Legal Professions and Studies at Georgia Southern University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 isn't alarming on its face—comparable programs nationally suggest graduates earn around $38,000 in their first year while carrying roughly $27,000 in debt. That's manageable compared to many bachelor's degrees. However, the real question is whether this credential accomplishes what your child actually needs. Legal professions programs at the bachelor's level typically prepare students for paralegal work, legal administration, or serve as pre-law preparation—not for practicing law itself. If law school is the ultimate goal, this major offers no advantage over a political science or business degree, and you'd be starting that expensive graduate education with existing debt.

The pathway matters enormously here. As a terminal degree leading directly to paralegal or court administration roles, peer programs suggest earnings sufficient to manage the debt load. But understand that legal assistant roles don't require this specific bachelor's—many professionals enter with associate degrees or certificates at much lower cost. If your child is committed to becoming an attorney, they'll need law school regardless of undergraduate major, making the value proposition of this particular bachelor's degree less clear. Before committing, confirm exactly which career your child envisions and whether this four-year program is the most efficient route to get there.