Legal Professions and Studies at University of Arizona

University of Arizona's Legal Professions program sits in an uncomfortable middle ground—earnings that barely crack $36,800 in the first year while carrying debt levels that rank among the highest 5% nationally. That $20,937 in debt might look reasonable compared to professional degrees, but for a bachelor's program earning just below the national median, the 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio signals a tougher financial start than most legal studies graduates face. Since this is Arizona's only bachelor's program in legal professions, you don't have in-state alternatives to compare, but it's worth noting this performs at just the 45th percentile nationally—meaning more than half of similar programs elsewhere deliver better outcomes.

The real question is whether your child views this as pre-law preparation or a terminal degree. If they're headed to law school, these earnings are largely irrelevant as a career endpoint. But if they're entering the workforce—perhaps as a paralegal, compliance officer, or legal assistant—starting at $36,800 with nearly $21,000 in debt creates a payment burden that will take years to shake off.

For families banking on Arizona's in-state tuition advantage to keep costs down, this program shows that access alone doesn't guarantee value. The debt load here exceeds what most Legal Professions graduates nationally carry, even from programs with stronger placement outcomes. Unless law school is the definite next step, think carefully about whether this degree opens enough doors to justify the financial entry fee.