General
Pre-Law And Legal Studies
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Pre-Law And Legal Studies.
Entry Level Salary
$44,026
Median Salary
$84,000
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
29.4%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,360,000
Entry (Early)
$44,026
Median (Prime)
$84,000
High (Prime)
$81,100
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-59k
+278k
+254k
$25k / yr
-149k
+188k
+164k
$50k / yr
-239k
+98k
+74k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
27
27
$25k / yr
Never
32
33
$50k / yr
Never
41
44
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-137%
173%
151%
$50k / yr
-110%
45%
34%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate33.7%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Lawyers, judges, and related workers
14.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,514
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$120,046|$155,120
openings
31,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.5%
Paralegals and legal assistants
13.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$46,322
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$65,382|$62,890
openings
40,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.3%
Management occupations
4.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$49,400
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$107,000|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$15,441
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$48,582|$47,540
openings
163,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): -6%
Police officers
1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$60,727
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$75,307|$76,250
openings
51,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.5%
Elementary and middle school teachers
1.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$49,410
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$57,928|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Customer service representatives
1.3% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$51,011
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$51,011|$44,770
openings
289,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5.3%
Real estate brokers and sales agents
1.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$72,873
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,000|$57,400
openings
40,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.6%
Top executives
1.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$110,500
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$170,000|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Human resources workers
1.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$43,234
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$74,000|$76,700
openings
78,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| law. | Master's Degree | 14 | $54,265 - $102,929 |
| law. | Doctoral Degree | 31 | $76,572 - $261,230 |
| law. | First Professional Degree | 185 | $39,634 - $308,943 |
| legal research and advanced professional studies. | Bachelor's Degree | 8 | $48,808 - $87,416 |
| legal research and advanced professional studies. | Post-bacc Certificate | 4 | $73,999 - $143,942 |
| legal research and advanced professional studies. | Master's Degree | 112 | $54,560 - $156,087 |
| legal research and advanced professional studies. | Doctoral Degree | 13 | $123,199 - $123,199 |
| legal research and advanced professional studies. | First Professional Degree | 15 | $89,975 - $155,436 |
| legal research and advanced professional studies. | Graduate Certificate | 16 | $93,818 - $312,330 |
| legal support services. | Undergrad Certificate | 265 | $23,012 - $92,546 |
| legal support services. | Associate's Degree | 420 | $33,382 - $66,628 |
| legal support services. | Bachelor's Degree | 80 | $43,654 - $67,713 |
| legal support services. | Post-bacc Certificate | 11 | $46,846 - $62,873 |
| legal support services. | Master's Degree | 4 | $67,050 - $93,331 |
| legal support services. | Graduate Certificate | 7 | $68,530 - $79,119 |