Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) at Limestone University
Bachelor's Degree
limestone.eduAnalysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 makes this program more manageable than many bachelor's degrees, based on what national peer programs typically produce. With estimated first-year earnings around $39,000 and debt near $27,000, graduates could theoretically pay off loans within a reasonable timeframe—though the "legal studies" designation matters here. This isn't a paralegal credential or law school preparation; it's a general liberal arts degree with legal content, which means career paths aren't as defined. Similar programs nationally show consistent earnings in this range, suggesting the field itself has a modest ceiling rather than this being a Limestone-specific issue.
The bigger question is opportunity cost. With a 98% admission rate and 43% of students receiving Pell grants, Limestone serves many first-generation and lower-income students for whom this debt load represents significant family sacrifice. For students genuinely interested in legal careers, this bachelor's might serve better as a stepping stone to paralegal certification or law school than as a terminal degree. The estimated $39,000 starting salary is livable in South Carolina but doesn't provide much cushion for loan payments, and upward mobility in "general" legal studies roles can be limited without additional credentials.
If your child is set on legal work, investigate whether Limestone offers clear pathways to practical legal employment or graduate programs. Without those connections, the degree risks being too general to compete effectively in the legal field while carrying debt that would be more justified by a specialized credential.
Where Limestone University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all non-professional general legal studies (undergraduate) bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Limestone UniversityGaffney | $27,500 | $39,162* | — | $27,000* | — |
 Bentley UniversityWaltham | $58,150 | $72,883* | — | $27,000* | 0.37 |
 University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi | $7,992 | $54,304* | $63,865 | $31,017* | 0.57 |
 Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus | $12,859 | $51,231* | $55,855 | $22,938* | 0.45 |
 University of MiamiCoral Gables | $59,926 | $49,624* | $62,790 | $15,500* | 0.31 |
 University of La VerneLa Verne | $47,000 | $49,004* | $59,677 | $30,370* | 0.62 |
| National Median | — | $39,162* | — | $25,750* | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with non-professional general legal studies (undergraduate) graduates
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 Limestone University, approximately 43% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 37 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.