School of Law Tuition & Costs
We ensure that our legal education is as affordable as possible for our students. Whether you are a resident or not, our costs are very competitive. As education costs have risen over the last few years, we have maintained some of the lowest rates in the country without sacrificing the quality of education.
Tuition & Costs
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|
SD Resident or 150+ LSAT**
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Nonresident
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SD Advantage*
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|---|---|---|---|
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Tuition
|
12076
|
32184
|
21133
|
|
Law School Program Fee
|
3348
|
3348
|
3348
|
|
General Activity Fees
|
1689
|
1689
|
1689
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|
Total
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|
|
|
*SD Advantage Rate: Students who are residents of one of the following states and receive a bachelor's degree from an SDBOR institution qualify for a tuition rate of 175% of the resident rate. SD Advantage States: Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
**150+ LSAT: Out-of-state students who score 150 or higher on the LSAT will qualify for resident tuition. This rate does not apply to GRE or JD Next scores.
Flex-Time Tuition & Costs
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|
Resident
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Nonresident
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|---|---|---|
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Tuition (per credit hour)
|
402.53
|
1072.8
|
|
Law School Program Fee (per semester)
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1674
|
1674
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General Activity Fees (per credit hour)
|
56.3
|
56.3
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Summer Semester Tuition & Fees
Summer semester tuition and fees are paid per credit hour and are based on the hourly rates listed above. Summer tuition and fees includes tuition and General Activity Fees only. For the summer semester, students are considered full-time if taking 9 credits and more and part-time if taking less than 9 credits.
Refunds
Enrolled students may be eligible for tuition and/or fee refunds under the circumstances designated by the South Dakota Board of Regents. Students who wish to apply for a refund by dropping or withdrawing from a class, or by withdrawing from the university, should begin the process by contacting the USD Knudson School of Law registrar.
View Board of Regents Refund Policy
Financial Aid and Scholarships
We strive to make an affordable legal education available to any student. You may contact the financial aid office for resources on attending the USD Knudson School of Law. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available beginning October 1 of each year and there is no charge for submitting the FAFSA. List The University of South Dakota's federal code of 003474 on your application. Federal financial aid options include Federal Stafford Loans, Grad PLUS Loans andFederal Work Study. The University of South Dakota's priority deadline for filing the FAFSA is April 1.
Scholarships are also available and all admitted students are automatically considered for internal scholarship opportunities. The scholarship committee considers a variety of factors, including merit and need, when selecting students for scholarships. Initial offers for internal scholarships will be made after a student is admitted. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Residency Information
As a public school, tuition costs vary based on residency status. You can determine your eligibility for South Dakota residency by reviewing the South Dakota Board of Regents policy. If you wish to apply for a change of residency status, you must contact the university registrar’s office.
Veterans, South Dakota National Guard members and other military personnel may be eligible for discounted tuition rates or a waiver of the residency time requirement. For additional information, please contact the Military & Veteran Services office.
Who is a Resident for Tuition Purposes?
- Anyone who has lived in South Dakota for 12 consecutive months prior to enrolling in a state institution
- Active duty personnel and spouse stationed in South Dakota
- Anyone who has graduated from a South Dakota High School
- Anyone who marries a South Dakota resident
