Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) at Siena College

Siena's legal studies program shows encouraging long-term growth despite a rocky start. That $32,435 first-year salary falls below both national and state averages, but by year four, graduates nearly double their earnings to $63,333—a trajectory that substantially outpaces typical outcomes for this degree. In New York's competitive legal studies landscape, this performance places Siena squarely in the middle of the pack, though it trails schools like Mercy University that deliver stronger immediate returns.

The $27,000 debt load is manageable given the four-year earnings picture, though parents should understand that first year will likely mean living frugally or relying on family support. The 0.83 debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper, but that calculation doesn't capture the financial stress of earning $32,000 in an expensive metropolitan area. What matters more: by year four, when graduates have presumably found their footing in legal support roles, paralegal positions, or compliance work, the debt becomes far less burdensome relative to income.

The small sample size here is worth noting—we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so individual career paths can skew these numbers significantly. If your child is genuinely interested in legal careers but wants more immediate earning power, compare this carefully against CUNY John Jay, which costs less and places graduates into similar jobs. Siena works if you can afford patience during those lean early years.