Legal Professions and Studies at St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University's legal studies certificate sits in an unusual position: it's the only program of its kind in Florida, but ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for earnings. Graduates earn about $10,000 less than the national median for similar certificates, though the $16,000 debt load is relatively manageable with a 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio. Since this is Florida's sole option for this credential, the state comparison doesn't tell us much—you're essentially comparing the program to itself.

The bigger question is whether this certificate delivers sufficient value for a post-baccalaureate investment. At $52,601 in first-year earnings, graduates are making decent money in absolute terms, but they're significantly trailing their peers at other institutions nationwide. For a credential pursued after already completing a bachelor's degree, this represents a modest boost rather than a transformative career move. The low 5th percentile national ranking suggests other programs are doing considerably more to position their graduates for higher-paying legal support roles.

For families considering this certificate, the decision hinges on whether Florida residency and St. Thomas's accessibility (99% admission rate) outweigh the earnings gap. The debt won't be crushing, but the career advancement may be limited compared to what's possible through other programs. If your student is already working in South Florida and needs local, flexible credentials, this could work—but exploring out-of-state options or alternative pathways might yield better financial returns.