2026–2027 Academic Year
The generous non-resident scholarship tuition rate program was established to attract talented and capable candidates from across the United States to Columbia and to the USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law. An admitted candidate will be evaluated for the non-resident scholar rate as soon as possible following the offer of admission. The resident and nonresident with scholar rates for 2025-2026 reflect a decision by the Board of Trustees to freeze these rates.
Additional average expenses have been estimated as follows. Please note that the following is only an estimate used to establish the maximum amount of financial aid you may receive. As such, your cost of attendance may vary from what is estimated below.
Understanding Your Law School Costs
| 2026-2027 Academic Year* | Resident | Non-Resident Scholar** | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $24,022 | $32,938 | $41,500 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,522 | $1,522 | $1,522 |
| Housing | $11,432 | $11,432 | $11,432 |
| Food | $5,902 | $5,902 | $5,902 |
| Personal | $4,790 | $4,790 | $4,790 |
| Transportation | $2,670 | $2,670 | $2,670 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance |
$50,338 | $59,554 | $68,116 |
* Tuition, fees, and estimated cost of attendance amounts for the 2026-2027 academic year will be announced in July 2026.
** Any out‑of‑state admitted candidate awarded a scholarship of $500 or more is designated a Non‑Resident Scholar.
New Direct Unsubsidized loan limits for law students:
-
$50,000 per year
-
$200,000 total for professional education
-
$257,500 lifetime federal borrowing cap
(including undergrad loans)
Lower tuition and a manageable cost of living mean many USC Rice School of Law students graduate with less debt and more flexibility as they begin their legal careers.
Computing Requirement
The USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law requires that each student have a notebook computer, sufficiently equipped to be used to support essential research, classroom, and communications tasks. Upon arrival in the Fall, students will be assisted in setting up their computers to access the School's wireless network and will later be shown how to make their computer eligible for use in computer-based exams.
A one-time budget allowance of up to $2000 is available to law students for the purchase of a personal computer that meets the USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law's minimum specifications.
Students who wish to add the cost of a personal computer to their loan funds should schedule an appointment with a counselor in the University's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, 1244 Blossom Street, Columbia SC 29208, by calling 803-777-8134. Bring the invoice or receipts for your computer purchase with you to the appointment.