Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) at Howard Payne University

A bachelor's in legal studies carrying $27,000 in debt appears manageable at first glance, until you consider what similar programs actually deliver in Texas. While national peer programs suggest first-year earnings around $39,000, Texas programs tell a different story—the state median for this credential sits at just $23,000, nearly 40% lower than the national figure. That gap matters when you're making payments on over a year's worth of salary.

The disconnect between national and Texas outcomes raises questions about local market demand for this credential. Even if Howard Payne's graduates perform closer to the national average, that estimated 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio assumes you'll land something better than what most Texas legal studies graduates achieve. The problem isn't the debt load itself—$27,000 is relatively modest—but rather the earning potential in a state where this particular bachelor's degree historically hasn't commanded strong salaries.

Before committing, your child needs concrete answers about career pathways that justify the investment. What exactly do legal studies graduates from Howard Payne do after graduation, and what do those jobs pay in central Texas? If the answer involves paralegal work or legal support roles, understand that many of those positions are accessible with associate degrees or certificates at significantly lower cost.