Analysis
A $30,104 debt load for an entry salary around $37,766 lands this program squarely in manageable territory—comparable programs nationally suggest first-year graduates earn enough to handle standard loan payments without financial strain. The 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio means you're not borrowing more than what most graduates can reasonably repay on a paralegal or legal support salary. With University of Baltimore serving a significant Pell-eligible population and maintaining relatively affordable debt levels (below the national median for these programs), the financial risk here looks contained.
The limitation is that we're working with estimates derived from a small national cohort of similar bachelor's programs. Legal studies degrees occupy an unusual space—they're not law school, but they prepare graduates for paralegal work, court administration, or compliance roles that don't require the JD credential. Peer programs typically produce modest but stable earnings, though upward mobility often requires additional credentials or pivoting into adjacent fields. For students certain they want legal sector work without law school's time and cost commitment, the numbers work.
The practical question is career ceiling. If your student plans to eventually pursue law school or transition into roles requiring advanced degrees, this becomes a stepping stone with reasonable debt. If the bachelor's is the terminal degree, expect earnings to stay within a predictable band unless they move into management or specialized compliance work. The debt won't be crushing, but the salary growth may be limited.
Where University of Baltimore Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal professions and studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Legal Professions and Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of BaltimoreBaltimore | $9,772 | $37,766* | — | $30,104 | — |
 Bellevue UniversityBellevue | $8,886 | $42,907* | — | $30,148 | 0.70 |
 Roger Williams UniversityBristol | $42,666 | $40,424* | $48,253 | $27,000 | 0.67 |
 Central Penn CollegeSummerdale | $19,404 | $40,226* | — | — | — |
 Ball State UniversityMuncie | $10,758 | $39,220* | $53,981 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
 Nazareth UniversityRochester | $40,880 | $38,737* | — | $23,250 | 0.60 |
| National Median | — | $37,766* | — | $27,000 | 0.71 |
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 University of Baltimore, approximately 43% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 10 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.