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Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies at James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,966/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (33,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 3 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $584K $576K $529K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.8x 10.6x 9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.7x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 49% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 45 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,304
Out-of-state: $123,160 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,264
-61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,571
48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $40,966 place James Madison University below the $48,604 national median for Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 10.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $40,966/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies is offered at just 3 schools in our analysis. James Madison University's #1 ranking should be read in that context.

A 48% earnings increase from $40,966 to $60,571 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About James Madison University

James Madison University accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 20,497 students in Harrisonburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at James Madison University →

Top Career Paths

Lawyers $151,160/yr
Law teachers, postsecondary $126,650/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 3 schools offering Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies →

Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies at Other Schools

Drexel University ($59,077) South Dakota State University ($45,770)

Other Majors at James Madison University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($81,761) Information Science/Studies ($80,173) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($76,490) Accounting and Related Services ($71,563) Engineering, General ($71,176) Finance and Financial Management Services ($67,849) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($65,931) Systems Science and Theory ($65,683)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies at James Madison University?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies at James Madison University?
The 44% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is James Madison University a good choice for Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If James Madison University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →