A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a powerful credential for professionals who work with legal concepts—but don’t plan to practice law as an attorney. Whether you work in compliance, law enforcement, healthcare, human resources, or government, an online MLS can help you navigate regulations, contracts, and risk.
To help you find the best value, we’ve ranked the Top 5 Cheapest Online Master of Legal Studies Programs for 2025. These schools are accredited, flexible, and surprisingly affordable. Watch the video overview or keep reading to learn more about each option.
Top 5 Affordable Online Master of Legal Studies Programs
1. University of Illinois at Springfield
Why It Stands Out: UIS offers one of the most affordable and respected online legal studies programs in the country, with a strong liberal arts foundation.
Tuition: ~$16,300 total
Duration: ~2 years
Highlights: Fully online, public university value, and real-world legal applications.
Best for: Government professionals, compliance officers, or public policy specialists seeking a cost-effective legal education.
2. Ohio University
Why It Stands Out: Known for its strong online learning infrastructure, Ohio University delivers a well-rounded MLS program focused on public administration and legal processes.
Tuition: ~$16,300 total
Duration: 18–24 months
Highlights: Ideal for regulatory environments, fully asynchronous, excellent academic support.
Best for: Public administrators, nonprofit leaders, and professionals navigating regulatory systems.
3. Humphreys University
Why It Stands Out: A small, private university offering a legal studies degree with a direct, applied focus—and one of the lowest price tags in California.
Tuition: ~$17,800 total
Duration: ~2 years
Highlights: Regionally accredited, personalized instruction, legal career preparation.
Best for: Professionals in criminal justice, business, or human services fields.
4. Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest)
Why It Stands Out: Part of Pennsylvania’s state system, PennWest offers a modern, career-focused MLS program at an exceptional value.
Tuition: ~$18,700 total
Duration: ~2 years
Highlights: Strong public school support, asynchronous learning, practical legal focus.
Best for: Mid-career professionals in regulated fields or government operations.
5. Wayland Baptist University
Why It Stands Out: A private university with a faith-based foundation, Wayland offers one of the lowest-cost online MLS programs nationwide.
Tuition: ~$19,800 total
Duration: ~2 years
Highlights: Christian worldview integration, flexible scheduling, affordable private school option.
Best for: Professionals in faith-based organizations or those seeking a values-aligned legal education.
Why Earn an Online Master of Legal Studies?
- Build legal literacy without going to law school
- Fully online and flexible for working professionals
- Boost qualifications for roles in compliance, HR, criminal justice, and policy
- Enhance decision-making and risk management in your field
- Affordable tuition compared to JD programs or MBA alternatives
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a lawyer to benefit from a legal education. The schools listed above offer cost-effective, flexible pathways to gaining legal expertise for use in government, healthcare, nonprofit work, and more. An MLS can elevate your role, reduce risk in your organization, and prepare you for high-stakes decision-making.
Watch this short video to compare your options at a glance, then visit the full ranking report to explore tuition breakdowns, admission requirements, and to request more information directly from the schools.
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