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

A bachelor's degree in legal studies from Oakland University appears to track slightly above state norms but lands in challenging territory financially. Similar bachelor's programs across Michigan typically produce first-year earnings around $33,750, while national peer programs suggest about $39,000—Oakland's estimated outcome sits at that national figure. With estimated debt of roughly $23,000, graduates would face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59, meaning debt equals just over half their first year's salary.

The complication here isn't the debt load—it's what these legal studies degrees actually prepare students to do. Bachelor's programs in this field don't qualify graduates for attorney positions and often lead to paralegal roles or legal support work that might not require a four-year degree. That $39,000 starting salary needs to be weighed against what else you could do with four years and $23,000 in debt, particularly in a state where some community college paralegal programs might offer similar career access at lower cost.

If your child is set on law school eventually, a traditional pre-law major (political science, English, history) might offer more flexibility. If they want to work in the legal field directly after graduation, verify what specific roles Oakland's graduates actually secure and whether those jobs require this particular credential. The numbers suggest a survivable financial picture, but only if the degree connects to a clear professional path.