Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,479/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,479/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,814 |
Analysis
The University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law is a standalone law school, and its numbers reflect graduate legal education, not an undergraduate campus. Ten years out, median earnings sit at $66,479 against a median debt of $26,814. That debt-to-income ratio is favorable for a law degree, where debt loads at many schools run well past a full year of post-graduation pay.
The financial return here is solid for a professional program. Owing roughly 40 cents for every dollar of annual income a decade later is a manageable position, and it keeps monthly loan payments from swallowing your paycheck. For a law credential, holding debt near $27,000 is low. many law graduates carry six-figure balances.
The catch is the ceiling. A $66,479 median means half of graduates earn less, and legal salaries split sharply between large-firm associates and public-interest or small-firm attorneys. Concord and the broader New Hampshire market lean toward smaller firms, government, and public-sector legal work, which pay less than metro corporate practice. If you plan to stay in-state, budget for the lower end of that range.
This school fits you if you want a law degree without taking on crushing debt and you are comfortable practicing in New Hampshire or New England. The modest debt gives you room to take a public-interest or clerkship role that pays under the median without financial strain.
Look elsewhere if your goal is a high-salary corporate track that requires the debt-and-earnings profile of a top-tier national school. this program's median earnings won't match those outcomes. The financial logic here rewards keeping borrowing low and matching your career expectations to a regional legal market, not chasing the highest-paying markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law worth the cost?
With 10-year median earnings of $66,479 and relatively low debt of $26,814, UNH-Franklin Pierce offers better financial outcomes than many law schools. The debt-to-income ratio is manageable compared to schools where graduates owe six figures.
What is the return on investment for University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $66,479 ten years post-graduation with median debt around $26,814. This creates a reasonable debt burden, though earnings are below what top-tier law schools produce.
How much debt do University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $26,814, which is significantly lower than the national average for law school graduates. This lower debt load makes the school more financially viable than higher-cost alternatives with similar career outcomes.
Do University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of Law graduates get good jobs?
With median earnings of $66,479 after ten years, graduates find steady legal work but typically not at large corporate firms. The school serves students who want legal careers without crushing debt loads.