Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
A bachelor's in Legal Professions at UIS comes with an estimated debt load of $27,000—a figure drawn from similar programs at public universities—against first-year earnings that peer programs nationally suggest hover around $37,800. That 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable by conventional standards, putting graduates in a position where annual earnings exceed their total debt. However, the limited earnings trajectory matters here: legal studies bachelor's degrees aren't the same as law degrees, and they often lead to paralegal, compliance, or administrative roles where salaries climb slowly. If your child envisions becoming an attorney, they'll need law school afterward, adding substantial debt on top of this foundation.
The real question is whether this credential serves as a stepping stone or a destination. For students planning to work immediately in legal support roles, the estimated debt burden won't be crushing. But comparable programs nationally show little earnings variance—the 75th percentile sits at just $40,000—suggesting limited upside without additional credentials. UIS's 84% admission rate and broad student base indicate an accessible program, but accessibility doesn't guarantee career outcomes.
**Bottom line:** If your child views this as preparation for law school, budget accordingly for the full educational path. If they plan to enter the workforce after graduation, similar programs suggest stable but modest earnings that can reasonably service this debt—just don't expect dramatic financial growth without further specialization.
Where University of Illinois Springfield 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 Illinois SpringfieldSpringfield | $12,252 | $37,766* | — | $27,000* | — |
 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 Illinois Springfield, approximately 36% 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.