Tuition and Fees
When pursuing higher education, we know cost is a major part of the decision making process. This page contains a breakdown of tuition and fees while attending California Western.
2025-2026 Academic Year - JD Program
California Western operates on a semester system. Each academic year is made up of two semesters with an optional summer semester.
Full-time Student (12 – 17 units per semester)
Tuition cost: $32,360 per semester
Part-time Student (6 – 11 units per semester)
Tuition cost: $24,220 per semester
Three students standing in front of San Diego Trolley stop.
California Western School of Law
2025-2026 Cost of Attendance
| JD Students | Full-time enrollment (12-17 units per semester, 9-month academic year) | Part-time enrollment (6-11 units per semester, 9-month academic year) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition[1] | $64,720 | $48,440 |
| Activity Fee | $150 | $150 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 | $1,600 |
| Housing & Food [2] | $29,250 | $29,250 |
| Transportation | $1,989 | $1,989 |
| Miscellaneous | $5,067 | $5,067 |
| Loan Fees | $1,435 | $1,435 |
| TOTAL (9-month academic year) | $104,211 | $87,931 |
[1] If a student takes 1-5 units per term, tuition will be charged at $2,940 per unit. See the Business Offices’ policies and procedures for per-unit tuition details. Note that 1-5 units is less than half-time attendance, which does not qualify for federal student loans.
[2] Students who receive military housing assistance or who live on a military base will be assigned a Housing & Food budget of $4,950 (food only).
Cost of Attendance Increase
Each school must determine a standard budget or Cost of Attendance (COA), also referred to as the "student budget", for each of its programs. In some cases, a student may incur allowable education expenses that are either greater than the amounts included in the standard COA or else not included at all. Per federal student aid regulations, any deviation from the standard COA must follow set parameters and be thoroughly documented.
Budget Increase Policy and Form
Bar Exam Costs Increase
Students who are graduating in Fall or Spring can expect to pay the direct costs of admission to the bar during their final term. Regulations governing this process require that schools include these bar costs in the standard Cost of Attendance (COA) for students who incur these costs during (not after) a period of enrollment. Note, these direct costs cannot be included for students graduating in the Summer term. Adjustments will automatically be made to include the anticipated bar costs for eligible students; no application is necessary.