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University of Illinois Springfield stands out with a remarkably low $8,916 net price for Legal Professions and Studies programs, making it the most affordable option among these 15 schools. This cost advantage matters significantly in a field where graduates earn between $25,967 and $36,560 annually, creating manageable debt-to-income ratios. Public universities dominate this affordable tier, with 11 of the 15 schools being state institutions that leverage in-state tuition benefits. The legal support sector continues expanding across the country, with paralegals, legal assistants, and court reporters finding opportunities in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. Graduation rates vary widely from Peirce College's concerning 5.3% to New Jersey Institute of Technology's strong 73.1%, suggesting that institutional support systems play a important role in student success.
15
Programs
$8,916 – $19,279
Net Price Range
$30,836
Avg. Program Earnings
52.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Legal Professions and Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
2 $11,410 $14,760 50.0%
3 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
4 $12,905 $15,060 5.3%
5 $13,405 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
6 $14,159 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
7 $14,590 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
8 $15,898 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
9 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
10 $16,496 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
11 $16,531 $5,905 52.1% 88.9%
12 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
13 $17,546 $9,772 46.7% 89.3%
14 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
15 $19,279 $19,404 38.9% 34.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge gap between the lowest and highest net prices?

University of Illinois Springfield costs just $8,916 annually while Central Penn College reaches $19,279, creating a $10,363 difference. Public universities like Springfield benefit from state funding and offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions like Central Penn rely on tuition revenue. The data shows 11 public schools versus 4 private options, with public institutions consistently offering better value. Students can save over $40,000 across a four-year program by choosing strategically.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in this field?

Peirce College shows the most concerning pattern with a 5.3% graduation rate despite a $12,905 net price. Meanwhile, New Jersey Institute of Technology achieves a 73.1% graduation rate at $16,496, demonstrating better student outcomes for a moderate price increase. University of Illinois Springfield combines the lowest cost with a solid 61.4% graduation rate. These variations suggest that institutional support and program structure matter more than price alone for student success.

What earning potential can graduates expect from these affordable programs?

Humphreys University graduates earn $36,560 annually, the highest among schools with available data, despite the program costing just $11,410. University of Wisconsin-Superior graduates earn $25,967 at a $13,405 net price, showing how earnings don't always correlate with program costs. Ball State University offers a middle ground with $31,133 earnings at $15,898 annually. These figures reflect the reality that legal support roles provide stable middle-class incomes across different geographic markets.

Does geographic location affect both costs and career prospects?

Schools span from California to New Jersey, with regional job markets influencing both costs and opportunities. Bay Path University in Massachusetts charges $14,590 but offers access to Boston's legal market, where graduates earn $29,685. University of Arizona provides access to the growing Southwest legal sector at $15,960 annually. Geographic diversity among these 15 schools means students can find affordable options while staying close to family or targeting specific regional job markets.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.