Law at Harvard University
First Professional Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Harvard University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Harvard University graduates earn $176k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all law professional programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Law professional's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | $175,880 | $233,589 | — | — |
| Boston University | $139,986 | $132,844 | — | — |
| Boston College | $117,864 | $144,494 | — | — |
| Northeastern University | $73,471 | $84,159 | — | — |
| New England Law-Boston | $61,471 | $67,761 | — | — |
| National Median | $67,512 | — | — | — |
Other Law Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University Boston | $65,168 | $139,986 | — |
| Boston College Chestnut Hill | $67,680 | $117,864 | — |
| Northeastern University Boston | $63,141 | $73,471 | — |
| New England Law-Boston Boston | — | $61,471 | — |
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 Harvard University, approximately 16% 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.