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Best Value Legal Professions and Studies Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Humphreys University in California charges just $11,410 net price for its Legal Professions and Studies program while producing graduates earning $36,560 annually, creating one of the strongest value propositions in specialized legal education. This stark contrast against programs like Drexel University at $38,428 reveals how strategic program selection can slash educational costs by nearly $27,000. The earnings spread across these 20 programs ranges from $25,967 to $60,012, reflecting varied career paths from paralegal work to legal technology roles. Many graduates enter growing fields like compliance coordination and legal research, areas where national demand has increased 8% annually as businesses navigate complex regulatory environments. Public institutions generally offer better net prices, with Ball State at $15,898 and University of Wisconsin-Superior at $13,405 providing solid pathways into legal support careers without overwhelming debt burdens.
40
Programs
$8,916 – $41,026
Net Price Range
$36,382
Avg. Program Earnings
60.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

40 Legal Professions and Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,410 $36,560 $14,760 50.0%
2 $14,590 $29,685 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
3 $15,898 $31,133 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
4 $13,405 $25,967 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
5 $20,360 $34,847 $15,978 71.9% 70.5%
6 $38,428 $60,012 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
7 $29,219 $45,383 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
8 $25,133 $38,289 $28,600 40.3%
9 $30,042 $42,682 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%
10 $20,549 $28,309 $28,600 44.8%
11 $34,439 $31,762 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
12 $38,123 $35,060 $42,666 66.6% 91.0%
13 $39,207 $33,281 $53,090 77.3% 83.8%
14 $26,985 $50,110 68.5% 84.7%
15 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
16 $41,026 $63,061 81.4% 51.8%
17 $39,184 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
18 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
19 $21,423 $25,900 55.2% 96.0%
20 $23,678 $48,602 73.3% 69.2%
21 $19,279 $19,404 38.9% 34.0%
22 $12,905 $15,060 5.3%
23 $24,825 $10,440
24 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
25 $22,086 $16,065 60.0%
26 $30,521 $40,880 72.9% 83.9%
27 $16,496 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
28 $14,159 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
29 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
30 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
31 $28,345 $8,886 55.9%
32 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
33 $21,563 $49,758 65.1% 92.5%
34 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
35 $17,546 $9,772 46.7% 89.3%
36 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
37 $16,531 $5,905 52.1% 88.9%
38 $20,786 $33,275 35.4% 86.6%
39 $22,978 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
40 $31,663 $62,692 83.2% 18.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Humphreys University charges $11,410 net while Quinnipiac reaches $39,207, a gap of nearly $28,000 annually. Public institutions like Ball State ($15,898) and University of Wisconsin-Superior ($13,405) leverage state funding to keep costs manageable. Private colleges often provide extensive career services and smaller class sizes but charge significantly more for similar degree outcomes.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in legal studies?

Higher-priced programs generally show better completion rates, with Drexel at $38,428 achieving 77.1% graduation compared to University of Wisconsin-Superior at $13,405 with 44.1%. Ball State provides a middle ground at $15,898 net cost and 63.3% graduation rate. However, Humphreys University breaks this pattern with 50% graduation at the lowest cost point.

Does geographic location significantly impact earning potential for graduates?

Pennsylvania schools show the highest earnings, with Drexel graduates earning $60,012 and Temple University graduates at $45,383 annually. California's Humphreys University produces $36,560 earners despite low costs, while Wisconsin graduates average just $25,967. East Coast job markets typically offer more legal support positions with higher compensation scales.

What debt levels should students expect from these programs?

Available debt data shows manageable levels across most programs, ranging from $20,396 at University of Arizona to $33,547 at Berkeley College-New York. Temple University and Ball State graduates carry approximately $26,000-$27,000 in debt. Many programs lack reported debt figures, suggesting either low borrowing rates or institutional financial aid success.

Is admission difficulty a factor in program value assessment?

Most programs maintain accessible admission standards, with University of Wisconsin-Superior accepting 95.6% of applicants and Keiser University at 96.5%. More selective options like Drake University (67.2% acceptance) and Ball State (69%) still remain reasonably accessible. Only Humphreys University lacks admission data, though its specialized focus suggests competitive entry requirements.

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