Legal Studiesat The University of Texas at San Antonio
Graduates earn $23,017/yr in their first year — about 42.0% below the national Legal Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $379K; scenarios range from $367K to $373K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UT San Antonio
The general legal studies program at UTSA provides a broad academic foundation, but its "non-professional" designation is key. Unlike dedicated paralegal certificate programs, this undergraduate degree typically offers theoretical knowledge rather than the specific vocational skills—like advanced legal research software, e-discovery, or detailed document drafting—that San Antonio law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies actively seek for entry-level legal support roles. Many employers prefer candidates with an ABA-approved paralegal certificate or more direct, hands-on training.
This can mean graduates face a competitive job market, often needing to secure further certifications or gain significant on-the-job experience to command higher salaries in roles like paralegal or legal assistant. The relatively high admit rate for the university also suggests a broad student body, meaning individualized career preparation may be crucial. If you're aiming for a legal support career, strongly consider pairing this degree with an ABA-approved paralegal certificate or extensive, relevant internships to build marketable skills.
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 UT San Antonio'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 UT San Antonio stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UT San Antonio
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UT San Antonio, 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 UT San Antonio
How does The University of Texas at San Antonio's Legal Studies program score?
This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for Legal Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Legal Studies earnings lower at The University of Texas at San Antonio?
Lower starting pay at The University of Texas at San Antonio may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.