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

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 suggests borrowers would owe roughly two-thirds of their first-year salary—a manageable starting point if income grows steadily. However, both the estimated $39,162 earnings figure and $27,000 debt load are drawn from peer programs nationally since Judson's graduate sample is too small to publish. Similar bachelor's programs in legal studies typically place graduates in paralegal, compliance, or administrative roles where advancement often requires additional credentials or years of experience to substantially increase pay.

The $27,000 estimated debt sits slightly above the national median for this field, while the earnings estimate matches the national benchmark exactly. That symmetry offers little competitive advantage. For context, Judson serves a population where 40% receive Pell grants, meaning many families are financing this degree with limited resources. If the actual outcomes for Judson's graduates track below these national estimates—or if your child graduates into a slower job market—the debt could feel heavier than the ratio suggests.

Before committing, push for concrete placement data: where do Judson's legal studies graduates actually work, and how many secure relevant jobs within six months? If the program can't provide specifics beyond these national estimates, you're betting on averages without knowing how this particular school performs. Given the modest projected earnings and debt that would take several years to clear, this makes financial sense only if your child has a clear career path in legal support roles and can't access a lower-cost option.