Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) at Paul Quinn College

Legal studies programs in Texas show troubling outcomes—the state median sits at just $23,017, less than what many retail managers earn. Against that backdrop, Paul Quinn's estimated first-year earnings of $39,162 (based on national peer programs) look considerably better, though parents should understand these aren't verified outcomes from this specific program's graduates. The estimated $27,000 debt load is slightly above typical borrowing for similar bachelor's programs nationwide.

What makes this calculation particularly uncertain is the disconnect between national and Texas-specific outcomes. If Paul Quinn's actual results track closer to other Texas schools, that first-year salary could drop by $16,000, turning a manageable 0.69 debt ratio into a far more challenging 1.17. For a school serving predominantly Pell-eligible students (70% of enrollment), that difference matters enormously. Legal studies bachelor's degrees generally don't lead to paralegal or other defined career paths without additional credentials, which helps explain why even the national numbers remain modest.

Given the estimation uncertainty and Texas's weak outcomes in this field, parents should verify what specific jobs this degree prepares students for and whether those roles require additional certification. Without concrete placement data from Paul Quinn itself, you're essentially betting that this program beats the Texas median by 70%—possible, but hardly guaranteed.