Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,450/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,450/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Doctoral | $58,092 | $199,224 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $44,577 | $202,668 |
Analysis
Thomas M Cooley Law School presents a troubling financial picture with median earnings of $63,450 ten years after graduation. The school's flagship Law program shows particularly poor returns, with graduates earning just $44,577 annually while carrying over $200,000 in debt.
Your debt-to-income ratio will likely exceed industry safety thresholds by a wide margin. With law graduates averaging $202,668 in debt against median earnings of $44,577, you face potential monthly loan payments that consume most of your take-home pay. The Legal Research program performs marginally better at $58,092 but still requires managing nearly $200,000 in debt.
Michigan's legal job market compounds these challenges. The state has fewer high-paying corporate law positions compared to major metropolitan areas, making it difficult to earn enough to justify the debt load. Many Cooley graduates struggle to find positions that pay enough to manage their loan obligations comfortably.
This school makes financial sense only if you secure substantial merit aid that reduces your total borrowing to under $100,000, or if you have family financial support that eliminates most debt. You should also have realistic backup career plans that do not require a law degree.
Consider state law schools in Michigan or neighboring states where in-state tuition significantly reduces total debt. If you must attend Cooley, negotiate aggressively for scholarship money and have a clear understanding of local employment prospects in your target legal field before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thomas M Cooley Law School worth the cost?
Thomas M Cooley Law School has poor return on investment, with graduates earning a median of $63,450 ten years after graduation. The school's bar passage rates and employment outcomes are well below national averages for law schools.
What is the average debt for Thomas M Cooley Law School graduates?
Most Thomas M Cooley graduates face significant debt loads that are difficult to manage given the low median earnings of $63,450. The debt-to-income ratio makes this one of the riskier law school investments.
Do any programs at Thomas M Cooley Law School have good job prospects?
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies graduates earn around $58,000, while traditional JD graduates earn much less at $44,577. Both figures are low compared to law school costs and debt burdens.
Should I attend Thomas M Cooley Law School if I get financial aid?
Even with financial aid, Thomas M Cooley's poor employment outcomes and low graduate earnings make it a high-risk investment. Consider the total debt amount you'll graduate with against the realistic salary expectations.