LL.M. Applicants
How to Apply: LL.M. in American Legal Studies
Please review the application instructions, English proficiency requirements and tuition information on this page as you begin the application process for the Master of Laws (LL.M.) in American Legal Studies.
Application Instructions
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are currently being accepted. Students applying for admission to the LL.M. program should submit the following after registering with the Credential Assembly Service at LSAC.org:
- Completed online application by March 1, 2025 deadline (priority deadline is February 1, 2025, and late deadline is April 1, 2025).
- C.V. or resume
- A statement of interest describing your purpose for pursuing the LL.M. as well as your professional goals
- At least two letters of recommendation attesting to your ability to complete the LL.M. program
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and law school programs attended
- $55 application fee
The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is not required for admission to the LL.M. program. Upon admission, you will be required to submit financial documents verifying that you have savings to cover the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, living expenses and mandatory health insurance) for the academic year in which you will be enrolling. You will be required to submit these documents before an I-20 form will be issued to you.
Students who complete the LL.M. and subsequently wish to pursue J.D. degree through the Two-Year J.D. for Foreign-Trained Lawyers program at KU Law must take the LSAT exam and satisfy all other requirements for admission to the J.D. program. Students may not receive dual credit toward the J.D. for courses completed during the LL.M. program but may receive up to 30 transfer credits from their undergraduate law degree.
Proof of English Proficiency
Except for U.S. citizens or permanent residents, proficiency in English is a requirement for all LL.M. candidates. Foreign students who speak English as a first language, or who obtained a law degree at an institution with instruction in all courses in English, may have the TOEFL requirement waived. For all other students, students must submit a TOEFL score report.
Students with an TOEFL score above 90 are presumptively proficient. Students with scores above 85 or higher will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis (see Dual-Degree Program for separate admission requirements).
LSAC's TOEFL code for the CAS is 0058.
Tuition & Fees for LL.M. Students
Tuition and fees for non-residents for the 2025-2026 academic year are $26,796 for 24 credits. Please note that all students with J-1 or F-1 visas are considered non-residents for the purposes of tuition. The total estimated cost of attendance for 2025-2026 is $39,014.
All law students pay a required Health & Wellness Fee of $482 per year and a required Student Fee of $562 per year. These fees entitle the student to course instruction, dispensary care for ordinary illnesses and special medical care at nominal rates, the use of the Kansas Union, and admission at reduced prices to most campus events, such as concerts, plays, films, lectures and athletic events.
Students pay tuition on a per-credit basis based upon residency classification. All LL.M. students must complete 24 credit hours in classroom courses. Students may also enroll in a maximum of 6 additional credits beyond the required 24 credits.
LL.M. Tuition & Fees Summary: 2025-2026
The table below outlines the expected tuition and fees for non-resident students pursuing the LL.M. in American Legal Studies during the 2025-2026 academic year. Contact KU Law Admissions for Kansas resident costs if you believe they may be applicable to you.
| Estimated Annual Expenses | Non-Resident (visa holders) |
|---|---|
| Tuition per credit hour (24 hours) | $1,073 |
| Health & Wellness Fee | $482 |
| Student Fees | $562 |
| Total for Tuition/Fees | $26,796 |
| Housing | $7,746 |
| Personal Expenses | $3,240 |
| Transportation | $0 (free bus) |
| Books | $1,540 |
| Cost of Attendance | $39,014 |
*Costs for room and board, personal expenses, transportation and books are estimates determined by the KU Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. Review the Estimated Cost of Attendance from the Office of Financial Aid.
International Scholar Scholarships
International students applying for the LL.M. in American Legal Studies are automatically considered for the International Scholars Scholarship, which provides up to $5,000 per year for qualified applicants. The Admissions Committee will consider candidates for the award based on the following criteria:
- Strong academic performance as evidenced by transcripts and TOEFL results
- Geographic diversity
