In the evolving landscape of legal education, traditional paths are no longer the only option for aspiring lawyers and legal professionals. Accredited online law degrees have emerged as a flexible, accessible alternative—especially for working professionals, career changers, or international students. What’s even more promising is the growing availability of scholarships tailored to online law students, reducing the financial burden significantly.
Whether you're aiming to become a licensed attorney, a legal consultant, or a paralegal, this guide will walk you through accredited online law degrees that offer scholarships, their benefits, and how to choose the right program for your career goals.
Why Choose an Online Law Degree?
Before diving into specific programs and scholarships, it's important to understand the benefits of studying law online, especially in 2025:
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Flexibility: Study at your own pace, while working or managing other responsibilities.
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Accessibility: No need to relocate or uproot your life—learn from top universities from anywhere in the world.
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Affordability: Online programs often have lower tuition, and with scholarships, costs can be drastically reduced.
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Global Reach: Many programs accept students globally, allowing for diverse interaction and cross-border legal perspectives.
Types of Online Law Degrees Available
Online legal education comes in various forms depending on your career objective:
| Degree | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (JD) | Required to become a licensed attorney in the U.S. (available online in a few ABA-accredited schools) |
| Master of Laws (LL.M.) | For international lawyers or U.S. graduates wanting specialization (e.g., tax, international law) |
| Master of Legal Studies (MLS) | For non-lawyers needing legal knowledge in fields like business, HR, compliance |
| Paralegal Studies Certificates | For those entering the legal workforce without a full law degree |
Top Accredited Online Law Programs with Scholarships
Let’s explore some fully accredited online law programs that also offer scholarship opportunities to help students offset tuition costs.
1. Syracuse University College of Law (Juris Doctor - JD)
Accreditation: American Bar Association (ABA)
Syracuse University offers one of the only ABA-accredited online JD programs. Known as "JDinteractive," the program combines live online classes with occasional on-campus residencies.
Scholarships:
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Merit-based Scholarships: Awarded automatically during the admissions process.
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Need-based Aid: Offered through FAFSA for U.S. students.
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Diversity Scholarships: For underrepresented law students.
Why Choose It:
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ABA-accredited (eligible for bar exams in most U.S. states)
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High bar passage rates and strong alumni network
2. University of Southern California (USC) – Master of Studies in Law (MSL)
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
USC’s Gould School of Law offers a top-ranked MSL program fully online for professionals in compliance, business, or healthcare.
Scholarships:
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Scholarship for All MSL Applicants: Awarded upon admission based on qualifications.
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Employer Partnership Discounts: For students from partner companies or institutions.
Advantages:
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Prestigious law faculty
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Can be completed in as little as 16 months
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No LSAT required
3. University of Arizona – Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
Accreditation: ABA and Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
The University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law offers a customizable MLS program 100% online.
Scholarships:
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$5,000 Legal Education Access Program (LEAP) for students with strong applications
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Special Tuition Rates for veterans and public service employees
Program Highlights:
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Concentrations in compliance, health law, and intellectual property
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No GRE/LSAT required
4. Washington University in St. Louis – Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and LL.M.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
WashU’s School of Law delivers both the MLS and LL.M. degrees online, with world-class instruction and live virtual classrooms.
Scholarships:
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Dean’s Honor Scholarship (partial tuition)
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Diversity and Public Service Grants
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Custom corporate and military rates
Why It’s Popular:
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Ranked among top U.S. law schools
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Interactive curriculum with real-time class discussions
5. St. Francis School of Law – Juris Doctor (JD)
Accreditation: State Bar of California
Though not ABA-accredited, St. Francis is approved by the California State Bar, enabling graduates to sit for the California bar exam.
Scholarships:
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Merit-based Awards
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Alumni & Referral Discounts
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Payment plans with no interest
Program Strengths:
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Ideal for California-based students
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Lower tuition compared to traditional JD programs
6. University of Law (UK) – LLB & LLM Degrees Online
Accreditation: QAA and UK government-recognized
For students in the UK or commonwealth countries, the University of Law offers flexible online undergraduate and postgraduate law degrees.
Scholarships:
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Academic Merit Scholarship
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Women in Law and Diversity Bursaries
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Global Scholarships for international students
Best For:
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UK and EU students seeking legal careers
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International students seeking a UK-recognized degree
Other Affordable Online Law Options with Scholarships
Many public universities also offer low-cost, regionally accredited MLS or paralegal programs, including:
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Arizona State University (Online MLS with scholarships)
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Florida State University (Online JD pathway with tuition waivers for veterans)
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Southern New Hampshire University (Legal Studies BA/BS with grant opportunities)
Tips for Getting a Scholarship for Your Online Law Degree
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Apply Early: Scholarship funds are often limited; early applicants get priority.
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Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Highlight leadership, public service, and passion for justice.
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Look for Employer or Military Partnerships: Many schools offer tuition discounts for partner organizations.
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Use FAFSA: U.S. students should always complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
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Contact the Admissions Office: Ask directly about hidden or lesser-known scholarship opportunities.
Important Considerations Before Choosing an Online Law Program
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Accreditation: Make sure the program is accredited by the ABA (for JDs) or a regional authority (for MLS/LL.M.).
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Bar Eligibility: Not all online JDs allow you to sit for the bar. If your goal is to become a licensed lawyer, check state-specific requirements.
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Program Format: Some require synchronous (live) participation; others are asynchronous (recorded).
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Technology and Support: Ensure the school offers a reliable learning platform and academic support services.