The cost of taking the bar exam can be a major financial hurdle for many law school graduates. The cost of the test, as well as the cost of studying for it, can add up quickly.
Many states require that candidates take the essay portion of the exam as well as a multiple-choice exam known as the MBE (Multistate Bar Exam), which can add to the cost.
There is also the MPT (Multistate Performance Test), which is required in some states. The MPT assesses a law school graduate’s ability to complete tasks typically performed by newly licensed attorneys, such as drafting a memo or brief.
Taking out a loan to cover the cost of the bar exam is an option that many law school graduates choose. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with taking out loans to prepare for your bar exam.
In addition to interest charges, you may also be liable for late payment fees and other penalties if you can’t repay your loan on time.
There are many ways to reduce the cost of taking the bar exam. Some states offer fee waivers for low-income individuals, and many bar review courses offer discounts for students who register early.
Also, many law schools offer loan forgiveness programs for graduates who choose to work in public interest law.
So, how much does it cost to take the bar exam? Let’s take a look at the fees associated with taking the exam, as well as the cost of studying for it.
Understanding bar exam costs and fees
The cost of taking the bar exam can vary greatly from state to state. In some states, the cost is as low as $100, while in others, it can be as high as $3,000. The vast majority of states fall somewhere between these two extremes.
There are several factors that will affect the bar exam price that applicants pay. The first is the type of test you take. There are two types of exams: the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) and the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE). UBE is a standardized test accepted by most states, while MBE is state specific.
The second factor that will affect the cost of taking the bar exam is the length of the exam. UBE is a two day exam, while MBE is only one day.
Finally, the cost of taking the bar exam will also depend on whether you take the exam in person or online. Taking the test in person is usually more expensive than taking it online.
You need to consider your travel and living expenses, plane tickets, preparatory courses, filing fees and laptop fees.
Second-time examinees generally do not have to pay as much as first-time examinees. If you are a licensed attorney, you can expect to pay significantly more in some cases to take the bar exam.
To determine how much it will cost to take the bar exam in your state, you should contact your state’s bar examiners. They will be able to provide you with a complete list of costs and fees associated with taking the bar exam.
cost Bar Exam Registration
State bar exam registration fees vary by state but are usually around $250, and the fee for taking the bar exam is usually around $500. Once you factor in the cost of the bar exam, you could be looking at a total cost of anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the state you’re taking the exam in and whether you take a prep course.
For example, the New York bar exam costs $250. But in South Carolina it’s a thousand dollars. Applicants applying as attorneys can expect to pay more. In North Dakota, the state charges lawyers just $150 to take the bar exam, while the Texas Board of Law examiners charge $1,040.
So it’s important to know what bar examiners charge in your state so you can prepare and arrange to cover costs and fees.
Laptop fee
Another bar exam fee is laptop fee. Most states now allow laptops in bar exam rooms, but there is usually a fee of about $100 to use a laptop. This fee is usually separate from the cost of the exam.
Bar Exam Preparation Course
The cost of taking a bar exam prep course can range from a few hundred dollars to $3,000. There are many factors that go into the cost of a preparatory course, including the length of the course and whether it is offered in person or online. You can expect to pay more for a prep course if it’s offered by a well-known provider like Barbri or Kaplan.
Bar exam costs by state and Passing score In 2023
Bar exam passing scores vary by state, depending on whether you’re taking the UBE or MBE. For example, in Alabama, the UBE passing score is 260, while Alaska’s UBE is 280.
For the MBE, the California Bar Exam passing score is 139. But in Virginia, it’s 140. Please note that if you do not see a score listed for your state, that test is not offered there.
cost Bar Exam by State + Passing Score by State In 2023
Alabama ($575)
UBE 260
MBE 130
Alaska ($800)
UBE 280
MBE 140
Arizona ($880)
UBE 273
MBE 136.5
Arkansas ($1,000)
UBE 270
MBE135
California ($677)
MBE139
Colorado ($710)
UBE 276
MBE138
Connecticut ($800)
UBE266
MBE133
Delaware ($700)
MBE145
District of Columbia ($100)
UBE266
MBE133
Florida ($1,000)
MBE136
Georgia ($442)
MBE135
Hawaii ($500)
MBE134
Idaho ($600)
UBE 272
MBE136
Illinois ($950)
UBE266
MBE133
Indiana ($250)
UBE264
MBE132
Iowa ($550)
UBE266
MBE133
Kansas ($700)
UBE266
MBE133
Kentucky ($875)
UBE266
MBE133
Maine ($600)
UBE 270
MBE135
Maryland ($750)
UBE266
MBE133
Massachusetts ($815)
UBE 270
MBE135
Michigan ($775)
UBE 268
MBE135
Minnesota ($600)
UBE 260
MBE 130
Mississippi ($525 law students/$825 non-law students)
MBE132
Missouri ($485 or $910)
UBE 260
MBE 130
Montana ($620)
UBE266
MBE133
Nebraska ($490)
UBE 270
MBE135
Nevada ($700)
MBE138
New Hampshire ($725)
UBE 270
MBE135
New Jersey ($675)
UBE266
MBE133
New Mexico ($500)
UBE 260
MBE 130
New York ($250)
UBE266
MBE133
North Carolina ($850)
UBE 270
MBE135
North Dakota ($150)
UBE 260
MBE 130
Ohio ($358)
UBE 270
MBE135
Oklahoma ($400)
UBE264
MBE132
Oregon ($750)
UBE 270
MBE135
Pennsylvania ($650)
UBE 272
MBE136
Rhode Island ($975)
UBE 270
MBE135
South Carolina ($1,000)
UBE266
MBE133
South Dakota ($450)
MBE133
Tennessee ($575)
UBE 270
MBE135
Texas ($300 or $490)
UBE 270
MBE135
Utah ($550)
UBE 270
MBE135
Vermont ($300)
UBE 270
MBE135
Virginia ($950)
MBE 140
Washington ($585)
UBE 270
MBE135
West Virginia ($500)
UBE 270
MBE135
Wisconsin ($450)
MBE129
Wyoming ($600)
UBE 270
MBE135
Virgin Islands ($1,295)
UBE266
MBE133
Compare Bar Review Courses
Frequently Asked Questions About Bar Exam Costs
In some states, the fee for taking the test is as low as $250, while in others, it can be more than $1,000. However, the average cost of taking the bar exam is about $500.
South Dakota is ranked as the easiest state to take the bar exam.
California is often cited as the toughest bar exam.
All you need to know about bar exam loans
If you’re studying for the bar exam, you know it’s a big investment of time and money. And if you’re like most people, you may not have a lot of extra cash on hand to cover all the costs associated with taking the test.
The bar exam is where the loan comes in. Here’s what you need to know about how they work and how to get one.
What is a bar exam loan?
Bar exam loans are a type of personal loan that can be used to cover costs associated with taking the bar exam. This includes things like study materials, exam fees and travel expenses. Many lenders offer bar exam loans with low interest rates and flexible repayment terms to make the cost of taking the exam more manageable.
How do bar exam loans work?
Bar exam loans work just like any other type of personal loan. You will need to fill and submit an application regarding your finances and some basic information. Once you are approved for a loan, you will receive a lump sum and then make monthly payments to the lender until the loan is paid off.
How do I qualify for a bar exam loan?
To qualify for a bar exam loan, you must have a good credit score and a steady income. Some lenders require you to have a co-signer to qualify for a loan. If you apply for the bar exam but are denied, a co-signer can help get you approved.
Conclusion
Now that you know your state’s bar exam costs, you can start planning to study for the bar exam with the best bar review courses so you can pass the first time.
Valerie Keen is an experienced attorney and legal writer. Valerie’s litigation successes include winning cases involving contract disputes, real property disputes and consumer issues. He has assisted numerous families with estate planning, parenting issues, divorce and other family law matters. He provides solid legal advice and representation to clients.
