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Non-Professional Legal Studies

Non-Professional Legal Studies graduates earn $61,959 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $42,689 and $82,578. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Non-Professional Legal Studies

Non-Professional Legal Studies is a focused area of study within Legal Studies. Graduates typically earn around $61,959 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 282 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 4,745 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. The curriculum blends analytical and applied coursework aimed at the workplace.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $39,558
Median Earnings · 4yr: $61,959
Colleges Offering: 282
Graduates / Year: 4,745
Avg Net Price / yr: $19,111

How Much Do Non-Professional Legal Studies Graduates Earn?

Non-Professional Legal Studies graduates earn $61,959 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $42,689 and $82,578. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $39,558 climbs to $61,959 by year four.

$39,558

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$61,959

4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$63,487

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Non-Professional Legal Studies graduates. Industry and seniority explain most of the spread. Finance, consulting, and strategy roles pull the top end up; operations and administrative roles sit at the bottom.

$42,689 25th pct.

$61,959 Median

$82,578 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $61,959 and an estimated $76,444 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.4 years.

Based on outcomes from 195 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 4,745 students who complete Non-Professional Legal Studies programs each year, the majority (76%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

76%

Bachelor's 76%

Master's 11%

Associate's 9%

What Can You Do With a Non-Professional Legal Studies Degree?

Non-Professional Legal Studies connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Paralegal leads at $62,890/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +0.2% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Paralegal

$62,890

$50K $80K 25th–75th pct.

Associate's degree 39,300 openings/yr 393K employed nationally

Writing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking Critical Thinking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.

Top Colleges for Non-Professional Legal Studies

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Non-Professional Legal Studies students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of Central Florida Orlando, FL · Public	257	40.1%	$10,411	$58,308
2	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public	234	11%	$13,481	$92,446
3	Liberty University Lynchburg, VA · Nonprofit	152	99%	$29,357	$44,813
4	CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, NY · Public	150	57.1%	$3,203	$56,195
5	University of Arizona Tucson, AZ · Public	133	86.1%	$16,674	$59,979
6	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public	126	45.2%	$17,354	$73,792
7	University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA · Public	126	65.8%	$17,890	$68,396
8	Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public	117	84.8%	$19,680	$67,253
9	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA · Public	112	59.7%	$22,383	$71,631
10	St. John's University-New York Queens, NY · Nonprofit	106	83.4%	$29,999	$69,571
11	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public	105	39.2%	$14,091	$78,466
12	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public	88	89.9%	$14,967	$62,668
13	Suffolk University Boston, MA · Nonprofit	80	82.3%	$29,618	$67,506
14	Texas State University San Marcos, TX · Public	78	89.3%	$16,805	$56,906
15	University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY · Public	74	74.2%	$20,995	$70,814
16	The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX · Public	64	86.8%	$10,836	$57,131
17	University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH · Public	63	85.3%	$25,648	$54,810
18	Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN · Public	50	Open	$7,258	$37,186
19	Auburn University Auburn, AL · Public	50	45.9%	$24,323	$65,337
20	University of Miami Coral Gables, FL · Nonprofit	49	18.9%	$37,244	$75,328

View all colleges

Ranked by Non-Professional Legal Studies graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Non-Professional Legal Studies program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Non-Professional Legal Studies degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Non-Professional Legal Studies Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Non-Professional Legal Studies shows 3 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $61,959 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $39,558 at graduation to $61,959 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 39,300 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

CONS

Slow job growth Top related careers project less than 3% growth over the next decade; limited expansion means more competition for new openings.

Non-Professional Legal Studies Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Non-Professional Legal Studies graduates earn?

Non-Professional Legal Studies graduates earn a national median of $61,959 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $42,689 and $82,578. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Non-Professional Legal Studies degree?

One year after graduation, Non-Professional Legal Studies degree holders earn a median of $39,558. That climbs to $61,959 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Non-Professional Legal Studies degree?

Non-Professional Legal Studies degree holders pursue careers including Paralegal, which pays a median of $62,890/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Non-Professional Legal Studies program take?

A Non-Professional Legal Studies bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Non-Professional Legal Studies?

282 colleges and universities in the United States offer Non-Professional Legal Studies programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Non-Professional Legal Studies degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $61,959 and an average net price of roughly $19,111/yr, a Non-Professional Legal Studies degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Non-Professional Legal Studies and Legal Studies?

Non-Professional Legal Studies is a focused concentration within the broader Legal Studies field. The Legal Studies major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Non-Professional Legal Studies-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Non-Professional Legal Studies graduates?

Employers hiring Non-Professional Legal Studies graduates consistently prioritize financial analysis, communication, project management, and strategic thinking. Internship experience and proficiency in tools like Excel, SQL, or business software tend to set candidates apart.

Is graduate school worth it for Non-Professional Legal Studies graduates?

An MBA or specialized master's can boost earnings and open paths to management and strategy roles. ROI is strongest at selective programs with strong recruiting pipelines. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.