Analysis
Four years post-graduation, this program's graduates earn $53,720—a solid mid-career number that suggests meaningful advancement from the estimated first-year figure of $37,766, which aligns with national benchmarks for legal studies bachelor's programs. The estimated $27,000 in debt, derived from comparable programs at similar institutions, produces a manageable 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's well within the comfort zone for a bachelor's degree, meaning debt payments shouldn't consume an outsized portion of early-career income.
What's particularly notable is that four-year trajectory. The jump from roughly $38,000 to $54,000 indicates this program likely channels graduates into roles with clear progression paths—perhaps paralegal positions that grow into senior legal support roles, compliance work, or corporate legal departments. In New Jersey's legal market, where similar programs at Montclair and Berkeley show lower first-year earnings, Ramapo's outcomes appear competitive, though we're comparing estimated figures here against actual reported data elsewhere.
The practical takeaway: this program offers a reasonable path into the legal field without the crushing debt of law school. If your child is interested in legal work but not committed to becoming an attorney, the combination of estimated manageable debt and documented mid-career earnings near $54,000 makes this worth serious consideration—just recognize you're evaluating peer program data as a proxy for what Ramapo's specific graduates achieve.
Where Ramapo College of New Jersey Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal professions and studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramapo College of New Jersey | — | $53,720 | — |
| Drake University | $29,273 | $58,783 | +101% |
| Ball State University | $39,220 | $53,981 | +38% |
| Roger Williams University | $40,424 | $48,253 | +19% |
| Berkeley College-Woodland Park | $32,325 | $36,772 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Legal Professions and Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ramapo College of New JerseyMahwah | $15,978 | $37,766* | $53,720 | $27,000* | — |
 Berkeley College-Woodland ParkWoodland Park | $28,600 | $32,325* | $36,772 | $34,413* | 1.06 |
 Montclair State UniversityMontclair | $14,766 | $27,613* | — | $25,000* | 0.91 |
| National Median | — | $37,766* | — | $27,000* | 0.71 |
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 Ramapo College of New Jersey, approximately 27% 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 10 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.