Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) at University of Maryland Global Campus
Bachelor's Degree
umgc.eduAnalysis
University of Maryland Global Campus charges more for its legal studies program than most alternatives, but the earnings justify the premium—at least initially. First-year graduates earn $54,304, placing this program in the 95th percentile nationally, far outpacing the typical legal studies graduate who earns just $39,162. That's a 39% earnings advantage that helps contextualize the $31,017 median debt. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, graduates can reasonably manage repayment while earning well above what most of their peers nationwide make.
The Maryland context is more modest: at the 60th percentile statewide, this program performs above average but isn't exceptional among local options. Still, earnings grow steadily to $63,865 by year four—an 18% increase that suggests career progression rather than stagnation. For a program serving a significant population of Pell recipients (28%), these outcomes represent genuine economic mobility compared to national alternatives.
The value proposition hinges on whether your student plans to leverage this degree in Maryland's robust legal and government sector around D.C. If so, the higher debt load pays for itself through substantially stronger starting salaries than legal studies programs elsewhere deliver. The moderate sample size suggests consistent rather than exceptional outcomes, but consistency at the 95th percentile nationally is precisely what anxious parents should want.
Where University of Maryland Global Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all non-professional general legal studies (undergraduate) bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Maryland Global Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $54,304 | $63,865 | +18% |
| American University | $45,790 | $64,040 | +40% |
| Siena College | $32,435 | $63,333 | +95% |
| University of Miami | $49,624 | $62,790 | +27% |
| University of the District of Columbia | $43,778 | $62,154 | +42% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) 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 Maryland Global CampusAdelphi | $7,992 | $54,304 | $63,865 | $31,017 | 0.57 |
 Bentley UniversityWaltham | $58,150 | $72,883 | — | $27,000 | 0.37 |
 Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus | $12,859 | $51,231 | $55,855 | $22,938 | 0.45 |
 University of MiamiCoral Gables | $59,926 | $49,624 | $62,790 | $15,500 | 0.31 |
 University of La VerneLa Verne | $47,000 | $49,004 | $59,677 | $30,370 | 0.62 |
 American Public University SystemCharles Town | $8,400 | $46,109 | $47,355 | $41,008 | 0.89 |
| National Median | — | $39,162 | — | $25,750 | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with non-professional general legal studies (undergraduate) graduates
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 Maryland Global Campus, approximately 28% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 78 graduates with reported earnings and 92 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.