Compare 33 Legal Studies. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $50,434. Top programs: $77,792+.
Legal Studies programs produce graduates earning between $49,862 and $77,792—a $28K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 33 ranked programs, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University Of New Haven's Legal Studies program leads with graduates earning $77,792. The average across all programs is $50,434, yet this regional private institution outperforms many higher-profile schools. Central Michigan University follows at $69,066, proving that program-specific factors drive outcomes more than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University Of New Haven graduates borrow $27,000 and face just a 6.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. UC Berkeley offers even better value with $13,000 in student debt and a 5.2% burden—proof that top programs can also be affordable.
Highest program earnings: $77,792
Strong outcomes with 80.6% acceptance
5.2% payment burden | Excellent
13.9% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of New HavenPrivate | $77,792 | 8 | $27,000 | Excellent | $54,414 | Challenging |
| #2 | $69,066 | 16 | $27,000 | Excellent | $23,103 | Manageable | |
| #3 | Lipscomb UniversityPrivate | $66,804 | 18 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,298 | Manageable |
| #4 | American UniversityPrivate | $64,040 | 31 | $22,750 | Excellent | $39,169 | Challenging |
| #5 | University Of MiamiPrivate | $62,790 | 48 | $17,500 | Excellent | $37,267 | Challenging |
| #6 | $62,154 | 18 | $24,872 | Good | $13,279 | Manageable | |
| #7 | $60,512 | 91 | $22,763 | Good | $26,243 | Challenging | |
| #8 | University Of La VernePrivate | $59,677 | 19 | $23,500 | Good | $27,977 | Challenging |
| #9 | $58,906 | 121 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $56,692 | 184 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Challenging | |
| #11 | $56,208 | 84 | $23,250 | Good | $37,401 | High | |
| #12 | Hamline UniversityPrivate | $54,440 | 39 | $23,770 | Good | $22,739 | Challenging |
| #13 | $54,150 | 97 | $20,484 | Good | $28,364 | Challenging | |
| #14 | Nova Southeastern UniversityPrivate | $54,072 | 9 | $24,250 | Good | $21,738 | Challenging |
| #15 | Webster UniversityPrivate | $52,470 | 13 | $23,000 | Good | $13,587 | Manageable |
| #16 | $52,299 | 121 | $25,000 | Good | $54,289 | High | |
| #17 | $51,748 | 96 | $19,500 | Good | $23,519 | Challenging | |
| #18 | $51,332 | 157 | $11,000 | Excellent | $16,130 | Manageable | |
| #19 | $50,556 | 29 | $25,000 | Manageable | $38,368 | High | |
| #20 | $49,862 | 155 | $16,666 | Good | $28,682 | Challenging | |
| #21 | University Of DenverPrivate | $48,703 | 15 | $21,844 | Good | $27,813 | High |
| #22 | Mercy UniversityPrivate | $46,803 | 16 | $19,637 | Good | $20,710 | Challenging |
| #23 | Ithaca CollegePrivate | $45,407 | 14 | $24,000 | Manageable | $53,476 | High |
| #24 | Bay Path UniversityPrivate | $45,013 | 17 | $24,901 | Manageable | $16,500 | High |
| #25 | $44,812 | 12 | $22,334 | Manageable | $20,000 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
