Legal Studies at American University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings
$45,790/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (26% exposed)
Job Market
Large (44,000 openings/yr)
ROI
4.0x earnings multiple
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Legal Studies graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $921K | $898K | $826K |
| Earnings Multiple | 4.1x | 4.0x | 3.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 52% | 50% | 44% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 49 | 48 | 49 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$226,172
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,375
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$101,273
121% growth from Year 1
About American University
With a 47% acceptance rate, American University is moderately selective, serving 7,593 students in Washington, DC.
See all programs and financial aid at American University →Top Career Paths
Legal support workers, all other
$68,760/yr
Paralegals and legal assistants
$61,010/yr
Compare & Explore
Legal Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at American University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Legal Studies at American University?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Legal Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →