Best Law Schools in Peoria, Arizona (2026 Guide)
Peoria, Arizona does not currently have a standalone ABA-accredited law school within city limits. However, residents have access to two nationally recognized law schools within commuting distance, plus several flexible and pre-law pathways. This guide provides a comprehensive, local-focused breakdown of the best law schools near Peoria, including commute time, tuition, bar passage rates, specialties, and practical considerations for future attorneys.
Key Takeaways
- There are no ABA-accredited law schools physically located in Peoria, AZ.
- Arizona State University (ASU) Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is approximately 30–40 minutes from Peoria and is the top-ranked option in the state.
- The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in Tucson is about 2 hours away and offers strong national recognition and competitive tuition for residents.
- Flexible JD options, including online and part-time formats, are available to Peoria residents.
- Peoria students benefit from internships, clerkships, and legal networking opportunities throughout the Phoenix metro area.
Are There Any Law Schools in Peoria, AZ?
No ABA-accredited law schools are located directly in Peoria. Prospective students must commute or relocate. Fortunately, Peoria sits within the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, providing convenient access to one of the top public law schools in the western United States.
For residents seeking maximum flexibility, hybrid and online JD programs approved by the American Bar Association allow students to remain in Peoria while completing portions of their education remotely.
Top Law Schools Near Peoria, Arizona
Law SchoolLocationDistance from PeoriaABA AccreditedNotable StrengthsEstimated In-State TuitionASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of LawPhoenix, AZ~30–40 minutesYesHigh bar passage, strong employment outcomes, business and tech law$30,000–$35,000 per yearUniversity of Arizona James E. Rogers College of LawTucson, AZ~2 hoursYesInternational law, environmental law, litigation training$28,000–$33,000 per year
1. ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law (Closest to Peoria)
Why It Ranks #1 for Peoria Residents
Arizona State University’s law school in downtown Phoenix is the most practical and highest-ranked choice for students living in Peoria. The commute typically ranges from 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
National Reputation
- Frequently ranked among the top 25 to 35 law schools nationally
- Strong bar passage rates consistently above Arizona’s statewide average
- High graduate employment rate within 10 months of graduation
Specialty Strengths
- Business and Corporate Law
- Intellectual Property and Technology Law
- Indian Legal Program
- Sports Law and Entertainment Law
Flexible JD Options
ASU offers:
- Full-time JD
- Part-time evening JD
- ABA-approved Online JD
The online JD option is particularly attractive for working professionals in Peoria who need to balance employment and legal education.
Internship Access from Peoria
Students benefit from proximity to:
- Maricopa County Superior Court
- Federal District Court of Arizona
- Major Phoenix law firms
- State government agencies
Living in Peoria can offer more affordable housing compared to central Phoenix while maintaining access to these opportunities.
2. University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
Strong Statewide Reputation
Located in Tucson, approximately two hours from Peoria, the University of Arizona law school provides competitive tuition for Arizona residents and strong academic credentials.
Top Programs
- International Trade and Business Law
- Environmental and Natural Resources Law
- Trial Advocacy
- Criminal Law
Bar Passage and Outcomes
The school maintains solid bar passage rates and competitive graduate employment numbers throughout Arizona and the Southwest.
However, relocation or extended commuting would likely be required for Peoria residents.
Online and Hybrid JD Programs Available to Peoria Residents
Several ABA-approved law schools now offer fully or partially online Juris Doctor programs. For Peoria residents who cannot commute daily, this pathway provides flexibility without sacrificing accreditation.
Benefits of Online JD Programs
- Reduced relocation and commuting costs
- Ability to maintain employment
- Structured virtual learning formats
- On-campus immersion requirements typically limited to a few sessions per year
ASU’s Online JD remains the most regionally advantageous option due to alumni network strength in Arizona.
Pre-Law and Legal Studies Options in Peoria
Students not yet ready for law school may consider gaining foundational education locally before applying to a JD program.
Arizona Christian University (Glendale, near Peoria)
- Pre-law advising
- Strong liberal arts foundation
Maricopa Community Colleges
- Paralegal studies programs
- Associate degrees in legal studies
- Transfer pathways to ASU or University of Arizona
These institutions provide affordable pathways to build academic credentials before applying to law school.
Admissions Requirements for Arizona Law Schools
Typical JD Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- LSAT or GRE scores
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume detailing leadership, internships, or work experience
Competitive Metrics
While standards vary each cycle, competitive applicants typically demonstrate:
- LSAT scores in the mid-160s for ASU
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher for top consideration
- Strong community involvement or professional achievement
Bar Passage Rates and Career Outlook in Arizona
Arizona consistently reports bar passage rates that place its top schools above the national average. Graduates commonly pursue careers in:
- Private law firms
- Government agencies
- Corporate legal departments
- Public defense and prosecution
- Judicial clerkships
The Phoenix metro area, including Peoria, continues to grow rapidly, expanding demand for legal services in real estate, business, healthcare, and family law.
Cost of Attending Law School from Peoria
Estimated Annual Budget (In-State Student)
- Tuition: $28,000–$35,000
- Books and fees: $2,000–$3,000
- Living expenses: $18,000–$25,000
- Transportation from Peoria to Phoenix: Variable depending on commute frequency
Living in Peoria can reduce housing costs compared to downtown Phoenix apartments, which may help offset overall debt.
Financial Aid Options
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based grants
- Federal student loans
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs
How to Choose the Best Law School Near Peoria
When evaluating your options, consider the following:
1. Commute vs. Relocation
Daily commuting from Peoria to Phoenix is manageable. Tucson may require relocation.
2. Specialization Fit
Choose a program aligned with your intended legal field.
3. Employment Outcomes
Review job placement rates and alumni networks within Arizona.
4. Format Flexibility
If you must work while studying, prioritize evening or online JD programs.
5. Financial Impact
Compare scholarship offers and total projected debt, not just tuition figures.
Local Legal Opportunities for Peoria Law Students
Peoria residents studying law nearby benefit from access to:
- Maricopa County courts
- West Valley law firms
- Nonprofit legal aid organizations
- Business and real estate development legal work
The city’s rapid residential and commercial growth continues to create steady legal demand in property law, municipal governance, and civil litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Law Schools Near Peoria, Arizona
Are there any ABA-accredited law schools in Peoria, AZ?
No. There are no ABA-accredited law schools located directly in Peoria. Your closest ABA-approved option is Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in downtown Phoenix, which is about a 30–40 minute drive from most parts of Peoria.
What is the closest law school to Peoria, Arizona?
The closest law school to Peoria is the ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in downtown Phoenix. You can usually reach campus in about 30–40 minutes by car, depending on traffic and your exact starting point in Peoria.
Can you attend law school online while living in Peoria?
Yes. You can enroll in ABA-approved online or hybrid JD programs while living in Peoria. ASU offers an online JD option, and several other law schools nationwide provide remote formats with limited on-campus visits each year.
How long is the commute from Peoria to nearby law schools?
The commute from Peoria to ASU Law in Phoenix is usually around 30–40 minutes each way by car. The drive from Peoria to the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in Tucson is about two hours, so most students relocate for that option.
What GPA and LSAT do you typically need for Arizona law schools?
Admission is competitive. For ASU Law, a strong applicant often has an LSAT score in the mid-160s and an undergraduate GPA around 3.5 or higher. The University of Arizona may admit students with slightly lower numbers, but higher scores and grades improve your chances at both schools.
What pre-law or legal studies options are near Peoria?
You can prepare for law school through nearby schools such as Arizona Christian University in Glendale, which offers pre-law advising, and Maricopa Community Colleges, which offer paralegal and legal studies programs and transfer pathways to ASU and the University of Arizona.
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