Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies at Southern Methodist University
Master's Degree
smu.eduEarnings Distribution
How Southern Methodist University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University | $78,515 | $95,849 | +22% |
| Duke University | $213,539 | $190,118 | -11% |
| Georgetown University | $130,394 | $142,966 | +10% |
| University of Florida | $106,227 | $125,265 | +18% |
| University of San Francisco | $122,124 | $119,924 | -2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies masters's programs at peer institutions in Texas (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Southern Methodist UniversityDallas | $64,460 | $78,515 | $95,849 | — | — |
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $102,721 | — | — | — |
| National Median | — | $79,830 | — | — | — |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with legal research and advanced professional studies 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 Southern Methodist University, approximately 12% 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.