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

A bachelor's degree in legal studies with $27,000 in debt and first-year earnings around $40,000 falls right in line with what similar Massachusetts programs produce, but that alignment doesn't make it compelling. The 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable—you could theoretically pay off this debt within a few years on an aggressive repayment plan—but the modest starting salary leaves little room for error if your child lives in expensive Newton or nearby Boston.

What's particularly concerning is the range among legal studies programs in Massachusetts. While comparable programs at this school typically produce earnings around $40,000, Bentley graduates in this field earn nearly $73,000 their first year out—almost double. Even Suffolk graduates start around $44,000. This suggests the credential itself matters less than where you get it, and Lasell's position in the middle of the pack means your child would be paying private school tuition for solidly average outcomes.

The reality is that undergraduate legal studies degrees rarely lead directly to legal careers without further education. If your child plans to pursue law school, this becomes a stepping stone with debt attached. If they're hoping to work in paralegal roles or legal support positions with just the bachelor's, that $40,000 salary will feel tight, especially given Massachusetts' cost of living. You're looking at a functional but uninspiring investment where the debt is reasonable but the earnings ceiling appears low.