application process, such as campus visits, seat deposits, and enrollment costs.

The lack of an application fee can be a significant factor for applicants when deciding which law schools to include in their final list, as it can help them apply to a wider range of institutions.

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