Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) at Bentley University

Bentley graduates with this legal studies degree earn $72,883 in their first year—86% above the national median and nearly double what graduates from UMass Amherst make with the same degree. This places Bentley at the 95th percentile both nationally and within Massachusetts, a remarkable achievement given that legal studies programs typically produce modest outcomes. The nearest competitor in-state, Suffolk University, trails by more than $28,000 annually.

The debt picture is equally favorable. At $27,000, graduates carry a manageable burden that represents just 37% of first-year earnings—well below the warning threshold where debt becomes problematic. This is typical for the program type nationally but paired with Bentley's exceptional earnings creates an unusually strong return on investment. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these numbers, though outcomes could vary somewhat year to year.

What explains the premium? Bentley's business-focused environment and strong corporate connections likely open doors that pure legal studies programs don't. Graduates aren't heading to law school or paralegal work—they're landing in compliance, corporate governance, and business roles where legal knowledge commands higher salaries. If your child wants to use legal training in a business context rather than traditional legal careers, this program delivers exceptional value.