Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) at Culver-Stockton College

Similar programs nationally suggest this bachelor's degree produces first-year earnings around $39,000—a modest return that requires careful consideration given the estimated $27,000 in debt. That 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming on its face, but for a legal studies degree that doesn't qualify graduates to practice law, the question becomes whether these outcomes justify four years of college when many graduates will need additional credentials to advance in the field.

The challenge with legal studies at the undergraduate level is its positioning: it's neither a terminal professional degree nor clear preparation for a specific career path. Peer programs across the country show graduates earning slightly above typical early-career wages, but without the specialization that commands premium pay. For a family borrowing the estimated $27,000, this means roughly $300 in monthly loan payments on an entry-level salary—manageable but tight, especially if your child discovers they need law school or paralegal certification to reach their career goals.

Given the absence of reported data from Culver-Stockton specifically and the limited number of similar programs in Missouri, you're essentially betting on whether this degree opens doors your child couldn't access otherwise. If they're certain about pursuing law school eventually, a less expensive undergraduate path might preserve resources for the credential that truly matters. If they're drawn to legal support roles, community college paralegal programs often provide faster, cheaper routes to employment.