A JD/MBA program combines an MBA and a law degree, making graduates highly sought after by employers. These programs teach students important business skills while giving them a solid background in law.
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What Is a JD/MBA program?
JD/MBA programs are dual master’s degree programs. This type of program allows students to earn an MBA and a Juris Doctor simultaneously. Many students want to pursue multiple degrees, and most colleges allow double majors. But in law school, double majoring is problematic. That’s because law school alone takes at least three years of full-time study.
For students who want to major in both law and business, a JD/MBA dual degree program is ideal. It will allow you to gain knowledge and skills in both business and law at the same time. And rather than three years of law school and an additional two years earning an MBA degree, these programs take around three to four years to finish.
Is It Hard to Earn a JD/MBA?
These programs are intense and academically rigorous, so they are a big commitment. If you do not need both skill sets, choosing either business or law school is probably better. Additionally, these dual degree programs are highly competitive. With most schools, you’ll need to apply separately to the law schools and business schools and be admitted to both.
Why Pursue a JD/MBA?
Students who complete a JD/MBA degree program instantly make themselves more marketable. That’s because the combination of skills from two different disciplines is highly sought after in the workplace. The knowledge you gain bridges that gap between economics and law, making you attractive to potential employers.
Another reason to pursue a JD/MBA degree program is that it opens up more job options. You can pursue a wide range of careers with this degree. Graduates of JD/MBA programs go on to be corporate lawyers, financial advisors, business managers, and the heads of law firms. They use their business and legal knowledge every day. And most of these roles command a generous salary.
Finally, JD/MBA programs will save you money in addition to time. Because the coursework is condensed, you’ll likely save at least a year on tuition. Plus, you’ll graduate faster.
Related: What Careers Are Available with a JD/MBA?
Top Affordable JD/MBA Dual Degrees: Methodology
This list features the top JD/MBA programs available now. These programs have been selected for this ranking based on the cost of graduate tuition. All of the schools have been accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation board. Additionally, we’ve verified the nonprofit status of each one. They are ordered from highest to lowest scores.
About JD/MBA Degree Tuition Structures
Tuition varies widely among colleges offering JD/MBA dual degrees. In most cases, getting a dual degree costs more than earning just a JD or an MBA. However, it always costs less than if you took the programs separately.
The tuition structures for these programs can be complicated. For example, at some colleges, students pay the tuition fee for whichever school they are taking courses in at the time. So part of the time, you would pay the law school tuition, and the rest of the time, you would pay the MBA program tuition. Often students attend classes at both the law and business schools during years three and four. What happens then? At some colleges, students will pay a percentage of the law school tuition and a percentage of the business school tuition. Of course, other colleges may have an entirely different tuition structure.
Because of this complexity, we’ve made ranking simple. The tuition fees listed in this article are based on information from each school’s tuition page as of November 2024.
Note that the fees for out-of-state or online students may differ. And tuition for the JD/MBA programs may vary from a school’s standard graduate tuition rates. If you want to know the total amount a JD/MBA program will cost at a particular school, you’ll want to consult with the program advisors at both the law and business schools.
Top JD/MBA Program Rankings
| School | Tuition | Score |
| University of South Dakota | $5,868 | 100 |
| Texas Southern University | $6,858 | 99.75 |
| University of Wyoming | $16,620 | 99.50 |
| Georgia State University | $17,596 | 99.25 |
| Regent University | $20,400 | 99.00 |
| Florida State University | 20,640 | 98.75 |
| Louisiana State University | $23,400 | 98.50 |
| University of Cincinnati | $24,010 | 98.25 |
| University of Alabama | $24,480 | 98.00 |
| West Virginia University | $25,272 | 97.75 |
| University of Kansas | $25,607 | 97.50 |
| University of Kentucky | $25,748 | 97.25 |
| University of Florida | $26,473 | 97.00 |
| University of Washington | $27,378 | 96.75 |
| Texas Tech University | $27,532 | 96.50 |
| University of Wisconsin | $27,764 | 96.25 |
| Western Michigan University | $28,440 | 96.00 |
| Arizona State University | $29,037 | 95.75 |
| Florida International University | $29,228 | 95.50 |
| Indiana University Bloomington | $29,573 | 95.25 |
| University of Colorado at Boulder | $35,800 | 95.00 |
| University of Arkansas | $37,847 | 94.75 |
| University of Tennessee Knoxville | $39,875 | 94.50 |
| Creighton University | $47,904 | 94.25 |
| University of Houston | $49,000 | 94 |
Joint JD/MBA Programs Ranking
#1 University of South Dakota
JD/MBA
Vermillion, South Dakota
The University of South Dakota offers an on-campus JD/MBA dual degree program. Throughout this degree, students will work through a curriculum that teaches critical business topics and the skills needed for a career in law. To complete the JD MBA program, students will attend the USD Knudson School of Law, the only law school in South Dakota. This combined JD and MBA program can benefit careers in banking, business law, corporate counsel, and more.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#2. Texas Southern University
MBA/Juris Doctorate
Houston, Texas
The dual MBA/Juris Doctorate offered at Texas Southern University is ideal for those who want to jumpstart their career in corporate America. Students will work through a curriculum designed to teach them the critical skills needed to work in business. Simultaneously, they will take courses at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. The joint master’s business degree and law program lets students finish the required courses for each degree in four years instead of five. This unique JD MBA program prepares students with the skills needed for high-level careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 University of Wyoming
JD/MBA
Laramie, Wyoming
The JD/MBA program at the University of Wyoming is designed to be completed in four years. Students in this program will spend three years working through the law portion. In the final year, they will study in the MBA program. Applicants of the JD MBA program must be admitted by the law school and the business school to participate. To remain in the program, they must comply with the minimum performance standards of both schools. The GMAT or GRE may not be required for applicants who demonstrate substantial academic ability. This decision is made by the Professional Graduate Degree Programs Office on a case-by-case basis.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#4. Georgia State University
MBA/Juris Doctor
Atlanta, Georgia
An MBA/Juris Doctor degree is offered at Georgia State University. The program is administered through the College of Law and the J. Mack Robinson College of Business. Students in this program will develop their understanding and fluency in business concepts while learning principles of law. This graduate school program is an excellent option for students interested in working as corporate lawyers or in high-level business positions. Students can pursue the degrees full-time or part-time, making it one of the most flexible MBA/JD programs on our list. Ninety credit hours are needed for the JD and 51 credit hours are required for the MBA program.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
#5. Regent University
JD/MBA
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Regent University students can enroll in a dual degree Juris Doctor and MBA program. It is offered through the School of Business & Leadership and the law school. Students in this program will develop a unique skillset perfect for the current job market. They will study key legal concepts and ideas typically required for a career in law. But they will also receive training in business analytics, finance, accounting, economics, and more. Students who want to pursue this joint degree must seek admission before completing a third of any single degree program. They will also need to consult with their faculty advisor to devise an approved degree plan.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
#6. Florida State University
JD/MBA
Tallahassee, Florida
Students at Florida State University can enroll in a JD/MBA program. This joint degree is offered to students on-campus. Students spend time taking courses from the College of Business and the College of Law concurrently. So students can expect to complete the two degrees in four years of full-time study. The Master of Business Administration offered in this joint degree is an accelerated version of the FSU MBA program. Students must meet specific GMAT, GRE, and LSAT scores to enroll in this JD MBA program.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
#7. Louisiana State University
JD/MBA
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Louisiana State University offers the next JD/MBA program on our list. By allowing students to earn overlapping credits, LSU reduces the standard five years it would take to earn these degrees separately. So students can complete the dual program in just four years. Those pursuing the JD MBA program will take law courses through the Paul M. Herbert Law Center. And they will take business courses at the E.J. Ourso College of Business. So, like most of the other programs on our JD/MBA programs list, students spend time at each school, and each degree is awarded separately.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
#8. University of Alabama
JD/MBA
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Students at the University of Alabama can enroll in a four-year JD/MBA program. It is offered through the Manderson Graduate Business School and the Law School. A few of the courses in these programs are provided to students online. You need 114 credits to graduate with both degrees. For full-time students, it takes about four years. You’ll spend the first year at the law school and the second year in the business school. In the final two years, you’ll take both law classes and business classes.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
#9. University of Cincinnati
JD/MBA
Cincinnati, Ohio
The University of Cincinnati offers this next top-ranking JD/MBA degree. Students in this program will spend their first year enrolled at Cincinnati Law and their second year in the Lindner College of Business. The third and fourth years will primarily be back at Cincinnati Law. Students must be admitted to both the business and law schools to be considered. This is one of the best JD/MBA programs we’ve found. And it is ideal for those who want to simultaneously earn a business degree and take their legal education to the next level.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#10. West Virginia University
JD/MBA
Morgantown, West Virginia
West Virginia University offers a dual JD/MBA program. This degree is available to students partially online. Students will take their Juris Doctorate courses on-campus and complete their MBA degrees remotely. The program equips students for careers in government, banking, management, and more. This is one of the best joint JD MBA programs we’ve found. Plus, it’s also one of the fastest JD/MBA programs on our list. It takes about three years to graduate and earn both degrees.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#11. University of Kansas
JD/MBA
Lawrence, Kansas
The University of Kansas offers a four-year JD/MBA program. It combines the three-year law school program and the two-year business management program. With this dual degree, students take three years of law courses and then one year of business study. Additionally, the MBA program is a cohort program. Students must be admitted into both programs to participate. The GMAT and the LSAT are both required for admission. A 3.0 GPA is required for all business coursework, and a 2.0 is required for coursework toward the JD degree.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#12. University of Kentucky
JD/MBA
Lexington, Kentucky
Students at the University of Kentucky can enroll in the school’s JD/MBA program. This law and business program allows students to earn an MBA and Juris Doctor simultaneously. A total of 109 credit hours are needed to complete the program. And it can be completed in three years. The University claims the school’s program offers the shortest time to both degrees available. Although accelerated, students still have time for professional preparation and internships in the program. The law school program is offered through the Rosenberg College of Law. And the MBA program is through the Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
#13. University of Florida
JD/MBA
Gainesville, Florida
UF offers a JD/MBA program through the Warrington College of Business. This program is designed so students can earn both degrees in less time. The University of Florida estimates it can be completed in about four years. Students in this program will work through a curriculum designed to teach business skills and key law concepts. Additionally, other MBA dual degree options are available at UF. For example, students can pursue an MBA combined with a master’s in Real Estate or Information Systems. They can also get a dual Medicine/MBA or Pharmacy/MBA.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
#14. University of Washington
JD/MBA
Seattle, Washington
The University of Washington offers an excellent JD/MBA program. This program is designed to teach students business skills while simultaneously pursuing a degree in law. Students will take courses from the Law School and the Foster School of Business at UW. Students can complete the program in four years by pursuing these degrees in a joint format. The University of Washington maintains relationships with nearby businesses like Microsoft and Amazon. And they can sometimes help with career placement.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities
See Also: Top Scholarships for Online Students
#15. Texas Tech University
JD/MBA
Lubbock, Texas
Texas Tech University offers a dual JD/MBA program through its graduate and law schools. This joint degree JD MBA program allows students to earn both degrees in three to four years of full-time study. This makes it one of the faster JD/MBA programs available. The MBA program is a condensed version of the traditional MBA program. So it gives students a broader overview of business knowledge in their area of interest. This flexible JD MBA program has online and summer courses to accommodate busy schedules.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
#16. University of Wisconsin
JD/MBA
Madison, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin students can choose a dual degree in law and business. This program combines courses from the University of Wisconsin Law School and the Wisconsin Business School. Both schools are strongly committed to helping students tailor a JD MBA program that meets their specific goals. This program takes approximately four years. So it saves a year of study compared to pursuing either a law or MBA program separately. Dual degree students must complete 90 credits. This includes up to 30 elective law credits.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#17. Western Michigan University
JD/MBA
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Students enrolled at Western Michigan University can enroll in a Juris Doctor/MBA dual degree program. It is offered through the Haworth College of Business and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. By enrolling in this joint degree, students can reduce their study time to four years. Courses include international finance, business tax planning, business venturing, contract law, and more. Students must complete the second degree within 12 months of the first to earn both degrees.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#18. Arizona State University
Online MBA/Master of Legal Studies
Tempe, Arizona
This next program is a little different than the others on our list. It’s an online dual MBA and Master of Legal Studies Degree. Students in this concurrent degree program will earn an MBA while studying topics like Criminal Procedure and Constitutional Law. The MBA portion is through the W. P. Carey School of Business. And the legal studies program is through the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Sixty-three credit hours are required to complete the degree. ASU has one of the best JD MBA programs online. However, like traditional JD/MBA programs, students must apply to and be accepted at both the law and business schools.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#19. Florida International University
Master of Business Administration/Jurisprudence Doctorate
Miami, Florida
Florida International University students can enroll in an on-campus MBA/JD dual degree program. This pathway requires students to be accepted to the law school and the business college. And candidates who have already completed one degree cannot apply to the program. It is delivered in several ways, including a Flex MBA program and a longer Downtown MBA/JD. A total of 60 credits are needed to graduate from this JD MBA program. After completion, students will be prepared to practice law or pursue roles in corporate business.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
#20. Indiana University at Bloomington
JD/MBA
Bloomington, Indiana
This JD/MBA is a three-year program at Indiana University. It is offered through the Maurer School of Law and the Kelley School of Business. It’s one of the best accelerated JD/MBA programs on our list. The program is rigorous, and students must apply and be accepted at each school. The LSAT and GMAT or GRE are required. Indiana University also offers a four-year JD/MBA program for students who would like to go at a slower pace.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#21. University of Colorado at Boulder
JD/MBA
Boulder, Colorado
The next Juris Doctor/MBA degree is offered by the University of Colorado at Boulder. The program is a partnership between Leeds School of Business and the Law School. This degree program is designed to be completed in about four years. Students must apply to and be admitted to the law and the MBA program to qualify. And they must take the first-year curriculum exclusively at the law school. Tuition and rates can vary depending on which UC campus a student plans to attend.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#22. University of Arkansas
JD/MBA
Fayetteville, Arkansas
This top JD/MBA degree is available at the University of Arkansas. You need 90 credit hours for the JD degree and 50 for the MBA program. Students will have a total of 24 shared hours for both degrees. The dual degree program can be completed in four years if pursued full-time. Students in the JD MBA program will work through a curriculum designed to teach essential business and management skills and law concepts. Students spend their time taking courses at the School of Law and the Graduate Business School.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#23. University of Tennessee at Knoxville
JD/MBA
Knoxville, Tennessee
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville offers a combined JD/MBA. By combining these two degrees, students can save 15 credits of study time, which equates to about one semester of study. This program is a good choice for students who want to develop expertise in business and management while earning a degree in law. Candidates must satisfy each school’s requirements to earn the dual degree. The program is offered through the Haslam College of Business and the Law School.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges
#24. Creighton University
JD/MBA
Omaha, Nebraska
Students can enroll in a JD/MBA program at Creighton University. This joint law and business program is offered on-campus. The first year of study is strictly at the law school, and students must submit a “Notice of Intent” form to the Associate Dean before enrolling in their first MBA class. Creighton offers several concentrations for this program. They include Business Law, Criminal Law & Procedure, Health Law, and more. At least 60 credit hours are needed to finish the program. And students must apply to and be admitted to each school for consideration.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#25. University of Houston
MBA/Doctor of Jurisprudence
Houston, Texas
Students interested in studying at the University of Houston can enroll in the school’s MBA/Doctor of Jurisprudence degree. It’s offered through the Bauer College of Business and UH Law School. Students in this dual degree program will develop essential business concepts while gaining a solid background in law. A total of 105 credits are needed to complete the program, which takes three and a half to four years for full-time students. Part-time students can expect the JD/MBA program to take about five or six years. Students must enroll separately and be admitted to the business and law program, with two degrees awarded upon completion.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commissions
See Also: Affordable Nonprofit Online Colleges
How Do You Get Accepted into the Top JD/MBA Programs?
Most JD/MBA programs are very selective. And the most well-known colleges—such as Duke University, Harvard University, and the University of Chicago—are even more competitive. We’ve left some Ivy League Institutions off our list for this reason. However, we’ll discuss a few of them in this final section.
For all JD/MBA programs, applicants will generally need to apply separately to the law and business schools. And they will need to earn admission to each one. There are two options if candidates are accepted at one school but not the other. One is to try and add the extra degree later on. The other is to cross-register for coursework at the other school.
Candidates also need to be aware of the order in which they submit their applications. Some programs require students to apply and enroll at each school simultaneously. Other schools want candidates to be accepted at the law school before applying to the business school.
Test Scores Needed for JD/MBA Programs
You will want the highest scores possible on the GMAT and LSAT to apply. Some schools may waive test scores. And others will allow candidates to submit GRE scores instead. But that’s not the case for all of them. So if you are looking at specific law or business schools, check into these requirements well in advance.
Application Essays and Letters of Recommendation
For each program, you will usually need recommendation letters and application essays. However, you will give yourself the best chance of acceptance by submitting different ones to each school. That’s because law and business schools are not always looking for the same characteristics from their applicants.
Also, the guidelines can vary widely between law and business schools. So it’s best to pay close attention to what each school is looking for. Then, write separate essays. And ask those writing your recommendation letters to tailor them to each graduate school separately.
The details of each MBA/JD program will vary, as will the deadlines. Students should try and target only those programs they are highly interested in. Then, research all the specifics. Contact each program’s admissions officers if you are confused about any aspect of the process.
Examples of Ivy League Institution Admissions Processes
Harvard University
Harvard offers a Joint Degree Program in Law and Business. Students will attend both the Law School and Harvard Business School. Candidates must apply to and be admitted separately to each school. At Harvard, students can apply to each school simultaneously. However, they can also apply for the JD/MBA program during their first year at either the Law School or Harvard Business School.
Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania
UPenn students interested in the JD/MBA program need to submit their applications first to the Carey JD/MBA Program. This is accomplished via the Wharton School application process. The Wharton School application includes information for the MBA and the law school portion. With this integrated system, candidates do not need to apply to each separate school.
Duke University
Duke Law School and the Fuqua School of Business offer an accelerated JD/MBA program. Like the Wharton School application, Duke University has a streamlined application process. You only need to submit one online application instead of one for Duke Law School and another for Fuqua. You can retry later if you are accepted at the business school but not the law school, and vice-versa. Duke Law School does require standard law entrance exams.
NPCO Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top JD/MBA programs
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