Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) at University of Georgia

The numbers here tell an unusual story: UGA's legal studies certificate delivers exceptional earnings nationally (95th percentile) but sits squarely at the state median. That's because Georgia only has two schools offering this certificate-level program, so "median" is a less meaningful benchmark than usual. What matters more is the absolute outcome: $68,359 starting salary with under $20,000 in debt represents a debt load graduates could realistically pay off in a single year if aggressive about it.

The 22% earnings growth to $83,109 by year four suggests this certificate opens doors beyond entry-level paralegal work—possibly into compliance, legal operations, or specialized administrative roles at law firms. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden, meaning 95% of comparable programs leave students with heavier obligations relative to what they'll earn. For a certificate program at a flagship university with a 37% admission rate, these outcomes punch well above their weight class.

The practical upside here is significant: your student would gain credential-backed legal knowledge without the massive debt or time commitment of law school, entering the workforce quickly with manageable obligations. The caveat is that this is certificate-level training, not a bachelor's degree—make sure that aligns with their career goals and that they understand they're not becoming a lawyer through this path.