Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies at Southern Methodist University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Methodist University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southern Methodist University graduates earn $79k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all legal research and advanced professional studies masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies masters's programs at peer institutions in Texas (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University | $78,515 | $95,849 | — | — |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $102,721 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $79,830 | — | — | — |
Other Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University-College Station College Station | $13,099 | $102,721 | — |
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.