12 Most Affordable Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Programs in 2025

Susan Buckner, J.D. · Author · Reviewed by Ryan P. Duffy, Esq. · Updated Mar 2025 · 14 min read

A Master of Legal Studies gives you legal knowledge without law school — useful for compliance, HR, and government roles. We compared accredited online programs on total cost, admissions requirements, and format to find the best value in 2025.

Most programs below waive the LSAT and GRE and can be finished in 12–24 months. Use the filters to compare and request info, then read our methodology and FAQs to decide what fits.

How we ranked these

  • Verified total tuition
  • Regional accreditation
  • No LSAT / GRE where noted
  • 100% online delivery
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Arizona State University

SponsoredABA-approved

Tempe, AZ · Online Master of Legal Studies · No LSAT · No GRE

$13,140 est. total tuition100% online14–24 monthsNo GRE

University of Oklahoma

Sponsored

Norman, OK · Online MLS · Part-time available

$14,200 est. total tuition100% online16 monthsNo GRE

Texas A&M University

SponsoredABA-approved

Fort Worth, TX · Online MLS — Risk & Compliance · Risk & compliance track

$15,650 est. total tuition100% online18 monthsNo GRE

Drexel University

SponsoredABA-approved

Philadelphia, PA · Online MLS — Compliance · Compliance focus

$17,910 est. total tuitionHybrid option21 monthsNo GRE

Seton Hall University

ABA-approved

Newark, NJ · Online MLS — Health & Hospital Law · Healthcare law focus

$24,300 est. total tuition100% online18 monthsNo GRE

George Washington University

ABA-approved

Washington, DC · Online MLS — Government Procurement · Government & policy

$29,250 est. total tuition100% online24 monthsNo GRE

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Careers with an MLS

An MLS opens doors in corporate compliance, government, HR, and consulting — roles that reward legal fluency without requiring a license to practice. Graduates often move into contract management, regulatory affairs, and policy positions.

Frequently asked questions

Most online MLS programs waive both the LSAT and GRE. Where a test is required, we note it on the program card. Admissions typically weigh your undergraduate record and professional experience instead.

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