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

A bachelor's degree in legal studies that leaves graduates with $27,000 in debt and estimated first-year earnings around $39,000 raises practical concerns about career trajectory. Based on comparable programs nationally, that debt load represents about 8 months of gross income—manageable if earnings grow steadily, but tight if they stagnate. The real question is whether this degree opens doors to higher-paying legal support roles or becomes a plateau.

Drake's price tag matters here. As a private university, the estimated $27,000 debt figure is actually somewhat restrained compared to what many families might expect, landing close to the national median for this field. However, peer programs across the country suggest that legal studies graduates at the bachelor's level face a compressed earnings range—the national 75th percentile is only $43,886, meaning even strong performers typically don't see dramatic salary gains immediately after graduation. This isn't a field where top programs command significantly higher starting salaries.

The practical challenge: this estimated earnings-to-debt ratio works only if your child has a clear plan for what comes next—whether that's law school, moving into corporate compliance, or specialized paralegal work. Without that next step, similar programs suggest graduates may find themselves in administrative roles that don't require this specific credential. Before committing, understand exactly which Drake connections and career services support the transition from this degree to sustainable legal career paths.