Est. Earnings (1yr)
$39,162
Est. from national median (37 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from national median (16 programs)

Analysis

A debt load near $27,000 against first-year earnings around $39,000 creates a tighter financial picture than many bachelor's programs deliver. Based on comparable legal studies programs nationally, this credential puts graduates at a 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable but requiring careful budgeting in those early years. General legal studies degrees often serve as stepping stones to law school or administrative roles in legal offices, but they don't carry the licensing or specialization that commands higher entry salaries.

What makes this harder to evaluate is that both earnings and debt figures are derived from peer programs elsewhere, not Campbell's actual graduate outcomes. The school's small cohort size means the Department of Education can't publish specific data. National benchmarks suggest this program performs right at the median for legal studies degrees, with most graduates earning between $39,000 and $44,000 in their first year. But without knowing how Campbell's specific graduates fare—whether they're launching legal careers in North Carolina's markets or taking paths that don't fully utilize the degree—you're making decisions with incomplete information.

The practical question: Is your student planning law school next, or viewing this as a terminal degree? If it's a pathway to further education, the debt is a down payment on a longer credential journey. If it's meant to launch a career immediately, those estimated earnings suggest entry-level work that may take several years to outpace the loan payments.

Where Campbell University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all non-professional general legal studies (undergraduate) bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Campbell UniversityBuies Creek$40,410$39,162*—$27,000*—
Bentley UniversityWaltham$58,150$72,883*—$27,000*0.37
University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi$7,992$54,304*$63,865$31,017*0.57
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$51,231*$55,855$22,938*0.45
University of MiamiCoral Gables$59,926$49,624*$62,790$15,500*0.31
University of La VerneLa Verne$47,000$49,004*$59,677$30,370*0.62
National Median—$39,162*—$25,750*0.66
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with non-professional general legal studies (undergraduate) graduates

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

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.

$61,010/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Legal Support Workers, All Other

All legal support workers not listed separately.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Campbell University, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 37 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.