LLM in USA: Fees 2025, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries

LLM in USA is a postgraduate degree program designed for individuals who have already earned a law degree and are seeking further legal education. LLM in USA duration ranges from 9 to 24 months, with schools like UCLA offering 9-month courses and Georgetown or ASU offering 1.5–2-year options.

To get admission to Masters in Law in USA, applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree in law with at least 83-86%. The average tuition cost for the top LLM colleges in USA varies from 18,000 to 78,000 USD (15 to 65 lakhs INR), but total first-year expenses, including housing, insurance, and other costs, can reach up to $150,000 (₹1.2 Cr).  Admission to top LLM programs at Harvard or Stanford requires a GPA of 3.7+ and 3–5 years of work experience, while mid-tier schools accept a 3.0 GPA. English proficiency tests like TOEFL (100+), IELTS (7.5+), or PTE (68+) are mandatory.

Scholarships are limited, with only 17% of students receiving partial tuition aid. The average starting salary for most international LLM graduates ranges from $58,000 to $70,000, with only top 10 graduates reaching $215,000 in BigLaw firms. Furthermore, bar exam eligibility is restricted to just 7 states, and 43% of graduates report visa-related job search challenges.

LLM in USA: Highlights

Top LLM universities in USA

According to QS News Ranking 2024, the following are the top 10 LLM universities in USA offering this program to international students:

Cheapest LLM in USA for International Students

Affordable LLM in USA for Indian students is available at different universities like Texas A&M University, University of Maryland, etc. 

Why Study LLM in USA?

USA legal studies focus on the Socratic method of teaching to improve the argumentative dialogue which is an important skill for lawyers. Through the academic year, the students get opportunities to work on pro bono cases due to high requirements in legal clinics of USA.

There is a huge demand for lawyers in the rural part of USA. This can be seen from a recent report indicating that 14% of the entire population lives in rural areas, while only 2% of attorneys practice in those areas.

LLM in USA Requirements

A JD, LLB, or bachelor's degree in law is required to pursue Masters in Law in USA. Most law schools in USA have their own portal for accepting applications. The application deadline in USA universities for LLM mostly lies in December. Some colleges have a rolling admission policy.

Eligibility for LLM in USA

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-approved US Law School or first degree (JD, LLB or equivalent) from a foreign law school
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or 83% at the bachelors level (varies with the university)
• Minimum 2 to 3 years of work experience (depends upon university)
• Proof of English proficiency

Documents Required for LLM in USA

• Transcripts of 10th, 12th and bachelors degree
• Evaluation of foreign transcripts by LSAC’s LLM Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
• Minimum 2 letters of recommendations
• Essays based on the questions asked by the university
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• English Proficiency Requirement
  • TOEFL (iBT): 100
  • IELTS: 7.0
• USA student visa

LLM Cost in USA

The total cost of living in USA for any program depends upon the university’s tuition fees, the cost of living in the area where the university is located, and the lifestyle of a student. Thus, it can be divided into two categories: Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in USA.

LLM in USA for Indian Students Fees

The tuition fees in top universities for LLM in USA are given below:

Cost of Living in USA

The major contributor to the cost of living for an international student is housing in USA. On-campus housing is more convenient than off-campus accommodation but most of the universities have only limited space available. Other costs include meal plans, transportation, health insurance, etc.

Scholarships for LLM in USA

Due to high tuition fees, international students opt for scholarships in USA to waive the cost. Though LLM in USA is a 9-10-month course program, the students require scholarships for easy completion of the course. The commonly availed scholarships in USA and its amount is given below:

• Harvard University Financial Grants: Up to 50% tuition fee coverage
• Knight-Hennessy Scholars program: Fellowship to cover tuition and associated fees | Stipend for living and academic expenses | Travel stipend
• American Association of University Women (AAUW): 20,000 USD

Job Opportunities after LLM in USA for Indian Students

The graduates of Masters in Law in USA can try Optional Practical Training (OPT). At least 6 months before completion of the degree, the LLM students should apply for this training. The maximum duration for OPT is 12 months. The most prominent jobs in USA available for graduates having a degree in LLM are:

Studying LLM in the USA can be a valuable investment in your future. The rigorous coursework, diverse learning atmosphere, and opportunities for career growth make it an appealing choice for ambitious legal professionals.