Legal Studiesat St. John's University-New York
Graduates earn $29,307/yr in their first year — about 26.0% below the national Legal Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $641K; scenarios range from $599K to $650K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at St. John's University-New York
Your journey into general legal studies at the undergraduate level at St. John's requires a clear understanding of what this degree often means in the real world. Unlike a specialized paralegal certificate or a law degree, a general legal studies major doesn't directly qualify you for many higher-paying, professional legal roles.
In a competitive market like New York City, entry-level legal support positions, while plentiful, frequently involve administrative tasks, document management, or basic research within large law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies. These roles often don't command substantial salaries, especially when you're competing with others who may have more vocational training or certifications. To truly advance your career and earning potential in the legal field, you'll likely need to pursue further education, such as a specialized paralegal certification, or commit to law school. Consider how you'll build specific, marketable skills beyond a broad undergraduate foundation.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to St. John's University-New York's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Legal Studies
How St. John's University-New York stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at St. John's University-New York
Other highest-scoring programs offered at St. John's University-New York, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Legal Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Legal Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Legal Studies at St. John's University-New York
How does St. John's University-New York's Legal Studies program score?
This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Legal Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Legal Studies earnings lower at St. John's University-New York?
Lower starting pay at St. John's University-New York may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.