Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) at William Peace University

A bachelor's degree in legal studies that leads to estimated first-year earnings around $39,000 raises practical questions about return on investment, particularly with roughly $27,000 in debt. These figures, drawn from peer programs nationally, suggest graduates enter fields where bachelor-level legal knowledge commands relatively modest starting salaries—think paralegal work, compliance roles, or administrative positions in legal settings. The debt burden equals about eight months of gross income, which is manageable but leaves little room for error if job placement proves difficult.

What compounds the uncertainty here is that we're working entirely with estimates because William Peace's program is too small for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes. You're essentially betting on whether this specific program can match what similar legal studies programs produce nationally. With a 97% admission rate and moderate student profile, the question becomes whether the program provides enough differentiation—strong internship networks in Raleigh's legal market, relationships with local firms, professional development support—to justify choosing it over community college paralegal certification or starting work with just an associate's degree.

For families who can afford it without significant debt, a general legal studies degree offers a credential that opens doors in various legal-adjacent fields. But at $27,000 in estimated debt for estimated earnings that barely crack $39,000, this path demands confidence that you'll leverage every networking opportunity and career service the school offers. If debt will stretch your family's budget, consider whether a cheaper route to the same entry-level positions might serve better.