Best Accredited Online Juris Doctorate (JD) Law Programs

Badge for BEST ONLINE JURIS DOCTORATE-IN LAW
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:
Updated:

Which are the best online Juris Doctorate programs in the United States? We help you find the top ABA-accredited online law degree programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The best online juris doctorate law degree program for 2025 is offered by Syracuse University.
  • Many of the on-campus portions of an online juris doctorate law degree program can be completed during weekend sessions.
  • To qualify to sit for the Bar Exam, an online juris doctorate law degree program must be ABA-accredited.

Best Online Juris Doctorate Degree Programs in 2025

  1. Syracuse University
  2. University of Denver
  3. Loyola University Chicago
  4. University of New Hampshire
  5. Seton Hall University
  6. Cleveland State University
  7. University of Dayton
  8. Touro University
    +2
  9. Southwestern Law School
    –1
  10. Mitchell Hamline School of Law
    –1

2025 Ranking Update

Moving into the 2025 school year, we saw three universities move in the top 10 online law doctorates. Southwestern Law School and Mitchell Hamline School of Law both lost one ranking position. Touro University was the clear winner in terms of improvement and climbed 2 positions to land in the number 8 spot.

Touro has strengthened its experiential learning opportunities through clinics that allow students to gain hands-on legal experience. This includes clinics focusing on immigrant rights, veterans’ rights, and senior citizens’ law. These offerings help online students gain valuable legal experience while maintaining the flexibility of online coursework,


The 10 Best Online JD Doctorate Degrees

This list was based on the American Bar Association’s list of accredited institutions. Our ranking is composed of the ten best online law degree JD programs with the following criteria in mind.

  • Student support services
  • Financial aid opportunities
  • Popularity in rankings
  • Reasonable tuition costs
  • Networking opportunities
  • Availability of online programs/courses
  • Accreditation with colleges and schools commission agencies and academic organizations

These criteria, however, are not to say that the ABA-accredited law schools not included on the list are below average. All traditional and online law schools have their own strengths, but the following ten schools stood out the most during our evaluation.

  1. #1

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    #2 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #5 Best Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    What is Syracuse University known for?

    Syracuse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The College of Law at Syracuse University offers different online law programs, including a JDinteractive, an online JD degree program. This program is in a part-time format that has to be completed in 4 years. The weekly self-paced classes allow students to have an extensive introduction to the content discussed in each live class session.

    • Credit Hours: 87
    • Program Duration: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    • Areas of Study:
      • Disability Law
      • Innovation Law
      • National Security Law

    What We Love About Syracuse University

    On top of the program’s asynchronous and synchronous online classes, students attend residential courses to give them the ability to work with their peers and gain critical skill-building experience.

    Syracuse University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a school with a diverse student body that offers a rich tapestry of perspectives, cultures, and experience.

    Syracuse University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for on-campus housing as the school only has a limited number of these.

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  2. #2

    University of Denver

    Denver , CO
    #1 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1310/30

    What is University of Denver known for?

    University of Denver’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Through the Sturm College of Law, the University of Denver offers a hybrid professional online JD program for working adult students. While this is a 90-semester-hour program, only one-third of it can be completed online. However, students can still have flexible on-campus class schedules thanks to the customizable on-campus courses. These courses are usually done on weekends.

    • Credit Hours: 90
    • Program Duration: 4 years
    • Format: Hybrid

    What We Love About the University of Denver

    Students are allowed to enroll in certificate programs while earning their JD degree. These programs are tailored based on the legal interests of the students.

    The University of Denver is ideal for students who:

    Prefer to have a smaller class for a better experience.

    The University of Denver might not be the best fit for students who:

    Because the university is community oriented, students who don’t wish to join in the activities might feel better placed at a different school.

    Compare school

  4. #3

    Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #1 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/29

    What is Loyola University Chicago known for?

    Loyola University Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The Loyola University Chicago School of Law offers a weekend JD law degree. This is a combination of on-campus classes with one of the country’s best suppliers of online legal education.

    • Credit Hours: 86
    • Program Duration: 4 years
    • Format: Hybrid

    What We Love About Loyal University Chicago

    Students can earn their JD degree without altering their present work-life schedules. They can also customize their degrees based on their goals and interests.

    Loyola University Chicago is great for students who:

    Want a vibrant campus life with a wide range of diverse student activities and engaging community events.

    Loyola University Chicago might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not comfortable in an urban setting where shops, bars, and other cultural attractions are easily accessible because of the congestion and noise associated with it.

    Loyola University Chicago’s Online Degrees

    EdD in School Psychology
    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DHCML in Healthcare Mission Leadership
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DNP in Nursing Practice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nurse Practitioner
    • Clinical Nurse Specialist
    • Systems Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30-80
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  5. #4

    University of New Hampshire

    Durham , NH
    #1 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/28

    What is University of New Hampshire known for?

    University of New Hampshire’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Through the Franklin Pierce School of Law, the University of New Hampshire offers one of the best hybrid JD degree programs with the most financial aid opportunities. The program focuses heavily on technology law and intellectual law.

    • Credit Hours: 85
    • Program Duration: 4 years
    • Format: Hybrid
    • Areas of Focus:
      • Intellectual Property
      • Technology
      • Information Law

    What We Love about the University of New Hampshire

    Aside from having world-class faculty, students will learn from industry experts worldwide. This includes the Chief Patent Counsel for Microsoft or the Chief Counsel for Global Trademarks at Pepsi.

    The University of New Hampshire is great for students who:

    Loves to get involved with other students as everybody is naturally welcoming

    The University of New Hampshire might not be the best choice for students who:

    Are not partygoers, considering UNH is a party school with bars and restaurants close to campus

    Compare school

  6. #5

    Seton Hall University

    South Orange , NJ
    #21 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1310/29

    What is Seton Hall University known for?

    Seton Hall University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Seton Hall University has a hybrid JD degree program for students who wish to complete some coursework via distance learning on weekdays and on-campus classes on weekends. In the first two years, however, students are required to attend on-campus, but the scheduling becomes more flexible after that.

    • Credit Hours: 88
    • Program Duration: 4 years
    • Format: Hybrid

    What We Love About Seton Hall University

    Students, especially the part-time ones, can work as community helpers and visit border detainees to offer legal assistance. They also write for the Incarcerated Persons Workforce Re-Entry and the Center for Social Justice at Seton Hall Law.

    Seton Hall University is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a strong university that offers great education, has a diverse student body, and a vibrant campus life.

    Seton Hall University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not into the social scene, as Seton Hall University has a very vibrant one, with so many events and parties that cater to different interests and tastes.

    Compare school
  8. #6

    Cleveland State University

    Cleveland , OH
    #8 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1005/21

    What is Cleveland State University known for?

    Cleveland State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The College of Law at Cleveland State University offers an online JD degree program. This 100% online coursework is one of the top-ranking online JD programs in the US and is considered one of the best value schools because of its affordable in-state and out-of-state students.

    • Credit Hours: 90
    • Program Duration: 3 years
    • Format: Online

    What We Love About Cleveland State University

    Specialized classes are available for students who wish to tailor their degree. There are also courses in corporate compliance, commercial law, criminal law, space law, and cybersecurity.

    Cleveland State University is great for students who:

    Love a campus in an urban setting with the highest-tier academic programs.

    Cleveland State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer an active residential student life/party school because CSU still has a generally large commuter population.

    Compare school

  9. #7

    University of Dayton

    Dayton , OH
    #25 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Ohio 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/27

    What is University of Dayton known for?

    University of Dayton’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The School of Law at the University of Dayton offers a hybrid JD degree program. Students will join weekly live online classes to complete their online coursework and visit the campus to get REAL Intensives, which are in-person learning opportunities.

    • Credit Hours: 90
    • Program Duration: 4 years
    • Format: Hybrid

    What We Love About the University of Dayton

    JD students can pursue their postgraduate Master of Laws (LLM) degree program without spending any additional money.

    The University of Dayton is great for students who:

    Want a large campus

    The University of Dayton might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are tight with their budget because the school does not have an affordable cost of attendance.

    Compare school
  10. #8

    Touro University

    New York , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1324/28

    What is Touro University known for?

    Touro University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Touro University, through the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, offers one of the most accessible hybrid JD degree programs. The program is designed to fit the schedules of students who wish to pursue legal education but don’t have the luxury of time to leave their full-time jobs.

    • Credit Hours: 88
    • Program Duration: 4 years
    • Format: Hybrid
    • Concentrations:
      • Criminal Law
      • Land Use and Sustainable Development Law

    What We Love About Touro University

    Although students are required to be in person for classes for 12 Sundays, they complete the remaining assignments asynchronously so they can complete them wherever and whenever suits their schedules.

    Touro University is great for students who:

    Want to experience small class sizes with helpful professors that allow them to establish close and personal connections.

    Touro University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for schools with different academic programs because Touro has limited courses.

    Compare school

  12. #9

    Southwestern Law School

    Los Angeles , CA

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Southwestern Law School known for?

    Southwestern Law School’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Southwestern Law School offers a hybrid JD program with on-campus and evening courses. Students are required to attend in-person two evenings per week and complete the remaining class sessions online.

    • Credit Hours: 87
    • Program Duration: 3 to 4 years
    • Format: Online
    • Concentrations:
      • Civil Litigation & Advocacy
      • Entertainment & Media Law
      • Public Interest Law
      • Technology Law & Entrepreneurship

    What We Love About Southwestern Law School

    This JD program is a very affordable and flexible program that allows students to pursue different concentrations, including Criminal Law and Advocacy, Criminal Litigation and Advocacy, Public Interest Law, and many more.

    Southwestern Law School is great for students who:

    Are looking for an affordable and flexible JD program

    Southwestern Law Schools might not be the best fit for students who:

    Only have a limited budget for their law school since Southwestern has a relatively high cost of attendance.

    Compare school
  13. #10

    Mitchell Hamline School of Law

    Saint Paul , MN

    Student body

    1K

    What is Mitchell Hamline School of Law known for?

    Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Mitchell Hamline School of Law offers a blended learning JD program that combines the best aspects of both in-person and online training. The school, being one of the pioneers that offer law degree programs, had the chance to develop a technology foundation and continuously improve its teaching methods to this day.

    • Credit Hours:
    • Program Duration: 4 years
    • Format: Hybrid/Blended

    What We Love About Mitchell Hamline School of Law

    In January 2015, the school was the first ABA-approved law school in the entire US to offer students the chance to finish a law degree through on-campus and online instruction. It was called the Hybrid JD.

    Mitchell Hamline School of Law is great for students who:

    Are looking for a blended learning option that includes the best elements of hybrid, weekend, and executive offerings.

    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Law Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Pre-law Studies

Degree Level: Doctorate

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Legal Support Workers, All Other1.06%$67,700
Paralegals and Legal Assistants1.17%$60,970

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Legal Support Workers, All Other$67,700
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$60,970
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Those with a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree influence many facets of our society, from governmental rules, estate planning, contract conflicts, and criminal justice.

Many law schools are broadening their curriculum to include online JD degree programs to better prepare students for the Bar Exam and get their license to practice law in the US. It is important to note, however, that online JD degree programs are not 100% online degree programs; instead, they’re hybrid doctorate degree programs that are a mix of online and on-campus graduate degree coursework.

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What is a Juris Doctorate?

A Juris Doctorate degree, also known as a JD or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree, is a professional degree designed to prepare students for a legal profession after completing an online master program. It is the most popular educational route to sit for the Bar Exam in the US.

JD degree programs require students to complete 85 to 90 credit hours, generally taking three years of full-time study; part-time students can take up to five years. Online law degrees provide training that is identical to an on-campus program and they give students the skills and knowledge to pass the Bar Exam.

It is important to note that you can only obtain a JD by graduating from a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

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What To Expect from ABA-Accredited Professional Law Degree Programs

Mid- or senior-career professionals can benefit greatly from attending online law degree programs. The greatest way to start a fulfilling and rewarding new job practicing law may be to earn a Juris Doctorate (JD) at the best online law schools.

The average cost of attending law school, including living fees and additional costs like books and supplies, is $45,990 per year. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average overall expenditure is $206,180.

When enrolled full-time, law school takes three years to complete. Part-time students, on the other hand, generally complete the didactic and experiential coursework in four to five years.

JD curricula frequently emphasize the methods and techniques utilized in court and for legal research. Additionally, you can get the chance to concentrate your research on one area of law. Typical concentrations include:

  • Advocacy law
  • Business law
  • Civil law
  • Constitutional law
  • Contract law
  • Employment law
  • Criminal law
  • Entertainment (or media) law
  • Environmental law
  • General practice law
  • Intellectual property law
  • Maritime law
  • Tax law
  • Torts
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Student Submitted Questions on Online Juris Doctorate Degrees and Online Law Schools

Leo asks, “Why are ABA-accredited JD degree programs completed in hybrid learning formats only?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Since 1952, the American Bar Association (ABA) has served as the benchmark for accrediting law schools. No ABA-accredited institutions currently offer a fully online law education, with zero on-campus requirements. Lawyers and attorneys must pass state Bar Exams, follow the rules for ethical behavior, and develop client trust under challenging situations.

ABA-accredited institutions require students to complete externships and spend weeks on campus each year to enhance learning from their online coursework, network with faculty and peers, and put their knowledge into practice.

ABA-Accredited vs. Unaccredited Law Schools

You might have heard about non-ABA law schools, but you might not have fully understood them. After all, it is a topic that is frequently sidestepped in favor of discussing the more illustrious law schools that the ABA accredits.

The key distinctions between schools with ABA accreditation and those without it are the educational standards available to students and how simple it is to sit for the Bar Exam after graduating, which is the last step in securing employment as legal professionals or lawyers.

ABA-accredited institutions have undergone stringent examination and worked to comply with specific criteria to become accredited. Therefore, ABA-accredited law schools are proven to provide better academic rigor. The quality of the classes at non-ABA-accredited law schools may not be as uniform as those at an ABA-accredited school.

Consequently, while graduates of ABA-accredited law schools are always eligible to take the exam, most (but not all) states do not let graduates from non-ABA schools sit for the Bar Exam.

A non-ABA law school may be the best choice if you want to remain in the state where you attend law school. An ABA law school, on the other hand, is best if you want the freedom to move with your legal degree.

In most states, you can retake the Bar Exam after several years of practice, although it may take 10 to 15 years.

Sophie asks, “Can online JD graduates from accredited law schools sit for the Bar?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: If your law school is ABA-accredited, you can qualify to take the Bar Exam, work in any state, and become an attorney in that state.

Jaden asks, “Are LSAT scores needed in online law programs?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: While LSAT scores are mandatory for some online law schools, other law schools accept an LSAT or GRE score as long as they were taken in the last five years.

Jaden asks, “What are the differences between a Juris Doctor and a Juris Master online law degree program?

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: A Juris Master concentrates on more specialized areas of business, nonprofit, or government positions that do not need to pass the Bar Exam. A Juris Doctor degree prepares students to sit and pass the exams to become lawyers or judges.

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